Gateway Visalia

Mark 1:14-15
Jesus Preaches in Galilee
“14Now after John was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Jesus’ Message;

A) The time is fulfilled

B) The Kingdom of God has come near

C) Repent

D) Believe in the gospel

“The Time (καιρός) is Fulfilled” (1:15A)

A καιρός Moment – An opportune moment to take action.

· Pronounced “kai-ross”

The Historical Moment of Jesus’ Annoucement1

· Rome is in political turmoil, and the last thing Caesar Augustus wants is a charismatic leader to rise

· The Jews have been waiting on the Messiah to bring forth God’s Kingdom.

We’re living in a καιρός moment.

The time is now – We are a church hard at work, when the laborers are few.2

“The Kingdom of God has Come Near;” (1:15B)

Jesus is announcing that God’s victory is at hand.

· We’re not here to sit around and wait

Success for every generation is that they know Jesus.

“Repent” (1:15C)

Repentance is living in newness of Christ3

· Fear of Missing Out vs. Fear of Missing Christ

If we want to have faith beyond Church walls, we need to be (making) disciples.4

· Constant internet exposure has led Gen Z to early exposure to adult themes – Who is guiding them through it?5

“Believe in the Gospel” (1:15D)

· Jesus, the King of Kings has invited you to join His Kingdom.

o “If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9.

We need to listen to the perspective of Youth now.

This is the greatest opportunity within our lifetime to share the clearest message;

Jesus proclaimed,

“The time is fulfilled,

And the Kingdom of God is near,
Repent,

And believe in the Gospel.”

References

1. N.T. Wright. Simply Jesus: A New Vision of Who He Was, What He Did, and Why He Matters.
2. “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”, Matthew 9:37
3. “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
4. Kara Powell. Faith Beyond Youth Group: 5 Ways to Form Character and Cultivate Lifelong Discipleship.
5. Jean Twenge, iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood

The Clearest Message
Sam Nicholson, Jr High Ministry Director
January 30


Prayer Requests:


Group Discussion:

1. When you look at the world right now, do you see problems or opportunities for the Kingdom? Why?


2. When was a time that you chose to make Jesus a priority over something else in your life? Is there something you’re struggling with now (ex. Work balance, sports activities, other distractions)?


3. Who is the one person (or place) in your life that needs to hear and believe the gospel?