Filled with wit, insight, and inspiration, this anthology includes sermons for every Sunday and major celebration throughout the Christian year based on the First Readings from Cycle C of the Revised Common Lectionary. Three outstanding preachers from diverse denominational backgrounds interpret texts from the Old Testament and Acts in fresh ways that proclaim the good news for the twenty-first century. Their powerful messages remind us that the Hebrew scriptures are much more than just ancient history and explore what they mean for us today. Proclaiming timeless themes of justice and righteousness, as well as God's faithful covenant and enduring forgiveness, these imaginative homilies call us to lead better, more God-centered lives. This is an essential resource that's useful for: - Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts - Preaching illustrations - A clearer understanding of scripture passages - Adult study and discussion groups - Personal devotions and Bible study on each Sunday's texts The illustrations in these sermons, taken from both classical and common sources, as well as personal experiences, are worth the price of the book. I'll buy any book of sermons that gives me one or two good illustrations that are fresh and believable. Charles Reeb is a master at illustrating his points. John K. Bergland Former Professor of Preaching and Associate Dean Duke Divinity School Former editor, Abingdon Preaching Annual

Modern life presents many difficult and challenging situations -- but as the Hebrew scriptures tell us in rich detail, that's nothing new for God's people. Indeed, the Bible shares the epic story of how God's faithful followers were formed and shaped through centuries of trial by fire. In this inspiring collection of powerful messages based on the First Readings from Cycle A of the Revised Common Lectionary, five master practitioners of the homiletic craft explore passages from the Old Testament and the Book of Acts, and show how the wisdom contained in those ancient texts offers vital moral and spiritual guidance for contemporary living. Building on stories in which God moves ordinary people to extraordinary heights, these sermons for each Sunday and major celebration throughout the entire church year passionately proclaim the good news of God's continuing presence -- and the possibilities that offers for our lives, our churches, and the world. This essential resource is useful for: - Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts - Inspiring preaching illustrations and sermon starters - Understanding scripture passages - Bible study and discussion groups - Personal devotions and inspirational reading Tony S. Everett is currently the Dewey F. Beam Professor of Pastoral Care at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, South Carolina, where he also consults with congregations in spiritual growth, leadership training, and conflict management. Everett is a graduate of Youngstown State University (summa cum laude), Hamma School of Theology, and Boston University School of Theology. Schuyler Rhodes is the pastor of Temple United Methodist Church in San Francisco, California. He is an honors graduate of the State University of New York at Potsdam and Drew University Theological School. Stan Purdum is the pastor of Centenary United Methodist Church in Waynesburg, Ohio. Stan is a graduate of Youngstown State University, Methodist Theological School in Ohio, and Drew University Theological School. David J. Kalas is the pastor of First United Methodist Church in Whitewater, Wisconsin. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia and Union Theological Seminary of Virginia. Timothy J. Smith is currently the senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Millersville, Pennsylvania. Smith received his M.Div. degree with an emphasis on preaching and worship from United Theological Seminary and his B.A. degree in American history from Millersville University.

Full of gripping illustrations that bring the scriptures to life, this anthology includes sermons for each Sunday and major celebration throughout the Christian year based on the First Readings from Cycle B of the Revised Common Lectionary. The powerful messages from preachers across the denominational spectrum interpret texts from the Old Testament and Acts in fresh ways that proclaim the good news for the twenty-first century. Building upon stories in which God moves ordinary people to extraordinary heights, these sermons combine creative imagination with abundant insight into vital current issues to transform our human despair into trust in the Lord's divine providence. This is an essential resource that's useful for: - Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts - Preaching illustrations - A clearer understanding of scripture passages - Adult study and discussion groups - Personal devotions and Bible study on each Sunday's texts Alan Stewart has prepared a creative, thoughtful, relevant, and positive series of messages that will bless all of those who use them. He has certainly caught the spirit and reality of the positive perception of what "church is supposed to be." Robert H. Schuller Pastor, The Crystal Cathedral Garden Grove, California Timothy Smith's sermons lift up the common humanity that inhabits both the Hebrew scriptures and modern culture, and point the hearer to the God who is active in both as Judge and Redeemer. They reflect a pastor's sensitivity to men and women who are so enmeshed in webs of their own weaving that they have lost all hope of release and who are amazed when God breaks through. Kendall K. McCabe Vice President for Academic Affairs, Professor of Homiletics and Worship United Theological Seminary

If you want a new perspective on the ancient texts of the Hebrew scriptures, this comprehensive collection of inspirational messages based on the first readings from Cycle C of the Revised Common Lectionary is an invaluable resource. Five distinguished preachers explore passages from the Old Testament and the book of Acts that chronicle the work of the prophets and the apostles, and show how God uses them to help us see beyond a depressing past and a disappointing present to a better future. Drawing on diverse backgrounds and perspectives, this set of sermons for each Sunday and major celebration throughout the entire church year offers rich food for the spiritual journey, and inspires readers to grasp that despite our sinful nature, God has not given up on us and is always with us.This essential resource is useful for: Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts Inspiring preaching illustrations and sermon starters Understanding scripture passages Bible study and discussion groups Personal devotions and inspirational readingSome of the captivating sermons included in this collection are: Finding Redemption in the Midst of Judgment Hidden Potential Lessons from a Hurricane Anatomy of a Testimony The Gospel According to Pronouns A Tale of Two Peters The Naaman Syndrome When the Fruit Is Spoiled Parenting - Not for the Faint of Heart! In the Potter's Hands Not Another Rerun! Thanksgiving Is Nine-Tenths of Possession ...and many more!

One of the enduring legacies of the Revised Common Lectionary is its ability to draw different parts of scripture together to form a coherent narrative, drawing congregations from around the world into the life-changing message of faith in Jesus Christ. Each element of the lectionary brings its own point of view into this message, giving us insights into its origins, the impact on its original hearers, as well as its relevance for our lives today. In the gospel message, we see the drama of Jesus' life and ministry and are challenged to join in it. "Eyes of Faith" journeys through the gospel texts for the first third of the Pentecost season. Cartwright guides us through these seemingly familiar passages of scripture, illuminating them for today's generation. Looking at the words and events of Jesus' life through new eyes, Cartwright explains how we can apply that new vision to our daily Christian walk. This collection of sermons is a valuable resource for: - Sermon starters and illuminating illustrations - Gaining a new homiletical perspective to the lectionary - Offering a newer, deeper understanding and appreciation of scripture - Using as a starter for adult Bible study groups or personal devotions This sermon collection includes: The Teacher Who Wanted to Learn Promising Too Much Satisfied in Christ ... and many more! David R. Cartwright is the Minister Emeritus at Hazelwood Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Muncie, Indiana. He holds degrees from Washington University (St. Louis, Missouri), Yale Divinity School, and Christian Theological Seminary (Indianapolis, Indiana) He has served in various pastoral roles in Christian churches in Indiana since 1965, and he also serves as a regional elder. Cartwright is the author of "Guided by the Spirit," part of "Sermons on the Gospel Readings, Series II, Cycle C" (CSS). His hobbies include reading, swimming, cooking, and travel.

Some musicians come along and the music speaks to a particular decade. The lyrics of David span the centuries... His lyrics endure and forever surface in our liturgy. -- from chapter 7 The ten sermons in this book are based on texts primarily from 1 and 2 Samuel. Titles include: - Saul, The Tormented King - When Saints Go Marching Forth - R.S.V.P. - The Strange Tactics Of God The sermons of Art Kolsti are among the most consistently thoughtful and stimulating ones that I have heard, but they also contain ideas and subtitles that can slip past the listener on first hearing. They will amply repay the thoughtful and intelligent reader. Dr. James Munkres, Mathematics Dept. Massachusetts Institute of Technology Arthur Kolsti's sermons are all marked by their spiritual substance, apt historical and contemporary illustrations, concise wording, and grounding in careful expositions of Christian scripture and teaching. Kolsti is exquisitely skillful in the use of words and the Word. Arthur J. Dyck Professor of Population Ethics, Harvard University Professor of Ethics, Harvard Divinity School Arthur H. Kolsti, Matinicus, Maine, is a graduate of Harvard University and Andover Newton Theological School. He has served United Church of Christ congregations in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.