49.1 John's Message

Matthew 3:7-12

When John saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to him to be baptized, he said to them, "You snakes-- who told you that you could escape from the punishment God is about to send? Do those things that will show that you have turned from your sins. And don't think you can escape punishment by saying that Abraham is your ancestor.  I tell you that God can take these rocks and make descendants for Abraham! The ax is ready to cut down the trees at the roots; every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown in the fire.  I baptize you with water to show that you have repented, but the one who will come after me will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.  He is much greater than I am; and I am not good enough even to carry his sandals.  He has his winnowing shovel with him to thresh out all the grain. He will gather his wheat into his barn, but he will burn the chaff in a fire that never goes out."

48.5 All The Nations Will Know Your Salvation

Psalm 67

God, be merciful to us and bless us;
look on us with kindness,
so that the whole world may know your will;
so that all nations may know your salvation.

May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you!

May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
because you judge the peoples with justice
and guide every nation on earth.

May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you!

The land has produced its harvest;
God, our God, has blessed us.
God has blessed us;
may all people everywhere honor him.

48.4 Prepare The Road For The Savior

Isaiah 62:10-12

People of Jerusalem, go out of the city
and build a road for your returning people!
Prepare a highway; clear it of stones!
Put up a signal so that the nations can know
that the Lord is announcing to all the earth:
"Tell the people of Jerusalem
that the Lord is coming to save you,
bringing with him the people he has rescued."
You will be called "God's Holy People,"
"The People the Lord  Has Saved."
Jerusalem will be called "The City That God Loves,"
"The City That God Did Not Forsake."

48.3 A Renewed World

Isaiah 61:4-7

They will rebuild cities that have long been in ruins.
My people, foreigners will serve you.
They will take care of your flocks
and farm your land and tend your vineyards.
And you will be known as the priests of the Lord,
the servants of our God.
You will enjoy the wealth of the nations
and be proud that it is yours.
Your shame and disgrace are ended.
You will live in your own land,
and your wealth will be doubled;
your joy will last forever.

48.2 The Mission Of The Savior

Isaiah 61:1-3

The Sovereign Lord has filled me with his spirit.
He has chosen me and sent me
to bring good news to the poor,
to heal the broken-hearted,
to announce release to captives
and freedom to those in prison.
He has sent me to proclaim
that the time has come
when the Lord will save his people
and defeat their enemies.

He has sent me to comfort all who mourn,
to give to those who mourn in Zion
joy and gladness instead of sorrow.
They will be like trees
that the Lord himself has planted.
They will all do what is right,
and God will be praised for what he has done.