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In this expanded and revised edition of Why Mark? Dr. David E. Wiley III invites readers to delve deeper into the Gospel of Mark, unlocking new layers of understanding and insight into the life, message, and resurrection of Jesus. Wiley's critical exploration challenges readers to reexamine perspectives on the first gospel writer and early followers of Jesus. Wiley substantiates arguments with footnotes, aiding and guiding newcomers through further exploration of the first Gospel. New material addresses the birth of Jesus, potential Gnostic influence, and corrections to errors from the first edition. Relocated chapters on Mark's treatment of resurrection appearances offer a refined narrative flow. A new section explores the priority of Mark, methodically comparing it with Matthew and Luke to provide a unique and insightful perspective. Why Mark? The Politics of Resurrection in the First Gospel - Second Editio is an indispensable resource for pastors, small groups, and thoughtful believers unafraid to tackle profound questions, offering a compelling journey into the heart of Mark's gospel.

"When one of our brothers or sisters leaves this world in death, we as Christians know that they have simply stepped into a new life with Jesus Christ. However, those of us who are left on Earth may need some further consolation until it is our time to join them and our Heavenly Father. Richard Zajac wrote this book, Funeral Frames: Stories to Capture a Well Lived Life, as a resource to grievers, that these stories may point them towards the soothing resurrection of their loved ones in Christ. When reflecting back on a person's life, it is imperative that the words of a friend not only comfort the family members, but also pay respect to the life that had been lived. However, it is doubly important to not be repetitive with illustrations, especially when the congregants come to multiple funerals for their church family. After meeting with the deceased's family and learning the type of person that they were, Zajac encourages priests, ministers, rabbis, deacons, or anyone entrusted by the family to eulogize, to search through the illustrations for one that accurately depicts the impact that the deceased had on the world and on those they were forced to leave behind"--

"Could you please teach your students to do what pastors actually do?" Such was the question many ministry leaders asked Brian A. Ross after his transition from a lead pastor to a full-time seminary professor. The Practical (And Indispensable!) Pastor's Handbook: Exploring What You Actually Need to Do as A 21st-Century Minister is Ross' answer.Being a pastor encompasses far more than theology and scripture, despite how important that knowledge is. A pastor is responsible for leading a church, including everything from welcoming new members and prayerfully constructing sermons that speak to the congregation's heart to managing the budget and staying ahead of potential legal pitfalls. Leadership, delegation, teamwork, and organization are all tools in the pastor's toolbox, along with planning just about everything well in advance. Divine duty or mundane practicality, the pastor is responsible for seeing it done.The Practical (And Indispensable!) Pastor's Handbook presents Ross' guidelines and tips for new solo and senior pastors on a wide variety of topics, including a manual of "do/don't and why" generated from his studies, observations, and personal experience. While there is, as he says, no "right way" to minister, his handbook has brought benefit and fresh insight to both students and veterans alike.Enlightening topics include:¿ Handling Sundays¿ Handling Leadership¿ Handling Ministries¿ Handling Pastoral And Self-Care

Ask yourself: What do you thank God for? How do you see his influence in your everyday life?Oftentimes, God works through normal people like you and me to perform extraordinary deeds. Although it may not always seem that God is present in our lives, all we must do is look for the signs.Lectionary Reflections, Cycle C is the third of a three-part series which offers a faith-filled experience for readers that sometimes question not only the world around them, but also their faith. The questions included at the end of each chapter are thought-provoking and intriguing, bringing readers closer to God with each chapter. However insignificant they may seem at first glance, take the time to thoroughly read each question while reflecting on her commentary, and discover her dedication in bringing others closer to God, in mind and spirit.Jill Duffield has written these lectionary reflections to assist readers from all walks of faith to share God's word with others, carrying out his works in the world. This book is intended for preachers and lay persons alike, or even new converts who may have questions as they explore the Bible. If a passage or story seems unclear, Duffield has a detailed response on how to understand His word.

"Strength For the Journey is a collection of summertime sermons, to be shared as congregants depart for and return from their summer vacations, to assist them in continuing their faith journey upon their return. As shown through the sacrifice of Jesus and his death upon the cross, the path of Christianity and following God may not always be straightforward and simple. Nevertheless, Rev. Dean Feldmeyer calls readers to put their faith in God and his Word, to learn from the actions of Jesus and his disciples and apply them in our own lives. Feldmeyer looks to inspire courage and confidence in Christians at any point in their faith journey, that they may take that first step into the unknown, following the teachings of Jesus in a largely opposing world. When Jesus first came to Earth, he did many things that people of his time questioned and even criticized. However, his actions always helped others, even though it may have disrespected customs or traditions of the time. Similarly, we are called as Christians to go out of our way and help our neighbor, despite how little we may know them. Do not be like the priest, who walks by the injured man on the side of the road. Instead, act as the Samaritan did, and help those in need, any way you can"--

"Often, Lent is a season of lament and despair. Living in Hope strives to find the hope of the Lenten Season as Christians prepare for the death and resulting resurrection of the Easter Season. Rev. Dr. Bates, having served as a local church pastor and now as a judicatory leader in the United Church of Christ, has extensive knowledge about and experience in framing useful and contextual sermon messages for congregations and larger church gatherings. Sermon messages for Lent and Easter Provide an additional resource for pastors, lay leaders and Christian educators as they prepare their own preaching and teaching lessons. Although this book's original foundation intended its use as a resource for pastors, it could also be utilized as a basis for Christian Education and scriptural interpretation and exploration for new and veteran members alike, as well as within adult Christian Education classes. Chapters Include: "Love Lives" (Philippians 2:5-11); "Visions of Hope" (Revelation 1:4-8); "Peace in the Presence" (Revelation 7:9-17)"--

"Are we truly living as disciples of God, or have we focused so much on ourselves that we miss those who are truly in need? Many of us, as Christians, believe that we are living as God's chosen people, destined for eternal life. However, there are many out there who do not have the same advantages as we do, and they often blend into the background of our daily lives. Tend and Feed asks us to take another look at some famous Biblical stories, but this time to approach it from a different angle, as a disciple might. Jesus told his disciples to "Tend and feed my sheep" (John 21:17), referring to God's people. We are all God's creation, no matter what walk of life we may follow. Tend and Feed reminds us to look for those that we can help every day, as the disciples would"--

What does it mean to say "I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth?" The Apostles' Creed may be commonplace in many Christian services today, but to some, it is no more than just the repetition of words. Brand Eaton asks what it means to say these words, in order to have his audience reevaluate the creed that they say each week. Taking this into consideration truly reflects whether this creed reflects our daily actions, and how that can improve our relationship with God. Some traditional Christians may see the title of this book and wonder, "Is there something wrong with the creed? Are there some hidden messages between the lines?" However, Eaton's reasoning behind his review is not to change the creed, but rather to take its words to heart. He believes "This [The first line of the Creed] has real implications for the daily exercise of our faith in stewarding the Earth and its resources... In whatever way we can tread more lightly and more respectfully on the earth, honoring that God loves all that God has made as good, the more we live in accord with the creed's profession of belief in God as the creator of heaven and earth." If God's creative will has placed us on this earth, Eaton continues, in what ways are we honoring and respecting the one who brought us into existence? Whatever your education or familiarity with the Apostles' Creed, Eaton invites you to take a step back from the repetition, from the words, and carefully consider your answers to each of the questions that he poses. With every phrase, Eaton helps us strengthen our faith and grow closer to God.