The Gospel According to Mark

Mark 1:1-8

v. 1 the gospel of Jesus Christ. Gospel means "good news" The good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Stated up front: this is good news! Jesus is the Son of God. He is the Christ, the Messiah. He's the One!

v. 2 Proof One: The Old Testament Scriptures announced his coming. Proof Two: the life and ministry of John the Baptist, also foretold in Isaiah. Prophecies are made to be fulfilled--now is the time! In our day--in our hearing! Should be very good news to the people.

v. 4 John the Baptist's life work was to prepare the way for Jesus' arrival, to point people to him, to explain Christ's purpose, which is to save people from their sins. Not an earthly king, but an eternal one.

vv. 5-6 People were drawn to John because of his message, but also his eccentricities. Like a carnival show. Let's take a trip out to thewilderness next Saturday and go see that guy who dresses in camel hair and eats locusts and honey every meal!

vv. 7-8 John's message was the real draw once you got there. A new song, a new message. Guess what, group, we're not okay with God--our sacrifices, our tithes and offerings, they're not acceptable--they won't remove our sins. Repent! It's the heart God wants.

And the Messiah is coming, the One we've been waiting for, the One we've stopped looking for. He's real! And He's so much better than I. He will be able to change your hearts. I can dunk you in water, but He can dunk your heart, mind, body and soul into the Holy Spirit.

Don't even know if they knew what the Holy Spirit was.

My prayer for my girls is that you will give all of yourselves to Christ, follow him wherever he leads you, obey every command, and love him completely.