The Reporter
 Volume 48 # 30,  --  July 25, 2008

The Beginning Facts Of

The Gospel – Mark One –

Mark moves quickly to set before his readers many of the beginning facts of the good news of Jesus Christ, God's Son. (Mark 1:1) The good news or gospel of Jesus Christ is the New Testament message. The words of the gospel are "true and faithful" (Revelation 22:6) Jesus was the promised and expected Messiah and Mark writes Jesus' gospel.

The fact of John preparing the way – Mark 1:1-8: Malchi had prophesied of John who would introduce the New Covenant and Jesus Christ. "Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming, says the Lord of hosts." (Malachi 3:1) Isaiah also wrote of one who would be a voice crying in the wilderness. His message would be, "...prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God." (Isaiah 40:3)

The law and the prophets were till John. From John onward the kingdom of God is preached. (Luke 16:16) John was a powerful preacher. He preached, (1) Baptism (Mark 1:4), (2) Repentance (Mark 1:4), (3) Remission of sins (Mark 1:4), (4) The greatness of Jesus, and (5) The power of God's Son. (Mark 1:8) Jesus later said, "...Among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." (Luke 7:28)

The fact of Jesus' baptism and temptation – Mark 1:9-13: Christ's obscurity in Nazareth ends as He came to be baptized by John. Jesus' life was a life of humility. (Philippians 2:5-8) There are a number of years in the life of Jesus of which we have no details. He quietly and humbly prepared Himself for the work He came earth to do. Jesus was baptized to fulfill all of God's requirements. He said, "...Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he allowed Him." (Matthew 3:15) After Jesus' baptism He was confessed by God. "Then a voice came from heaven, You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Mark 1:11) Baptism is still a vital part of God's plan for our day. (Acts 22:16, Galatians 3:27)

Mark also allows us to observe that Jesus was tempted by Satan. Satan, (1) Has powers and lying wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9), (2) Deceives the whole world (Revelation 12:9), (3) Hinders those who would serve God (1 Thessalonians 2:18), and (4) Takes advantage of people. (2 Corinthians 2:11) It is from the power of Satan that Christ came to bring deliverance. (Acts 26:18) Jesus faced temptation using what was "written." As temptation comes our way let us also use "what is written" in the word of God to resist the Devil.

The fact of Jesus' Galilean ministry – Mark 1:14-34: John prepared the way. Then Jesus began to preach "the gospel of the kingdom." (Mark 1:14) Jesus came to set up His kingdom; His one church. The kingdom was "at hand" during His personal ministry. (Mark 1:15) It was to come in the lifetime of some of those who heard Him speak. "Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power." (Mark 9:1) The message for those that would enter the kingdom is faith plus obedience. At the end of the world the kingdom will be delivered back to God. "Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power." (1 Corinthians 15:24)

Mark also allows us to observe Jesus as He called His disciples. (Mark 1:16-20) Jesus is the Master teacher and therefore He called for men to be His disciples. Among those early disciples were four fisher-men, Peter, Andrew, James, and John. Jesus made use of ordinary men in setting up His kingdom. Whatever your circumstance or situation God can use you to build up this same kingdom. Those that follow Jesus are to become "fishers of men." "Then Jesus said to them, follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." (Mark 1:17) The early disciples left all to follow Jesus. Are you making any sacrifices to follow Jesus?

During His person ministry Jesus offered proof that He was the Son of God by miracles that he did. Mark records several of those miracles. Much of Jesus' teaching in Galilee was in and around Capernaum. He carefully observed the Sabbath. He lived as a Jew under the Law which required, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." (Exodus 20:8) Jesus was different from the preachers of His day. There was much in His doctrine which is astonishing. Jesus worked genuine miracles for confirmation of His powerful doctrine. On this occasion Jesus cast a demon out of a man in the synagogue in Capernaum. The result was, "...immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee." (Mark 1:28)

Even after the fame of Jesus spread, He continued to do good. Wherever Christ went He went to do good. He entered Peter's house and healed his mother-in-law of a great fever. (Mark 1:29-30) The touch of the Master healed her and strengthened her. Think of what the touch of the Master can do in our lives!

Jesus was able to cure all that were sick or demon possessed. (Mark 1:32-34) All the city gathered at Jesus' door to ask help. "But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings..." (Malachi 4:2) Jesus preached and healed publicly and house to house. Even those that denied that Jesus was the Son of God could not question the reality of His miracles.

The fact of Jesus preaching and healing in Galilee – Mark 1:35-45: The preaching of Jesus was preceded by prayer. (Mark 1:35) Secret prayer prepared Jesus for powerful public preaching. No man has any business teaching in public until he has prayed in private. Jesus preached wherever there was opportunity. Lift up your eyes and look for teaching opportunities.

A leper came to Jesus with great humility and great confidence in His power. "If you are willing, you can make me clean." (Mark 1:40) Jesus was a man of great compassion. He even reached out and touched the man with leprosy. The man could not keep quiet about what Jesus had done for him. (Mark 1:40-45)

Mark writes a powerful account of the gospel; concerning things Jesus did and said. His is a gospel of action. He moves quickly to present the powerful Savior. Read Mark chapter one and be impressed with Jesus, the SON OF GOD. The design of the gospel is that all will learn who Jesus is, come to appreciate His sacrifice and submit to His will in humble obedience.

Do you believe in Jesus? If so it is time to become a Christian now! To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Christ as Lord (Acts 8:37), and be baptized to be saved. (1 Peter 3:21). After baptism follow Jesus in faithfulness as He leads you home to heaven. (Revelation 2:10)

- - - - Charles Box

News & Notes

1. Prayer List: Baptist South Hospital: Juanita Turner, Georgiana Hospital: Brenda Burkett, Edith Mosley, and Shirley O’Connor. In Need Of Prayers: Ida “Jean” Brazell (mother-in-law of Felice Kendrick), Nelson Daughtry, Jean Gafford, Cage Harrell, Billy Heartsill, Pam Holp, Mary Lawrence, Abigail Matthews, Renny McNaughton (brother of Patricia Gafford), Julie Money, Austin Shows, Sarah Stidham, Richard Watts, and Mary Williams. Crowne Health Care: Mary Alexander, James Alford, Gladys Childs, Kathy Johnson, Wallace Murry, and Myrtle Perdue. Pine Needle: Mary Lou Phelps. Georgiana Nursing Facility: Helen Autrey, and Doris Pierce. Shut-Ins: Emma Lee Gafford, Jean Hayes, and Doris Taylor.

2. Please Pray For: Pray for Paul Findley, Ben Newton and Jason Godwin as they serve in Iraq. Also pray for Dennis Phillips Jr. as he will be going to Iraq soon.

3. Pray For Permission To Build: Pray that we can obtain permission to build a building in Annai, Guyana, South America. A congregation is needed there.

4. Sympathy Expressed: Our love and sympathy is expressed to Pete Smith and his family in the recent death of his brother.

5. Youth Minister: Jeff Stacy will visit on July 27^th. He will teach the youth class and preach on Sunday morning. He is being considered for our Youth Minister.

6. Birthday: Celebrating birthdays this week are: July 27^th Dustin Harrell and Doris Taylor, July 31^st Marie Curlee, Patricia Harrell, and Susan Murphy, August 1^st Marie Owens, and August 2^nd Tyler Nall.

7. All Age Devotional: There will be an all age devotional after services on Sunday night, July 27^th. See food sign-up sheet on the bulletin board. Bring school supplies for a joint service project with the Fort Deposit Church of Christ to provide school supplies for needy children in Lowndes County. See Lora Gail Bagents for more details.

8. Write To Jason Godwin: His address is: Jason E. Godwin, C Company 1-244^th ASLT BN, APO AE 09391.

9. School Supplies For Guyana: We are again providing school supplies for at least four schools in the Annai area in Guyana, South America. Purchase supplies or give money to Charles Box or Lisa Bagents. Your help is greatly appreciated. There are several hundred very poor children there.

10. Away For A While: Christine Lucas and her children will be visiting her mother for several days. Pray for them.

11. Wiregrass Christian Camp: In recent weeks Alaina Bagents, Lacey Barr and Jamey Thomas received the highest achievement, the Bible Award, at Wiregrass Christian Camp. Congrat-ulation, to these fine young people.

12. Web-Site: Check out our website: http:\\www.walnutstreetchurchofchrist.org. New material is added each week and you can also access many teaching articles and past issues of The Reporter.

13. Thank You: Thanks to all that assisted Randy and Dawn Fullington in making their move to their new house.

14. Put These Dates On Your Calendar: (a) July 27^th – August 1^st – Gospel Meeting – Grady Church of Christ – Speaker Dr. G. Scott Gleaves – Time Bible Class 9 a.m., Worship 10 a.m., Singing 2:30 p.m. and Worship each night 7:30 p.m. (b) August 10th – 13^th – Gospel Meeting – Georgia Road Church of Christ – Speaker Alan Watkins – Time Sunday Singing 1:00 p.m., Worship 2:00 p.m. and weeknights 7:30 (c) September 13^th – Ladies Day – Walnut Street Church of Christ – Speaker Sheila Butt – Theme Seeking Spiritual Beauty. (d) October 5^th-9^th – Gospel Meeting – Walnut Street Church of Christ – Speaker Ron Bryant – Sunday 6:00 p.m. and weeknights at 7:00.

Are You His Friend?

A few days after Peter’s denials of Christ, the risen Lord sat with the disciples and ate breakfast. When they were finished Jesus turned to Peter and asked him, “Do you love me more than these?” (John 21:15.) This question He asked twice, both times using a form of the word agape, which describes a complete and selfless love. Peter replied to both questions with a much weaker form of the word “love,” saying, “yes Lord you know that I phileo you.” Undoubtedly this deeply grieved Peter, but he was aware of his weakness, and would not boldly profess his undying love for the Savior. A third time Jesus asked, “Peter, do you love me?” (John 21:17.) But this time Jesus asks as if to say, “Peter, do you even like me?” To which Peter replied, “Lord, you know all things. You know that I phileo you.”

Like Peter we are often quick to profess our endless, perfect love for God. And, like Peter, we are quick to deny Him with our actions or words. We are fortunate, today, that we don’t have to fear death when we profess the name of Christ. But we must fear death if we refuse to obey Him. Jesus said, “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” (John 15:14.) You see, Jesus didn’t require that Peter’s love always be perfect, but He did require him to be His friend.

Are you a friend of Jesus’? You can answer yes when you’ve done what the Bible says you must do. It is simple. Hear the word of God. (Romans 10:17) Believe that Jesus Christ is the one and only Son of God, and that He died for you. (John 8:24.) Repent of your past sins. (Luke 13:3.) Confess Christ before others. (Romans 10:9-10.) Be baptized, or fully immersed, in water to wash away your sins. (Acts 22:16) Then continue to live in accordance with God’s word for the remainder of your life so that you can receive the reward that has been promised to all who live faithfully. (Revelation 2:10.) Become Jesus’ friend today!

- - - - Darrell Powell

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Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Don’t just own a Bible; read it!

Walnut Street Church of Christ

P.O. Box 551

Greenville, Alabama 36037-0551

(334-382-3001)