Mark’s Gospel began suddenly and abruptly so we should have expected it to end the same way. Peter was himself pretty radical and impulsive in ministry and we see it in his dictation to Mark for this Gospel. His favorite word was ‘immediately’ used over 40x in 16 chapters. Peter’s time in Rome as brief and ended suddenly and violently (crucifixion). With the persecution and execution of so many leaders – it is only by God’s grace that we have so much of the New Testament!

The New Testament was written over a very short span and quite rapidly copied and circulated throughout the Roman Empire - most books and letters within 30 years! This caused many complications because of literacy and spelling and available scribes. Sunday we will talk about those very few passages where a Bible Translation may have a footnote causing concern. Mark 16 is one of them and I will do my best to describe and define what that means – and that we should not doubt God’s Word!

More than 99% of our New Testament is NOT in question – nothing is lost – no promises unmentioned – no doctrines in debate! The obvious lesson is to do what is clear and not doubt the obscure few words that were misspelled or miscopied in the haste of the Gospel. I hope to build our trust in God’s Word instead of doubt – this is the Sunday to invite your ‘skeptic’ friend – let them come – listen – ask.

Pastor Mike

“It is possible to read the Bible and know it well BUT more important to know the Author!”