If you want to follow the Messiah, you've got to get ready to move

Mark's gospel has an urgency to it that's hard to ignore. It's as if he is breathless, trying to get the information out as quickly as he can, as a response to the great persecution of Christians by Nero that was taking place when Mark wrote this book. A few decades had passed since Jesus' ministry, and with persecution intensifying, some believers were tempted to compromise, apologize, or simply give up on being a follower of the Messiah.

So, Mark needed to take the early Christians back to the basics. In his rapid-fire account, he pulls no punches in answering these important questions: Who is this Jesus? What does he expect of me? Is suffering a normal part of the Christian life? What will encourage and strengthen my trust in Jesus? These questions are not born of a lack of faith, but serve to strengthen and stabilize our relationship with the Savior.

In this action-packed study, pastor and author Jeff Manion focuses on several important themes:

• Jesus has been given all authority, which either drew people to him, or was resisted (Mark 1-3)
• Jesus calls us to be near him, then he sends us out (Mark 3-6).
• Jesus was always willing to reveal God's truth to open ears and give sight to the blind (Mark 6-8).
• Jesus redefined greatness as humble service and walking the path of sacrifice (Mark 8-10).
• Jesus is the King of heaven and ruler of an eternal kingdom (Mark 11-13).
• Jesus rose from the grave, and is still the King of all kings, ruling today and for eternity (Mark 15-16).

So, lace up your running shoes. Open your heart and mind. And come with your questions Get ready to move as Mark's Gospel reveals what it means to follow Jesus.

Sessions include:

1. The Invitation
2. Lessons for Disciples
3. Hearing and Seeing
4. The Way of the Cross
5. Purchased by God
6. A New Beginning

Jeff Manion's study on the Book of Mark is part of a series called 40 Days Through the Book. Each of the studies in this series, taught by a different pastor or Bible teacher on specific books of the Bible, is designed to help us more actively engage with God's Word by understanding its background and culture, and applying it in a fresh way to our lives.

Designed for use with the Mark: In the Company of Christ Video Study available on DVD or streaming video, sold separately.