Beyond the Weekend

September 28 | The Preview

September 28, 2020

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, ‘What is this? A new teaching – and with authority! … News about [Jesus] spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. Mark 1:27-28

Read: Mark 1:21-45
Listen: Mark 1

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Jesus begins his ministry after his baptism and testing in the wilderness. Like a movie preview that flashes through key action points in the plot, Jesus goes from village to village teaching, casting out forces of darkness, healing, and in some cases, raising the dead to life. Although isolated events, together they form the preview of something wonderful coming—the Kingdom of God.

During this preview, Jesus is preaching a new message of personal repentance. A change of mind, leading to a change of heart toward God, ultimately leading to changed action. The Kingdom of God leads to nothing less than the total renovation of our hearts.

As you circle the characters on pages 17–18 in our journal, notice the three people Jesus heals. These episodes show Jesus’ authority and power over the forces of darkness, sickness and disease. They should stir our longing for that future day when all things will be made right and whole. They should also challenge us in the here-and-now. Jesus wants his followers to be a part of this wonderful preview that will draw people to believe in him and become part of God’s Kingdom. Three key phrases help us do that this week: deliver me from darkness, healed to serve and forgiveness in—forgiveness out. Download a lock screen today to remember.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

This week, pray and ask God to stir your heart and challenge you to tune into Jesus’ preview of God’s Kingdom.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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