On last Lord’s day, we began with some comments about the many controversies that have arisen in recent times concerning certain verses in this final chapter of the Gospel according to Mark, that have produced considerable doctrinal division in Christendom. Today, Pastor Fisher continues dealing with the conflict of interpretation of these last verses, in the magnificent gospel of Mark in part II of the message he has called: “Validating The Infant Church” So, listen in today as our bible teacher, Pastor Fisher addresses from the Word the biblical position on these verses as we approach the conclusion of this series.
Old Testament Scripture Reading: Isaiah 49:1 – 7 (KJV)
Isa 49:1 Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. Isa 49:2 And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me; Isa 49:3 And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified. Isa 49:4 Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the LORD, and my work with my God. Isa 49:5 And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength. Isa 49:6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. Isa 49:7 Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.
New Testament Scripture Reading: Mark 16:9 – 20 (KJV)
Mark 16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
Mark 16:10 And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
Mark 16:11 And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.
Mark 16:12 After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.
Mark 16:13 And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.
Mark 16:14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Mark 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Mark 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Transforming Power Statements:
#1) Since the New Testament took till nearly the end of the first century to be penned, God issued validating signs to His chosen Apostles to give veracity to their preaching and ministries as they went out to lay the foundation of the Church.
#2) These ‘signs of an Apostle’ were never intended to be performed by every believer or there would not have been any reason for them to have sought the company and counsel of the Apostles.
#3) Once the completed New Testament had been given, God had said all that the world would need for the balance of time and eternity thus laying a foundation upon which His Church could be educated and built until He returns to set up His Kingdom!
