Mark 16:9-20 - Momentum of Rejection/The Course of Belief

Summary:
Our life of belief follows a course that can be charted and follows a pattern similar to ancient believers. However, unbelief can follow a similar pattern as well and in this sermon we focus on how initial rejection of the Gospel (or a number of things in life) can result in further rejection later on. We compare the reaction in the text in Mark to the pattern we see of Abraham.

Scriptures:
Mark 16:9-20
Genesis 15:1-6

Context:
The apostles are leaving Jerusalem and going back to Galilee (their old way of doing things) for about 40 days while Jesus convinces them he's alive. They then go back down into Jerusalem for Pentecost.

Talking Points:
Mark 16:9 It's easier to believe God when you know the trajectory of your life before him and can appreciate what he's done in contrast to who you are. Yet he sends her on a task that will not persuade the apostles.

Mark 16:10 The momentum of the apostles was already in grief and unbelief.

Mark 16:11 Here's the initial reaction even though they hear the news.

Mark 16:12 Upon our rejection God can send more witnesses in greater force. They are moving towards Galilee.

Mark 16:13 Sometimes there's just a residue of voices in you that will eligible to believe.

Mark 16:14 God is pleased with belief, But unbelief grieves him. Then he has to back us up and we begin to recover at a deficit.

Mark 16:15-16 Here Jesus explains why belief is so important. and also why he's so disturbed by their unbelief.

Mark 16:17 These are both positive and nice situations.

Mark 16:18 Here are two situations that suggest a believer would face such circumstances. Then it ends on a good note again.

Mark 16:19-20 In Acts we get a greater account. But Jesus goes on to a higher level of operation and the apostles go on to a higher level of operation.

Genesis 15:1-2 Of all that Abram had accomplished and was doing, his sense of success was bound up in procreation.

Genesis 15:4-6 Here's what makes Abraham great and this is sort of an initial reaction that sets him on course to operate at higher levels

Exhortation:
-What can cause initial rejection is our sense of wealth or confidence to the contrary.
-What is our course of belief? What is our initial reaction to God?
-Who was the messenger that shared the Gospel with you? How did you treat them?
-We endanger our future with initial doubts when we should be honest with God.
-Our promotion of faith could be knocking on our door, but we will continue to let opportunities slip if we are caught in a momentum of rejection.
-Do you want to operate on a level where the previous environmental constraints don't hinder you? money, health, spirits, children, arguments, litigation, travel...

Altar Call:
-Have you rejected Jesus? Now is the time to turn around and repent as the prodigal son.
-Be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost, don't reject it any more.