Mark 16 - The Greatest News the World Has Ever Seen!!!

Mark 16 - NIV 

Enduring Word Commentary

Key Verses - Matthew 16:15-15

15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 

Commentary

This is Mark's version of the Great Commission, which is also found in Matthew 28. There are similarities and differences. The basic thrust is the same, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." This basic mission of the church will never change. Notice it doesn't say wait until people come to your church and then preach the gospel. It says, "Go into all the world!"

You might think that this might exclude you because it is not practical for you to become a missionary and go to some other part of the world. However, the world is all around you, right where you live. In the state I live in, California, around 50% of the people identify as a Christian. This would mean every other person I meet in my neighborhood are not Christian. 

Specifically, Jesus commands the disciples to go into all the world and,  "preach the gospel". The word "gospel" also means "Good News". It is where we get the term "evangelism". Evangelism along with discipleship are the two essential purposes of the church.  Importantly it is Good News! Why?

The Good News is that God so loved the world that He sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to save it. Due to our sinful nature, we are separated from God. But Jesus restored our relationship by dying for our sin on the cross. 

The Good News if we believe in Jesus and what He has done for us, when we die we will go to heaven and meet our Him. We will spend eternity with Jesus and with all those who have also believed in Jesus. 

The Good News is that we are set free from sin. Though we will still struggle with our sinful nature until we die, we now have the power through the Holy Spirit to live a new life. A life that is filled with peace, power, and presence through the Holy Spirit.  

The Good News is we are given the gift peace. You can't put a price on peace. Many wonder what will happen when they die and meet God. They wonder if they have done enough to make it into heaven. On a good day they feel at peace, on a bad day they they are plagued with doubt. 

The Good News is we don't have to do anything to earn salvation it is a gift of God!  This doesn't mean that Jesus doesn't call us to make a decision follow him. Every day, as a follower of Christ, we choose to die to our self and live for him. We live to serve him, love others, and share our faith as He gives us the opportunity with gentleness and respect. 

Friends, I came to faith as a freshman in high school. I went through a brief period when I walked away form Jesus, but a few years later, I recommitted my life to Christ. Everything Jesus promised has come true in my life. I would not trade the life Jesus has given me for anything, When I think about the sacrifices I have made as a Christian, they are not even worthy to be compared to the abundant life (John 10:10) Jesus promised to his followers. 

Application

1. Do you believe in the Good News about Jesus Christ? Have you accepted Jesus to be Your Lord and Savior? You can do this anywhere, anytime. Just ask him to come into your life and turn from what you know is wrong and follow Him. 

2. Are you sharing the Good News with those who may be headed to a "Christless eternity"? I am  not laying a guilt trip on you!  Sharing the Good News is merely sharing what Jesus has done in your life and trusting the Holy Spirit to do the rest. 

Prayer

Jesus, you have called us not only accept you as our Savior, but to share the Good News with all whom we meet. Send the Holy Spirit to give us the right words to say in every situation. Amen. 

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