Agape Church of Christ

As you know we are beginning a study on Mark during the sermon time on Sunday morning.  Mark's to the point story telling will be a tremendous study into the person of Jesus and the ramifications of his ethic for our lives.

I'm going to jump in with verse 14 on Sunday and so I will not spend a lot of time on the background.  Suffice it to say that the gospel of Mark was written somewhere between 66–73 AD.  I prefer a later date but there is no consensus or manner of proving a more precise dating. 

The author is anonymous and it was not attached to John Mark until the 2nd century.  However, whoever wrote it is not important.  The story of Jesus is!  We will refer to the author as Mark throughout because that is the consensus view of designation.  It is important to note that the author was not an eyewitness to Jesus.

Mark seems to have been written to a select group of Christians who were struggling with issues of persecution, controversy and suffering.  The message of Mark is perfect for living in difficult times. 

There is much I could say in introduction to Mark but I know that most of it would appeal only to geeks like me and will be immaterial to the study itself   However, it is very important to note the manner in which Mark was intended to be read.  Mark was intended to be read all at once.  It is not a book but a story.

Therefore, I encourage everyone to read Mark in its entirety between now and Sunday morning. Read it as a story. This is not a book that can be outlined or is simply a how-to manual on what it takes to be a follower of Christ.  If you read it simply for advice or steps to be a better christian then you miss the power and impact of Mark's narrative. 

Read this story, this powerful portrayal of Jesus.  It'll bless you.