Sermons on the First Readings PDF Download

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: Mary S. Lautensleger
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780788023972
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 432

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Book Description
The Old Testament is a rich tapestry that details how God's plan of salvation was being worked out centuries before the birth of Christ. Yet many people in the pews are not as familiar as they should be with the Hebrew scriptures and their profound lessons for modern living. In this penetrating collection of spiritually enlightening messages based on the First Readings from Cycle C of the Revised Common Lectionary, five distinguished preachers unlock the secrets of some often overlooked passages from the Old Testament and the book of Acts. These sermons for each Sunday and major celebration throughout the entire church year illuminate the wisdom of the prophets, and they demonstrate how relevant their timeless themes of justice and righteousness remain for our twenty-first-century culture. Each thought-provoking message is filled with compelling stories and illustrations that help readers see how to "profit from the prophets." 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

Author: Css Publishing Company
Publisher: CSS Publishing Company
ISBN: 9780788026201
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 450

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Book Description
The New Testament epistles offer us a unique look at some of the struggles faced by the early church, and how those first-century Christians worked through some of the theological and pastoral issues that divided them. In this anthology of insightful sermons based on the second readings from Cycle B of the Revised Common Lectionary, five distinguished preachers explore the epistles and show that their lessons on life and faith still offer valuable guidance for today's complex challenges. This volume includes messages for every Sunday and major celebration throughout the entire church year, and is filled with compelling stories and wisdom. It's a preaching, teaching, and meditation resource that will be a welcome addition to any library. This essential resource is useful for: Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts Inspiring preaching illustrations and sermon starters Understanding scripture passages Adult study and discussion groups Personal devotions and Bible study Some of the captivating sermons included in this collection are: Jesus - The Leader of Our Team Learning the Recipe for Life Show Me Your Credentials The iPod vs. the Larynx All in God's Time God's Chain Reaction Freedom Calling Killing What Is Already Dead Guarding the Treasure Living in Chains A New Resolve ...and many more

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:
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.

Author: Brett Blair
Publisher: CSS Publishing
ISBN: 0788017802
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 228

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Book Description
Anyone who has done children's sermons will sooner or later hear from someone that "I learn more from the children's sermon than I do from the real sermon." And indeed, the truths of scripture are so simple that even a child can understand them. So it's no accident that children's sermons have become a central part of the worship service in many churches. Brett Blair and Tim Carpenter offer a year's worth of object lessons that engage children and impart profound lessons for all ages. Two sermons are provided for each Sunday in Cycle C of the Revised Common Lectionary, one based on the Second Lesson and one based on the Gospel. The messages are structured in two parts: the "lesson" uses an object to draw out active responses from children, then the "application" connects that object to the assigned scripture reading. Each message includes a clear statement of its exegetical aim. Bright, innovative, perceptive, creative, grace-filled Brett Blair and Tim Carpenter are all of those and much, much more, and that is reflected beautifully in their new book Children's Sermons A To Z. James W. Moore Pastor, St. Luke's United Methodist Church Houston, Texas Brett Blair is associate pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church in Memphis, Tennessee. He holds the M.Div. degree from Yale University Divinity School and is a cum laude graduate of Oral Roberts University with B.A. and M.A. degrees in New Testament Literature. Tim Carpenter is the pastor at First United Methodist Church in Bolivar, Tennessee. He is a graduate of Memphis Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and the University of Florida (B.A. in political science).

Author: Derl G. Keefer
Publisher: CSS Publishing
ISBN: 0788018213
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 76

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Book Description
People seem dazzled by the world's glitter of false grandeur and pay little to no attention to the majesty of God. The sparkle of glitter the world offers does nothing but litter the ocean floor of the spirit. A saint's job is to pay close attention to the security of God's grandeur -- magnitude, creation, mercy, hope, happiness, joy, peace, and life. With God as our ship we can stay afloat for eternity. (from All Saints' Sunday sermon, "Called To Be Saints") Derl Keefer explores the timeless and life-changing truths of the Bible in ten powerful and effective messages based on First Lesson passages from the Revised Common Lectionary. While particularly useful to pastors gleaning ideas for their own preaching, these sermons offer an abundant dose of spiritual power to all who read and digest them. Sermon titles include: * Where Are We Without God? -- Exodus 33:12-23 * Leaving A Legacy -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 * Reformation To Transformation -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 * God's New Shepherd -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 You will enjoy the reading journey of Let's Get Committed. These are sermons written by a practitioner, a pastor who has passion for people and for sermon preparation.... While Keefer's illustrations are clear and his quotes are pertinent, the priority is how they bring focus to the Word. They are biblical in an age when God's Word needs to be heard throughout the land.... There is meat here for the mind and inspiration for the heart. (from the Foreword) C. Neal Strait District Superintendent, Michigan District Church of the Nazarene Derl G. Keefer is a graduate of Southern Nazarene University (B.A.) and Nazarene Theological Seminary (M.Div.). He has been the pastor of congregations in Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois, and is currently serving in Kansas City, Missouri, as the Developmental Ministries coordinator for the International Church of the Nazarene's Adult Ministry Division. His sermons and articles have appeared in numerous clergy publications, and he often leads workshops and seminars on preaching and Sunday School ministry. Keefer was named the Church of the Nazarene's Michigan District Pastor of the Year in 1995, and in 2000 Southern Nazarene University honored him as its Alumni Pastor of the Year. He is the co-author of Wedding Sermons & Marriage Ceremonies (CSS), and is also co-editor of The Wesleyan Preaching Annual (CSS).

Author: David R. Cartwright
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780788026683
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 84

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Book Description
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.

Author: Dallas A. Brauninger
Publisher: CSS Publishing
ISBN: 0788019643
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 238

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Book Description
Jesus used his parables to teach ordinary persons with mundane concerns about the kingdom of God; and because these simple stories contain universal truth that transcends time and culture, they still strike a powerful chord with us nearly two millennia later. Preaching the Parables provides a gold mine of background material on each of the eighteen parables appearing in Cycle C of the Revised Common Lectionary. Dallas Brauninger brings a fresh, imaginative approach to these familiar texts, probing them to reveal what they tell us about God and inviting further reflection on what they mean for us today. Preaching the Parables is more than just a sermon preparation resource; it's also stimulating reading for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how God speaks to us through the parables. Modeled on the format of Brauninger's popular Preaching the Miracles series, each chapter in Preaching the Parables includes five sections: - Text -- the entire parable text is reproduced, eliminating the need to flip back and forth to a Bible - What's Happening? -- a synopsis of points of action within the story, defining its movement, conflict, and change or resolution - Spadework -- significant terms are examined through a survey of Hebrew and New Testament writings - Parallel Scripture -- similarities and differences with parallel stories in the other Gospels are highlighted; where the story is unique, parallel words and concepts are examined - Chat Room -- readers are creatively engaged in a variety of imaginary online exchanges, ranging from interviews with parable characters to browsing ideas to self-driven conversations. This permission-giving resource encourages the reader to develop questions for the text. It's the kind of yeast that gives rise to new shades and flavors of meaning. Preaching the Parables nourishes a fresh receptivity to the speaking of the Spirit of God in the lectionary passage and in life. Nancy B. Rohde Interim Pastor, Charlevoix United Church of Christ Charlevoix, Michigan What a refreshingly helpful way to exegete the text. The succinct but substantive "Spadework," "Parallel Scripture," and "Chat Room" sections provide the preacher with an exciting array of ways to understand and give meaning to the parables. Brauninger's writing will afford the reader many "Ahas." Diana Coberly Pastor, First Congregational United Church of Christ Great Bend, Kansas Dallas A. Brauninger, a cum laude graduate of Albion College, received her Master of Divinity degree and an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Chicago Theological Seminary. A full-time writer, she has served churches in Colorado and Nebraska. Brauninger is the recipient of denominational honor for outstanding ministry to persons with disabilities and their families, and she is the editor of That All May Worship And Serve, her denomination's national disabilities ministry newsletter. She and her husband, both ordained ministers in the United Church of Christ, live in Friend, Nebraska.