The New Testament epistles are much more than just a historical record of the early church -- they are also the heart and center of Christian proclamation, helping us to clearly understand how the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is part of God's cosmic plan of salvation. In this outstanding anthology of sermons based on the Second Readings from Cycle A of the Revised Common Lectionary, five distinguished preachers bring their insight to the pastoral letters and draw valuable lessons for the complex challenges posed by life in the 21st century. Each thought-provoking message is filled with compelling stories and illustrations, and offers a clear and authentic vision of Christian faith in the context of daily life. With material for every Sunday and major celebration throughout the entire church year, this resource provides abundant seeds for preaching, teaching, and meditation, and will become a treasured addition to anyone's reference 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
John N. Brittain is Dean of the Chapel at Houghton College in Houghton, New York. A magna cum laude graduate of Brown University, Brittain has also earned degrees from Methodist Theological School in Delaware, Ohio (M.Div.) and St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore, Maryland (D.Min.).
David O. Bales was a Presbyterian minister for 33 years. Recently retired as the pastor of Bethany Presbyterian Church in Ontario, Oregon, he is also a freelance writer and editor for Stephen Ministries and Tebunah Ministries. Bales is a graduate of the University of Portland and San Francisco Theological Seminary.
Steven E. Albertin is the pastor of Christ Lutheran Church of Zionsville, Indiana. Albertin has received degrees from Concordia College (B.A.), Concordia Seminary in Exile, St. Louis (M.Div.), Christ Seminary - Seminex (S.T.M.), and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (D.Min.).
Larry Lange and his wife, Julie Wrubbel-Lange, serve as the pastors of Grace Lutheran Church in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Lange is a graduate of Carthage College (B.A.), the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (M.A. in English), the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (M.Div.), and the Association of Chicago Theological Schools (D.Min. in Preaching).
Mary S. Lautensleger is the pastor of Stony Hill United Methodist Church in Albemarle, North Carolina. Lautensleger is a graduate of the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati (B.M., M.M), United Theological Seminary (M.A. in theological studies), and Trinity Lutheran Seminary (M.Div.), and she is a D.Min. candidate at Hood Theological Seminary.

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"

I have always been troubled by a church that is too enamored of "the big business of religion" and too hungry for the world's applause and approval. The church is first of all called to be faithful to the Gospel, to be a sign of God's coming gracious kingdom in this world, and only secondarily to be a successful and competent institution in this world.