The Gospel of Mark, Following Him - Don't Forget What He Said! | Herbert Fontnette | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

The Gospel of Mark, Following Him - Don't Forget What He Said!

Herbert Fontnette

Strong Tower Ministries • Aug 10, 2026 • 79 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this message, Pastor Herbert Fontnette walks through Jesus' baptism and His subsequent temptation in the wilderness in Mark 1:9–15. Before Jesus performed a single miracle or ministry deed, God affirmed His true identity as His beloved Son. Believers are reminded that going through trials or wilderness seasons does not mean they are outside God's will, and that holding fast to who God says they are gives them the power to overcome temptation and come out victorious.

Themes

Identity in ChristSpiritual WarfareOvercoming TemptationFaithfulness in Wilderness SeasonsGod's Affirmation

Key Points

1.
Jesus was baptized not for His own sin, but to identify fully with humanity and show that He stands with us.
2.
Before Jesus ever performed a miracle or confronted a demon, God the Father explicitly affirmed His identity as His beloved Son.
3.
Our sense of identity and value must come from God rather than human praise or the opinions of others.
4.
Being in a storm or a wilderness season does not mean you are outside of God's will; the Spirit specifically led Jesus into the wilderness.
5.
The enemy uses lies and temptation to make believers forfeit God's promises, but God's word exposes every lie of Satan.
6.
Even in isolation or difficult conditions, God provides His presence, care, and divine help to sustain His children.
7.
Jesus came out of the wilderness operating in power, showing that our difficult seasons do not define our future or halt God's plan.

Sermon Moments

“The same Holy Ghost that led him to the water is the same Holy Ghost that led him to the wilderness.”

“Before Jesus ever performed a miracle, God already told Him exactly who He was.”

“You are who your daddy says you are.”

“If your affirmation came from the outside, then you would be addicted to the opinions of what they said about you.”

“He went in one way but came out another... I went in weak, but I'm leaving with power.”

This Week

Remind yourself daily of your identity in Christ rather than seeking approval from people.

When facing unexpected trials, ask God what He is teaching you rather than assuming you are outside His will.

Expose satanic lies in your life by speaking out scripture and declaring God's truth over your circumstances.

Practice spiritual endurance in temptation by submitting to God and resisting the devil.

Look for God's quiet provisions and blessings even when you feel isolated or in a wilderness season.

Pray intentionally for local students, teachers, administrators, and parents as the new school year begins.

Encourage fellow members in the local church body, acknowledging that everyone plays a vital role in God's house.

Remember This

No matter what wilderness or trial you face, hold fast to who God says you are, because He will bring you through in power.

A Challenge for You

Pastor Fontnette called students, parents, school administrators, and staff to the altar to cover them in prayer for safety, wisdom, academic excellence, and spiritual protection for the upcoming school year.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.