In the Gospel accounts of Jesus' baptism, we see John the Baptist offer words of warning that lead us back to the question “what gives you hope?” John warned the Pharisees sternly that no family, tradition, or outward practice is sufficient to pay for the consequences of sin. It is only by accepting the grace of God received through faith and repentance that we are saved. That is good news and John the Baptist preached that news!

This weekend we read how Jesus was born and dedicated! God had promised the birth of His son, the coming of a Savior. When Simeon and Anna saw Baby Jesus, they knew he was the Messiah, the Savior. We can trust Jesus to save us from our sins and just like Simeon and Anna - we can tell other people the good news!

Repentance is an internal and external turning from sin and movement toward God. Matthew 3 speaks about repentance and shares that evidence can be seen of genuine repentance. What begins in the heart will certainly impact the life of the believer.