John the Baptist preached an uncompromising message of repentance in the desert, calling the people "snakes" and warning of coming judgment. He fearlessly spoke out against Herod for marrying his brother's wife, despite the danger to himself. Everything about John pointed to Jesus as being superior to him - Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit, hold a greater position and authority as judge of the world. Though John spent the end of his life in prison with doubts, he was reassured and gave his life trusting in God.

1. Luke 3:1-20Prepared by John

2. HearingThe word came in the desert This inhospitable place was on their doorstep Israel had endured forty years in the desert Sometimes we have to cross a ‘desert’God leads his people through deserts God speaks in deserts

3. SpeakingAn uncompromising message He was a strange character

4. He called people ‘snakes’

5. How tempted are we to dilute the message? A simple message Judgement is coming

6. You need to repent

7. Real repentance leads to a changed life SpeakingA fearless message Why didn’t he stay silent on the issue of Herod’s wife?