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

Although the minor prophets are most closely associated with issues of social justice, Charles Aaron demonstrates that they address many kinds of issues facing today's Christians, including modern-day idolatry, pastoral care, intercession, evangelism, and christology. For each of these three prophets, Aaron provides a brief introduction designed to help the preacher get into the books quickly. He explores selected texts, providing a detailed exegesis and discussion of the problems and possibilities in preaching from the text, the use of metaphors by the prophets, and how the final redaction of the books influence our theology and preaching. For each text discussed Aaron offers at least two sermons, one preached by Aaron and the other or others from pastors and professors from the United States and Canada. Contributors are Timothy K. Bruster, Page L. D. Creach, Ann I. Hoch, Virgil P. Howard, David Schnasa Jacobsen, Alyce M. McKenzie, A. Carter Shelley, and William C. Turner.

Share God's truth in words that engage not only the mind but also the heart with this complete set of insightful and inspiring sermons based on Gospel texts from Cycle A of the Revised Common Lectionary. Five outstanding preachers from diverse denominations skillfully weave together scripture with dynamic stories and illustrations to create eloquent messages for every Sunday and major celebration in the Church year. These stirring sermons pull readers into God's Word by combining deep biblical grounding with an astute understanding of the meaning of Jesus' message and ministry for contemporary living. Offering a vision of God's unconditional love and the grace-filled life, this collection of model messages from an experienced group of master preachers passionately proclaims the Good News, provides a wealth of sermon seeds, and revitalizes the faith of anyone who reads them.
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
Charles L. Aaron Jr. is the pastor of Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Garland, Texas. Aaron is a graduate of Lambuth College (B.A.), Memphis State University (M.S.), Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University (M.Div.), and Union Theological Seminary in Virginia (Ph.D. in Old Testament).
Lee Griess is the Assistant to the Bishop for Mission and Outreach in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Nebraska Synod. Prior to that he served for 15 years as the senior pastor of Luther Memorial Church in Omaha, Nebraska.
Mark Ellingsen has had a rich and varied career as both a parish pastor and a seminary professor. Ellingsen is now on the faculty of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, the largest historic African-American seminary in the United States.
Wayne Brouwer has been a pastor in the Christian Reformed denomination for nearly three decades, serving congregations in both Canada and the United States (most recently Harderwyk Ministries in Holland, Michigan). He holds degrees from Dordt College (B.A.), Calvin Theological Seminary (M.Div., Th.M.), and McMaster University (M.A., Ph.D.).
Chris Ewing has ministered to both French- and English-speaking congregations of the Presbyterian and United Churches of Canada, serving most recently at St. Paul's United Church in Kindersley, Saskatchewan. Ewing is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University, McGill University, and Presbyterian College (Montreal).