A Baptist's Testimony

A Baptist’s Testimony

John 3:22-36

Intro.

Jesus and the disciples were baptizing people along

the Jordan river.

- Many go there to be baptized

- There is no saving power in the Jordan river.

John, the Baptist was also baptizing in the same area

A question came up about baptism and “purifying”

- Here the question seemed to go unanswered.

- Though we know that salvation is by faith.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest

any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)

Some people came to John concerned that others were baptizing people too. Vs. 26

- Part of their concern was that they were drawing people away from John and flocking to Jesus.

Vs. 26b

Here is a Baptist’s (John) perspective on Jesus

I. I’m not Him. Vs. 27-28

A. Many thought he was, because of his preaching.

B. Many thought he was because of his weirdness.

Mark 1:6 And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he

did eat locusts and wild honey;

1. Clothing of camel’s hair

2. Diet, bugs and honey

II. He gives me joy. Vs 29

A. John knew about Jesus even before Jesus was born.

Luke 1:44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in

my womb for joy. (Elisabeth)

B. John identified Jesus as the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29

C. Illustrated by the Joy of the bridegroom’s friend. Vs. 29

III. He must increase. Vs. 30

A. John clearly saw the importance of Jesus

B. John clearly saw his own importance before Him.

C. This should be the testimony of every believer.

Col. 1:18b that in all things he might have the preeminence.

D. Jesus is above all. Vs., 31

1. John recognize that Jesus had come from Heaven.

2. The very throne of God

3. His message was from heaven. Vs. 27

IV. He’s telling the truth. Vs. 32

A. He testifies to what he had seen.

B. Nobody is believing him. Vs. 32b

C. Those who have received His testimony has set this to his seal. God is true.

1. A seal used to legalize documents as being valid.

2. Often used by Kings and his officials.

3. Often used today by Notary Publics

V. He speaks God’s Word. Vs. 34

A. He was sent by God. Vs. 34

B. He has the Holy Spirit without limitations.

1. John saw it happen when he baptized Jesus.

Luke 3:22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice

came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

2. John heard the voice of God

VI. He is loved. Vs. 35

A. The Father Loves the Son

B. Jesus was God in the flesh with all the power and authority of the Father.

1. John 1:1-4, 14

2. The “Word” is Jesus.

C. He was made flesh and lived among us.

D. We saw God in the flesh.

“We beheld his glory as of the only begotten of the Father”

VII. He can be believed. Vs. 36

A. The choice is clear

B. “He that beHe that believeth on the Son hath

everlasting life:”

C. “and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him”.

Conclusion

Do you believe the testimony of the one who baptized Jesus?

Do you believe in Jesus?