On July 2, 1972, in Richmond, Virginia, Brother Stephen delivered a ministry emphasizing the importance of belonging to the family of God, cleansed by Christ's blood. He encouraged the congregation to seek a deeper knowledge of Jesus through the Gospels, highlighting that while there are four accounts, they collectively present one Gospel of Jesus Christ. Stephen introduced the Gospel of Mark, focusing on Mark's background and spiritual journey. He noted that Mark, raised in a Christian environment by his mother Mary, showed early spiritual potential but struggled with discipline and hardship. Mark's departure from Paul and Barnabas during their mission was seen as a failure to endure challenges. However, through God's grace and the mentorship of figures like Barnabas and Peter, Mark was restored and eventually became a significant contributor to the early church, even writing the first Gospel. Stephen concluded by stressing that to effectively present Christ, one must first be molded and transformed by God, becoming a vessel fit for His service.
Introduction to the ministry and the family of God
Importance of the Gospels in knowing Christ
Focus on the Gospel of Mark
Mark's background and early spiritual potential
Mark's desertion during the mission
Restoration through mentorship and discipline
Mark's eventual contribution to the early church
Conclusion on the necessity of transformation to present Christ
12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.
36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
11 These things command and teach.
13 The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.