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Foreword |
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The Synoptic Gospels: Volume I From Bethlehem to the River Jordan |
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by We Christians are never called to keep our faith to ourselves, but to respect the faith of others as we share our faith with them. How do we do that? Using the different gifts we are given, we must first reach into our own hearts and share what we’ve found there with others in our homes, in our workplaces, in our church, and in our communities. We do this while also allowing ourselves to be fully present to others who want to share what is in their hearts. This helps to build a diverse, vibrant and love-filled faith community. With this book, Ed Bleynat, from Trinity Church, Asheville, a parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, invites others to do just that. He has shared his knowledge of, interest in, and passion about the message contained in the synoptic Gospels with other adults in his church community. And now, with this book, he shares it with a larger community. The book offers powerful tools that give us a better understanding and an immediate application of our Christian calling, and will enrich our own “journey into the kingdom.” This is a book that can be read and studied for one’s own personal benefit. It’s also a most helpful Christian education resource. In this instance, I speak specifically of the study guide and commentary about the synoptic Gospels that promote and support biblical study and spiritual growth in a way that compels group discussion and personal discovery of the meaning and value that the synoptic Gospels, and the story of Jesus, continue to have in our lives today. There are resources here that class members can take home and incorporate into their daily lives. Ed invites the reader to share with others what they believe, hear what others believe, and trust deeply that in this sharing, the Holy Spirit will help the reader to grow daily in faith. This is an invaluable approach to Scripture that promotes inclusion, diversity, historical understanding, discussion and learning through inquisitiveness. It deeply touches me that our church has committed and knowledgeable lay people who are willing to take on projects like this book, as an outward and visible sign of their commitment to their faith journey. Regardless of one’s denominational perspective, this book will be useful, not only in understanding the personal dimension of the gospel message, but also in building community by constructively relating to people of different faiths in this ever increasing religiously diverse country of ours. --Rt. Rev. Robert H. Johnson |
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