PODCAST

Jesus Came to Give

February 27th, 2012

RG AUDIO 022712Mark 1:1-13

John preached a high level of devotion, “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (v. 4b). It is never easy to lay aside pride–with the sense of entitlement that comes from the attitude that says, “God, I thank you that I am not like other[s]” (Luke 18:11). When we strip away our prideful pretensions, and wade into the cold water confessing our corruption, our condemnation is cleansed in the flood of God’s forgiveness. What happens when we wade back to shore? What do we do? Do we return by the same old path to homes, work, and relationships?

John cried, “Repent!” To repent is to turn from the old ways. That is good, but where do we go now?

“After me will come one more powerful than I . . . he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit” (Mark 1:7a, 8b). Jesus came to give a new power, a new purpose, and a new presence–God’s abiding Holy Spirit.