‘Conversations that Connect’ 1 This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. It began 2 just as the prophet Isaiah had written: “Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way. 3 He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the L ORD ’s coming! Clear the road for him!’” 4 This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. 5 All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. 6 His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”

‘Conversations that Connect’ Mark’s Gospel based on Apostle Peter’s preaching and stories of Jesus. written by “Mark”, a “son” of Apostle Paul (1 Peter 5 v13). the first written Gospel in mid 60s AD [CE]. written in Rome for the Roman Christians but circulated. written to record eyewitness testimony, to encourage followers encountering persecution, to explain Christian origins and to share their message.

‘Conversations that Connect’ Mark’s Gospel Introduction/Prologue 1.The transcendent voice of Old Testament Scripture is fulfilled in John as part of God’s saving purposes. 2.The transcendent voice from heaven declares Jesus to be God’s Beloved Son and the giver of the Holy Spirit. 3. The transcendent ringside seat of Jesus confrontation and defeat of Satan in the desert temptations.

‘Conversations that Connect’ Mark’s Gospel begins with Scripture quotations By quoting these verses, Mark certifies that the Torah (Exodus 23 v20), the Major Prophets (Isaiah 40 v1), and the Minor Prophets (Malachi 3 v1) all confirm what he is about to tell the readers of his Gospel.

‘Conversations that Connect’ Do you have a sense that you are part of Gods saving activity in the world – as an individual and as a church? Are you ready and responsive for God in this new year?

‘Conversations that Connect’ Who played the part of John the Baptiser in your life… who prepared the way for Jesus? For whom are you preparing the way for Jesus currently? What do you need to repent of/turn away from at the start of this new year?