Trilogy Christian Publishers
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Copyright Ā© 2019 by Peggy Palmer Varljen
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSIONĀ®, NIVĀ® Copyright Ā© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.Ā® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked (KJV) taken from The Holy Bible, King James Version. Cambridge Edition: 1769.
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.
ISBN 978-1-64088-916-3
ISBN 978-1-64088-917-0 (ebook)
DEDICATION
It has been a wonderful learning and humbling experience for me and my husband Frank to research and write this book, which is a condensed easy-to-read version of the four Gospels of the New Testament.
We dedicate this story about Jesus to His mother Mary, and to all His disciples and loyal followers, many of whom gave their lives for their Savior and friend as they defended and spread His divine Word and love around the worldāespecially Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the authors of the four Gospels of the New Testament.
We pray that all who read or hear this story will learn more about Jesus and be assured that He loves them. We pray that Jesus: His Story will touch your soul and awaken a desire to learn more about His life and ministry here on earth.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I wish to express my grateful thanks and appreciation to family and friends who have assisted and supported me in this effort.
Especially to my husband Frankāwithout his shared love, faith, patience, tireless research, editing skills and prayerful support, this book would not have been.
And to family and friends who contributed, encouraged and prayed during the research and writing of Jesus: His Storyāsons Bill Palmer and Peter Varljen, granddaughter Amanda and husband Bryant Eubanks, daughter Jenni Dudley, and dear friends Alice P. and Deacon Vic Taylor.
INTRODUCTION
In our own livesāas we have learned and tried to live the Word of God, raised our families, and experienced the ups and downs of lifeāwe have realized that it is difficult to read and really understand the Bible without added classes, trained teachers, special Bible courses, etc.
As a result, many peopleāeven those who are raised in faith-based familiesāsimply avoid the effort and/or stay away from church, because it is boring or it doesnāt mean much to them. Some just ādonāt get it,ā and they really donāt ever learn the beautiful, remarkable story of Jesusā life here on earth.
Additionally, many people have not had, or still donāt have, the opportunity to learn about Jesus. Others have fallen away from their church and need to revive their faith.
We believe there is a need for an easy-to-read story that condenses the four Gospels of the New Testament, and that tells the story of the life of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who lived among us over 2,000 years ago.
This book provides that story in an easy, flowing style that appeals to both young and old readers or listeners.
JESUS: His Story
A little more than 2,000 years ago, in the small Israeli town of Nazareth, a devout young Jewish woman named Mary was in her tiny bedroom saying her evening prayers when suddenly, the angel Gabriel appeared. āHail, favored one; the Lord is with you.ā Mary was surprised. Gabriel continued, āDo not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.ā He added, āThe Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you shall call His name Jesus.ā Mary was troubled. She was engaged to marry the carpenter Joseph, and they were to wed soon. āHow can this be?ā Mary asked Gabriel. āI am a virgin, as I am not yet married.ā He replied, āNothing is impossible with God.ā Mary replied softly, āI am the Lordās servant; may it be done to me as you have said.ā Gabriel quickly departed. The next morning, a troubled Mary rushed to visit Joseph in his workshop. She told him about the angel Gabrielās visit. He, too, was troubled, knowing he had never ...