Matthew 3:7-10

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. - Matthew 3:7-10

Dear Heavenly Father,

You sent John the Baptist to confront the self indulgent and self righteous and to comfort the self condemning.  I have all three spiritual maladies running through my spiritual veins.  I feel his brave work penetrating my soul when I read his ancient words.  I cannot claim heritage, works or intellectual prowess when I think about appearing before your throne.  I depend entirely on your grace.  Thank you for preparing me for your Son who did it all for me.  I do not fear the fires of hell as long as Jesus has a tight squeeze on my hand.  Help me to produce fruit that reflects appreciation for grace today. 

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

God threatens hell so we will run as fast as we can to heaven.  

Additional Reading: 2 Corinthians 4 and 5