This is not going to be another apologetics blog post. Instead, I want to talk about someone who is coming to Emmanuel Faith Community Church in Escondido tonight at 7 to speak on the reliability of the New Testament gospels.

He is Mark Strauss, son of the former pastor at EFCC. Mark’s resume is solid. He is University Professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary San Diego. That would be enough, but he has done so much more–author or  co-author of twelve books, member of the New International Version of the Bible translation board, and weekly teacher at a church in Rancho Bernardo. Whew! Plus, he’s a family man. Certain people just get more done, despite a limited amount of time. Mark is one of those.

Plus, he’s a great communicator. I’ve heard him speak several times and love his clarity. As an English instructor, I appreciate his organization of material, his ability to keep an audience alert, and his focus on what’s important.

Tonight he will be back at his father’s church to talk about the reliability of the gospels. Skeptics are challenging the idea that the gospels were written by eyewitnesses, so Mark’s  presentation will do much to bolster confidence in the documents we use to understand the life and mission of Jesus. I’m looking forward to his message.