Your First Steps Life Journal reading this week will take you to the Gospel of Mark.  Here is a brief introduction to the book:

Written by John Mark, sometime during 50-70 A.D., the Gospel of Mark is addressed to Gentile Christians (non-Jewish Christians).  Because he was writing to a non-Jewish audience Mark often explained Jewish customs for his readers.

The notorious fire of Rome, in A.D. 64, - probably set by Nero himself but blamed on Christians - resulted in the widespread persecution and martyrdom of early Christ followers.  Some theologians think the Gospel of Mark was especially written to encourage Christians to persevere in the face of persecution.  Although that could be one of his motivations for writing, Mark's general purpose appears to have been to preserve the Apostle Peter's account of the life and teachings of Jesus.

As you journey through the Gospel of Mark you will enter into a vivid account of Jesus' ministry.  As you read, note not only what Jesus said but also what he did and then consider the impact his words and actions had on others.