Donald English

The fast-paced vitality of Mark's narrative wins the hearts of today's readers on its own terms. Yet while at first glance Mark appears to be a simple account of Jesus' ministry, a serious study raises all kinds of questions: Why doesn't Jesus make his true identity more obvious to the crowds? Why do his disciples find it so difficult to understand? Why is Jesus' work met with such growing resistance? Like any great story, Mark's Gospel unveils its meaning to those who listen attentively, inquire patiently, and reflect on its significance. In The Message of Mark, Donald English offers a wise, welcoming, and nontechnical guide to this smallest of the four Gospels. Beginning with an exploration of Mark's purpose in writing, he examines the focal points of Jesus' teaching, the stories, the characters, and the original audience of the Gospel. Along with exposition of each section of the text, he draws out principles and applications about the nature of true faith, the cost of discipleship, and how we should receive God's Word today. Above all, English writes as one who has a passion to help others appreciate Mark's portrait of Jesus--the Son of Man and Son of God. As with all volumes in the Bible Speaks Today series, this book is characterized by three goals: to expound the biblical text with accuracy, to relate biblical teaching to contemporary life, and to be readable. This new edition includes updated language and current NIV Scripture quotations throughout, as well as a seven-session study guide.

At first sight the Gospel of Mark is a simple account of the ministry of Jesus with lots of stories, plenty of action, a large amount of human interest, and some very straight and searching questions, mostly from Jesus himself. Yet underlying the Gospel is the cross and the cost of discipleship, focusing the question of who Jesus was, and how people should respond to him. Donald English's exposition picks up Mark's focus on faith as a risky, total commitment to Christ, and on its mysteries - pre-eminently, why some people believe, and others do not, even to the point of opposition.

En este libro, el profesor William Abraham afirma que la evangelización es un arte. Y, por consiguiente, debe ser llevado a cabo con cuidado, ha de ser emprendido con seria reflexión y colocarse en el marco de la estrategia global de la vida eclesial. Es más, sostiene que no se consiguen más cristianos por el simple hecho de difundir palabras a la gente, sino por el cuidado y el amor que refleja una comunidad cristiana que toma muy en serio la Biblia y sus propias tradiciones. La colección SEUT es una selección de libros académicos, adaptados al lector para que profundice, de forma accesible, en los temas pilares de la Teología. El área Ministerio y Misión es un rico instrumento para el lector que quiera practicar la fe que proclama dentro y fuera de su comunidad cristiana.

By exploring the biblical basis for preaching, Donald English shows how fundamental theological issues pertain to the proclamation of the Word. He provides a theological basis for preaching, practical insights regarding the movement from text to sermon, and practical guidance in preparing for Sunday worship.