A Purpose-Driven Ministry

Pastor Matt Tarr

– Scripture: Mark 1:35-45

– Jesus Christ had a purpose to His ministry. Yet, despite what the people who heard His message might have believed, His purpose was not to meet the felt needs of the masses. His purpose was to preach, and to proclaim the gospel message. It is for this purpose that today’s ministries should exists, as a mirror of the ministry of the King.

– Add. Ref.: Matthew 5:17-44; 2 Corinthians 11:3-14

A Matter of Evidence

Pastor Matt Tarr

– Scripture: Mark 1:29-34

– A great number of miracles were performed by Christ when He came, and a great many of these came in the form of healing illness and casting out demons. These miracles, coupled with the confounding authority commanded by our Lord, are undeniable proof that He was indeed the Son of God. However, even these miraculous signs were not enough to turn the hearts of men to Christ, as saving faith is not a matter of evidence, but instead is the result of something much more profound.

– Add. Ref.:  Mark 12:28-31

Here is Authority, Be Astonished

Pastor Matt Tarr

– Scripture: Mark 1:21-28

– True authority is commanded, not demanded. Christ the Lord had the greatest authority ever witnesses by man, far surpassing that of the wise authoritative scribes and carrying such weight that even evil spirits are submissive to it. This is the authority our Savior possesses, and it has far reaching ramifications for both the unregenerate world and the regenerate Christian.

– Add. Ref.: Ephesians 5:22-24; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6; Titus 2:1, 15; Mark 3:11, 22-27, 5:6-9, 11:27-33

His Irresistible Call

Pastor Matt Tarr

– Scripture: Mark 1:16-20

– When Jesus called His disciples, it was not a request or a suggestion or a plea. It was a command to follow Him. In the same way, Christ authoritatively calls us to us to follow Him at our salvation. But this is no small thing, as truly committing to following Jesus will cost us greatly in this present life. And yet, following Him is an imperative, and it is something which the Christian does with zeal. His call is irresistible.

– Add. Ref.: Mark 12:1-8; Luke 5:1-8, 9:57-62, 19:1-27