Sermons on the First Readings: Cycle A PDF Download

Author: John T. Ball
Publisher: CSS Publishing
ISBN: 0788023225
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 422

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Book Description
Bring the Old Testament to life with this inspiring and thought-provoking collection of sermons for each Sunday and major celebration in the Church year. Based on the First Readings from Cycle A of the Revised Common Lectionary, these powerful messages by five exceptional preachers from diverse denominations explore the meaning of the Hebrew scriptures for today's Christian living. Abundant insights into vital current issues are woven together with powerful proclamation of timeless themes of justice and righteousness -- and these imaginative homilies are full of compelling examples of how a loving God uses us to further his divine plan. This essential resource is useful for: - Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts - Preaching illustrations - Understanding scripture passages - Adult study and discussion groups - Personal devotions and Bible study In this anthology, John T. Ball leads the reader from the biblical text into daily life while employing a wide array of theological and literary references. An exciting excursion into a thinking person's faith journey, Ball's sermons are a helpful primer for critically informed preachers and anyone who seeks to make sense of ancient truth in these perilous times. C. Joseph Sprague Bishop, Chicago Area United Methodist Church By weaving the biblical text together with appropriate stories and illustrations, Arley Fadness crafts messages that are engaging and compelling. Readers will find much useful material, not only for sermon preparation, but also for personal spiritual growth. Robert Dovenmuehler Pastor, St. John American Lutheran Church Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Author: Tony Everett
Publisher: CSS Publishing
ISBN: 0788024515
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 412

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Book Description
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.

Author: Steven E. Albertin
Publisher: CSS Publishing
ISBN: 0788019678
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 499

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Book Description
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

Author: Css Publishing Company
Publisher: CSS Publishing Company
ISBN: 9780788026195
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 426

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Book Description
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!

Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Bible
Languages : en
Pages : 422

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Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Bible
Languages : en
Pages : 432

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Author: Argile Asa Smith
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780788026300
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 86

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Book Description
In each of Sunday's assigned lectionary readings -- the First, Second, and Gospel lessons -- we are invited to view the glorious narrative of scripture through three different, yet harmonious, perspectives. In the first reading, the congregation returns to the heritage of our faith as described in theOld Testament, as well as in theNew Testament book of Acts. We travel with thechildren of Israelas they take their first steps in faith, reliving the highs and lows of that journey with them. Through studying this part of scripture, we can see our own journey of faith played out by an entire nation. As part of the"Sermons on the First Readings, Series III, Cycle A"series, "Walking With God"guides us through the last third of the season of Pentecost as Argile Smith explores the first lessons from Proper 23 throughThanksgiving, bringing the lectionary cycle year to its conclusion.By taking us back to the beginning, Smith offers us a better understanding of what it is to nurture an intimate daily walk with God. As we see the faithfulness of God played out in history, we can come to trust God more with our own lives. 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 insightful collection of sermons includes: On Speaking Terms Who's the Real Leader? Powerless People ... and many more! Argile Smithis the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Biloxi, Mississippi. Prior to his current ministry, Smith also served as a seminary professor as well as a university administrator. Along with contributing to the Lectionary Sermon Series, Smith has also written for "StoryShare," part of CSS Publishing's pastoral resource website "SermonSuite"(www.sermonsuite.com). He and his wife, Connie, have three grown sons.

Author: R. Kevin Mohr
Publisher: CSS Publishing Company
ISBN: 9780788028656
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 54

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Book Description
The lectionary Gospel readings for the first third of the season after Pentecost (Pentecost Sunday through Proper 12-Cycle A) launch us immediately into a series of teachings by Jesus, many in the form of a parable, about what it means to follow him in the Kingdom of God. Only three of the eight readings, for example, narrate distinct events in the ministry of Jesus. Given the heavy pedagogic emphasis in the other eight lections, it would be easy to treat discipleship as a thing or an object to be studied at a safe, intellectual distance. Nothing could be further from what author Kevin Mohr believes the Holy Spirit wants us to experience as we grapple with these readings. The parables and teachings of Jesus in Matthew, chapters seven through thirteen, illustrate what began at Pentecost: God is at work in the world through those who believe in Jesus Christ. Through these musings the reader might be able to catch enough of a glimpse of God at work to be caught up again into what God is doing in Christ Jesus through his church. The sermons presented in God At Work are generally more topical or thematic than expository. All of them have been edited from their original context of sermons shared with the people of English Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bluffton, Ohio. But the liveliness and spirit of these messages have not been lost in the editing. "It has been my great privilege and joy to wrestle with God's Word with that great community of believers in Bluffton; I have been blessed to see God at work among them and through them. I am thankful to God for their role in these sermons..." -Author, R. Kevin Mohr Some sermon titles included: The Kiss of Life (John 20:19-23) Worship, Doubt, & the Trinity (Matthew 28:16-20) A Storm-Proof Faith (Matthew 7:21-29) Long-Shots & Lost-Causes (Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26) Good For What Ails Us (Matthew 9:35--10:8) R. Kevin Mohr is pastor of English Lutheran Church in Bluffton, Ohio. Immediately after graduating from seminary, Mohr and his wife were missionaries for seventeen years in Madagascar. For the next eight years he taught at and was president of the regional seminary of the Malagasy Lutheran Church and was then chairperson of the ELCA missionaries in Madagascar. Pastor Mohr attended Heidelberg University and Trinity Lutheran Seminary for his formal education. Mohr is married to Deborah and together they have two grown children.

Author: James L. Killen
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780788026317
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 81

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Book Description
In each Sunday's assigned lectionary readings -- the First, Second, and Gospel lessons -- we are invited to view the glorious narrative of scripture through three different, yet harmonious, perspectives. In the second lesson, we become witnesses to the growth and development of the early church as described in the epistles of Paul and the other apostles. As the early Christians take their first steps in their faith, we too learn how to travel on our own journey with Christ. As part of the Sermons on the Second Readings, Series III, Cycle A series, "What Can We Believe?" guides us through the last third of the season of Pentecost as James L. Killen Jr. explores the second lessons from Proper 23 through Thanksgiving, bringing the lectionary cycle year to its conclusion. 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 insightful collection of sermons includes: What Can We Believe about the Christian Life? What Can We Believe about the Reign of Christ? What Can We Believe about Stuff? ... and many more! James L. Killen Jr. is a retired pastor in the United Methodist church, serving in short-term interim ministries in the Texas Conference. He has served in many churches in the Texas Conference and currently participates at Trinity United Methodist Church. He holds degrees from the University of Houston (B.S. History and Philosophy), and Perkins School of Theology at SMU (B.D., D.Min.). A past contributor to "The Immediate Word," part of CSS Publishing's online pastor resource SermonSuite, Killen's interests include writing, walking, and bird watching.

Author: Tony Everett
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780788026294
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 118

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Book Description
In each of Sunday's assigned lectionary readings -- The First, Second, and Gospel lessons -- we are invited to view the glorious narrative of scripture through three different, yet harmonious, perspectives. In the first reading, the congregation returns to the heritage of our faith as described in the Old Testament, as well as in the New Testament book of Acts. We travel with the children of Israel as they take their first steps in faith, reliving the highs and lows of that journey with them. Through studying this part of scripture, we can see our own journey of faith played out by an entire nation. As part of the Sermons on the First Readings, Series III, Cycle A series, "Show-and-Tell" guides us through some of the earliest accounts in the Bible in Genesis and Exodus, as well as the prophetic words of Isaiah and Ezekiel. During the Easter season, the first readings also explore the beginnings of Christianity as recounted in Acts. By taking us back to the beginning, Dr. Everett offers insight and encouragement into how we can live out our faith today. 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 insightful collection of sermons includes: Will This Be on the Test? A Breath of Fresh Air Stuck in Park ... and many more! Dr. Tony Everett is the Dewey F. Beam Professor of Pastoral Care at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, South Carolina. He has served parishes in Massachusetts, Ohio, and South Carolina, as well as serving as the director of a community mental health agency in New York. He has written two previous books for CSS: "Where Is God in All This?" Cycle C, First Lesson texts for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany and "Did You See That Gorilla?" Cycle A, First Lesson texts for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. Dr. Everett has contributed pastoral care articles for the "Clergy" journal and daily devotionals for "Christ in Our Home." He is married to Judy and together they have three adult children and five grandchildren.