The Gospel: The Good News of the King and His Kingdom (Sunday, June 22, 2025)

Foundational Sermon Series Growing Together in What Matters Most

Mark 1:1-15

1 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 before your face,

who will prepare your way,

3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness:

‘Prepare the way of the Lord,

make his paths straight,’”

4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

INTRODUCTION

According to Mark, the gospel is not merely a message about forgiveness or going to heaven. It is “good news” because it proclaims the arrival of the King and the Kingdom of God. This isn’t something we invented—it’s something Jesus announced.

“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!'” — Mark 1:14-15

1. “The Time Has Come” – Already

Greek word: kairos (appointed time), not chronos (calendar time)

Jesus is saying: the decisive moment in God’s plan of redemption has arrived. This is not just another moment in history—this is the moment that all of redemptive history has been pointing toward.

Kairos means fulfillment, opportunity, divine interruption.

Jesus brings the culmination of the Old Testament story—He is the Messiah, the Son of God, the long-awaited King.

Reflection Question:

How does understanding the gospel as a “kairos moment” change the way you respond to it?

2. “The Kingdom of God Has Come Near” – Not Yet Fully

The kingdom of God is not a place—it’s the reign of God through His appointed King. Jesus is saying: the King is here. His rule has begun.

But it's a Kingdom that spreads not by swords but by Spirit, not by force but by faith.

It is already here (in Jesus), but not yet in full (until His return).

The “already–not–yet” nature of the Kingdom helps us make sense of both the hope and the suffering in the Christian life.

Reflection Question:

What does the Kingdom of God mean to you? Are there parts of your life that resist the King’s rule?

3. “Repent and Believe the Good News” – Our Response

The Gospel is not just information—it demands a response.

Repent – turn from all other kings, including yourself. Repentance is not just sorrow for sin; it's surrender to a new ruler.

Believe – trust that Jesus is who He says He is. Faith is not just agreeing with facts, but resting in Christ as Savior and submitting to Him as King.

Q. 87. What is repentance unto life? A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace, whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin, and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ, doth, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God, with full purpose of, and endeavour after, new obedience.

Reflection Question:

What is Jesus calling you to turn from today? What does believing in the gospel look like for you right now?

CONCLUSION

The gospel is good news about the King and his kingdom. Why? Because the King conquers death. King Jesus brought a Kingdom of righteousness, justice, and compassion.

He invites you to enter. But, in order to enter his kingdom, he demands that we be perfect. So, if you feel like you can be morally good enough to overcome sin and death, go ahead and try it. You will not succeed. No one is righteous; not even one.

We can enter the Kingdom only by grace, by submitting to Christ's kingship! Behold! Hear the news! The King has come, and the kingdom is already upon us! Repent! Repent if you have been living as if you are the king of your world, and the master of your own universe! You did not create this world--God did!