January 15, 2012

The Beginning of the Gospel

Speaker: Reid S. Monaghan Series: Passion - The Gospel of Mark Topic: Exposition Passage: Mark 1:1–1:15

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Review

  • Gospels—History, Biography, Theology
  • Passion and Passion
  • Tell and Show

Introduction

Give us the Down-Down

 

Mark 1:1-15

Make it Plain - Verse 1

  • Beginning
  • Gospel
  • Jesus, Messiah, Son of God

 

Promise and Prophecy – Verse 2, 3

OT Tapestry – Exodus 23:20, Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3

 

The Forerunner – Verse 4-8 

Luke 3:1-2

   

Jesus on the Scene – Verses 9-11

     

Time for the SHOW – Verse 14, 15

 

Community Meditation

Growing in knowledge

  • “In the beginning” is the way the Bible opens as God the creator speaks all things into being (Gen 1:1).  “In the beginning” is the way Mark begins his gospel as well. Discuss the importance of the beginning of something new.  What does newness provide to life? How might we see our lives and all of history as a series of new beginnings?
  • In Mark 1:1 we see various names and titles predicated to this man from Nazareth: Jesus, Christ, Son of God. Discuss the meaning and significance of each.
  • "The time is fulfilled, the Kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15) Discuss the meaning of this declaration. How is the Kingdom NOW and how is it STILL to come? How does this inform and shape our identity and mission together NOW?

Feeling life deeply

  • Reformed theologians make the observation that “Christ/Messiah” or anointed one of God reflects Jesus fulfillment of the Old Testament offices of “Prophet, Priest and King.”  Which role of Jesus do you feel most deeply? His communication of truth? His mediation of relationship with God? His leadership in your life? Share why.

Living  with courage

  • John the Baptizer knew his role was to proclaim Jesus as the unique savior and not promote himself. What did it cost him?  What costs might there be with proclaiming Jesus truthfully today with our friends? What joy is there in doing so?

other sermons in this series

Aug 19

2012

Truth and Power

Speaker: Mike Reed Passage: Mark 15:1–15:20 Series: Passion - The Gospel of Mark

Aug 12

2012

His Last Days - Pt. II

Speaker: Reid S. Monaghan Passage: Mark 14:32–14:72 Series: Passion - The Gospel of Mark