Mark 6:7-13

Mark 6:7-13

1. Let us observe how our Lord Jesus Christ sent forth His apostles "two by two."
2. Let us observe what solemn words our Lord uses about those who will not receive nor hear His ministers.
3. Let us observe what was the doctrine which our Lord's apostles preached.

"Two men together will do more work than two men individually. They will help one another in judgment, and commit fewer mistakes. They will aid one another in difficulties, and less often fail of success. They will stir one another up when tempted to idleness, and less often relapse into indolence and indifference. They will comfort one another in times of trial, and be less often cast down.

"Have we, in short, laid hold on the hope set before us, taken up the cross, and followed Christ? If not, we are far worse than the heathen, who bow down to stocks and stones. We are far more guilty than the people of Sodom and Gomorrah."

"They do not see that one of the greatest sins a man can commit in the sight of God, is to hear the Gospel of Christ and not believe it--to be invited to repent and believe, and yet to remain careless and unbelieving. In short, to reject the Gospel will sink a man to the lowest place in hell."

Questions:

1. This principle of two-by-two from Ecclesiastes is often applied to marriage, but here Ryle rightly applies it to the church. Is this what we often see? Is this something we desire when we go to serve others? Are we seeking to stir up others to love and good works?

2. What are we doing with the Gospel? We might not live in a Christian land, but, if you are listening to this podcast, you probably have a Bible and have heard the gospel. But have we received it into our hearts? Have we really obeyed it in our lives? Have we, in short, laid hold on the hope set before us, taken up the cross, and followed Christ?

3. Beloved brother or sister, have we felt, mourned over, forsaken, and sought pardon for sin?