Brad Gray - Make Your Mark: Getting Right What Samson Got Wrong

Brad Gray has a remarkable gift for merging the best tools we use to interpret the Bible today. Here he employs historical geography, the culture of ancient Israel, Hebrew language insights, and a wide knowledge of the Bible to bring to life the stories of Samson that are frequently neglected in the church. His aim is not mere exposition, however. His heartfelt desire is to see these ancient inspired stories find new life for believers and he does it with enthusiasm, humor, and skill. MAKE YOUR MARK is as fascinating as it is inspiring. And particularly for those Christians who may think theyve heard it all in the Bible, Brad Gray proves that there are fantastic surprises still to be discovered.

Gary M. Burge, PhD, professor of New Testament at Wheaton College and Graduate School

Samson is the perfect archetype for the conflicted superheroes we find in movies today. Despite his supreme strength, hes often hardly heroic in how he fulfills Gods calling. What can we learn from his weaknesses? By digging into Samsons life in its ancient context, Brad Gray has excavated much fresh insight for today. I was delighted and convicted by Brads thoughtful heart, his humor, and his passion for studying Gods Word in its original time and place.

Lois Tverberg, author of Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus and Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus

Brad Grays mighty fine book MAKE YOUR MARK probably should be titled It Will Leave a Mark because it will! Over the years, I have had the unspeakable pleasure of teaching preaching to literally hundreds of young men and women all eager to take their place in the long line of preachers who have gone before them. I keep in my mind a list of the best of the best I have ever taught, and Brad Gray is on that list. He may actually be at the very top of that list in this particular regard; he is the most relentless studier of the text I have ever taught. He tirelessly turns over every stone in sight to see what is just beneath the surface! What a wonderful gift to once be a teacher of a person who then becomes your teacher! If you read MAKE YOUR MARK like I did, it will leave a mark on you, and you will be better for it!

Dr. Timothy Brown, president and Henry Bast professor of Preaching, Western Theological Seminary, Holland, Michigan

MAKE YOUR MARK brings three dimensional insights to a mysterious story. The image of Samson has long been that of a muscular one man wrecking crew. By guiding us through the geography, customs, and language, Brad Gray provides a refreshing look at an enigmatic character. In the process, he motivates us to become better stewards of our own calling, gifts, and opportunity.

Jeff Manion, senior teaching pastor, Ada Bible Church, and author of The Land Between and Satisfied

Brad Gray provides a rare combination of cultural understanding, geographical context, historical perspective, and biblical insight, making this book a powerful read. The life lessons from Samsons story are clear and highly relevant for todays culture.

Kirk Cousins, NFL quarterback and author of Game Changer

In MAKE YOUR MARK, Brad Gray helps strip away our western cultural assumptions and gives us a fresh look into the story of Samson. Along the way he gives us practical and biblical instruction that helps us navigate through our own stories as we become a part of the larger story.

TobyMac, Grammy awardwinning artist, producer, songwriter, and author of City on Our Knees

To my wife, Shallon

An ezer kenegdo par excellence, and the greatest woman Ive ever met. Thank you for your endless love, encouragement, and challenge.