Built in the Dark | Pastor Bryan Carter | Mark 1:1–13

Scripture

• Mark 1:1–13

About this sermon

What God builds in private prepares you for what He will do through you in public. In Built in the Dark, Pastor Bryan Carter walks through Mark 1:1–13, showing us the work God does before the work ever becomes visible. From John the Baptist preparing the way to Jesus being baptized and then led into the wilderness, Scripture reminds us that God does not waste hidden seasons. Before the public ministry, there was preparation. Before the miracles, there was the wilderness. Before Jesus had performed a single public work, the Father declared, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” His identity was established before His performance. The same is true for us. God can use private prayer, repentance, quiet obedience, temptation, difficult lessons, and unseen battles to build something in us that will sustain what He wants to do through us. The wilderness does not always mean you're outside God's will. Sometimes it is exactly where God is preparing you for what's next. In this message, you'll discover: • Why God prepares before He promotes • How God's promises point us toward Jesus • Why repentance must change more than our words • How humility keeps Jesus at the center of our lives • Why your identity in God comes before your performance • How wilderness seasons can develop God's purpose in you • Why the work God does in private matters for the public moments ahead 📖 Scripture Reading: Mark 1:1–13 ✨Key Takeaways • God prepares before He promotes. Unseen seasons are not wasted seasons. God uses private moments to prepare us for public purpose. • Repentance must reach Monday morning. Real repentance changes our thoughts, attitudes, actions, and direction, not just what we say on Sunday. • Every blessing should point to Jesus. Like John the Baptist, our gifts, opportunities, influence, and accomplishments should ultimately direct attention back to Christ. • Identity comes before public performance. The Father called Jesus beloved before His public ministry began. We serve from an identity already received, not to earn one. • The wilderness can develop God's purpose. Hardship does not automatically mean God is absent. The same Spirit who leads us can sustain us through the test. • The work before the work matters. What God builds in the dark can prepare you to stand when the lights come on. 🌍 CONNECT WITH US 💻 Website: https://www.concorddallas.org 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/concorddallas/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConcordChurch 🎥 Concord Worship YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCPY5VPYbWpL5bK94dUqBuQ 📍 Join us in person! 8:30 am & 11:00 am -- 6808 Pastor Bailey Dr, Dallas, Tx 75237 👨🏽‍💼 CONNECT WITH PASTOR CARTER 💻 Website: https://www.bryancarter.org 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrbryanlcarter/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrbryanlcarter

Topics

• Leadership