Introduction – Beginnings Matter
Have you noticed how much beginnings matter?
The first line of a book,
the opening scene of a film,
the first note of a song
— they set the tone for everything that follows.
The beginning is like opening a door.
If you do it with energy, warmth, and purpose, people are more likely to step through and stay with you.
Let me read you Mark’s opening line:
“The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.”
Mark doesn’t hang about.
He doesn’t give us long introductions, family trees, or backstory.
He says: This is the beginning of the good news. It’s about Jesus. And it changes everything.
So today, we’re asking:
• What is this good news? And
• what does it mean for us to begin again with Jesus?
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1. The Good News Has a Person (vv. 1–8)
“The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God…”
Not an idea, but a person:
Mark doesn’t start his Gospel with philosophy, abstract principles, or even a list of moral rules.
He starts with a name — Jesus.
The good news is not a theory to be debated, but a person to be known.
Right in the opening line, Mark identifies who Jesus is:
o Messiah — the promised rescuer, the fulfilment of centuries of waiting.
o Son of God — not just another prophet, but God Himself come close.
That’s quite an opening!
This is big: the gospel is centred not on what we must do, but on who Jesus is and what He has done.
Why does this matters for us?:
So often people think Christianity is about rules, rituals, or religion.
But the heart of it is a relationship with a real person who is alive today.
The “good news” begins when you meet Jesus.
Illustration / Object:
Hold up a passport or driving licence.
It’s a document with information — name, date of birth, photo.
But it’s not me; it just points to me.
In the same way, Christianity has creeds, teachings, traditions — but all of those point to the real person: Jesus Christ.
The gospel isn’t just information about Him; it’s an invitation to Him.
Challenge:
Who is Jesus to you?
• the reason billons of people around the globe are Christians is
He’s not just a figure in history,
not just a name in a book, but
A living person who calls us to know Him.
The good news is good because it brings us into relationship with Him.
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2. The Good News Has Power (vv. 9–11)
At Jesus’ baptism, something powerful happens.
o The heavens are torn open,
o the Spirit descends, and
o the Father speaks: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
This moment confirms who Jesus is —
o the beloved Son,
o filled with the Spirit,
o sent to bring God’s kingdom.
The gospel has power because it’s about Jesus, God’s Son.
He’s not just a good teacher; He’s the one with authority to forgive, heal, and restore.
Do you believe this good news has power to change your life today?
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3. The Good News Meets Opposition (vv. 12–13)
Notice what happens next.
Jesus is immediately driven into the wilderness, tempted by the enemy, Satan.
The good news doesn’t go unchallenged.
The kingdom of God is breaking in, but the enemy resists.
So, If you’ve ever thought, “Why is following Jesus hard?” — you’re not alone.
Even Jesus faced opposition.
Faith doesn’t remove the wilderness, but it gives us strength to walk through it.
Challenge: Where are you in a wilderness right now?
Dry . . .
Feeling distant from God?
Hold on there! — You are NOT alone.
Jesus has walked it before you.
And is walking beside you in every situation, just as I say at the end of each service
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4. The Good News Calls for a Response (vv. 14–15)
“After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God.
‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!’”
• The message is urgent:
Jesus doesn’t say, “Here’s an information leaflet to consider at your leisure.”
He says, “The time has come.”
God’s kingdom is breaking in, and people need to respond now.
The gospel is always a call to decision.
A decision? – yes, a decision to repent and believe
Two sides of response:
1. Repent — turn away from what’s been pulling you away from God.
It’s not just saying sorry, it’s a change of direction.
2. Believe — actively trust in the good news, put confidence in Jesus.
Faith is not passive; it’s choosing to lean the weight of your life on Him.
Why does this matter for us?:
Well, it’s possible
? to admire Jesus,
? to hear sermons, even
? to agree with what’s being said — but never actually respond.
Mark is clear: good news is only good if you accept it.
Like a gift, it has to be opened.
Illustration: box.
Imagine someone gives you this.
It’s a real gift, but it only becomes yours if you receive it and open it.
The gospel is God’s gift — forgiveness, freedom, new life.
But it calls for a response: repent and believe.”
Challenge:
Have you responded to Jesus?
Maybe you’ve been around church, you know the language,
but have you personally repented and believed the good news?
The kingdom is near, and the invitation is open today.
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Object – Newspaper
Every day, people
? pick up newspapers,
? scroll their phones, or
? turn on the TV to hear “news.”
Sometimes it’s good, sometimes bad.
But even the best headline is quickly forgotten by tomorrow.
Unroll the paper.
Mark begins with a different kind of news.
Not temporary, not here today and gone tomorrow — but eternal good news.
The headline is this: “Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has come!”
Hold up the paper: The world is full of headlines, but only one changes everything.
The question is — will you just read it and move on, or will you let this news change your life?
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Conclusion – The Beginning of Your Good News
So here it is:
• The good news has a person — Jesus.
• The good news has power — He is God’s Son.
• The good news meets opposition — but He overcomes.
• The good news calls for a response — repent and believe.
Mark says, This is the beginning of the good news.
Maybe today could be the beginning of a new chapter in your story too.
I want to give you a chance to do that today.
You might just want to pray quietly in your heart a simple pray . . . and I’ll lead you through it now:
If you prayed that prayer — God heard it.
The good news becomes your good news.
[P] And that’s …the beginning of a new life in Him.
