Matthew:3

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* In those days came John the Baptist preaching in the desert of Judea ; * "Repent ," said he , "for the kingdom of heaven is at hand ." * This Johnit was of whom it was said through Isaiah , the prophet , The voice of one who cries aloud in the desert , "Prepare a way for the Lord , Make the paths straight for him ." * This Johnwore a garment of camels hair , and a leather belt around his waist , and his food was locusts and wild honey . * Then Jerusalem began to go out to him , and all Judea , and the whole neighborhood of the Jordan , * and were baptized by him in the river Jordan , confessing their sins . * But when Johnsaw that many of the Pharisees and Sadducees were coming for baptism , he said . "O brood of vipers ! Who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come ? * Then bring forth fruit worthy of repentance . * And do not presume to say to yourselves , We have Abraham as our father-I tell you that out of these very stones God is able to raise up descendants for Abraham . * And already the axe is lying at the roots of the trees . Any tree , therefore , that does not bear good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire . * I indeed am baptizing you in water , unto repentance ; but One is coming after me , mightier than I , whose sandals I am not worthy to carry . He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire . * His winnowing-fan is in his hand , and he will thoroughly cleanse the threshing-floor . He will store his wheat in the granary , but will burn up the chaff in unquenchable fire ." * At that very time Jesus was on his way from Galilee to the Jordan , to John , to be baptized by him . * But he tried to prevent him . "It is I ," he said , "who need to be baptized by you , and are you coming to me ?" * But Jesus answered , "Permit it now , for so it is fitting for us to fulfill every religious duty ." * Then he consented . And after Jesus was baptized , as soon as he rose out of the water , lo ! the heavens opened , and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon him , * while a voice from heaven said , "This is my son , the beloved , In whom I delight ."

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