King's Cross

King's Cross by Timothy Keller is a study of the life of Jesus and his message through the Gospel of Mark. Keller who is the pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan has written several other books about Christianity, but this is a compilation of his sermons on Mark. Mark is considered to be the oldest of the Gospels and is also the shortest. Mark keeps his Gospel short but sweet focusing on the true message of Christ. Keller's wisdom is evident on every page with a great deal of insight for readers. He encourages readers to know Jesus and accept Him as their Savior. "[Jesus] is both the rest and the storm, both the victim and the wielder of the flaming sword, and you must accept him or reject him on the basis of both. Either you'll have to kill him or you'll have to crown him," pg. 162. Keller's writing is straight-forward, much like Mark's, and filled with knowledge. Both readers new to Mark and those who have read the Gospel many times will find much to consider. "When [Jesus] comes back, everything sad will come untrue," pg. 17. His insight into marriage makes me want him to write a marriage guide that gives understanding to this statement: "If two people love each other more than they love God, their minor fight will become major fights, and major fights will become world-shaking cataclysms, because neither can take the other's displeasure or the other's failure. They become isolated from each other and eventually their relationship begins to disintegrate." pg 204. Keller tells readers that the basis of failure or success in every relationship of their life begins with their relationship with Jesus, and that He is their only hope of a satisfying life on earth with the promise of eternal life after. I read a lot of books like this, and Keller's stands out because it is both intelligent and easy to understand. This is a must read for those early in their walk with the Lord and those looking to strengthen their faith.

Thank you to Dutton for providing me with a copy of this book for review!