Go Deeper as a Centered-Set Church by studying Paul’s Letter to the Galatians
“Baker’s exploration of Galatians makes the ancient seem strikingly contemporary.” Meghan Good
“Crystal-clear exposition, vivid imagery and illuminating analogies . . .” Ross Wagner
“I was exploding with excitement in my soul as I read this book.” Jon Maurer
Paul wrote a passionate letter to Galatian churches that has potential to lead us to more profoundly experience the liberating work of Jesus Christ. This commentary seeks to unlock that potential by pressing deeper into the letter itself to understand the problem that provoked Paul to write it. Mark Baker pays special attention to the religious and honor-shame dynamics of the time, and mines new insights and applications through using the concept of bounded, fuzzy, and centered churches as a lens for interpreting Galatians.
While based on thorough research of Pauline scholarship, this commentary is accessibly written. The implications sections and thoughtful questions that close each chapter invite deeper consideration of both personal and communal applications, making this an ideal volume for individual or group study.
Kindred Productions Luminaire Studies Series
What People Are Saying About the Book
“Mark Baker knits together the Apostle Paul’s passionate call to the Galatian church, and to us, to embody the unexpected grace and liberating freedom found uniquely in Jesus. A highly readable book.”
“Written in a style that is commentary, Bible study, and small group discussion guide all in one, this book provides a way forward for Christians exhausted by the many lines currently dividing churches.”
“Rich in theological insight and pastoral wisdom, this book will be an excellent resource both for those who are reading Galatians for the first time and those who have been reading it all their lives.”
“Baker illuminates Paul’s answer to the question of what it will take to see a fractured church gathered at one table.”
“Baker has given me the inspiration to help those I lead say goodbye to judgmentalism and religiosity. There’s nothing else like it—absolutely brilliant! ”
“How do we live in the truth of the Gospel without eventually adding our own customs, cultural value systems, ethnicity, or nationality as the markers and protectors of the Christian identity? This book is a must for anyone drawn to understand and live in the grace of Jesus. ”
Options for Buying the Book
For bulk orders of 8 or more contact the author directly for a discounted rate of $14.50 plus shipping.
About the Author
Mark D. Baker
Mark (Ph.D., Duke University) is J. B. Toews Professor of Mission and Theology at Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary in Fresno, California.
He served as a missionary in Honduras for ten years and since 2008 has led a weekly Bible study at the Fresno County Jail. He has written a number of books, including Ministering in Honor-Shame Cultures (with Jayson Georges) and Centered-Set Church: Discipleship and Community Without Judgmentalism
