John the Baptist came and started teaching the crowds about the Lord right before Jesus started His ministry. Some people were getting confused and thinking that John was the Messiah. He was pretty close because they were cousins! Mary actually visited John's mom Elizabeth while they were both pregnant and John jumped in her stomach at the presence of Jesus. At this time, John was attracting very large crowds of people, and they all wanted to get baptized by him, although he lets them know someone greater than he is coming to baptize them with fire and the Holy Spirit.
At one point John calls them a brood of vipers and asks them why they're coming to him. They tell him they want to be baptized, but John is a little leery so he gives them a little warning. In Luke 3, John warns all the people getting baptized that a true repentance leads to a tree that produces fruit.
The sensitivity of some churches today has led to baptisms without instruction. I hope that this is not leading people into a false sense of salvation, because clearly there is more to repentance and salvation than a baptism by water.
We are all trees. All planted by one Father in Heaven. Throughout our lives, we have the opportunity to take in good nutrients, water and sun in order to bear fruit. But, the only nutrients capable of bearing fruit come from the Lord. Those who do not commit themselves to God, have no ability to bear fruit. John tells the men that if they do not bear fruit their tree will be cut down. That means their life will be ended. There is no use in the Kingdom for a tree that does not bear fruit.
John is then asked some questions by individuals wondering what they need to do to produce fruit. The general response, prior to Jesus saying it Himself.... Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.
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