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.
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.
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