The Very Rev Dr Norman Hamilton Date: 15th September 2013 Introduction of Mark's Gospel. John the Baptist prepares the way

1. Mark 1. 1-8
Starting the
Good news!
Ballysillan Presbyterian Church
15 September 2013

2. The good
news is that
what Mark is writing IS
good news for ALL
people…...

3. Luke 2. 8-11
And there were shepherds living out in the
fields near by, keeping watch over their flocks
at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to
them, and the glory of the Lord shone around
them, and they were terrified. But the angel
said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you
good news that will cause great joy for all the
people. Today in the town of David a Saviour
has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the
Lord.

4. LONG TERM
PREPARATION
OF THE GOOD
NEWS >>
JOHN THE BAPTIST

5. Repentance..
A turning back / away from sin
and all its expressions…
acknowledging that we have
erred and strayed from God’s
ways like lost sheep - and we
cannot find our way back to God
by ourselves

6. Lord - I abhor everything that there
has been in my life that has
dishonoured you, or kept you from
being first in my life.
I long that will not be repeated,
and I seek the help of your Spirit to
clean me up and set me on your
new path...