The Beginning of the Good News

Bible Passage: Mark 1:1–5

First impressions are important

If something you say is important, you put effort into it.

Mark 1:1 NLT

This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. It began

Mark, John Mark, spent a lot of time around the apostles.

Specifically Paul and Peter

Most scholars agree this is the oldest gospel and is based primarily on Peter’s testimony

1. Start with Jesus

Mark 1:1 NLT

This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. It began

Bold claim that Jesus is proclaiming the Gospel, and He is the Gospel

We must start with this foundational belief.

Jesus is who He says He is.

Who do you say He is?

Matthew 16:13–15 NLT

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”

Is Jesus your Savior or your Safety?

Do you live like He is always present or like He is only present when it is convenient?

Is Jesus your Lord or your ward?

Is He in charge of you, or are you in charge of Him?

2. Preparation precedes blessing

Mark 1:2–3 NLT

just as the prophet Isaiah had written: “Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way. He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’ ”

God always comes through on His promise.

How did John the baptizer make room for the Lord?

Encouraged people to prepare their heart, not behavior

Is your heart prepared for Jesus?

3. Walk Out The Change

Mark 1:4–5 NLT

This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.

What is baptism?

Symbolic of dying with Christ and regeneration

Identifying with Jesus

What is repentance?

When you turn away from sin and towards Jesus

Why is this important?

Baptism and repentance must go hand in hand

There must be an acceptance of guilt and acknowledgment of Jesus sacrifice

Baptism is 1 of 2 ordinances of the church

Ceremonies passed down from Jesus Himself

We need each other to fulfill these ordinances