Mark 1 (MTB)

THE WAR-CRY IN THE WILDERNESS — THE INVASION OF THE KINGDOM BATTLE INTRO: No family record. No birth account. No quiet beginning. MARK opens with the arrival of the GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST, the SON OF WARRIOR GOD SUPREME. In the wilderness, WARRIOR JOHN THE BAPTIST summons the nation to turn back to GOD. At the JORDAN, heaven is opened, the HOLY SPIRIT comes upon JESUS, and the public mission of the MESSIAH begins. Before the first sermon is finished, the conflict between the KINGDOM OF GOD and the kingdom of darkness is already underway.

Mark 1:1 (MTB) This is where the GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST, the SON OF WARRIOR GOD SUPREME, begins. ⸻ Mark 1:2 (MTB) Just as WARRIOR ISAIAH the PROPHET wrote, "See! I am sending MY messenger ahead of YOU. HE will make ready the way before YOU. ⸻ Mark 1:3 (MTB) "A voice is calling across the wilderness: 'Clear the LORD'S way. Make every road for HIM direct.'" ⸻ Mark 1:4 (MTB) WARRIOR JOHN THE BAPTIST appeared in the wilderness, announcing a baptism that called people to repentance so their sins could be forgiven. ⸻ Mark 1:5 (MTB) Crowds came to WARRIOR JOHN THE BAPTIST from every part of JUDEA and from JERUSALEM. As they openly confessed their sins, WARRIOR JOHN THE BAPTIST baptized them in the JORDAN. ⸻ Mark 1:6 (MTB) WARRIOR JOHN THE BAPTIST wore clothing made from camel's hair with a leather belt fastened around the waist, and WARRIOR JOHN THE BAPTIST lived on locusts and wild honey. ⸻ Mark 1:7 (MTB) WARRIOR JOHN THE BAPTIST proclaimed, "After me comes ONE whose greatness far exceeds mine. I am not worthy even to stoop down and loosen the strap of HIS sandals. ⸻ Mark 1:8 (MTB) "I immersed you in water, but HE will immerse you in the HOLY SPIRIT." ⸻ Mark 1:9 (MTB) During those days JESUS came from NAZARETH in GALILEE, and WARRIOR JOHN THE BAPTIST baptized JESUS in the JORDAN. ⸻ Mark 1:10 (MTB) As JESUS came up out of the water, JESUS saw the heavens split open, and the HOLY SPIRIT coming down upon JESUS in the form of a dove. ⸻