Churches that lose the heart of the Gospel rapidly move into decline. Today starts a journey through Mark’s Gospel. From verse one, Mark alludes to the original creation story in Genesis. The Gospel is also a beginning. Jesus is inviting everyone to follow him into a new way.

Jesus offers a better way to be human.

Mark quotes Isaiah’s call to “prepare the way of the Lord.” Ironically, the Lord invites people to follow him in what the book of Acts calls “The Way” (See Acts 24:14). Internalizing the Gospel is key to living according to the Way. If the Gospel is lost, so is the Church.  In Mark 1, we see four components of the message.

1. In baptism, Jesus, the Son of God, identifies with sinful humanity, despite being sinless himself. He lived the life we should have lived.
2. John offered a baptism of repentance “for the forgiveness of sins,” but it was Jesus after him that could accomplish the necessary sacrifice on the Cross. Literally, half of the Gospel of Mark is devoted to Jesus’ death.
3. John tells us that his baptism was only with water, but Jesus baptizes followers with the Holy Spirit. See Ezekiel 36:24-26 for a description of the new heart such a Holy Spirit baptism can bring.
4. The Holy Spirit remains with the believer, teaching us and empowering us to love God and others.

All of this is Good News (literally what “Gospel” means). 

Taking It Home:  If you are already a Christian, spend time recalling how you felt at first and ask God to renew your zeal for him. If you’ve thought of yourself as spiritual but never committed to the way of Christ, become his disciple starting today. It’s the best thing for you!