Passage
Mark 1:1-8 (ESV)
God Accepts Those Who Fear Him
Acts 10:17-35
Key Verse: 10:34
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
Date: Jan. 16, 2016
Daily Bread
Introduction to the Gospel of Mark
Key Verse: 1:3
First, the beginning of the good news (1-3). Mark starts out his gospel account with the beginning of the good news about Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God. The good news of the gospel began with the message God gave to the prophet Isaiah. God would send His messenger ahead of the Messiah. He would be a voice in the desert, preparing the way for the Lord in people's hearts.
Second, "...he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit" (4-8). John the Baptist was the Lord's messenger. John preached repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Everyone in the whole Judean countryside came and listened to him. They confessed their sins and were baptized. John was very humble, but his message was great: one much greater than he was coming. John baptized with water, but the one to come would baptize with the Holy Spirit. How can we be prepared for the Lord? When we listen to Jesus and repent of our sins, we are prepared to receive the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, prepare my heart to receive Jesus. Help me to confess my sin and repent. Baptize me with the Holy Spirit.
One Word: Receive the gospel by preparing my heart
