Sabbath Afternoon - June 29, 2024
Scripture Reading for the Week:
Acts 13:1-5; Acts 13:13; Acts 15:36-39; Mark 1:1-15; Isaiah 40:3; Daniel 9:24-27.
Thought for Meditation:
The burden of Christ's preaching was, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent ye, and believe the gospel." Thus the gospel message, as given by the Saviour Himself, was based on the prophecies. The "time" which He declared to be fulfilled was the period made known by the angel Gabriel to Daniel. "Seventy weeks," said the angel, "are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy." Daniel 9:24. A day in prophecy stands for a year. See Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6. The seventy weeks, or four hundred and ninety days, represent four hundred and ninety years. A starting point for this period is given: "Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks," sixty-nine weeks, or four hundred and eighty-three years. Daniel 9:25. The commandment to restore and build Jerusalem, as completed by the decree of Artaxerxes Longimanus (see Ezra 6:14; 7:1, 9, margin), went into effect in the autumn of B. C. 457. From this time four hundred and eighty-three years extend to the autumn of A. D. 27. According to the prophecy, this period was to reach to the Messiah, the Anointed One. In A. D. 27, Jesus at His baptism received the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and soon afterward began His ministry. Then the message was proclaimed. "The time is fulfilled." {DA 233.1} The Desire of Ages, 1898
Memory Text:
“Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel’ ” (Mark 1:14-15).
This week's SS Lesson will trace the missionary endeavor of Mark and his epistle regarding his encounter with the disciples and the message. This includes the principles by which the Book of Mark had been written and its relativeness to the present time.
Study Outline:
The Author of the Gospel
Sunday - June 30, 2024
The Failed Missionary
Monday - July 1, 2024
A Second Chance
Acts 15:1-41; 2 Corinthians 11:23-28; Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 1:24; 1 Peter 5:13.
The Beginning of the Gospel
Tuesday - July 2, 2024
The Messenger - The Preparation (Mark 1:1-8
Mark 1:1-8; Exodus 23:20; Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1; 2 Kings 1:8,
Wednesday - July 3, 2024
Jesus' Baptism - The Baptism - Mark 1:9-13
Thursday - July 4, 2024
The Gospel According to Jesus - The Message - Mark 1:14-15
Mark 1:14-15; Daniel 9:24-27; Acts 10:38; Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6; Ezra 7:1-28.
Friday - July 5. 2024
Insights and Further Study
From the Pen of Inspiration
Points to Ponder Upon
The Author of the Gospel
Sunday - June 30, 2024
The Failed Missionary
“When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark” (Acts 12:25)
An Encounter with False Prophets
The apostles started out upon their mission, taking with them Mark. They went into Seleucia, and from thence sailed to Cyprus. At Salamis they preached in the synagogues of the Jews. "And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus; which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith." {3SP 349.3} The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 3, 1878
Mark Recorded the Public Evangelism of Jesus
"From the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks"--namely, sixty-nine weeks, or 483 years. The decree of Artaxerxes went into effect in the autumn of 457 B.C. From this date, 483 years extend to the autumn of A.D. 27. At that time this prophecy was fulfilled. The word "Messiah" signifies "the Anointed One." In the autumn of A.D. 27 Christ was baptized by John and received the anointing of the Spirit. The apostle Peter testifies that "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power." Acts 10:38. And the Saviour Himself declared: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor." Luke 4:18. After His baptism He went into Galilee, "preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled." Mark 1:14, 15. {GC 327.1} The Great Controversy, 1911
Mark's Entire Devotion to the Work in the Gospel Ministry
"Sent forth by the Holy Ghost," Paul and Barnabas, after their ordination by the brethren in Antioch, "departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus." Thus the apostles began their first missionary journey. {RH, May 18, 1911 par. 1}
Cyprus was one of the places to which the believers had fled from Jerusalem because of the persecution following the death of Stephen. It was from Cyprus that certain men had journeyed to Antioch, "preaching the Lord Jesus." Barnabas himself was "of the country of Cyprus;" and now he and his fellow worker, Paul, accompanied by John Mark, a nephew of Barnabas, visited this island field. {RH, May 18, 1911 par. 2}
The mother of Mark was a convert to the Christian religion, and her home was an asylum for the disciples. There they were always sure of a welcome and a season of rest. It was during one of these visits of the apostles to his mother's home, that Mark proposed to Paul and Barnabas that he should accompany them on their missionary tour. He felt the favor of God in his heart, and longed to devote himself entirely to the work of the gospel ministry. {RH, May 18, 1911 par. 3} The Review and Herald
Consider the Following
Like the rest of the evangelists, Mark does not mention himself by name. He was a boy when the events he relates occurred, which he probably learned about through his intimate relationship with the apostle Peter (1 Pet. 5:13).
John Mark's mother was the owner of the place in Jerusalem where the church gathered to pray on the occasion of Peter's imprisonment (Acts 12:12).
Shortly thereafter, Barnabas and Saul (who had gone to Jerusalem to bring an offering) took John Mark to Antioch (Acts 12:25).
In Antioch, when the Holy Spirit called Barnabas and Saul to be missionaries among the Gentiles, they took John Mark with them as a collaborator (Acts 13:2-5).
But missionary life proved to be very hard for young Mark, who decided to return to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13).
Monday - July 1, 2024
A Second Chance
Acts 15:1-41; 2 Corinthians 11:23-28; Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 1:24; 1 Peter 5:13.
“Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11)
Enthusiastic Demonstration for the Service of the Lord
"I am now ready to be offered," the apostle Paul declared as his warfare drew to a close; "the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. {RH, July 18, 1907 par. 14}
"Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: for Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia; Titus unto Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee." {RH, July 18, 1907 par. 15}
"Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." {RH, July 18, 1907 par. 16} The Review and Herald
Bearing the Responsibilities of Soul-Winning
The four evangelists,--Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John,--all bear record that Jew and Gentile, priest and people, rulers, kings, and governors, all classes and tongues, were represented in rejecting Christ, a man who was innocent, and against whom no proof could be found. He came to this world to live God's law in human nature. He came to testify to the world's unfallen, to seraphim and cherubim, to angels and to men, that Satan's rebellion against God and his law was without foundation or excuse, that in his law God had revealed his character. This character Christ represented by living that law, thus vindicating it, and showing its immutability. This Satan could not tolerate. He could not bear to lose all that he had attempted in heaven, and in attempting which he had lost heaven. He and his evil angels united in a desperate companionship with disloyal and evil men. They resolved to use the whole power of their corrupt energies in putting out of the world the light of truth. {RH, January 23, 1900 par. 11} The Review and Herald
Experiences of Triumph Over the Devil were Recorded
Other instances of a similar nature are recorded in the Scriptures. The daughter of the Syrophoenician woman was grievously vexed with a devil, whom Jesus cast out by His word. (Mark 7:26-30). "One possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb" (Matthew 12:22); a youth who had a dumb spirit, that ofttimes "cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him" (Mark 9:17-27); the maniac who, tormented by "a spirit of an unclean devil" (Luke 4:33-36), disturbed the Sabbath quiet of the synagogue at Capernaum--all were healed by the compassionate Saviour. In nearly every instance, Christ addressed the demon as an intelligent entity, commanding him to come out of his victim and to torment him no more. The worshipers at Capernaum, beholding His mighty power, "were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power He commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out." Luke 4:36. {GC 515.2} The Great Controversy, 1911
Consider the Following
When Paul proposed the second missionary journey, he refused to accept Mark as a collaborator (Acts 15:36-38). Paul needed strong helpers, who would be a support, not a burden. Mark did not fit this profile.
However, Barnabas was sure that his nephew Mark had enough potential to be a good missionary. So he took Mark with him to Cyprus, while Paul and Silas headed to Asia (Acts 15:39-41).
We don't know what happened next, but we know that Barnabas was right. Through the three references he makes to him in his letters, Paul came to consider Mark “useful for the ministry,” an effective collaborator
(Col. 4:10; Phm . 24; 2Tim. 4:11).
Thanks to this second opportunity, today we can enjoy the exciting story of Mark's gospel.
The Beginning of the Gospel
Tuesday - July 2, 2024
The Messenger - The Preparation (Mark 1:1-8
Mark 1:1-8; Exodus 23:20; Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1; 2 Kings 1:8,
“And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie” (Mark 1:7)
An Individual Conviction and Readiness to Serve is an Advantage
I am fearful that your life, since we were united in labor, has not been calculated to prepare you to connect with me. I have a very harmonious family, and I am educating and training workers, giving them every advantage, that they may be helpful to me in my work. I have fears that you would be disappointed in the economy we have to exercise. We shall continually be obliged to exercise this economy, for we must render help in building meetinghouses and school buildings. This economizing would be rather a painful experience for you. {14MR 331.2}
Personal Sacrifices and Exercise of Physical Labor is Essential in the Gospel Ministry
Not all who feel that they have been called to preach should be encouraged to throw themselves and their families at once upon the church for continuous financial support. . . . Young men who desire to exercise their gifts in the work of the ministry, will find a helpful lesson in the example of Paul at Thessalonica, Corinth, Ephesus, and other places. Although an eloquent speaker, and chosen by God to do a special work, he was never above labor, nor did he ever weary of sacrificing for the cause he loved. A. A. 354. {PH005 30.5}
Testimonies are More Effective that Can be Employed in Winning Souls
Such a testimony will have an influence upon others. No more effective means can we employ for winning souls to Christ. And our love is to be shown, not only in words, but in deeds, in personal ministry and sacrifice. Christ says, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21). {UL 61.4}
n His prayer to His Father, He said of His disciples, "As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world" (John 17:18). . . . {UL 61.5}
And by the Holy Spirit through the apostle Peter, we are admonished, "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God" (1 Peter 4:10). {UL 61.6}
Consider the Following
Mark begins by introducing us to God preparing the journey of his Son (Mk. 1:1-2; Mal. 3:1). A journey that begins in the heavenly courts, and that will take Jesus Christ to the cross, to be received again in Heaven (Mark 16:19).
To prepare this way, God chooses John the Baptist, the “voice that cries in the wilderness” (Mk. 1:3; Is . 40:3).
Before Jesus began his journey to give his life for us, John prepared people's hearts by directing them to repentance and inviting them to be baptized (Mark 1:4-6).
He prepared them to receive the son of God: more powerful than John himself; more worthy; and that he will baptize with a more effective baptism (Mark 1:7-8).
Wednesday - July 3, 2024
Jesus' Baptism - The Baptism - Mark 1:9-13
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan” (Mark 1:9)
Baptism is an Outward Sign of Conviction and Acknowledgement of Being the Children of God
Never allow your children to suppose that they are not children of God until they are old enough to be baptized. Baptism does not make children Christians; neither does it convert them; it is but an outward sign, showing that they are sensible that they should be children of God by acknowledging that they believe in Jesus Christ as their Saviour and will henceforth live for Christ. {CG 499.2} Child Guidance, 1954
Christ Made Baptism as the Sign of Entrance to His Spiritual Kingdom
The ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper are two monumental pillars, one without and one within the church. Upon these ordinances Christ has inscribed the name of the true God. {CCh 295.1}
Christ has made baptism the sign of entrance to His spiritual kingdom. He has made this a positive condition with which all must comply who wish to be acknowledged as under the authority of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Before man can find a home in the church, before passing the threshold of God's spiritual kingdom, he is to receive the impress of the divine name, "The Lord Our Righteousness." Jeremiah 23:6. {CCh 295.2}
Baptism is a most solemn renunciation of the world. Those who are baptized in the threefold name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, at the very entrance of their Christian life declare publicly that they have forsaken the service of Satan and have become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. They have obeyed the command: "Come out from among them, and be ye separate, . . . and touch not the unclean thing." And to them is fulfilled the promise: "I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18. {CCh 295.3} Counsels for the Church, 1991
Consider the Following
Jesus begins his journey in a spectacular way: God the Father presents him as his Son, and the Holy Spirit manifests his presence in bodily form (Mark 1:10-11). From the very beginning, Jesus is presented as a divine person, the Son of God. But he is also presented as a human person:
(1) He is baptized by John, and not the other way around (Mark 1:9)
(2) It is directed by the Spirit (Mark 1:12)
(3) He need to be alone with God (Mark 1:13a)
(4) He is tempted by the devil (Mark 1:13b)
(5) Face physical dangers (Mark 1:13c)
(6) Angels serve him (Mark 1:13d)
Thursday - July 4, 2024
The Gospel According to Jesus - The Message - Mark 1:14-15
Mark 1:14-15; Daniel 9:24-27; Acts 10:38; Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6; Ezra 7:1-28.
“After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God” (Mark 1:14)
God's Grace for Man's Salvation is the True Gospel
"We ourselves," he wrote, "glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: . . . and to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power. . . . Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of faith with power: that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." {AA 264.3} The Acts of the Apostles, 1911
God's Commission for All is to Save Humanity
The parting words of the Saviour to His disciples should speak encouragement to every servant of God till the close of time. "The eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain, where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw Him they worshipped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth; go ye therefore and teach all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." {NPU Gleaner, December 4, 1907 par. 5} North Pacific Union Gleaner
Ministers of the Gospel are Under the Control of the Great Teacher, Learn Daily in the School of Christ
Paul never forgot the responsibility resting on him as a minister of Christ, or that if souls were lost through unfaithfulness on his part, God would hold him accountable. "Whereof I am made a minister," he declared of the gospel, "according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: whereunto I also labor, striving according to His working, which worketh in me mightily." Colossians 1:25-29. {AA 368.2}
These words present before the worker for Christ a high attainment, yet this attainment all can reach who, putting themselves under the control of the Great Teacher, learn daily in the school of Christ. The power at God's command is limitless, and the minister who in his great need shuts himself in with the Lord may be assured that he will receive that which will be to his hearers a savor of life unto life. {AA 368.3} The Acts of the Apostles, 1911
Consider the Following
Jesus' initial message covered three aspects (Mark 1:15):
(1) “The time is fulfilled”: A reference to the 70-week prophecy (Dan . 9:24).
(2) “The kingdom of God has come near”: A promise that the covenant of salvation was beginning to be fulfilled.
(3) “Repent and believe in the gospel”: A call to take an active part in the covenant, by accepting forgiveness through faith in Jesus.
Our current message also includes these three aspects: The time has been fulfilled; Jesus is coming; and we must repent and believe so we can go with Him.
For further study please visit the link below.
Friday - July 5. 2024
Insights and Further Study
The apostle says, "Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof." Let every soul heed these words, and know that the Lord Jesus will accept of no compromise. In accepting and retaining workers who persist in retaining their imperfections of character, and do not give full proof of their ministry, the standard has been greatly lowered. There are many in responsible positions who do not heed the injunction of the apostle, but make provision for fulfilling the lust of the flesh. Unless the worker puts on the Lord Jesus Christ and finds in Him wisdom, sanctification, and redemption, how can he represent the religion of Jesus? All his efficiency, all his reward, is found in Christ. There must be evidence on the part of those who take the solemn position of shepherds that they have, without reservation, dedicated themselves to the work. They must take Christ as their personal Saviour. Why is it that those who have been long engaged in the ministry do not grow in grace and the knowledge of the Lord Jesus? I have been shown that they gratify their selfish propensities and do only such things as agree with their tastes and ideas. They make provision for indulgence in pride and sensuality and carry out their selfish ambitions and plans. They are full of self-esteem. But although their evil propensities may seem to them as precious as the right hand or the right eye, they must be separated from the worker, or he cannot be acceptable before God. Hands are laid upon men to ordain them for the ministry before they are thoroughly examined as to their qualifications for the sacred work; but how much better would it be to make thorough work before accepting them as ministers, than to have to go through this rigid examination after they have become established in their position and have put their mold upon the work. {TM 171.1} Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 1923
From the Pen of Inspiration
“The burden of Christ's preaching was, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Thus the gospel message, as given by the Saviour Himself, was based on the prophecies. The “time” which He declared to be fulfilled was the period made known by the angel Gabriel to Daniel… As the message of Christ's first advent announced the kingdom of His grace, so the message of His second advent announces the kingdom of His glory. And the second message, like the first, is based on the prophecies." EGW (The Desire of Ages, pg. 233, 234)
Points to Ponder Upon
Why is it important to know, the writer of the Book of Mark?
How can we identify him with the content of the book?
What's the central theme of the book that is relevant to our present time?
Why does the book of Mark introduce the missionary activities that fight hand in hand with the wicked evident along the way?
Is Mark related to John the Baptist as mentioned in Mark 1:7-8? How he was described by the prophets; Isaiah (40:3), and Malachi (3:1)?
How does Mark describe the baptism of Jesus in verses 1-13?
Based on the statements above ({TM 171.1}, what instruction does the inspiration tell the servants of God before they will be fully acceptable to God?
https://online.fliphtml5.com/nhmzi/riyj/
https://3angelscry.org/pdf-ss-q3-l1-the-beginning-of-the-gospel/