8/3/2019 Book Strokes Library 2309

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Twinspire March 2009

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The Last WeekWritten by Marcus Borg & John Dominic Crossan

Published by SPCKAvailable in Polmont Old Church Library.

(Also obtainable in Wesley Owen on special for5.99)

I picked up this book on Wesley Owens Easterpromotion. It is a day by day account of the eventsof Jesus life in Holy Week. It is based on the

gospel according to Mark and the relevantportions of scripture are quoted as required in anup-to-date translation. I found this a verycomfortable format as you get Marks text followedby the thoughts of the authors.

This book provides fresh perspectives on the oldstory. The authors aimed to throw light on thepassion (dedicated enthusiasm) that led to theevents of Good Friday by retelling the gospelaccording to Mark in the light of Jewish High-priestly collaboration with Roman imperial control.They are thorough scholars and make the history,

economic and political situation is explored fully.They offer the theology in a straightforwardmanner, helping us to understand the culture andJesus motivation. A number of their ideas (forexample the significance of the procession onPalm Sunday and the cleansing of the temple)have given the events of the story a deeperresonance in my mind now.

It is clear that the authors are well-versed inBiblical studies and that they are passionate aboutJesus. They seek to bring the historical persona ofJesus to life with a great degree of success.

The Last Week is primarily for self-study, but thereare group study questions at the end and theauthors suggest eight sessions one for eachchapter taking us from Palm Sunday to EasterSunday. You can enjoy it as a book to read butit does make you think (always a good thing!) andyou will enjoy pondering the events and the ideasthey suggest between chapters.

This book comes recommended for a seriousread. It is particularly suited to the Season of Lentand Easter, but with the focus on Jesus words,life and actions would be appropriate for any timeof year.

Tracey OBrien

What our Strokes reveal about us

A colleague tells of a hearing a pastor give a verymeaningful illustration taken from Chinese kungfu comics of what it mans to be Christlike.In these stories, the hero and his opponent usuallyengage in a duel, and in only a few kung fustrokes (as depicted in the comics), the reader caneasily identify which martial arts school eachcharacter is from. Not only that, but as the storyunfolds, the skills of each hero/heroine reflect onwhether or not the master who taught him or herwas skilful.

He said the pastor then asked whether peoplewould be able to identify us as followers of JesusChrist, when we make a few strokes. Heexplained that the strokes we make could be inthe manner in which we speak, in how we conductour business affairs, in how we relate to familymembers, or in how we conduct ourselves inpublic. It makes one wonder, do our strokesidentify us as disciples of Christ, or do they bringdishonour to His name?

Jesus gave His disciples this commandment:A new commandment I give to you, that youlove one another, as I have loved you, that youalso love one another. By this, all will know thatyou are My disciples, if you have love for oneanother (John 13: 34-35)

As my colleague went on to say, the skill weought to display is the way we show our love toone another. Our behaviour, speech and attitudewill either reflect our love, care and concern, orbitterness and selfishness. May we, as followersof Christ, be more Christlike in the way we love.

Contributed by Lyn McQuaker

Do you know that there is a library in theFellowship Room with a wide range of Christian books and CDs for everyone,adults and children?

So if you are looking for a good read toinspire you and enhance your faith, then thisis the place to visit!

Open before and after Sunday morningservice.