Sermons Shared by Our Pastors

Pastor Bret Campbell Sr.
Sunday Morning, December 7, 2025
Sermon Series: “Jesus is the Good News!” (Book Study of Mark) #1

 

“PREPARING THE WAY FOR THE GOOD NEWS”
(Mark 1:1-8)

 

INTRODUCTION:

I. The Announcement of the Good News: Mark 1:1-3

“Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”

II. The Announcer of the Good News: Mark 1:4-8

“John appeared baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”

Who is John Mark?

• Born in the first century, the son of Mary, who hosted Christians in her home (Acts 12:12)
• Known as the cousin of Barnabus (Col.4:10)
• John Mark first appears in Acts 12:25
• John Mark served as Paul’s assistant on the first missionary journey

(Acts 13:5)

• John Mark Deserted Paul and Barnabus in Pamphylia

(Acts 15:38)

• Paul and Barnabus separated with Barnabus taking Mark and Paul taking Silas on his second missionary journey

(Acts 15:39-40) (around 49-50 A.D.)

• Peter spoke favorably of John Mark

(1 Peter 5:13)

• Paul and John Mark reconciled their relationship

(2 Timothy 4:11)

• Historians Papias (A.D.60-130), Clement of Alexandria (A.D.150-215) record that John Mark served as Peter’s interpreter in Rome. Eusebius (A.D.325) writes that John Mark was martyred, being dragged by his feet through the city for two days before dying and having his body burned.
• John Mark wrote for the Romans, and his theme is Jesus Christ the servant. The emphasis in this gospel is on activity. One of Mark’s favorite words is “immediately.” He reveals Jesus as God’s servant, sent to minister to suffering people and to die for the sins of the world. The key verse in the book is Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

CONCLUSION: