Welcome to episode 42 of Grasp the Bible.  In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 1:14-28.  The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!”  Today, we discuss: 

• Proclaiming the kingdom of God (vv. 14-15) 
• Jesus calling four disciples (vv. 16-20) 
• Jesus in the synagogue (vv. 21-28) 

Key takeaways: 

• The period of preparation, that of ancient Israel and John, was complete. The divinely appointed time had come. The prophecies were being fulfilled in Jesus. 
• For Mark the “Kingdom of God” refers to a present, spiritual kingdom rather than a future, earthly one. The expression refers to the kingly rule, the reign, the dominion, the sovereignty of God in the hearts of people. 
• The kingdom of God in Mark must be seen as both a present reality and a future hope. It is “already” and “not yet.” The reign of God began to take place in the life and ministry of Jesus, but it was not fully manifested then and will not be until Jesus returns.   
• Jesus called people to repent and believe. 
• Jesus does not invite people to follow him...he commands them. 
• Things happened immediately around Jesus because he was empowered by the Spirit of God. 
• Jesus spoke with authority because he preached God’s Word, not about God’s Word. 
• It is very possible to recognize Jesus for who he is and hate him all the more. 
• The combination of teaching and miracle in the synagogue shows that Jesus was powerful in both word and deed. 

Quotable: 

If we want to communicate in our walk and talk, God’s authority must be part of our life. We need not so much to possess the message, but rather to let the message possess us. 

Application: 

• If the “Kingdom of God” has already arrived, why is there still sin in the world?  While it arrived with the birth of Jesus, it will not be fulfilled completely until his return. 
• Believing the gospel means affirming what God does, particularly when our expectations are not met. Repentance alone is not enough to save us, even though God expects believers to turn from their sins. 
• When a superior commands us to do something, we are supposed to do it.  Jesus commands people to follow him immediately, completely, and willingly. 
• Christ does transformational work in us and empowers us for his work when we are obedient to him. 
• Jesus calls his followers to minister in his authority. 

Connect with us: 

Web site:  https://springbaptist.org 

Facebook:   

https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus) 

https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus) 

Need us to pray for you?  Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/ 

If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.