We read early on where Jesus called those first twelve to Himself and was going to send them out to preach the gospel of the kingdom, as He, Himself was doing. We also read there in Mark 6 that He ‘gave them power over unclean spirits’ (7).

Have you ever wondered what that was all about...empowering them against ‘unclean spirits’? You do realize we are talking about ‘demon’ spirits here, yes? (13)

He goes on to tell them that if anyone does not hear or ‘receive’ what they have to say... to just ‘shake off the dust under their feet’...adding this declaration: “I say to you most assuredly: it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgement than for that city” (those who rejected their message). Again, I ask- what is Jesus trying to convey with that comparison, as we know what happened to those two cities was not good. And what is He referring to when He speaks of a ‘day of judgment’?

So the Twelve ‘went out and preached that people should repent. And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.” (12-13)

When did this style or method of preaching the gospel cease to exist...and why? Did demon spirits stop existing? Are people no longer sick and in need of healing? Does Jesus no longer ‘heal all who are oppressed by the devil’? (Acts 10:38) It does seem that the preaching the gospel of the kingdom back then was often, if not always, associated with ‘healing all manner of sicknesses and diseases and casting out demons spirits from people (Matt. 4:23;9:35; 10:7; Luke 9:2,11; 10:11) When did God change? (Mal. 3:6).

Oh...if you ask someone and they tell you only the original 12 Apostles were empowered to do things like that, then how was Phillip (or Paul) empowered to do those things in Acts 8:4-8. And then there is that promise Jesus made in John 14:12-13... and Mark 16:15-18.

But going back to the original passage I began with in Mark 6, we pick up on a few interesting points that I believe are there for us to make note of. We are told a ‘day of judgment’ was coming that sounds as if it could be more serious than what Sodom and Gomorrah experienced. There is a message of repentance to be preached, and a need to be empowered over demon spirits. What...does that have to do with any of us today; or does it?

And then there is the dialogue Jesus had with some folks as they discussed two tragic events that led to multiple deaths, in Luke 13. The question was brought up (by Jesus), if anyone thought these people had died because they were ‘worse sinners’ than anyone else living around them at the time. Twice...He brings this possibility up and then quickly answers the question: “No...they were not ‘worse sinners’...but ‘let Me tell you this’ He adds: “Unless you repent...you will all likewise...perish. (1-5)

I’m not sure if you have ever noticed this before, but Jesus then follows up with a parable there about a man who had a fig tree planted in his vineyard (Luke 13:6-9). For three years this man came looking for fruit and found none. Do you recall what this man instructed the keeper of the vineyard to do...because of its fruitlessness? He ordered to ‘cut it down’.

If you would now...please turn back to Matt. 3 and let’s take a look at the message John the Baptist came preaching. It sounds pretty similar to the message Jesus and His disciples were proclaiming...how people needed to ‘repent...for the kingdom of heaven was at hand’ (2). Some religious scholars and such had gathered to hear what John had to say and that sort of set John off as he turned to them and called them a bunch of snakes!(7). But it’s the question he asked them there that we need to pay attention to: “Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”

He goes on, admonishing them that they too...better ‘bear fruits worthy of repentance’. Any idea what ‘fruits of repentance’ even looks like? (maybe that image I reposted once again today might help?)

Let’s take a look at verse 10 now, as he strongly suggested that some ‘ax is already laid to the root of the trees...and every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (10). What do you suppose he might be talking about here- a literal ax or does that represent something else? And may I ask...do you see any ‘dots being connected’ here, or more ‘puzzle pieces’ coming together that might paint a different picture than what you hear being taught in many churches today?

Do you know why I have written and taught so much about the importance of ‘abiding in Jesus’ these past 3+ years? Take a quick look at John 15 where we are commanded to ‘abide in Him’ (4-5) because that is the only way any good fruit can be produced in us. And what did Jesus say in verse 6 happens to all those fruitless branches? Now, a quick flip back to Matt. 7:17-19 seems to echo what we keep reading here in our Bibles -Fruit matters.

Now let’s wrap up in Matt. 13, the parable Jesus shared of the wheat and the tares (24-30). You can read it yourself and then scoot down to vs. 36 where Jesus then explains the meaning of this parable...to His disciples after He had sent the multitude away. (this is no small point either). As you read on, there seems to be a ‘reaping’ of all the ‘fruitless branches’ (tares) by a hoard of ‘angels’. And do you see who are the ones being ‘gathered up’ and thrown into some fire? All who ‘offend and practice lawlessness’ (sin) (41).

Why do we keep seeing this reoccurring theme of a need to preach repentance, coming wrath and judgment knowing it’s God’s desire that none perish and that He has provided a means in which all men can be ‘saved’. Do you know what it is we are ‘saved’ from? It’s the ‘wrath’ of God that is already on the earth today (John 3:36; Rom. 1:18) and will continue to increase. And I would submit to you that it is our lack of understanding as to what this ‘wrath’ is and how/why it 'comes about'... that has led to the destruction of many people...especially God’s people. (Hosea 4:6). Maybe it’s time we explore this topic further so we too...can get about the business of ‘preparing our houses for the coming flood. (Matt. 7:24-27)