The stories of Jesus' miracles are challenging to modern sensibilities -- with today's scientific and technological knowledge, we have become somewhat jaded, finding it difficult to be really amazed by anything we encounter. And the miracle stories are so familiar that we rarely mustering any sense of wonder about them, especially if we look for logical explanations. But Jeff Wedge maintains that in order to understand the miracles of the Bible, we must recapture this sense of wonder, for underlying them is the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world in which we live. Packed with valuable idea starters and rich material for sermon development, A Bucket Full Of Miracles provides a detailed exploration of the nine miracle stories in Cycle A. Each chapter includes the biblical text along with an examination of the words, the people, and the action of the lesson, as well as several illustrations and possible preaching approaches. But this book is much more than just a sermon preparation resource -- it's also stimulating reading for anyone who wants greater insight into these marvelous stories of God's power at work.

While this book offers information for the sermon writer, the design of its contents provides more than the ho-hum. Brauninger avoids presenting a ready-made cloak of words for a morning sermon. Instead she invites preachers and their audiences to explore the gap between the "back then" and the "now." This not only helps to answer questions, it generates them -- a crucial element in understanding the miracles of Jesus. Five sections are devoted to each of the nine miracles in Cycle A: Text -- For easy access the entire lectionary text is provided, preventing the need to flip back and forth to the Bible. What's Happening? -- This gives a synopsis of points of action within each miracle story. By reviewing the story action, its movement, conflict, and change or resolution are defined. Connecting Points -- Conversations -- This section offers the central material of each chapter. Here Brauninger engages the preacher in an imaginary exchange before the text is given its usual preparatory attention. A visit with main characters and an occasional bystander, nudging readers toward stepping into their sandals. This section invites the preacher and listening audience to ask relevant questions, thus expanding their understanding. Words -- Significant terms are examined. While this work is not intended as a scholarly study, it assists in placing things in proper context. Gospel Parallels -- This section highlights similarities and differences among parallel stories and other gospels. A helpful word study and bibliography are also included. This series from Brauninger has proven to be a favorite among preachers. Dallas A. Brauninger received the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Divinity degrees from the Chicago Theological Seminary. A full-time writer, Brauninger has served churches in Colorado and Nebraska. She and her husband, both ordained ministers in the United Church of Christ, live in Friend, Nebraska.

While this book offers information for the sermon writer, the design of its contents provides more than the ho-hum. It avoids presenting a ready-made cloak of words for a morning sermon. Instead it invites preachers and their audiences to explore the gap between the "back then" and the "now." It not only helps answer questions, it generates them -- a crucial element in understanding the miracles of Jesus. Five sections are devoted to each of the nine miracles in Cycle B (all from Mark): Text -- For easy access the entire lectionary text is provided, preventing the need to flip back and forth to the Bible. What's Happening? -- This gives a synopsis of points of action within each miracle story. By reviewing the story action, readers define its movement, the conflict and the change or resolution. Connecting Points -- Conversations -- This section offers the central material of each chapter. Here Brauninger engages the preacher in an imaginary exchange before the text is given its usual preparatory attention. A visit with main characters and an occasional bystander nudges readers toward stepping into their sandals. This section invites the preacher and listening audience. This section invites the preacher and the listening audience to ask questions relevant for them, thus expanding their questioning, and therefore their understanding. Words -- Here significant words are examined. While this work is not intended as a scholarly study, it assists in placing things in proper context. Gospel Parallels -- This section highlights similarities and differences among parallel stories and other gospels. There is also a helpful bibliography included. This new series from Brauninger promises to be a favorite among preachers. Through it audiences will become aware of how God speaks to them through miracle stories and will enable them to hear their inner voice and more clearly understand it themselves. Dallas A. Brauninger received her Master of Divinity and Doctor of Divinity degrees from the Chicago Theological Seminary. A full-time writer, Brauninger has served churches in Colorado and Nebraska. She and her husband, also an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, live in West Point, Nebraska. This is her seventh book.

Your partner in intelligent, meaningful sermon preparation: Exegesis The Situation The Setting Cultural and Historical Contexts Other lectionary Texts for the Day Parallel Gospel Texts Meanings and Derivations of Key Words Homiletics Suggested Sermon Themes Sermon Outlines Preaching Illustrations Nine Miracles include Raising Lazarus (John 11:1-45) Feeding 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21) Walking On Water (Matthew 14:22-23) John R. Brokhoff is former Professor of Homiletics, Candler School of Theology, Emory University. Dr. Brokhoff is a prolific author whose popular CSS titles include Preaching the Parables, volumes A, B, and C. The series on Preaching the Miracles includes cycles A, B, and C.

The moving accounts of Jesus? power to cast out demons and heal physical ailments are compelling preaching texts ? but they also present a tangle of problems. This book helps you negotiate a homiletic minefield with a detailed exploration of eleven miracle narratives appearing in Cycle B. It's packed with stimulating ideas and illustrations for developing dynamic sermons, including a chapter with numerous examples of contemporary miracles and healings. ?This is an admirable example of pastoral theology at its best. Aaron's discussions of the historical background and theological significance of each text are thoroughly informed and articulate. Equally helpful are the insights he brings to the understanding of the pastoral implications of each text and the strategies appropriate to preaching the text.' ? David Bartlett, Yale Divinity School

It is the story of the blood of Jesus through the entire Bible. It is about why Jesus had to be crucified, shed His blood and be raised from the dead, and what it all means to you. The Miracle of the Scarlet Thread explains in easy-to-understand, reader-friendly language, the central story of the Bible. It makes the complexities of the Bible simple. It connects Bible stories and shows how the Old Testament and New Testament fit together, telling in one complete story, the wonderful promise God has made to mankind. Dr. Richard Booker has years of study and experience, in preparation of this incredible book. Thousands have come to a clearer understanding of God and the Bible by reading The Miracle of the Scarlet Thread. If you want to understand the Bible, you have to read this book first!