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Jesus asked them,

“Who do you say that I am?” Mark 8:29

The four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) have always held a central place in the life of the Christian Church. From earliest times the traditional Christian liturgy contained readings from the Old Testament, the Psalms, the Epistles, and the Gospels. The Gospel reading, however, always had pride of place. In ancient times the Gospel Book was carried into the church at the head of a procession. Why this emphasis on the Gospels? Mark 1:1 answers this question: “The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God.” When we read the Gospels, we join those who met Jesus when He was on earth. When we read the Gospels, we come face to face with Him. Indeed, when we read or hear the Gospels, the living Christ confronts us. From beginning to end the Gospels bring us face to face with Jesus’ question above: “Who do you say that I am?”

During March, April, and May we are going to explore the Gospel of Mark. I’ve entitled these studies, “A Short Course in Following Jesus.” Why not join us and let Jesus confront you with this question once again? Check out the podcasts below as they become available:

Study #1. Sunday, March 7, 2021. “The Beginning.” Mark 1:1-15

Study #2. Sunday, March 14, 2021. “The Question.” Mark 1:16-28 (Mark 1:29-45)

Study #3. Sunday, March 21, 2021. “Not the Righteous, but Sinners.” Mark 2:1-17 (Mark 2:18-3:6)

Study #4. Sunday, March 28, 2021. “Two False Answers.” Mark 3:7-35

Study #5. Sunday, April 11, 2021. “Keep Following.” Mark 4:1-20

Study #6. Sunday, April 18, 2021. “More Evidence: ‘Sitting, Clothed, and in His Right Mind.'” Mark 5:1-20 (4:34-6:6).

Study #7. Sunday, April 25, 2021. “Two Popular Answers.” Mark 6:1-52.

Study #8. Sunday, May 2, 2021. “Having Ears, Do You Not Hear?” Mark 8:1-21 (7:1-37).

Study #9. Sunday, May 9, 2021. “Who Do You Say That I Am? Mark 8:22-9:29.

Study #10. Sunday, May 16, 2021. “If Anyone Will Come After Me . . .” Mark 9:30-10:31.

Study #11. Sunday, May 23, 2021. “And Followed Him on the Way.” Mark 10:32-52.

Study #12. Sunday, May 30, 2021. No Choice But to Choose. Mark 11:1-26.