A Life of failure can become a life of victory

A Life of failure can become a life of victory

Today I will share the life story of John Mark.  He is a story of failure and restoration.  John Mark was given a chance to go on a missionary journey with Paul and Barnabus but midway through the journey he left.  Later Barnabus wanted to take John Mark with them again and Paul did not.  An argument followed and the results were that Paul and Barnabus parted ways.  Later however we see Paul and John Mark reconciling and John Mark even became a valued member of Paul`s team.  His is a life of failure but eventually becoming a story of victory.  That is how we must look at our failures.  They are stepping stones to future victory.  The secret is learning from our mistakes and growing from them.  Asking the Lord to help us and then becoming the person God always intended us to be.  

Wait for the Power

The lesson of Mark

The Lesson of Mark

 

This morning we are looking at the book of Mark and the lessons we can learn from it.  I love the book of Mark because it is quick in movement, active and impulsive in its main characteristics.  The book of Mark was written by Mark who was the cousin of Barnabus and an associate of Paul and Peter.  Most say that Peter was his mentor.  It was written somewhere between 50 and 70 A.D.  Most scholars believe it was the first gospel written.  It is a book written to challenge the reader with immediate action and change.  Jesus was a man of action.  He did not wait for people to come to Him.  He went to the people.  His work was immediate and effective.  God has called us to live each day as if this was the last day on the planet.  Live your life so well that of Jesus called you right at this moment you would be ready.  The reality is that He could.  Immediate obedience Is what we must be ready to do.  Some opportunities will never come again and to think that you missed one is a great loss.

God of all

God of all – Rom 3:29-31

Vs 29 – Paul then presents two questions that are also statements.  Is God the God of the Jews only?  Is He not the God of the Gentiles as well?  Then He answers the questions.  “Yes, He is the God of the Gentiles.”  He is the universal God.

Vs 30 – He is the only universal God.  Both Jew and Gentile are justified through the same means and method, through faith.

Vs 31 – Paul closes this chapter off with another question?  Do we nullify or discount the law by walking in faith?  “Not at all,” Paul says.  The law is upheld by faith.  Faith is the foundation of the law.  It is also the fulfillment of the law through Jesus Christ.  Jesus said He did not come to do away with the law but to fulfill it.  Let Him fulfill it in your life today

Finished work of Christ

Finished Work of Christ – Rom 3:27-28

Vs 27 – Paul says if you are going to boast about being excluded from judgment.  The principle you should boast of is not found in law but in faith.  Faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, His burial and ultimately in His resurrection.

Vs 28 – Paul puts His argument in a nutshell here.  A person is justified by faith and not by observing the law.  This was quite a statement especially for His readers who were Jews.  When you know that nothing but the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation for salvation you quit striving.  No amount of works will secure you salvation.  It is grace and faith alone that are the elements of the reception of eternal life.  Share this message with the people who strive and see them set free in Christ.

The battle is the Lord

The Lord will restore His Kingdom

When will you restore the Kingdom – Acts 1:6-7

    The disciple gathered around Jesus and they asked Him a very important question to them.  Interesting what seems important to us does not always seem as important with God.  They asked Him if He was going to restore the Kingdom at this time.  Right up to the end they did not fully comprehend that Jesus’ kingdom was not a political one.  At this moment they still saw Jesus as a conquering Messiah not a suffering servant.  Jesus answers bluntly and simply.  It is not for them to know the times or seasons which the Father has Himself put into His power.  John 21:20-23 comes into play.  There are some things that we do not need to know.  We are to simply follow God and do His will.  We can read the signs but to predict or name the date of the coming of the Kingdom is not for us to know.  We are call to live ready.  If some maniac or false prophet comes along and tells you they know when Christ is coming back call them what they are a liar.  Jesus states here this is the Father’s realm and His alone.  You are I are call to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.  That is enough to keep us busy until Jesus comes.