The Ordinance of Baptism

But these things won't save us. The Bible says that our own righteousness is as filthy rags in the eyes of God. It takes a personal experience with the Lord Jesus Christ in order to be saved. God looks beyond our words and our religious activities. To see of our conduct matches our talk. He judges our words by the actions that accompany them. Verse 10 talks about producing fruit. You know, we expect apples from an apple tree. God expects faith coupled with good works from those who are born again. He expects righteous living from his people. His judgement awaits those who are unproductive. Those who do not bear fruit. Those who do not. Show that they have been changed. By the blood of Jesus. God is calling us to active obedience and productivity. When our faith, when our belief is not genuine and the fruit coming from our life is but fake. We like this unproductive tree will someday be chopped down and cast into the fire. In order to produce fruit in order to be fruitful for God, we must follow his teachings. We must be obedient to his will. We must resist the temptation to do evil. And be on duty to help and serve others in need. As well as to testify to them what God has done for us. John here baptized people as a sign that they had repented. That they had asked God to be forgiven. And that they had also made a commitment to change their life. I think it is in Luke. These people ask what shall we do now and John gets very practical. If you have an extra coat and more food. Than you need. Then share it with others who have none. The publicans even asked, master, what shall we do? John said, be honest. Don't charge more in taxes than what the people owe. Part of message