Part 1: Fishing For PeopleMark 1 v 1 - 20

Steve Petch10th January 2016

Fishing For People

• To introduce the series

• To give some background to the book of Mark

• To send you home believing three things and with one thing to do

My aims today:

Fishing For People

“Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men” (Mark 1v17)

A Christian who is not actively engaged in the process of fishing for people has

forgotten what Jesus called them to do!

Fishing For People

The background to Mark:

• John Mark wrote down what Peter taught …• ... accurately, though not in order• It was in circulation from the early days of the church• It’s fast paced and full of action• It’s a record of an eye witness account• It’s Peter’s testimony of his life with Jesus

It was, and still is, inspired by the Holy Spirit

Fishing For People

• To introduce the series

• To give some background to the book of Mark

• To send you home believing three things and with one thing to do

My aims today:

Fishing For People

“The beginning …... of the gospel …

... of Jesus …... Christ …

... the Son of God” (Mark 1v1)

Fishing For People

Mark does not include a Christmas story …

Why not?

It’s Peter’s testimony – he wasn’t there

Fishing For People

Peter’s Experience:John the Baptist appeared baptising people

John said the messiah would come after him and would baptise people with the Holy Spirit

Jesus arrives and is baptised in water

The Holy Spirit descends on him visibly

God the Father speaks audibly: “You are my beloved son”

Jesus disappears off the scene again

Fishing For People

“The kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1v15)

Jesus starts teaching:

Fishing For People

“Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men” (Mark 1v17)

Jesus calls (Simon) Peter:

Fishing For People

1. Christians are still called to ‘fish for people’

2. We can learn to do this by following Jesus more closely

Our primary calling is to be followers of Jesus

Three things to believe:

Fishing For People

1. Christians are still called to ‘fish for people’

2. We can learn to do this by following Jesus more closely

3. Believe that Jesus can suddenly and powerfully impact people’s lives today

Three things to believe:

Fishing For People

Read Marks’ gospel

One thing to do:

Part 1: Fishing For PeopleMark 1 v 1 - 20

Steve Petch10th January 2016