Mark 1:1-8
Almost 50 years ago I traveled through floods to the North Nar Nar Goon Methodist Church.
It was so wet. There were a few places where I wondered if I would get through the waters flowing over the unmade road in my 1947 Dodge. When I arrived there was only one other person present. He was to be the preacher.
He was a young Rev Dallas Clarnette. He was passionate about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
He went on to become quite a figure among Australian Christians and is the author of the book, "50 years on fire for God, the story of Walter Betts and the People's Church, Kew, Victoria.
Perhaps I was meant to be there that morning.
We sat together on the stage of the hall, just the two of us, and he opened the Bible at Marks Gospel, chapter one and verse one and for at least half an hour talked with me about this verse of scripture, "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God".
While I felt privileged, I also felt a little puzzled that he made so much of these few words.
As a result of this "discipling" when ever I turn to Mark chapter one I have the sense that I am opening an ordinary looking jewel case filled with precious stones, mysterious stones and glittering priceless ornaments.
I intend to try and hold up and display a few of these precious things at the New Market Baptist Church this Sunday morning.
Psalm 119:162 "I rejoice at thy word, as one that finds great spoil"
50 years seems a long time to a person, but to God it's probably a blink of the eye.
This is what happened to the little boy in the top photo in that time
posted by Don Holt @ 2.12.05
2 comments
2 Comments:
That young baby you are holding in the photo had the great privilege of growing up with a dad who not only loved learning and sharing scripture but also attempted to live it out in his life. Thank you Dad.
As Gandalf said of hobits, you can learn all about them in a hour and yet at the end of a lifetime still be learning who they are (or words to that effect) Maybe it's similar with the gospel. You can grasp it in a simple sentence, but study it for a lifetime and still wonder at its amazing beauty and complexity. My task as a preacher - to preach the gospel, the good news about Jesus Christ the Son of God.
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