Running With The Full Message
Sunday, November 15
Mark 16:15-18 (NKJV)
“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
Devotion
Last Sunday, Pastor Jentezen looked at an Old Testament Scripture to bring perspective to our Scripture today in Mark. In context, 2 Samuel 18 speaks of two messengers who were to bring news of the hard-fought battle to King David. Ahimaaz took the flatter terrain and arrived first, but when asked about David’s rebellious son, Absalom, he faltered. He delivered a comfortable, diluted message, hiding the harsh truth that Absalom was dead. An unnamed Cushite servant took the direct, rugged route and delivered the raw, unfiltered truth.
We are commanded by Jesus to go into all the world and preach the gospel. But note the next sentence: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
The caveat to being passionate and running with the news is running with the full message. It cannot be a message designed to make others feel good, to tolerate things that God calls sin, to hide the reality of an unrepentant heart, or to dilute the harsh truth of the consequences. Love must be tough enough to battle for a lost soul at all costs.
The stakes are clear: salvation or condemnation. We cannot compromise.
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I present myself to You today. I pray for divine appointments coordinated by You to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those who need to hear it. Fill my mouth with Your words, Your compassion, and Your urgency. Here I am; send me. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
As you share the gospel message of salvation through Jesus Christ, speak the truth in love: “And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh” (Jude 1:22–23).
Resources
- Take time to rediscover the power, truth, and life found in God’s Word. Watch “Getting Back To God’s Word” and be encouraged to make Scripture the foundation of your everyday life!
- Join us this morning at 9 & 11 AM (EST), online or in person at a Free Chapel campus near you, as we kick off our annual Vision Series! Celebrate what God has done through our church and discover the exciting vision ahead as we continue making an impact and inspiring more people to live for Jesus. For more information, visit freechapel.org/vision.