Paul and the other writers of the epistles were entrepreneurs for early Christianity ? and not only did they tirelessly spread the Good News, but their pastoral letters are also a marvelous guidebook full of practical wisdom. Because their writers were called on to assist the early faith communities in coping with a variety of problems, the New Testament epistles are chock-full of timeless lessons on living the Christian faith. In this extensive anthology of enlightening sermons, five eminent preachers apply the nourishing teachings of the epistles to today's complex challenges. With messages included for the entire church year, there's a wealth of ideas and illustrative stories helpful for preaching, teaching, and meditation. These biblically grounded sermons shine the light of Christ on our often confusing world and proclaim the richness of God's truth, offering readers comfort and hope while challenging them to a more intense faith relationship with the Almighty.

"Loving people and caring for them isn't enough to change the way the world works overnight.... Our caring isn't enough to change all "bad" into "good." But it is all we are asked to do. And it is enough."
-- from the sermon "Enough"
The seventeen sermons in this book are based on gospel texts from Matthew. Sermons follow the Revised Common, Lutheran, and Roman Catholic lectionaries.
"The church is the place of greatest hope in our society," writes John Jamison. "What happens when God's people gather together and hear God's word can happen no place else Lives are changed. They are made whole, unbroken and hopeful. That is, and must be our task."
John B. Jamison is pastor of First United Methodist Church, Carthage, Illinois. He holds a master of divinity degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. He has appeared several times on the nationwide United Methodist television program "Catch The Spirit."