By Cynthia Aralu

– I believe in the forgiveness of sins (baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins). 

– John spoke of being unworthy to untie Jesus’ straps. “Lord, I am not worthy”

– John spoke of a baptism with the Holy Spirit, which Jesus would perform, unlike the baptism with water John did. John regarded this as a higher baptism than his. 

– All in the space of 11 verses, Mark speaks about the forgiveness of sins, which I recognise and believe, the power of baptism and confession for repentance, John’s announcement and baptism of the One, that comes after him, Who will baptise with the Holy Spirit (a baptism which he considers greater than his baptism with water), God the Father, God’s anointing and proclamation of His Son, in whom He is well pleased (God, the Son) and God the Holy Spirit. Confirmation of the Holy Trinity. Three Persons in One God. I was thrown when I recognised this. 

– However, why did people believe John? Was it because he fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy? Sidebar: I recently thought that the fact that Isaiah’s prophecies came true gives him credibility to be believed.

– Jesus began His ministry after John was put in prison. 

– What is the good news?

– Jesus taught like He had authority and first hand knowledge of the Kingdom. 

– Jesus was referred to as “The Holy One of God” by an impure spirit which Jesus cast out. 

– It is interesting to note that Jesus has been referred to as “The One” twice already. 

– It was important to Jesus to have solitary time to Himself for prayer. 

– Jesus was popular. People needed Him. 

– Jesus’ priority was to preach the good news. 

– Jesus had both introverted and extroverted qualities. 

– He preached in the synagogue with authority. He also went off, away from people to spend some time in solitude. 

I would like to say, these are my notes and my reflections. I do not claim to have all the answers, as you may have realised if you listened to the recording or read the blog post. I was asking questions, questions which I believe its answers will be revealed to me in time, when the time is right.

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