Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Mark - Gospel of the Kingdom

Mark 1:13  And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

A word about the wild beasts. Some people have a calming affect on animals. Jesus the perfect man had dominion over all the animals. They recognized his authority and His gentle spirit. Later we will see that he had dominion over all the earth. He spoke to calm the wind and the sea.

Mark 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Gospel of the Kingdom

Mark 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

For a time both Jesus and John were preaching repentance of sins and that the kingdom of God was near; the gospel of the kingdom.

John was cast into prison because he confronted Herod and his adulterous relationship. His wife took out her anger on John. He was imprisoned and later the wife required his head.

Mat 14:3 For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.
Mat 14:4 For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.

Sin covered by more sins just leads to a greater punishment; repentance is required. Jesus came preaching repentance and forgiveness for all who would trust him.

Jesus is the entrance to the kingdom and the propitiation, the place of forgiveness and the offering for sins. We are commanded to preach the gospel of the kingdom.

Luke 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:48 And ye are witnesses of these things.

We are to continue to preach repentance, forsaking sin and turning to God. But now we can know our sins are forgiven, because Jesus has shed his blood for our sins and is risen to eternal life. Because he lives we shall live with him, forever.

 

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