Big Idea: The Gospel calls us to a life above labels. God is available to you. Luke 3:1–2 1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea (It-ur-reaha) and Trachonitis (Track-o-nitis), and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene (Ab-i-leenee), 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas… Luke 3:2 2… ,the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. Luke 3:4–6 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level ways, 6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’ ” Repentance isn’t a “feelings” word, it is an “action” word. Luke 3:3 3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. True repentance produces outward fruit due to an inward change. Luke 3:8 8 Bear fruits in keeping with repentance… Integrity in the ordinary things is a mark of true repentance. Luke 3:10–14 10 And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?” 11 And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” 12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” 14 Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.” Look to the One who is mightier! Luke 3:15–16 15 As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, 16 John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. As we look to the One who is mightier, we begin to live from, and point others to the One who is mightier.