Gospel = The Good News: January 21, 2018

Title: Gospel = The Good News

Text: Mark 1:14-20 (NIV)

14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

Jesus Calls His First Disciples

16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 18 At once they left their nets and followed him.  19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

Introduction:

1. Let’s think about the word Gospel
2. The Gospel enters into a world in great conflict

III. Hearing the “come and follow” of Jesus

1. IV. The “at once and without delay” kind of following 

Conclusion:

REFLECT: A troubled person, T. M., once asked Evangelist Billy Graham about following Christ; Graham’s response encouraged thousands of others who read it.

“My life is so busy that I can’t imagine taking a couple of hours every day to pray, like I guess saintly people are supposed to do,” T.M. added.

Rev. Graham explained that not everyone is given a ministry of prayer. “Some men and women may be called by God to do exactly what you say; over the years, I’ve been humbled to meet some of them,” he wrote. “When I get to heaven, I’m sure I’ll discover just how important they were in God’s work.”

The 96-year-old then explained what it means to be a follower of Christ. “First, it means to be committed to him as our savior and Lord,” he began.  “This means we want him to be the master of our lives instead of trying to run them ourselves. Have you turned over the control of your life to him?

“Following Christ also means we seek to obey him every day. He knows what is best for us and has told us how he wants us to live in his word, the Bible.  “Is it part of your life every day and are you allowing its truth to shape your mind and heart?

“Finally, following Christ means seeing others through his eyes,” Graham continued. “Christ loved the world so much that he was willing to give his life for our salvation.

“Is his Holy Spirit filling us with his love, and are we seeking to touch others for Christ?

“The Bible says, ‘Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us’ (Ephesians 5:1-2).”

Billy Graham