The Problem of Jesus: Answering a Skeptic's Challenges to the Scandal of Jesus

Description

The modern world portrays Jesus in many ways for many reasons. Some are well-intentioned but misguided, others are aberrations, still others have some but not all the essential keys. In order to see and understand the real Jesus and what the Gospels say about him, we have to see him in his first-century context-and work out from there. Here is a portrait of Jesus that in some ways will affirm what traditional Christianity has always understood about him...and, in other ways, upend it altogether. Award-winning author Mark Clark delves into the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth: his parables and miracles, his controversial challenge of discipleship and obedience, his seemingly insane claim to be God, and what his death and resurrection (if they did happen) actually mean. Mark is unafraid to tackle questions such as: What would first-century Jews have immediately recognized about Jesus that modern Christians often miss What do the Gospels accomplish, and can we trust them Is there a problem with science and Jesus' miracles What are the barriers stopping people from following him And what is Christianity in light of an accurate portrayal of the object of its faith The Problem of Jesus engages with ideas from all realms of study: from Malcolm Gladwell and Jordan Peterson to historians, scientists, and philosophers; from N.T. Wright to C.S. Lewis; from Star Wars to Pretty Woman-all unite to form a breathtaking and accurate portrait of Jesus, the man, the message, and the mission, who forever altered the course of human history. "As a former atheist, I would call this book philosophical dynamite...The Problem of Jesus will take your thinking about Jesus-and your relationship with him-to whole new levels." -Pastor and author, Ray Johnston.

Mark Clark is the founding pastor of Village Church in Vancouver, Canada. Starting in 2010 out of a school gym, it is now one of the fastest growing multi-site churches in North America. Mark combines frank and challenging biblical preaching with real-world applications and apologetics to speak to Christians and skeptics, confronting questions, doubts, and assumptions about Christianity. His sermons have millions of downloads per year from over 120 different countries. Ray Johnston is president of Developing Effective Leaders, church planter, author, and member of Youth Specialties National Resource Seminar speaking team. He lives in Folsom, California.

'Mark clearly shows us in The Problem of Jesus that no one has been more misrepresented or misunderstood than Jesus. Mark introduces us to the Jesus we find on the pages of Scripture! A Jesus who is irresistible.' * Christine Caine, bestselling author, founder of A21 and Propel Women * 'Mark's book The Problem of Jesus isn't a roadmap for playing it safe, it's an invitation to join Jesus for the risky adventure of your life! This is a great book!' * Bob Goff, author of New York Times bestsellers Love Does, Everybody Always, and Dream Big * 'I love the way Mark Clark turns the kaleidoscope, revealing new dimensions of who Jesus is. This book will help you encounter Jesus all over again!' * Mark Batterson, bestselling author, lead pastor of National Community Church * 'This truly is a great work. If you don't pick it up now, it will only be a matter of time until someone hands you a copy because they enjoyed it so much.' * Carey Nieuwhof, author and founding pastor, Connexus Church * 'Mark Clark has a rare gift for deep theological insights coupled with clear and concise writing. In The Problem of Jesus, he tackles and answers the most compelling and important questions our culture asks when confronted with the claims of Jesus. No matter where you personally land when it comes to Jesus this book will deepen your faith or shake your skepticism. My bet is that you'll not only read it, you'll also pass it on to others.' * Larry Osborne, Pastor and Author North Coast Church * 'There is nobody like Mark Clark. He's brilliant, funny, and compelling all at the same time. In the Problem of Jesus, he points to the challenges and reasons for faith in a way that feels both honest and fresh. This is a captivating look at Jesus and what he means for us today!' * Jud Wilhite, author of Pursued, senior pastor of Central Church * 'With a poet's pen, a scholar's precision, and a pastor's heart, Mark brings Jesus out of culture's usual trappings and places him front and square where he belongs--in our hearts and minds.' * Ricky Jenkins, Senior Pastor of Southwest Church; author of What They Taught Me: Enduring Wisdom for Changing Times * 'Mark provides proper context and evidence for all of us to see and understand the real Jesus in his day and ours. I'm more inspired than ever to follow the Jesus of the Scriptures!' * Brad Lomenick, Founder, BLINC; Author; H3 Leadership & The Catalyst Leader * 'This book is, I sense, going to be a very significant voice to this generation and others to come. It is culturally informed and sensitive without being enculturated. Like the Jesus Mark describes, you can't ignore his message in this book, and you can't be neutral to it.' * Ross Hastings, Professor of Theology, Regent College * 'With astute insights, biblical wisdom, and cultural savvy, Mark is the perfect person to write The Problem of Jesus. It is a tremendous resource for the skeptic, for the new believer, and for the seasoned saint.' * Daniel Fusco, Lead Pastor @ Crossroads Community Church, TV & Radio Host, author ofCrazy Happy and Upward, Inward, Outward * 'Mark does a great job helping people get a good look at our beautiful Lord Jesus and how he represents a new way of being human.' * Alan Hirsch, author of numerous books on missional leadership, organization, and spirituality; Founder of the Movement Leaders Collective *