After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, preaching the good news of God: “The time
is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe in the good news!”
Mark 1:14-15 (CSB)
Dear Friends,
In studying the book of Mark this spring, I find myself returning again and again to these two verses where Jesus announces the beginning of His earthly ministry. Here’s a recap of the reflections on these verses I shared at the spring banquet last month.
The time is fulfilled: The Greek word used for time here—kairos—tells us so much. Jesus is saying that the appointed time has come and everything is ready for what is happening right now. The words include a sense of “Pay attention! This is what you have been waiting for!”
The kingdom has come near: Stating that the kingdom of God is near would remind those who heard Jesus speak that the relationship between God and people is now almost like what was present in the Garden of Eden. In Eden, God walked and talked directly with Adam and Eve. For contemporary readers, we are also reminded of John’s words in Revelation about the new heaven and earth and how God will once again dwell with people. The message is clear: God’s presence is on earth again.
Repent and believe: The word “repent” here is a call to remember what God has already said and turn back to those words. “Believe” is not just an intellectual assent to those words, but a full personal trust and commitment where belief informs and drives behavior and actions.
Taken all together, then, we might rephrase verse 15 this way: “It is time again for God to dwell with humanity as in the garden, as our relationship was meant to be. Turn back to your creator, who knows you best and loves you most. Remember all you have learned and walk according to the way of God.”
This three-part message is the good news we proclaim again and again at Outpost: the time is now, God is near, walk in the way of Jesus. And now, through the Holy Spirit’s indwelling, God has given us everything we need to meet His standard and find healing and wholeness. When we enter into a relationship with Jesus and seek after God, the Spirit’s presence within us nurtures and brings to life new growth and good fruit.
Our belief that God has come near motivates us to engage in this type of daily sanctification. Since God is near, we seek out His voice and presence. Since God is near, we experience His great love for us. Since God is near, we choose to allow the Word and the Spirit to penetrate our soul and spirit with His truth, transforming us from the inside out.
We are so grateful for the 130 people who showed up at this year’s spring banquet to hear stories of God’s faithfulness this past year. Two men shared testimony of how God has worked to bring healing in their lives, and how they are now able to walk alongside others struggling with their own questions about sexuality and identity. We heard from a mom who reached out to Outpost less than a year ago because of a beloved son’s struggle. She shared how she and her church family have been able to start a support group for parents this year, bringing hope through relationship with God and others. Another mom shared how her son has become an overcomer and is walking in wholeness, bringing hope and serving God now as a husband and father.
Those in attendance also had a chance to meet our newest staff member, engage in a special time of worship, and hear a little about some of our ministry plans for the coming year. There are some exciting things on the horizon, ranging from new downloadable targeted resource lists to the development of a set of community events to bring all our participants together regularly to plans for a re-integration of prayer room activities into the ministry year.
We believe God is at work in the hearts and minds of our communities. We believe God is faithful to continue to draw people to us so they might find hope and wholeness. We believe God is also faithful to continue to protect and sustain the ministry, even in the face of those who would seek our closure. Thanks to all who partnered with us for this particular event, we have raised just over $28,000 at the time of this newsletter printing. We are excited to see how God will use your gifts as we continue to encourage people to seek healing, wholeness, and transformation. We invite you to continue in partnership, that God would be glorified and people would find new, abundant life.
In service,
