Matthew 3:1–6, 13–17 | Romans 7 | Galatians 2:20
Gospel Reading – January 11, 2026
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew 3:1–17. In those days John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: “A voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’ ” John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:1–17
A reading from the letter to the Galatians 2:20 “It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me.” This is the Word of the Lord.
There is a massive difference between knowing about God and knowing God personally
21 Days of Prayer & Fasting Jan 4-24
M-F 6:00 a.m. – Sat 9:00 a.m.
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In those days John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” Matthew 3:1–2
“Priorities” – multiple competing concerns or tasks all of which are important.
“Once you realize that the word priority should not be plural, you’ll gain victory over all areas of your life.” – Gary Keller, The One Thing
The Priority for 21 Days
To detach from the world (Fasting)
To center your life on Christ (Prayer)
Jesus’ Priority
“I do not seek my own will, but the will of the One who sent me.”
“I do nothing on my own, but only what the Father tells me.”
“I love the Father and that I do just as the Father commands me.”
–Jesus, John 5:30; 8:28; 14:31
In those days John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” Matthew 3:1–2
It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: “A voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’” Matthew 3:3
John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. Matthew 3:4
At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him and were being baptizedby him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. Matthew 3:5–6
“God demonstrates his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
When you begin respond the grace of Christ, the inevitable revelation will be that there are things that are not right in your life.
Isaiah said, “…I am doomed. I am a man of unclean lips!” Isaiah 6:5
Simon Peter fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” Luke 5:8
“A saint only means a man who really knows that he is a sinner.” –G.K. Chesterton, “The Strangest Way” by Robert Barron
What is the difference between “sin” and “sins”?
The Pharisee took up his position in the temple and prayed, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity—greedy, dishonest, adulterous—or even like this tax collector. Luke 18:11
When John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. Matthew 3:7–8
And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Matthew 3:9
Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Matthew 3:10
I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire. Matthew 3:11
His winnowing fork is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:12
King Jesus is both judge and savior
Then Jesus came to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you! Why are you are coming to me?” Matthew 3:13–14
Jesus said to him in reply, “Let it be so now, for it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”
Then he consented. Matthew 3:15
After Jesus was baptized, He came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for Him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. Matthew 3:16
Go All-In! Baptism Sunday
January 25 All Services
Sign up to be baptized
It’s good to know you’re a sinner
That’s the moment you become a saint
“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” John 1:29