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There are the TWO Covenants -- The "OLD" and the "NEW."
Moses was the mediator of the Old Covenant. That Covenant set
up the race of children descended from Jacob, whose name was
changed to Israel, as a kingdom -- the Kingdom of Israel -- one
of this earth's nations. But it was also a MARRIAGE Covenant, by
which the nation Israel was married to Christ.
Jesus brought the message of the NEW Covenant. That
Covenant also will be a marriage covenant which will marry the
newly BORN Sons of God (then immortal) to CHRIST, establishing
the KINGDOM OF GOD. This Divine Kingdom both 1) the Divine FAMILY
of God, and 2) the GOVERNMENT of God, will govern and rule ALL
NATIONS OF THE EARTH.
So we read in Mark 1:1: "The BEGINNING of the gospel of
Jesus Christ, the Son of God." That is THE BEGINNING of the
WORK OF GOD.
Continuing from this -- verse two of Mark one -- the
ministry of John the Baptist is briefly related -- the messenger
preparing the way before Christ at His first coming. Verses 2-13
describes John's ministry. Jesus being baptized by John. Jesus'
temptation by Satan, in which He QUALIFIED to be the KING of the
future KINGDOM OF GOD.
Then verses 14-15: "Now after that John was put in prison,
Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of
God, and saying, the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is
at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."
Jesus' announcement of the Kingdom of God as the START
OF THE WORK.
Jesus called and chose His disciples. The word "disciple"
means a student -- one learning. For 3 1/2 years Jesus taught
them about the coming Kingdom of God. Also he continued
proclaiming -- announcing -- teaching about the Kingdom of God.
Then Jesus gave His disciples (who became the original
apostles) the GREAT COMMISSION -- the Commission of "the WORK."
"Go ye," He said, "into all the world, and preach the gospel..."
(Mark 16:15 -- emphasis mine.) The commission was worldwide!
The Apostles, after receiving God's Holy Spirit, on the
day of Pentecost (Acts 2), went forth announcing the wonderful
NEWS. But they needed help. It was going to be a bigger job than
a mere twelve men could accomplish. They needed the inspired and
inspirational backing of the CHURCH.
Jesus had said, "I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18).
On the Day of Pentecost -- the annual festival God had ordained,
called the "Feast of Firstfruits" -- picturing the small first
"spring harvest" of this present time between Christ's first and
second coming -- only 120 believers resulted from Christ's 3 1/2
years proclaiming His gospel. Christ BEGAN His Church by sending
the Holy Spirit into the 120. His Church started VERY SMALL, but