The Rev. Dr. Gary Charles is pastor of Central Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Georgia. In this sermon from Mark 1:14-20 he says, “I’m often astonished at how many people see following Jesus as optional equipment in life, like buying an extended warranty on a car. ‘Yes, I’d like to purchase the Jesus option, just in case there’s something to this Jesus I’ll be covered.’ Yet from the first chapter of his Gospel, Mark introduces us to a Jesus who is not interested in our occasional curiosity or our arm-length respect. He is interested in claiming and transforming our lives right now.”