Now Go! – Mark 16Hidden followers – Mark 15:38 - 48A. The women – The faithful remnantB. Nicodemus & Joseph of Arimathea -When all scattered – new followers come forwardA resurrection of DisciplesExamples in Pakistan – Scardu1. The Resurrection & UnbeliefAppeared to Mary Magdalene, The two on the road to Emmaus Then the 11 (without Thomas)They would not believe“Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.12 After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.Severe rebuke14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.”What do you do with such followers?2. The Mark of a disciple of Christ“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.

King of Joy1. The King is comingBirthLuke 1:32,33 -"He shall be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and His kingdom will have no end."Begins MinistryIsaiah 61:1-3 –“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor,..and the day of vengeance of our God;Triumphal EntryZechariah 9:9 - Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey."His Arrest – Mark 15Mark 15:2 – “And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.”A King is not elected by popular vote - (Barabbas 15:6-12) - He is chosen by God:9 – ““Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up.” ...And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?”13 And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” 14 And Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” 15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged[a] Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.The Man of Sorrows – King of Sorrows Jesus is mocked – * Mark 15:16- 20:25 – “And it was the third hour when they crucified him. 26 And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.”:31 -So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.”Isaiah 53:3-4_ “He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.”How does the King of Sorrow become the King of Joy?Hebrews 12:2 – “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”“The joy was the reward of pleasing His father (righteousness) and for gaining His bride. Joy empowered Him to suffer for you. You were the joy that empowered Him. Before you were born you were a force and a thought in His mind that actually empowered God Hiself to suffer on your behalf.” - Aaron J LiVecchiHebrews 1:8-9 – ““Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness (joy) beyond your companions.” (Psalm 45:7)GLADNESS—HEB 1-9 - agalliao (ag-al-lee-ah'-o); to jump for joy, i.e. exult: to be exceeding glad, with great joy,“the scepter of righteousness is the scepter” all is fulfilled!Psalm 16:9-11 – “Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. 10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. 11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.Romans 14:17 - "the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."Isaiah 61:3 – ‘to comfort all who mourn; 3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.Nehemiah 8:9-11 “The joy of the lord is our strength”- “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”Pentecost – The anointing of Joy!1 Peter 1:7 _ “ That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.King of Joy

Failing Jesus - a contrast between a poser and a follower1. JudasMark 14:10 – “Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. 11 And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him.”Passover – Last SupperMark 14:17 - And when it was evening, he came with the twelve. 18 And as they were reclining at table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” 19 They began to be sorrowful and to say to him one after another, “Is it I?”One after another – “Is it I”The question of ones own fear of failing Jesus20 He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. 21 For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”John 13:27 – “Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.”In the midst of failure Jesus promises His body & blood – Passover is ChristThe Scattering BeginsMark 14:26 – “And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27 And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.”2. PeterMark 14:29 – “Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” 30 And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” 31 But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same.”Separating the Disciples32 And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”Even the Inner three fail Jesus33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34 And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” 35 And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” 37 And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour?(Luke 22:45, sleeping for sorrow, exhausted from grief)38 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him.41 And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” (Judas)The BetrayalAnd immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.” 45 And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 46 And they laid hands on him and seized him. 47 But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. (Peter)48 And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.” 50 And they all left him and fled.Young John Mark“And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him, 52 but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked.”Jesus arrestedAnd they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. 54 And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest.And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire. 55 Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. 56 For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. 57 And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying, 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’” 59 Yet even about this their testimony did not agree. 60 And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 61 But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62 And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” 63 And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? 64 You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. 65 And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows.Peter’s Denial66 And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, 67 and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you mean.” And he went out into the gateway and the rooster crowed. 69 And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” 70 But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” 71 But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.”72 And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.”This is a denial not a betrayalHow do we fail Him?The contrast between a poser and a follower There was Judas who followed but was not of them- betrayed Jesus Peter who denied him in his effort to be faithful he did it wrong There are nine who scattered – fear & ignorance A young convert runs away scarred Then you have John who stood faithful through it allDespite all of the failures of his followers Jesus was faithful to us and to the Cross“...if we are faithless, he remains faithful for he cannot deny himself.” - 2 Timothy 2:13We may fail but our hearts are set for Him He will be forever faithful to you

The Alabaster JarSettting: Mark 14Bethany – a small village 2 miles outside of JerusalemSimon the Lepers house – 12 Disciples Mary Martha, Lazarus (Judas- son of Simon - John 6:71) It was unlawful to eat with persons that had the leprosy, and it is more than probable, therefore, that this Simon had been healed.The event: Mary took an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly,(300 danarri about $1500 American dollars.) She broke the flask and poured it over his head and feet. Broke the jar - (to crush or smash) Why break a jar that can be opened? Disciples – “And they scolded her” They were very angry and indignant as to snort like a horse. Judas Spoke (John 12:6 – “He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.)Jesus response:Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing tome. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and wheneveryou want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial.”To some it is a waste of value – to Christ it is invaluableAll were offended yet all were blessed – the atmosphere changed though they did not see itThe Cross is an offense to all mankind – yet it is our salvationThe difference of a fragrance – to some a waste to some a blessing.2 Cor. 2:15-16 - For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?The Moment of anointing:This breaking sets in motion the sacrifice of Christ.It is here that Judas betrays Christ.It is when Christ is exalted above all else that the enemy of Christ is enraged. (True worship sets apart those who love and hate Christ.)The price of a lasting testimony::9 - And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”For $1500 – 2,000 her act has lasted 2015 years and more.It wasn’t the money it was the love and worship of Christ which is eternal. How insignificant is our money. God wants your heart.Broken things:“God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume. It is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever.”- Vance Havner 1. Tablets of stone broken – a new covenant written on our hearts – Jesus the sacrifice2. Gideons army of broken pitchers hidden light - The three hundred men went with Gideon to the camp of the Midianites, blew their shofars and broke the pitchers that were in their hands. The enemy army fled and Gideon’s tiny band was victorious.3. What God can do with a broken life.You cannot get to the heart of a man until he is broken of ego and self righteousness. We are but alabaster jars that need to be broken.There is so much difference between the container and the contents. Holy Spirit.Psalms 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.The Parade of Broken souls2 Cor. 2:15 –“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; “Just as the fragrance from the Triumph parade made as the assembly would pass by and the horses hooves would crush the fragrant flowers that were placed in the road. A powerful aroma would fill the air that was a strong, sweet smell. God wants us to have that same sweet aroma of the knowledge of God in our lives.

Fear Protection1. How to Stand in evil daysEphesians 6:10-13 – “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”2. Armor definedPhilippians 4:6-8 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” NIVThe Defensive Armor:14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth,The Belt of truth defends against lies & false doctrine.In an age of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act. - George Orwell2 Thess. 2:11 – “Therefore God sends them a strong delusion (permits deception), so that they may believe what is False.”:14b The breastplate of righteousness, (bullet proof)Jesus relationship with the Father is now ours – righteousness. Guard your heart - your relationship with Father:16 The shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; Accusations of the accuserFaith blocks fear:17 Take the helmet of salvation,Your understanding of salvation. Don’t be tricked or deceived.Offensive weapons:15 - Shoes for your feet, put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. (show & tell) 17b - Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,:18 - Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.Joshua 1:9 – “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (NLT)1 Chronicles 28:20 - "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.(NIV)Psalm 27:1 -The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?(NKJV)Psalm 56:3-4 -When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?(NIV)Isaiah 41:10 -So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.(NIV)Isaiah 41:13 - For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.(NIV)Isaiah 54:4a - Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; Neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame;.(NKJV)Romans 8:15 - For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (KJV)1 Corinthians 16:13 - Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.(NIV)2 Corinthians 4:7-11 - We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.Hebrews 13:5-6 - For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"(NKJV)2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (NLT)

7 Signs of the EndMark 13:1-2 – And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look,Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” “Do you see these greatbuildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrewasked him privately, (1) “Tell us, when will these things be, (2) and what will be the sign whenall these things are about to be accomplished?”Present and future Between 70 A.D. and His Return1. False Messiah’s“See that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and theywill lead many astray.2. NationsAnd when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but theend is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.3. NatureThere will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning ofthe birth pains. NOTE: (these are not the signs of His return but Labor pains)4. Persecution (Disciples of Jesus)“But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten insynagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness beforethem. 10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11 And when they bring you totrial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever isgiven you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.12 And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will riseagainst parents and have them put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for my name'ssake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. (Delivered - through the tribulation)The 20th century was the bloodiest Christian century in history.The abomination that brings desolation167 b.c. Antiochus IV Epiphanes altar to Zeus and sacrificed a pig on itTitus. 70 A.D., 5. The Temple Sign14 “But when you see the abomination of desolation (Daniel 11:31) standing where he ought notto be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let theone who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, 16 and let theone who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 17 And alas for women who are pregnantand for those who are nursing infants in those days! 18 Pray that it may not happen in winter.When Roman armies first came to Jerusalem in 66 A.D. Christians fled to the mountainsThe last surviving Jews of the city fled to the temple, because it was the strongest, mostsecure building in the city.Roman soldiers surrounded it, burned the whole building. Ornate gold detail work in theroof melted down in the cracks between the stone walls of the temple, and to retrieve thegold, the Roman commander ordered that the temple be dismantled stone by stone.End Time Abomination: 2 Thess. 2:3-4 – “That day will not come unless the falling awaycomes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himselfabove all that is called God or that is worshipped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God,showing himself that he is God.6. Unprecedented deception19 For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of thecreation that God created until now, and never will be.20 And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. (delivered) Butfor the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days.21 And then if anyone says to you,‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false Christ’s and falseprophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23 But beon guard; I have told you all things beforehand.7. The EndBut in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not giveits light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will beshaken. 26 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power andglory. 27 And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from theends of the earth to the ends of heaven. (Rapture)70 A.D. the destruction of Israel:28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly, I say to you, this generation (This people- the Jews) will not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.The fulfillment of this prophecy -1948. The restoration of Israel more than 2,000 years later is a remarkable fulfillment of prophecy.No One Knows That Day or Hour32 “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants] in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”A message to the Church – Stay awake

The Realms of FearFear & Expectations1. Body – Fear of harm or death1. 2. 3.FEAR – False evidence appearing realReal threats & perceived threats many times cannot be determined by the brain The enemy’s tactics – the power of fear and the mechanisms of the bodyWhat to do?We must change our perspectives & perceptions – God focus2. Soul2 Tim.1:7 – “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.Conclusion:Luke 21:26 –“men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which arecoming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”Fight or Flight - Acquire energy for survival – adrenalinAutomatic responses (automatically react)Determined responses (Fight or Flee)ParalysesIsaiah 26:3 - You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you,because he trusts in you.Rev. 12:11-12 – “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word oftheir testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. “1 John 4:18 – “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do withpunishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”Luke 21:26 –“men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which arecoming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son ofMan coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to happen,look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”