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Later, John the Baptizer appeared in the desert of Judea. His message was,
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"Turn to God and change the way you think and act, because the kingdom of heaven is near."
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Isaiah the prophet spoke about this man when he said, "A voice cries out in the desert: 'Prepare the way for the Lord! Make his paths straight!'"
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John wore clothes made from camel's hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His diet consisted of locusts and wild honey.
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Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole Jordan Valley went to him.
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As they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.
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But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to be baptized, he said to them, "You poisonous snakes! Who showed you how to flee from God's coming anger?