Mark 1:29-39

The gospel of Mark reports that very early, long before dawn, Jesus got up and went to a deserted place and prayed. When the disciples found him, he said to them, "Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also."

The author of the gospel of Mark tells us that Jesus begins his ministry in Galilee by calling his disciples, casting out unclean spirits, healing, and teaching that the kingdom of God is at hand. What is his message? In the gospel of Mark, Jesus proclaims that faith is the way into the kingdom of God. Healing is a sign of God's blessing and a mark of forgiveness.

What is the message of the church? Is it that by joining the church one may receive God's blessing? Or is it that, in Christ, God's blessing is offered to everyone who has faith?

Grace and peace...Bob