Midway’s Wilkerson releases devotional book

Robert Wilkerson, pastor of Midway Baptist Church, Trussville, has released a new devotional book, “Characters of the Crucifixion.” Published by WinePress Publishing, the book examines the lives of those who were integral to the betrayal, trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ — people like Pilate, Herod and Judas — and then applies principles from their stories to today’s challenges.

Wilkerson, who has served as a pastor and evangelist for 50 years, said “Characters of the Crucifixion” was “20 years in the making.” He described his book as one designed to help readers move closer to Christ.

“If you tried to identify the need that most Christians say is greatest in their life, [it’s that] they desire a greater Christian walk,” Wilkerson said. “Even though they may go to church regularly and try their best to live the Christian life, they still feel like there’s a gap between where they are and where they need to be spiritually. And so this book is written to help them close that gap.”

The first chapter is “Caiaphas: The Priest Who Conspired to Murder.” Wilkerson explains that Caiaphas developed a plot to kill Jesus very early in His ministry. “It talks about corruption in public office,” he said. “What we find out as we study all these characters is they may have lived a long time ago, but we’re very much like them and we face many of the same problems they do.”

Another chapter delves into the life lessons from Peter. Wilkerson explains that Peter was an energetic disciple, but despite his enthusiasm, he eventually denied the Lord. Yet Peter didn’t let his fall be his finish. God used him mightily to spread the gospel in the ancient world.

While not every chapter provides “warm and sweet” content typical of many devotionals, Wilkerson believes the messages are both challenging and life-changing.

“My desire is that God would use this book to bless them,” he said of readers. “And if they don’t know Christ, that it might cause them to pause … and lead them to accept Christ.”

For more information, visit www.winepressbooks.com.