The Relationship between the Ministry of Jesus and the Ministry of John the Baptist as Revealed in the Four Gospels [New Revised Edition] Castos https://english-21.castos.com The Biblical Exposition series on the Four Gospels you are now listening to is divided into four parts, each consisting of several chapters. A separate Sermon section contains a total of fourteen sermons, followed by a Conclusion and three Appendices. The Ministry of Jesus and John the Baptist — Preparation and Fulfillment: The Gospel of the Water and the Spirit, Believed in the Order the Bible Records It Why do the four Gospels introduce John the Baptist before speaking of Jesus’ public ministry? Matthew records the baptism by which He fulfilled all righteousness; Mark, the messenger who prepared the way; Luke, the birth into a priestly family; and John, the testimony of the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. These four books of the Bible—the four Gospels—together shed light on the ministry of Jesus and the ministry of John the Baptist. This book makes clear that we receive the remission of sins not by human zeal, but by believing in the gospel of the water and the Spirit. Just as sins were passed on to the sacrificial offering through the laying on of hands in the Old Testament, so Jesus took upon Him self the sin of the world through the baptism He received from John the Baptist, was judged and died on the Cross, and rose again to complete our salvation. We must believe in the ministry of Jesus and the ministry of John the Baptist exactly as the Bible records them, receive the remission of sins, abide in the assurance of this completed salvation, and live as witnesses to it. ● Scripture quotations used in this book are from the ‘New King James Version (NKJV)’, ‘American Standard Version (ASV)’. ● This audiobook is an original human creation based on the sermons of Rev. Paul C. Jong. To provide clear delivery and a comfortable listening experience, AI technology was employed only for the voice generation. Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:44:10 +0000 en Copyright © 2026 Hephzibah Publishing House https://episodes.castos.com/63523b79413e35-56452255/images/podcast/covers/c1a-8mp7r-9j2wqwp5frmn-adtzm0.jpg The Relationship between the Ministry of Jesus and the Ministry of John the Baptist as Revealed in the Four Gospels [New Revised Edition] https://english-21.castos.com The Biblical Exposition series on the Four Gospels you are now listening to is divided into four parts, each consisting of several chapters. A separate Sermon section contains a total of fourteen sermons, followed by a Conclusion and three Appendices. The Ministry of Jesus and John the Baptist — Preparation and Fulfillment: The Gospel of the Water and the Spirit, Believed in the Order the Bible Records It Why do the four Gospels introduce John the Baptist before speaking of Jesus’ public ministry? Matthew records the baptism by which He fulfilled all righteousness; Mark, the messenger who prepared the way; Luke, the birth into a priestly family; and John, the testimony of the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. These four books of the Bible—the four Gospels—together shed light on the ministry of Jesus and the ministry of John the Baptist. This book makes clear that we receive the remission of sins not by human zeal, but by believing in the gospel of the water and the Spirit. Just as sins were passed on to the sacrificial offering through the laying on of hands in the Old Testament, so Jesus took upon Him self the sin of the world through the baptism He received from John the Baptist, was judged and died on the Cross, and rose again to complete our salvation. We must believe in the ministry of Jesus and the ministry of John the Baptist exactly as the Bible records them, receive the remission of sins, abide in the assurance of this completed salvation, and live as witnesses to it. ● Scripture quotations used in this book are from the ‘New King James Version (NKJV)’, ‘American Standard Version (ASV)’. ● This audiobook is an original human creation based on the sermons of Rev. Paul C. Jong. To provide clear delivery and a comfortable listening experience, AI technology was employed only for the voice generation. The New Life Mission episodic The Biblical Exposition series on the Four Gospels you are now listening to is divided into four parts, each consisting of several chapters. A separate Sermon section contains a total of fourteen sermons, followed by a Conclusion and three Appendices. The Ministry of Jesus and John the Baptist — Preparation and Fulfillment: The Gospel of the Water and the Spirit, Believed in the Order the Bible Records It Why do the four Gospels introduce John the Baptist before speaking of Jesus’ public ministry? Matthew records the baptism by which He fulfilled all righteousness; Mark, the messenger who prepared the way; Luke, the birth into a priestly family; and John, the testimony of the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. These four books of the Bible—the four Gospels—together shed light on the ministry of Jesus and the ministry of John the Baptist. This book makes clear that we receive the remission of sins not by human zeal, but by believing in the gospel of the water and the Spirit. Just as sins were passed on to the sacrificial offering through the laying on of hands in the Old Testament, so Jesus took upon Him self the sin of the world through the baptism He received from John the Baptist, was judged and died on the Cross, and rose again to complete our salvation. We must believe in the ministry of Jesus and the ministry of John the Baptist exactly as the Bible records them, receive the remission of sins, abide in the assurance of this completed salvation, and live as witnesses to it. ● Scripture quotations used in this book are from the ‘New King James Version (NKJV)’, ‘American Standard Version (ASV)’. ● This audiobook is an original human creation based on the sermons of Rev. Paul C. Jong. To provide clear delivery and a comfortable listening experience, AI technology was employed only for the voice generation. The New Life Mission shin2954@naver.com false https://feeds.castos.com/2mnjj yes <![CDATA[[00]_Preface]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:44:10 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557222 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/preface When we open the door of the New Testament, we soon meet Jesus Christ. Surprisingly, however, the writers of the four Gospels do not begin at once with the public ministry of Jesus. Matthew shows John the Baptist crying out in the wilderness; Mark connects the beginning of the gospel with the event of God’s messenger preparing the way; Luke records in detail from the promise of John’s birth; and the Gospel of John introduces a man sent from God to bear witness of the Light. The four writers differ in expression and emphasis, but they all set John the Baptist at the entrance to understanding the ministry of Jesus.

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]]> full 1 false When we open the door of the New Testament, we soon meet Jesus Christ. Surprisingly, however, the writers of the four Gospels do not begin at once with the public ministry of Jesus. Matthew shows John the Baptist crying out in the wilderness; Mark connects the beginning of the gospel with the event of God’s messenger preparing the way; Luke records in detail from the promise of John’s birth; and the Gospel of John introduces a man sent from God to bear witness of the Light. The four writers differ in expression and emphasis, but they all set John the Baptist at the entrance to understanding the ministry of Jesus.

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https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 00:09:50 <![CDATA[[01]_General introduction to the four Gospels]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:44:04 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557221 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/01-general-introduction-to-the-four-gospels The four Gospels are the name given collectively to the four books that testify of the coming, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ—namely, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The word ‘gospel’ originally means ‘good news,’ and it refers to the news that those who were under sin and death have obtained salvation freely through the Son of God. Therefore, the four Gospels are not a great man’s biography that records the life of Jesus, but the testimony of salvation that tells how He accomplished our salvation.

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]]> full 2 false The four Gospels are the name given collectively to the four books that testify of the coming, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ—namely, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The word ‘gospel’ originally means ‘good news,’ and it refers to the news that those who were under sin and death have obtained salvation freely through the Son of God. Therefore, the four Gospels are not a great man’s biography that records the life of Jesus, but the testimony of salvation that tells how He accomplished our salvation.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 00:35:04 <![CDATA[[02]_P1_Ch01_Why do the four Gospels begin with John the Baptist？]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:44:00 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557220 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/02-p1-ch01-why-do-the-four-gospels-begin-with-john-the-baptist The main figure of the Gospels is Jesus Christ. And yet all four Gospels place John the Baptist before the public ministry of Jesus. Matthew, after finishing the account of Jesus’ birth and flight, introduces John crying out for repentance in the wilderness before entering the scene of Jesus’ baptism. Mark is more direct. He declares the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and then immediately speaks of the messenger who would prepare the way and of the voice in the wilderness.

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https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> full 3 false The main figure of the Gospels is Jesus Christ. And yet all four Gospels place John the Baptist before the public ministry of Jesus. Matthew, after finishing the account of Jesus’ birth and flight, introduces John crying out for repentance in the wilderness before entering the scene of Jesus’ baptism. Mark is more direct. He declares the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and then immediately speaks of the messenger who would prepare the way and of the voice in the wilderness.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 00:08:37 <![CDATA[[03]_P1_Ch02_The promised messenger and Elijah who was to come]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:43:56 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557219 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/03-p1-ch02-the-promised-messenger-and-elijah-who-was-to-come The appearance of John the Baptist was not an impromptu event. The prophecies of Isaiah and Malachi say that before the Lord comes, a man will appear to prepare the way. Isaiah’s wilderness is not a road of man-made prosperity but the place where the way for God’s coming is prepared. The voice crying in the wilderness does not put itself forward; it urges that the way of the LORD be made straight.

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]]> full 4 false The appearance of John the Baptist was not an impromptu event. The prophecies of Isaiah and Malachi say that before the Lord comes, a man will appear to prepare the way. Isaiah’s wilderness is not a road of man-made prosperity but the place where the way for God’s coming is prepared. The voice crying in the wilderness does not put itself forward; it urges that the way of the LORD be made straight.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 00:10:29 <![CDATA[[04]_P1_Ch03_The birth and the priestly family recorded by Luke]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:43:53 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557218 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/04-p1-ch03-the-birth-and-the-priestly-family-recorded-by-luke The Gospel of Luke especially emphasizes the historicity of John the Baptist. In the days of Herod, the king of Judea, there appear Zacharias, a priest of the division of Abijah, and Elizabeth, of the daughters of Aaron. This couple were righteous and walked according to the commandments, but they had no child and were well advanced in years. It is precisely within that reality that God’s promise begins. Luke sets John’s birth not in mythical space but within a specific age, a specific family, and the service of the temple.

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]]> full 5 false The Gospel of Luke especially emphasizes the historicity of John the Baptist. In the days of Herod, the king of Judea, there appear Zacharias, a priest of the division of Abijah, and Elizabeth, of the daughters of Aaron. This couple were righteous and walked according to the commandments, but they had no child and were well advanced in years. It is precisely within that reality that God’s promise begins. Luke sets John’s birth not in mythical space but within a specific age, a specific family, and the service of the temple.

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https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 00:09:49 <![CDATA[[05]_P1_Ch04_The repentance in the wilderness and the way of righteousness]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:43:49 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557217 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/05-p1-ch04-the-repentance-in-the-wilderness-and-the-way-of-righteousness The first cry of John the Baptist was the command to repent. The Gospel of Matthew makes clear the reason: the kingdom of heaven was at hand. Repentance is not a human merit that brings the kingdom of heaven. It is the response of straightening the way of the heart to receive the King of heaven who has drawn near.

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]]> full 6 false The first cry of John the Baptist was the command to repent. The Gospel of Matthew makes clear the reason: the kingdom of heaven was at hand. Repentance is not a human merit that brings the kingdom of heaven. It is the response of straightening the way of the heart to receive the King of heaven who has drawn near.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 00:08:11 <![CDATA[[06]_P2_Ch05_＇Permit it to be so now＇—the baptism that fulfills all righteousness]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:43:46 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557216 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/06-p2-ch05-permit-it-to-be-so-now-the-baptism-that-fulfills-all-righteousness The baptism Jesus received from John, by which He fulfilled all the righteousness of God, becomes the central event that unlocks the relationship of the four Gospels. Because the baptism John gave was tied to the repentance of sinners, the coming of the sinless Jesus to be baptized by John raises a puzzling question. John the Baptist himself felt that incongruity and tried to prevent Him, saying that he himself needed to be baptized by Jesus. But at Jesus’ command, to fulfill the righteousness of God, he became the one who gave baptism upon the head of Jesus.

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]]> full 7 false The baptism Jesus received from John, by which He fulfilled all the righteousness of God, becomes the central event that unlocks the relationship of the four Gospels. Because the baptism John gave was tied to the repentance of sinners, the coming of the sinless Jesus to be baptized by John raises a puzzling question. John the Baptist himself felt that incongruity and tried to prevent Him, saying that he himself needed to be baptized by Jesus. But at Jesus’ command, to fulfill the righteousness of God, he became the one who gave baptism upon the head of Jesus.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 00:08:27 <![CDATA[[07]_P2_Ch06_The shadow of the Old Testament laying on of hands and the principle of the representative of mankind]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:43:43 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557215 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/07-p2-ch06-the-shadow-of-the-old-testament-laying-on-of-hands-and-the-principle-of-the-representat In the atoning sacrifices of the Old Testament, the sinner laid his hands on the head of an unblemished offering. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest laid both his hands on the head of the live goat and confessed all the iniquities and transgressions of Israel, putting them on the goat’s head. That goat was sent away into the wilderness carrying the sins. This ceremony teaches that sin is not lightly ignored; it must be moved and dealt with through a representative and an offering.

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https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> full 8 false In the atoning sacrifices of the Old Testament, the sinner laid his hands on the head of an unblemished offering. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest laid both his hands on the head of the live goat and confessed all the iniquities and transgressions of Israel, putting them on the goat’s head. That goat was sent away into the wilderness carrying the sins. This ceremony teaches that sin is not lightly ignored; it must be moved and dealt with through a representative and an offering.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 00:09:42 <![CDATA[[08]_P2_Ch07_Behold， the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:43:40 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557214 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/08-p2-ch07-behold-the-lamb-of-god-who-takes-away-the-sin-of-the-world In the Gospel of John, the most decisive word of John the Baptist is his testimony that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. This is not a human word floating in the air. John the Baptist says that the reason he came baptizing with water was to reveal Christ to Israel, and after seeing the Spirit descend and remain, he testifies that He is the Son of God.

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https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> full 9 false In the Gospel of John, the most decisive word of John the Baptist is his testimony that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. This is not a human word floating in the air. John the Baptist says that the reason he came baptizing with water was to reveal Christ to Israel, and after seeing the Spirit descend and remain, he testifies that He is the Son of God.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 00:06:50 <![CDATA[[09]_P2_Ch08_John the Baptist was not a failure]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:43:37 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557213 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/09-p2-ch08-john-the-baptist-was-not-a-failure The interpretation that sees John the Baptist as a failure usually begins from the scene in which, from prison, he sent his disciples to Jesus to ask whether Jesus was the Coming One or whether they should wait for another. Taken only at face value, it can look as if John doubted at the last moment. But a single scene must be read within the whole of a person’s ministry and testimony.

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https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> full 10 false The interpretation that sees John the Baptist as a failure usually begins from the scene in which, from prison, he sent his disciples to Jesus to ask whether Jesus was the Coming One or whether they should wait for another. Taken only at face value, it can look as if John doubted at the last moment. But a single scene must be read within the whole of a person’s ministry and testimony.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 00:07:53 <![CDATA[[10]_P3_Ch09_Reading the testimonies of Matthew， Mark， Luke， and John together]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:43:27 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557212 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/10-p3-ch09-reading-the-testimonies-of-matthew-mark-luke-and-john-together Each of the four Gospels has its own purpose and readers. Therefore, even when they record the same event, what they select and emphasize differs. If we force these differences away, we lose the voice of each Gospel; if we magnify only the differences, we miss the word that carries the one truth of salvation. The best reading is to respect each one’s emphasis while entering into the light of the truth in which they illuminate one another.

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]]> full 11 false Each of the four Gospels has its own purpose and readers. Therefore, even when they record the same event, what they select and emphasize differs. If we force these differences away, we lose the voice of each Gospel; if we magnify only the differences, we miss the word that carries the one truth of salvation. The best reading is to respect each one’s emphasis while entering into the light of the truth in which they illuminate one another.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 00:10:00 <![CDATA[[11]_P3_Ch10_The water， the blood， and the Spirit testify as one]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:43:24 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557211 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/11-p3-ch10-the-water-the-blood-and-the-spirit-testify-as-one The expression the connected writings of this book use repeatedly is ‘the gospel of the water and the Spirit.’ In this expression, the water refers to the baptism Jesus received from John the Baptist; the blood, to His death on the cross; and the Spirit, to the One who testifies that this saving event is God’s will and truth. These three elements are not three competing gospels; they testify of the one salvation accomplished by the one Jesus Christ.

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]]> full 12 false The expression the connected writings of this book use repeatedly is ‘the gospel of the water and the Spirit.’ In this expression, the water refers to the baptism Jesus received from John the Baptist; the blood, to His death on the cross; and the Spirit, to the One who testifies that this saving event is God’s will and truth. These three elements are not three competing gospels; they testify of the one salvation accomplished by the one Jesus Christ.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 00:06:58 <![CDATA[[12]_P3_Ch11_From the Jordan River to the cross and the empty tomb]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:43:21 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557210 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/12-p3-ch11-from-the-jordan-river-to-the-cross-and-the-empty-tomb The public ministry of Jesus begins at the Jordan River, passes through Galilee and Judea, and moves on to the cross in Jerusalem. Along that road Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom of heaven, called sinners, healed the sick, and taught His disciples. But the summit of all His ministry was giving His life as a ransom for many.

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]]> full 13 false The public ministry of Jesus begins at the Jordan River, passes through Galilee and Judea, and moves on to the cross in Jerusalem. Along that road Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom of heaven, called sinners, healed the sick, and taught His disciples. But the summit of all His ministry was giving His life as a ransom for many.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 00:09:58 <![CDATA[[13]_P4_Ch12_How do those who have received the remission of sin live？]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:43:18 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557209 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/13-p4-ch12-how-do-those-who-have-received-the-remission-of-sin-live Believing that Jesus took on all sin through the baptism He received from John and through the cross does not lead us to take sin lightly. Rather, the one who has seen at the cross how heavy sin is cannot rationalize sin. The grace of salvation God has given is not a license to ignore the consequences of sin, but the power that frees us from sin’s rule and enables us to serve God.

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]]> full 14 false Believing that Jesus took on all sin through the baptism He received from John and through the cross does not lead us to take sin lightly. Rather, the one who has seen at the cross how heavy sin is cannot rationalize sin. The grace of salvation God has given is not a license to ignore the consequences of sin, but the power that frees us from sin’s rule and enables us to serve God.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 00:07:18 <![CDATA[[14]_P4_Ch13_How is the church to convey the relationship between the two ministries？]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:43:15 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557208 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/14-p4-ch13-how-is-the-church-to-convey-the-relationship-between-the-two-ministries The more we emphasize the ministry of John the Baptist, the more clearly we must say that the Savior is Jesus alone. John the Baptist is a man sent from God, and Jesus is the Word who was from the beginning. John testifies of the light, and Jesus is the true Light. John baptizes with water, and Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit. John is the friend of the bridegroom, and Jesus is the Bridegroom.

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https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> full 15 false The more we emphasize the ministry of John the Baptist, the more clearly we must say that the Savior is Jesus alone. John the Baptist is a man sent from God, and Jesus is the Word who was from the beginning. John testifies of the light, and Jesus is the true Light. John baptizes with water, and Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit. John is the friend of the bridegroom, and Jesus is the Bridegroom.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 00:08:46 <![CDATA[[15]_Serm01_You must know and believe the ministry of John the Baptist]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:43:11 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557207 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/15-serm01-you-must-know-and-believe-the-ministry-of-john-the-baptist Mark 1:2 says this: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.” Beloved people of God, only when you lay aside your preconceptions and follow the Scripture as the word of God leads can you discover the righteousness of God. Therefore, when you read the word, you must read it laying aside your own thoughts and the lusts of the flesh. Only then can you understand and believe the will God intends to fulfill. The same principle applies to today’s Scripture passage. Only when you put down the thoughts of the flesh and follow as the word of God leads can you rightly understand the ministry of John the Baptist and the ministry of Jesus.

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https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> full 16 false Mark 1:2 says this: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.” Beloved people of God, only when you lay aside your preconceptions and follow the Scripture as the word of God leads can you discover the righteousness of God. Therefore, when you read the word, you must read it laying aside your own thoughts and the lusts of the flesh. Only then can you understand and believe the will God intends to fulfill. The same principle applies to today’s Scripture passage. Only when you put down the thoughts of the flesh and follow as the word of God leads can you rightly understand the ministry of John the Baptist and the ministry of Jesus.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 00:28:18 <![CDATA[[16]_Serm02_John the Baptist was not a failure]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:43:07 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557205 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/16-serm02-john-the-baptist-was-not-a-failure What ministry did John the Baptist fulfill, coming ahead of Jesus? If we do not rightly understand this question, we cannot fully realize the baptism of Jesus, His cross, and the gospel of the water and the Spirit. Many people, even as they profess to believe in Jesus, take the ministry of John the Baptist lightly or misunderstand it. But the Scripture does not testify of John the Baptist merely as one prophet among many. Jesus Himself said that John was “more than a prophet,” and testified, “Among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:9, 11:11).

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https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> full 17 false What ministry did John the Baptist fulfill, coming ahead of Jesus? If we do not rightly understand this question, we cannot fully realize the baptism of Jesus, His cross, and the gospel of the water and the Spirit. Many people, even as they profess to believe in Jesus, take the ministry of John the Baptist lightly or misunderstand it. But the Scripture does not testify of John the Baptist merely as one prophet among many. Jesus Himself said that John was “more than a prophet,” and testified, “Among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:9, 11:11).

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]]> 00:28:03 <![CDATA[[17]_Serm03_John the Baptist， who came in the way of righteousness]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:43:01 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557204 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/17-serm03-john-the-baptist-who-came-in-the-way-of-righteousness Today’s Scripture passage is Matthew 17:1–13. This passage records that Jesus took three of His disciples—Peter, James, and John—and went up on a high mountain by themselves. There an amazing thing happened. Jesus was transfigured before His disciples: His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Jesus.

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https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> full 18 false Today’s Scripture passage is Matthew 17:1–13. This passage records that Jesus took three of His disciples—Peter, James, and John—and went up on a high mountain by themselves. There an amazing thing happened. Jesus was transfigured before His disciples: His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Jesus.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 00:42:05 <![CDATA[[18]_Serm04_Behold the ministry of John the Baptist！]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:42:56 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557203 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/18-serm04-behold-the-ministry-of-john-the-baptist Luke 1:17 records that John the Baptist was the man who came in the spirit and power of Elijah, went before the Lord, and did the work of turning the people back to God. John the Baptist was different from other people from the time he was born. Ordinary people are born through their parents and live their own lives, but John the Baptist was a man who had already been prophesied and prepared in the Old Testament from his very birth. The Scripture records that John the Baptist would come to us in the spirit and power of Elijah.

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https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> full 19 false Luke 1:17 records that John the Baptist was the man who came in the spirit and power of Elijah, went before the Lord, and did the work of turning the people back to God. John the Baptist was different from other people from the time he was born. Ordinary people are born through their parents and live their own lives, but John the Baptist was a man who had already been prophesied and prepared in the Old Testament from his very birth. The Scripture records that John the Baptist would come to us in the spirit and power of Elijah.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 00:41:59 <![CDATA[[19]_Serm05_Let us joyfully enjoy the glory of God]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:42:52 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557202 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/19-serm05-let-us-joyfully-enjoy-the-glory-of-god The Gospel of John; the First, Second, and Third Epistles of John; and the Book of Revelation are the Scriptures written down by the Apostle John. Through these words we can see what the faith of the Apostle John was like, and also what the faith of the disciples of Jesus was like. The Apostle John believed that Jesus is the very God who created the whole universe and us human beings. He also believed that this God is his own Savior and the Savior of all mankind. We, too, must have this faith.

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https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> full 20 false The Gospel of John; the First, Second, and Third Epistles of John; and the Book of Revelation are the Scriptures written down by the Apostle John. Through these words we can see what the faith of the Apostle John was like, and also what the faith of the disciples of Jesus was like. The Apostle John believed that Jesus is the very God who created the whole universe and us human beings. He also believed that this God is his own Savior and the Savior of all mankind. We, too, must have this faith.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 00:39:11 <![CDATA[[20]_Serm06_Do you know the ministries of the two servants of God？]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:42:45 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557201 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/20-serm06-do-you-know-the-ministries-of-the-two-servants-of-god Today’s Scripture passage is John 1:30–36. The servants of God who believe in the gospel of the water and the Spirit all know that Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior of sinners. Whoever truly knows God and believes in Him rightly like this can realize that John the Baptist, as a servant of God, fulfilled a precious and indispensable ministry.

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https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> full 21 false Today’s Scripture passage is John 1:30–36. The servants of God who believe in the gospel of the water and the Spirit all know that Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior of sinners. Whoever truly knows God and believes in Him rightly like this can realize that John the Baptist, as a servant of God, fulfilled a precious and indispensable ministry.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 00:36:47 <![CDATA[[21]_Serm07_Why did Jesus have to be baptized？]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:42:35 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557199 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/21-serm07-why-did-jesus-have-to-be-baptized Many people do not know why Jesus came to this world and was baptized by John the Baptist. But we must clearly understand the purpose of the baptism Jesus received, the ministry of John the Baptist who baptized Him, and the relationship between these two ministries. For to know this is the way to know the gospel of the water and the Spirit. Therefore, I would first like to look at the background and purpose of the baptism John the Baptist gave Jesus at the Jordan River, through the relevant passages of the Scripture.

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]]> full 22 false Many people do not know why Jesus came to this world and was baptized by John the Baptist. But we must clearly understand the purpose of the baptism Jesus received, the ministry of John the Baptist who baptized Him, and the relationship between these two ministries. For to know this is the way to know the gospel of the water and the Spirit. Therefore, I would first like to look at the background and purpose of the baptism John the Baptist gave Jesus at the Jordan River, through the relevant passages of the Scripture.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 00:42:36 <![CDATA[[22]_Serm08_Preach the true gospel and the righteous act of Jesus]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:42:30 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557198 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/22-serm08-preach-the-true-gospel-and-the-righteous-act-of-jesus In the Scripture, John the Baptist was a man of utmost importance. He cried out to the people of Israel to repent, and he prepared the way for the ministry of salvation that Jesus would accomplish. We must remember exactly what relationship there is between the work of Jesus and the work of John the Baptist. Jesus, who came to this world and saved mankind, obeyed the will of God together with John the Baptist, and John the Baptist and Jesus accomplished the righteous work of God in this world.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> full 23 false In the Scripture, John the Baptist was a man of utmost importance. He cried out to the people of Israel to repent, and he prepared the way for the ministry of salvation that Jesus would accomplish. We must remember exactly what relationship there is between the work of Jesus and the work of John the Baptist. Jesus, who came to this world and saved mankind, obeyed the will of God together with John the Baptist, and John the Baptist and Jesus accomplished the righteous work of God in this world.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 00:22:27 <![CDATA[[23]_Serm09_The relationship between the ministry of John the Baptist and the gospel of the atonement for our sins]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:42:26 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557197 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/23-serm09-the-relationship-between-the-ministry-of-john-the-baptist-and-the-gospel-of-the-atonemen Concerning John the Baptist, John 1:6–7 records this: “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe” (John 1:6–7). In this word, the Apostle John testifies to the importance of the baptism John the Baptist gave Jesus, in relation to the gospel of salvation.

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]]> full 24 false Concerning John the Baptist, John 1:6–7 records this: “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe” (John 1:6–7). In this word, the Apostle John testifies to the importance of the baptism John the Baptist gave Jesus, in relation to the gospel of salvation.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 01:02:31 <![CDATA[[24]_Serm10_Jesus， who came to blot out your sins]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:42:20 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557196 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/24-serm10-jesus-who-came-to-blot-out-your-sins Christians today confess that they believe in Jesus as their Savior, yet many of them do not know that Jesus is the Lord who saved us from all sins with the gospel of the water and the Spirit. Since everyone is born a sinner, everyone must believe in the gospel of the water and the Spirit to be washed of those sins. In other words, we must believe in this gospel to be born again, and only when we so believe can we meet the Lord. Whether or not we can receive the remission of sin and be born again depends on whether or not we rightly know and believe in Jesus Christ.

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]]> full 25 false Christians today confess that they believe in Jesus as their Savior, yet many of them do not know that Jesus is the Lord who saved us from all sins with the gospel of the water and the Spirit. Since everyone is born a sinner, everyone must believe in the gospel of the water and the Spirit to be washed of those sins. In other words, we must believe in this gospel to be born again, and only when we so believe can we meet the Lord. Whether or not we can receive the remission of sin and be born again depends on whether or not we rightly know and believe in Jesus Christ.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 00:51:18 <![CDATA[[25]_Serm11_Behold， I send My messenger]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:42:15 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557195 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/25-serm11-behold-i-send-my-messenger In the wilderness, John the Baptist was proclaiming the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Not only that, he was the one who would give Jesus the baptism that handed the sins of all the people of the world over to Him. Since John the Baptist was the last prophet of the age of the Old Testament and a man born into the house of the high priest, he was the servant of God who would hand the sins of all mankind over to Jesus through baptism according to the will of God.

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https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> full 26 false In the wilderness, John the Baptist was proclaiming the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Not only that, he was the one who would give Jesus the baptism that handed the sins of all the people of the world over to Him. Since John the Baptist was the last prophet of the age of the Old Testament and a man born into the house of the high priest, he was the servant of God who would hand the sins of all mankind over to Jesus through baptism according to the will of God.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 01:09:21 <![CDATA[[26]_Serm12_Let us believe in Jesus with the understanding of John the Baptist]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:42:04 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557194 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/26-serm12-let-us-believe-in-jesus-with-the-understanding-of-john-the-baptist While I was going here and there to buy a copy machine, I saw people moving about very busily, trying to find something that would satisfy them. Though they were living in an age of material abundance, they were destitute spiritually. They were like people wandering in the desert to get a cup of water because of extreme thirst. They were rich in the flesh and from the world’s point of view, but when I looked at their souls, they looked like people whose hearts were suffering from poverty and hunger, dying of a severe spiritual famine.

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https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> full 27 false While I was going here and there to buy a copy machine, I saw people moving about very busily, trying to find something that would satisfy them. Though they were living in an age of material abundance, they were destitute spiritually. They were like people wandering in the desert to get a cup of water because of extreme thirst. They were rich in the flesh and from the world’s point of view, but when I looked at their souls, they looked like people whose hearts were suffering from poverty and hunger, dying of a severe spiritual famine.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 00:42:02 <![CDATA[[27]_Serm13_I will send you Elijah the prophet]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:42:00 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557193 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/27-serm13-i-will-send-you-elijah-the-prophet The word of today’s passage, Malachi 4:1–6, was delivered through Malachi, one of the several prophets God sent when the people of Israel had returned from their captivity in Babylon. The Book of Malachi records the events that will happen in the last day. Along with the promise of hope that those who have received the remission of sin by fearing God will leap for joy like calves let out of the stall, God said this: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse” (Malachi 4:5–6).

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]]> full 28 false The word of today’s passage, Malachi 4:1–6, was delivered through Malachi, one of the several prophets God sent when the people of Israel had returned from their captivity in Babylon. The Book of Malachi records the events that will happen in the last day. Along with the promise of hope that those who have received the remission of sin by fearing God will leap for joy like calves let out of the stall, God said this: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse” (Malachi 4:5–6).

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]]> 00:34:21 <![CDATA[[28]_Serm14_The gospel of truth revealed in the Gospel of Matthew]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:41:55 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557191 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/28-serm14-the-gospel-of-truth-revealed-in-the-gospel-of-matthew Matthew chapter 3 is the passage that follows chapters 1 and 2, the record of the birth of Jesus, and stands just before the beginning of His public life. If chapter 1 shows the lineage of the Messiah and the mystery of His conception, and chapter 2 the events surrounding His birth, chapter 3 contains the scene where the Messiah at last comes out to the Jordan River to begin His public ministry. Chapter 3 is therefore like a bridge connecting His birth and His ministry, and at the very center of that bridge lies the decisive event of the baptism of Jesus.

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]]> full 29 false Matthew chapter 3 is the passage that follows chapters 1 and 2, the record of the birth of Jesus, and stands just before the beginning of His public life. If chapter 1 shows the lineage of the Messiah and the mystery of His conception, and chapter 2 the events surrounding His birth, chapter 3 contains the scene where the Messiah at last comes out to the Jordan River to begin His public ministry. Chapter 3 is therefore like a bridge connecting His birth and His ministry, and at the very center of that bridge lies the decisive event of the baptism of Jesus.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 01:31:36 <![CDATA[[29]_Conclusion_Two ministries， one way of salvation]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:41:47 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557190 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/29-conclusion-two-ministries-one-way-of-salvation At the opening of the four Gospels we met the man of the wilderness. He was the promised messenger; in the spirit and power of Elijah he turned the hearts of the people, led them to confess their sins, and made them wait for the mightier One who was coming after him. His ministry reaches its climax at the Jordan River. The sinless Jesus came to be baptized, and though John tried to prevent Him, Jesus said that it was fitting in this way to fulfill all righteousness.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> full 30 false At the opening of the four Gospels we met the man of the wilderness. He was the promised messenger; in the spirit and power of Elijah he turned the hearts of the people, led them to confess their sins, and made them wait for the mightier One who was coming after him. His ministry reaches its climax at the Jordan River. The sinless Jesus came to be baptized, and though John tried to prevent Him, Jesus said that it was fitting in this way to fulfill all righteousness.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 00:04:34 <![CDATA[[30]_Appendices]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:41:44 +0000 The New Life Mission https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/71223/episode/2557189 https://english-21.castos.com/episodes/30-appendices The appendix includes charts that compare and summarize the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus as presented in the four Gospels, and show how their two ministries are connected within God’s history of salvation. To help you understand the material more quickly and clearly, we recommend listening to this audiobook while referring to the charts in the book.

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https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> full 31 false The appendix includes charts that compare and summarize the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus as presented in the four Gospels, and show how their two ministries are connected within God’s history of salvation. To help you understand the material more quickly and clearly, we recommend listening to this audiobook while referring to the charts in the book.

https://www.bjnewlife.org/
https://youtube.com/@TheNewLifeMission
https://www.facebook.com/shin.john.35

]]> 00:07:45