Jesus told his apostles to "count the cost" of following him. For the twelve, it meant leaving their jobs, their homes and families. It meant literally taking up a new life and leaving the old one behind.

What is the cost of following Jesus today?

Frank Ramirez challenges the modern Church as he explores that question in Mark His Word: Cycle B Sermons for Proper 16 through Thanksgiving Based on the Gospel Texts. Using analogies from the space race to a science fiction short story by Isaac Asimov to the diary of a Civil War-era abolitionist preacher, Ramirez paints a variety of pictures of what it looks like to act in allegiance to the cause of Christ, to answer the call of the Holy Spirit no matter the consequences.

The pastor who utilizes Mark His Word will see a church reinvigorated in time for Advent, prepared to step forth courageously into the world to live and speak truth to a world dying to know it.

Lessons Include:

• "No Turning Back" (John 6:56-69)
• "For Us or Against Us?" (Mark 9:38-50)
• "Give Thanks for What?" (Matthew 6:25-33)

Frank Ramirez is the pastor of Everett Church of the Brethren in Everett, Pennsylvania. A graduate of the University of LaVerne and Bethany Theological Seminary, Ramirez is the author of numerous books, articles, and short stories. Frank has been a long-time writer for CSS' online subscription StoryShare. His CSS titles include Gabriel's Horn, The Christmas Star, The Bee Attitudes, Partners in Healing, He Took a Towel, Coming Home, Lectionary Worship Aids series, and A Call to Worship.