With the Ten Commandments such an integral part of today's "culture wars," one would think that most people are familiar with what they actually say. Yet many surveys indicate otherwise -- and even when people can name all of the commandments, they often misinterpret their meaning. In God of Justice, David Leininger sets the record straight with a new look at this ancient document. He examines the commandments in the context of today's social, cultural, and political environment -- and concludes that rather than ironclad laws, the commandments are actually God's policy statements about what is the bedrock of a good, decent, and just society. When properly understood, the commandments offer God's guidance in establishing a healthy way of life that is rewarding for everyone. With discussion questions included for each chapter, this book is an excellent study resource for adult classes -- and clear and accessible reading that will be stimulating for any thoughtful Christian.

Whether used for relaxed devotional reading or as a source of stimulating sermon illustrations, this installment of CSS' popular "Lectionary Tales for the Pulpit" series is certain to enrich your spiritual life. David Leininger takes you right to the heart of the scriptures with imaginative and inspirational stories based on Cycle B lectionary texts. His thought-provoking reflections illuminate the handiwork of God in the modern world -- and they provide an invaluable resource for the daily life and ministry of pastors and laypersons alike.
Some of the intriguing chapters are:
- Christmas in the Crossfire
- A Gospel for Losers
- Our Magnificent, Mysterious, Mischievous God
- God's Day Off
- Handling Freedom
- God's Battleship
- Sermons in Stone
- A Disaster of Biblical Proportions
- The View from Jesus' Pew
... and many more
David E. Leininger is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Warren, Pennsylvania. He has also served congregations in North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Prior to entering the ministry, Leininger had a successful career for almost two decades in radio and television. He is the author of "God of Justice," "A Color-Blind Church," and "Lectionary Tales for the Pulpit" (Series VI, Cycle A), and his sermons have appeared in the "Best Sermons 4 "anthology (HarperCollins). Leininger has also been a contributing writer for the online services "StoryShare "and "The Immediate Word" (www.sermonsuite.com).

The imaginative stories in this newest installment of CSS' popular Lectionary Tales for the Pulpit series provide inspiration for last-minute sermons. David Leininger goes right to the heart of the scriptures with a rich variety of captivating material illustrating Cycle A lectionary texts. His thought-provoking reflections point out the myriad ways in which God is at work in our daily lives.

Conflict is often painful -- but it can also stimulate growth in ways that might never have occurred without it. A Color-Blind Church tells the gripping story of two churches in the little village of Liberty Hill, South Carolina -- one black, one white, both Presbyterian -- and the struggle generated by an attempt to bring them into closer fellowship. From his firsthand perspective, Leininger examines numerous contentious issues this unique opportunity raised, reflects on what he might have done differently and the lessons he learned, and offers specific advice on how to successfully build bridges when bringing together disparate faith communities. "In this refreshingly honest and authentic analysis, David Leininger offers his take on why 11: 00 on Sunday morning is still the most segregated hour in America. Although attitudes have changed in recent decades, Leininger shows us how much they have stayed the same with a startlingly contemporary story." -- William J. Carl III