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The beginning of the gospel |
about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. |
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It is written |
in Isaiah the prophet: |
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"I will send |
my messenger |
ahead of you, |
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who will prepare your way"-- |
"a voice of one calling |
in the desert, |
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Prepare the way for the Lord, |
make straight paths for him.' " |
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And so John came, |
baptizing |
in the desert region |
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and preaching a baptism of repentance |
for the forgiveness of sins. |
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The whole Judean countryside |
and all the people of Jerusalem |
went out to him. |
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Confessing their sins, |
they were baptized |
by him |
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in the Jordan River. |
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John wore clothing |
made of camel's hair, |
with a leather belt |
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around his waist, |
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and he ate |
locusts and wild honey. |
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And this was his message: |
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"After me |
will come |
one more powerful than I, |
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the thongs of whose sandals |
I am not worthy |
to stoop down and untie. |
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I baptize you |
with water, |
but he will baptize you |
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with the Holy Spirit." |
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