Ray Johnston

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.

Build toward Long-Term Energy, Health, and Success as a LeaderPastors and ministry leaders are some of the hardest-working people in the world--and they have the high rate of burnout to prove it. As a leader, if you aren't operating at peak efficiency and taking care of yourself, it is bound to catch up with you in a big way. So few in ministry feel they have the time to take a sabbatical or tend to their own physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. But healthy rhythms of work and rest are the key to a thriving, long-term ministry.Putting their years of experience as both leaders and consultants to work, Jason Young and Jonathan Malm show you how to fine-tune your leadership and organize your life in such a way that you can become a high-capacity leader without the exhaustion and discouragement so many feel. They teach you how to set healthy boundaries, release control, operate from your values, and much more in order to burn bright and make a lasting impact without sacrificing your health, happiness, and relationships.

If you've ever wanted to quit, read this first Stress. Change. Crisis Everyone know what it's like. Everyone has been tempted to walk away, forget it, give up. "Crisis is normal to life," best-selling author Edwin Louis Cole teaches. But God has a way for you to become a winner in every situation.WINNERS ARE NOT THOSE WHO NEVER FAIL BUT THOSE WHO NEVER QUITFacing the challenge of a job loss, a mid-life crisis, a troubled marriage, moving, financial difficulties, and general stress can become the fuel that propels you to your greatest victories and success In the fast-reading chapters of this best-selling classic, Edwin Louis Cole offers real, sensible solutions to contemporary changes and crises. You'll learn...What to do in crisisTen steps to leave the old and enter the newHow to transform crisis into overwhelming successWhat is your part; what is God's part?When life is just too tough, God's faithfulness is tougher. Even if you're tempted to quit, you can make it through Edwin Louis Cole was known for his practical application of wisdom. Using pithy statements and a confrontational style that demanded social responsibility and family leadership, he mentored hundreds of thousands of men worldwide. His powerful books have become the most widely-used Christian men's resources in the world.

He is risen! Now what? How does the resurrection of Jesus impact my everyday life, and why should I care? Pastor Ray Johnston provides a resource for individuals and communities who want to explore the implications of the Resurrection on Christian life. This Changes Everything explores thirty practical ways Christ?s victory over the grave changed the lives of early believers and can transform us today. This resource has been given to thousands of new Christians at Bayside Church where the author is the founding pastor. While not primarily an apologetics text, This Changes Everything provides helpful apologetics resources while speaking practically about the impact of the resurrection of Jesus in ordinary life. Let your whole life declare, "He is risen, indeed!"

Yes, help is on the way--in this funny, yet extremely practical volume. Flannel graph-tested Sunday school veteran Ray Johnston offers empathy and understanding as he serves up 50 creative thoughts, tips, and ideas you can use to make Sunday school come alive, including: Letting students choose the content. How to use the element of surprise. How to tackle tough topics. Small can be beautiful. Keep your kids guessing. How to adapt curriculum for your kids. You (yes, you) can be creative. It's OK to have fun and many more! As an added bonus, Ray has included resources that you can use to improve your effectiveness, including a "Pick Your Topics" survey, a learning styles inventory, an active learning planning sheet, and much more. Whether you're teaching first graders or high schoolers, no matter what kind of church you're in, Ray's wit, wisdom, and practical ideas are just what you need to give your teaching that extra spark. You'll approach Sunday school in a whole new way (and even find yourself liking it!) after you've chuckled your way through Help! I'm a Sunday School Teacher!