The gospel was Mark is attributed to having been written by John Mark.  The Holy Spirit used various men to write and preserve the Bible that we have.  In this it is the word of God, Himself. He orchestrated each writer’s pen presenting His Story.  To fully understand the style used, one must consider to whom it is written.  The gospel of Mark was written to the Roman Christians.  For that reason, it’s style is one that presents the message in a style that “is brief and blunt, pertinent and pithy, short and sweet…this is the gospel of action and accomplishment.”[1]  This is what would be best suited for the Roman Christians who lived under a dictatorship that signified power.

It was an act of God’s Grace that chose John Mark to write the Gospel of Mark.

To further understand the gospel of Mark, one must also look at who John Mark was and why the Holy Spirit chose him to record this gospel for us.  We know that his mother was the one whose home Paul went; after being released from prison in Acts 12:12. “where many gathered to pray”.  Many also believe that it was this house where the Lord’s Supper occurred and hence John Mark is writing about his own encounter in Mark 14:51-52 when he tells of a young man wrapped in a linen cloth fled naked through the streets after the guards laid hold on his linen cloth (a story we will explore further as we reach Mark 14).

JOHN MARK THE MAN

John Mark received much of his knowledge of the events in Christ’s life from Simon Peter.  Simon Peter referred to John Mark as his “son” in I Peter 5:13. This is not referring to a son by birth; rather, as indicating that Peter led this young man to a saving knowledge of Christ-much as Paul refers to Timothy as his son (2 Timothy 2:1).  Also, we know that John Mark was the cousin of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10).  Furthermore, he accompanied Paul and Barnabas at the beginning of their first missionary journey; however, he turned back (Acts 13:13).  Because of his desertion, Paul did not want him to join them on the second journey.  Indeed, this led to a disagreement between Barnabas and Paul, leading to their going separate ways (Acts 15:38-39).  Barnabas took John Mark with him to Cyprus and Paul to Cilicia.

But as grace would have it and John Mark grew in his faith; later, Paul would later regard John Mark as one of the few who were faithful to the ministry of Christ to the end, requesting his presence during his darkest hours in a Roman dungeon because “he is profitable to me for the ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11).  Much like his mentor, Peter; John Mark had learned firsthand the sweet grace of being forgiven.  His accounts of Jesus Christ, most likely the recordings of what Peter had told Him, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit take on special meaning for each of us who have at one time or another failed in the ministry.  After all God used him to be instrument of this gospel.

“he learned firsthand that God gives penitent believers opportunity to recover from past failure. Mark not only heard redemption and new life proclaimed, he experienced it in his own life.”[2]

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

Consider all this as we begin a study through the book of Mark; as it speaks to each of us.  God’s grace is bigger than our failures, when we turn to Him.  He can use each of us to spread His gospel message, regardless of our past, if only we are willing to follow after Him.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.

OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here

JUST RELEASED

You can find this and all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there

Recently released Books Available

ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY

A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.

 

 

 

WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”

Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.

You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Footnotes and Credits

Photo by Hugues de BUYER-MIMEURE on Unsplash

[1] J. Vernon McGee, “Matthew through Romans”, Thru the Bible with J. Vernon McGee Vol. 4, (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers), 158

[2]  Jerry Falwell, ed., The Liberty Annotated Study Bible, (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1988), 1489

On February 19, 1980, God gave me a precious gift to hold and to love.  What a privilege it has been to be the mother of Alberto F. Barba.  Through all the years, whether good or bad; his smile has lit up the room with joy, hope, and strength.  God gifted him with leadership which was evident even when so young.  He took on the task of being his brother’s protector when he was merely 5 years old.  Ah, and I remember the moment at age six that he first said, “yes” to following God.  It would be years before he says he accepted Christ as his Savior; however, I remember his simple prayer way back then asking God to come into his heart.

We had just come to a stop light, driving on the outskirts of Dallas in my White Dodge Ram Charger. Amid a sometimes frightening world, I said a prayer of praise; because, I knew in that moment God had the steering wheel of my life and my children.  Alberto, always stood for truth and honor; even, with trembling hands looking into his father’s eyes to tell him in a gentle voice when he was wrong.  At the same time, he reached out with arms of love, quickly forgiving and looking for all that was good.

Alberto, now the man

For me, Alberto will always be my “osito panda”; but, to the world he is a man.  He is a dedicated husband, father, and Christian; who always strives to do his best.  His  integrity, honesty,  and God honoring life shines in everything he does.  Happy Birthday, Alberto.  May God always shine His light of blessing on your life.  Ah, but I know He will.  His plans are always the best; whatever, road He takes us down.

Love, Mom

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

With heavy hearts, we weep with all those in Parkland, Florida.  Realizing such evil exists forces us to stop and think. Where do we turn and what can we do to combat such evil?  There is only one hope that can reach the depths of broken souls such as Nikolas Cruz before such a tragedy occurs. That is the gospel message of Jesus Christ; yet, we have banned the Bible and even individual prayer from our schools.  We bought into the lies of the secular humanists throughout the twentieth century, even as Christians.  The consequences of our silence led us to now toward a place of hopeless nihilism as a society; where anger roars and life is no longer a thing to cherish.  There is only one to overcome evil and that is the gospel message of Jesus Christ.

As I pray for all those lives lost, those injured and all their families in Florida; I find I must also pray for Nikolas.  Not that he ever be let loose; no, he must pay the full price for his act-even if that means the death sentence.  However, I do pray for his soul; that, he might find Christ.  Below is an excerpt from “When God Commanded Build that Wall plus The Evil Within.”  Could all of this have been prevented if someone had reached out to Nikolas with the gospel of Jesus Christ?  What if a teacher had been allowed to tell him of faith? We will never know; however, we must consider those questions. Continue reading How to Combat the Evil Within Our Nation →

Many prophets had come to warn God’s people of their impending captivity. Jeremiah was one such prophet.  With weeping and sorrow, he pleaded with the people to turn their hearts to worship God with true hearts of faith.  They went about the rituals of worship; but, their hearts were hard. The rituals of worship continued; however, they combined their worship of God with idolatrous worship, sinful living, and social injustice.  Although they went about the acts of worship; their hearts did worship Him in truth.  Instead of heeding the warning, they ridiculed, beat, and persecuted the prophets sent.  Rather than to trust God, they made allegiances with evil, idolatrous nations, hoping they would protect them.  Ultimately, they fell captive to the Babylonian Empire and Jeremiah sent a letter to the exiles reminding them of God’s Plan for their good.  His Gracious Hand was reaching out still in their captivity.

 For thus saith the Lord, “That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.  For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:10-13).

So, the question I ask you is this: Do you really trust God’s Plans for your life? Are you calling to Him out of whatever place you find yourself?  Are you seeking Him, trusting Him with all your heart?

 GOD’S PLAN FOR GOOD

Hebrews 6:11 tells us ^“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”  Do you believe that?  God is a Sovereign, Almighty, Righteous, and Just God of Mercy, Grace and love. Are you eyes focused on Him and seeking Him as your greatest treasure?  When trials, heartbreaks, and pain enter your life; do you still believe He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him?  Are your eyes and heart focused on the greater treasure or do you merely seek the treasures of this earth?  If you see Him as the greatest treasure, what are you willing to sacrifice to know Him?

Everyone warned Paul not to go to Jerusalem.  Surely, he would be imprisoned if he went or die.  Yet, God sent Paul to Jerusalem and he went; whatever, the cost he would follow God’s command.  He stood before the courts of Governors and Kings, where he proclaimed the truth of the gospel; never considering the personal cost.  When he appealed to Rome; where, he was sent and imprisoned, he most likely knew the peril; but, he did so at God’s command. From the darkest dungeons and the years of beatings, imprisonment; Paul wrote the letters of encouragement, hope and truth that makes up the largest portion of the New Testament.  Why?

 PAUL TRUSTED GOD’S PLAN

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death (Philippians 3:8-10)

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).

Joy can be ours, not just in the future; but, abiding, steadfast joy lifting our hearts, strengthening our hands: here and now amid the trials and suffering of this world.  Because, we know Him.  That is the fruit of the spirit in us. And that is what Paul knew; regardless, of where the journey of life led him.

the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance (Galatians 5:22-23).

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

God’s plan is to reveal Himself to us, to fill us with His Joy, and to clothe us in His righteousness.  His plans are good; even when we do not understand.  But that is what faith is: “believing that God IS (the great I AM) and that all He does is for my good”

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.

OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here

JUST RELEASED

You can find this and all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there

Recently released Books Available

ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY

A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.

 

 

 

WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”

Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.

You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits and Footnotes

Photo by Jens Lelie on Unsplash

What value or worth do you place on knowing God?  What are you willing to sacrifice to be able to know God? Or to testify of Him? Is getting out of bed 30 minutes early too much? What if to spread His word you would have to give up a prestigious position or drive the same old car? Is that too much?  Or what if, to really know God; you struggle with chronic illness or pain?  In some parts of the world, to know God and to testify of Him could mean you are imprisoned, you and your family tortured, or you could be forced to watch as your family are slain before your eyes.  But if you really know God, can you keep silent?   Holding the most precious treasure in your hands, how can you not want to share?

Here in the United States, we take it all for granted.  We want the blessings, the counterfeit joys, prosperity and comfort; yet, we are not willing to even give God 10 minutes of our time, unless of course there is something we want from Him.  But, what about just sitting at His feet; to know Him?  Down through history, God’s prophets, preachers, and even His own son willingly suffered and died that we might know Him and the power of His might, that we might know His love, His joy, and His hope in a chaotic world hell bent on denying Him.  So, what is it worth to you to know God?  Is it worth getting up early or turning off the TV?  Is it worth suffering, to know God as your greatest treasure?  He may not ask you to give it all up; but, what if He does?

TO KNOW GOD

Continue reading What is it Worth to Know God? →