What should we think about the boldness and authority of the teachings and miracles performed by Jesus The Messiah, as revealed in the Bible, God’s Holy and inerrant Word? Are such signs as casting out demons, or unclean spirits to be ignored? Or what about the healing of all kinds of diseases and deformities? Or should we think it impossible to attain the possibility of living a life on a spiritual plateau higher than the constant inrush of threats and apparent obstacles that are so prevalent in the course of the immediate problems in this life? Well grab a biscuit and a cup of Joe and listen in as Pastor Landis continues in our study of the Gospel of Saint Mark highlighting the display of “Kingdom Authority” the works and teaching ministry of our LORD Jesus that you won’t want to miss!
Old Testament Scripture Reading: Psalms 106:34 – 48 (KJV)
Psa 106:34 They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:
Psa 106:35 But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works.
Psa 106:36 And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them.
Psa 106:37 Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,
Psa 106:38 And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.
Psa 106:39 Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions.
Psa 106:40 Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.
Psa 106:41 And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.
Psa 106:42 Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.
Psa 106:43 Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.
Psa 106:44 Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:
Psa 106:45 And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.
Psa 106:46 He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.
Psa 106:47 Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise.
Psa 106:48 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.
New Testament Scripture Reading: Mark 1:21 – 28 (KJV)
Mark 1:21 And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. Mark 1:22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. Mark 1:23 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Mark 1:24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. Mark 1:25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. Mark 1:26 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. Mark 1:27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. Mark 1:28 And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.
Transforming Power Statements:
#1) The realization of the continuing existence of demonic hosts is a certain thing that each child of God must consider as we go through this life. Such things must be a part of our thinking that opposes the popular notions of our time that act as if there are no such things, but offers other explanations instead.
#2) During the first advent of Messiah, He demonstrated that He had power over the kingdom of darkness and also over all sickness and disease; things which exist due to the fall of Adam.
#3) Kingdom power has been made available to all who are blessed with the salvation of Jesus Christ and therefore, we should learn to walk on the higher spiritual plain by His Spirit.