The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Mark 1:1-5, “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: ‘BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY;
3 THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, ‘MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT.’
4 John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
5 And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.”

Have you ever attended an important event where it took several, notable personalities to introduce the main speaker? Such is an introductory pattern lifted from Mark, who introduces us to Jesus, the Messiah of God the Father.
Mark, the same John Mark, who was related to Simon Peter and is often seen throughout New Testament as a close companion to the Apostle Paul, is here initiating his account of the gospel of Jesus Christ by quoting the prophet Isaiah.

Isaiah long ago introduced John the Baptist, who, in turn, now introduces the LORD Jesus Christ first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles. Perhaps, that is why the New Testament writers often quote the Old Testament prophets.

The central importance of today’s Scripture, however, is that John the Baptist (literally, “John the baptizing one”) was preaching a “baptism of repentance.” When crowds heard and believed John’s message, they acknowledged their sin and testified of their belief in the coming Messiah by submitting themselves to immersion in water. Baptism was, and remains to this day, the observable, overt act by which believers acknowledge repentance of sin and trust in the LORD Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. He came not only for the Jews, but for Gentiles also.
But all of what Jesus Christ did –His death on the Cross and His Resurrection from the dead— is available to us today. If you have not trusted Him, you can do it today. Pray this prayer earnestly and sincerely:

“Dear LORD, I know that I am a sinner and need to be forgiven of my sins. I believe that You died on the cross as God’s sacrifice for my sins. Please forgive me of my sins and help me to live for Jesus, my Savior. Amen.”

Now, believe what Jesus did for you and mean seriously what you prayed. That is what makes you His child! You are in my prayers.
Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom