The Time has been fulfilled...

Introduction

We have had a long, wet Winter, however Spring is just around the corner.

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.

Likewise, Israel had experienced a long period of darkness, however the light has now come.

Springtime

John’s ministry has ended (v.14)

IMPORTANT: John had a large following. (Mark 1:5)

Who was John ()

A voice

3 A voice cries:

“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

A voice

Prepare the way (, )

Listen to Jesus: “The time is FULFILLED” ()

5 “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. 6 And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.”

Listen to Jesus: “The time is FULFILLED” ()

: The light is now here!

John knew his place and accomplished what God had called him to do. Now is the time of Jesus Christ. ()

Succession of president’s

Jesus Christ begins his ministry

Begins in Galilee

The region in Northern Israel, west of the Sea of Galilee

Jesus’ home

Scene of most of his public ministry

Most of the Twelve are from Galilee

Why begin here? Why not Jerusalem?

Galilee known for waywardness. ()

Begins by preaching the gospel (good news)

The act of proclaiming a theological message. Generally involves the conveyance of some truth related to God or scripture with inherent significance to the audience for whom the act is being done. (Lexham Bible Dictionary)

Let’s use this definition to breakdown what Jesus Christ was proclaiming at the beginning of his ministry.

What was Jesus doing?

Proclaiming/Preaching the gospel/good news

What is the gospel/good news ()

Proclaiming has the herald of the King.

What was Jesus saying?

The time is fulfilled

The time fixed by God has been brought to completion

The time of the Messiah has come

The Kingdom of God is at hand

Kingdom of God: emphasizes the omnipotent rule or control of God over his people, the dominion of God on earth.

The coming Jesus Christ has ushered in the Kingdom of God ()

on the wall of the UN

Deleted first part

Gift of Russia

Can not have the Kingdom without the King (Christ)

Repent

A change of mind leading to a change of action.

Repentance is of central importance because sin brings God’s judgment and fellowship with God is only possible through full and sincere repentance. God calls people to repent as the only way to escape the judgment and receive the forgiveness and restoration which he alone offers.

A good OT example (Ez 18:21-23)

A good NT example ()

God’s mindset on repentance (2 Pet 3:9)

Believe in the gospel/good news

Have faith, to put one’s trust in...

Gospel/good news: the message of Christ, the Kingdom of God, salvation

Confession with your mouth (testimony)

Belief in your heart (repentance)

You will be saved

Who was Jesus’ audience?

Israel

To the Jews first ()

What do we need to understand and live from this text?

Time ()

It’s here

Yet, it is still to come

Kingdom

Seek it ()

Expect it

Repent ()

Lay aside sin

Run with endurance

Look to Jesus as our example

Believe (Rom 1:16-17)

Live in the power

Do not be ashamed

Winter is on my head, but eternal spring is in my heart. Victor Hugo