Sermon July 12
Mark 1:1-13
CONTRAST APPRECIATION is a concept that illustrates appreciation based on contrasting experiences like hot and cold or big and small. Mark introduces the Good News of Jesus by first introducing the Bad News so we can appreciate the Good News. Before we ask, “What did Jesus do?” Mark wants us to answer, “Who is Jesus?” Everything depends on the answer to that question. IDENTITY IS GREATER THAN MISSION. WHO YOU ARE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN WHAT YOU DO. JESUS IS THE SAVIOR – THE CENTRAL CHARACTER – GOD WITH US AND FOR US. Jesus comes after everyone’s heart has been prepared to hear the good news. What is required before you can hear the good news? The BAD NEWS. You are a sinner and need a Savior. “All our righteousness is like filthy rags.” Isaiah 64:6 “There is no one righteous, not even one.” Romans 3:10 The GULF between GOD and MAN is greater than the furthest galaxy. Jesus came to do more than bring REPENTANCE. He came to bring SALVATION. John could call people to REPENTANCE. Only Jesus could CHANGE HEARTS. John could WASH THE OUTSIDE. Jesus TRANSFORMS THE INSIDE. Jesus came to do more than EXPOSE SIN. He came to CONQUER IT. JOHN BROUGHT REPENTANCE (bad news). JESUS BROUGHT RESORATION (good news).
Discussion Questions
- Have I recognized my need for a Savior?
- Have I recognized Jesus as my Savior?
- Am I willing to follow Him? Publicly? Even through the wilderness?
