John...the first Southern Baptist???

In seminary we heard a lot of corny jokes, from professors and chapel speakers, referring to John being the first Southern Baptist, since he is named John the Baptist. Most of us would just shake our heads at these poor attempts to make a joke. I appreciate how Garland, who has taught and is teaching at Baptist seminaries and schools, handles John by referring to him as John the Baptizer. Garland's reference holds John in higher esteem and places emphasis on what his purpose was. Garland states, "John was calling Israel to acknowledge God's judgment on Israel. Passing through the waters of the promise again, a new, forgiven Israel would emerge. " John was an awesome man, who stated in another gospel that Jesus must become more and he must become less, even if he was not the first Southern Baptist.