Unwrapped

Unwrapped #3 - First Shots

Things move quickly here in the Gospel of Mark. One thing and then another thing and then another thing. From time to time, Mark will slow things down, but here is not the time. We’re only twelve verses into the good news about Jesus, and he is already at war. There was a spiritual battle taking place that few could see or understand, but Jesus was in it to win it. The war has been won, but the battle rages on. Jesus remains in it to win us. Mark 1:12-13.

Unwrapped #2 - Worship's Purpose

Last week we heard what Mark had to say about John. We heard what John had to say about Jesus. And that’s important. These are men who are speaking as God inspired and spurred them on to speak. But what is equally important if not even more important is that we listen to what God himself has to say about Jesus and even about us. His announcements carry far more weight. (Mark 1:9-11)

Unwrapped #1 - The Beginning

If you were going to write a story about Jesus and tell it faithfully and true, how would you start it? Maybe you’d start with a listing of his family tree, as Matthew did. Maybe you’d start with a claim to authentic research and a historically accurate account like Luke did. Maybe you’d start with a doxology of praise proclaiming his greatness like John did. Or maybe you’d start with John the Baptist, his story, and his work. That’s the way Mark starts his account, his good news about Jesus. We want to understand why he starts here. A sermon on Mark 1:1-8.