Against the Grain-- Words for a Politically Incorrect Church PDF Download
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Author: Steven E. Albertin
Publisher: CSS Publishing
ISBN: 0788015036
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 115
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Book Description
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. This book is driven by the fear that the church has too often forgotten the former and succumbed to the latter. -- from the Preface While thoroughly grounded in scripture and sound theology, Steven Albertin has a way of contemporizing the message of the gospel, making it easy to understand but not necessarily easy to fulfill. After reading or listening to one of these sermons, you'll be left with a very clear understanding of its central message, expressed with such carefully chosen and forceful words that it will not be easily forgotten. Chapter titles include: - What's In It for Me (Mark 10:35-45) - Baptism and Self-Esteem (Mark 12:28-34) - Breaking the Taboo (Mark 12:38-44) - Having the Last Word (John 18:33-37) - No Freudian Slip (Matthew 6:25-33) Steven E. Albertin is currently pastor of Christ Lutheran Church of Zionsville, Indiana. He previously served parishes in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, 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.).
Author: Steven E. Albertin
Publisher: CSS Publishing
ISBN: 0788015036
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 115
Get Book Here
Book Description
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. This book is driven by the fear that the church has too often forgotten the former and succumbed to the latter. -- from the Preface While thoroughly grounded in scripture and sound theology, Steven Albertin has a way of contemporizing the message of the gospel, making it easy to understand but not necessarily easy to fulfill. After reading or listening to one of these sermons, you'll be left with a very clear understanding of its central message, expressed with such carefully chosen and forceful words that it will not be easily forgotten. Chapter titles include: - What's In It for Me (Mark 10:35-45) - Baptism and Self-Esteem (Mark 12:28-34) - Breaking the Taboo (Mark 12:38-44) - Having the Last Word (John 18:33-37) - No Freudian Slip (Matthew 6:25-33) Steven E. Albertin is currently pastor of Christ Lutheran Church of Zionsville, Indiana. He previously served parishes in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, 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.).
Author: Steven E. Albertin
Publisher: CSS Publishing
ISBN: 0788019678
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 499
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Book Description
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
Author: Donna Schaper
Publisher: CSS Publishing
ISBN: 0788013947
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 84
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Book Description
Through fascinating anecdotes and narrative stories, Donna Schaper relates these ancient texts to contemporary situations. She skillfully applies the gospel of life and hope to circumstances of suffering and death. Chapters include: - Letting Death Go (Mark 8:31-38) - Paying Attention to the Modern Light (John 3:14-21) - Junk Food and Holy Tables (John 18:1-19) - Being Spiritually Odd (John 20:19-31) Donna Schaper has preached 25 full seasons of Lent and Easter as a parish pastor and a denominational executive. She is a graduate of Gettysburg College, Gettysburg Seminary, and the University of Chicago. She currently works as Area Minister for the Western Area of Massachusetts of the United Church of Christ. She writes for magazines and journals and is a frequent consultant to churches on Spirituality and Church Growth.
Author: John A. Stroman
Publisher: CSS Publishing
ISBN: 0788013882
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 69
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Book Description
Writing on the lectionary texts from Job, Stroman deals with extremely contemporary issues. We discover in these messages that Job's struggles are the same as ours. The texts from Ruth and 1 Samuel introduce us to four important Old Testament women: Naomi, Orpah, Ruth, and Hannah. They all play an important role in the biblical narrative, as well as providing insight into vital current issues. Chapters include: - Taking the Good With the Bad -- (Job 1:1; 2:1-10) - Making Our Feelings Known -- (Job 23:1-9, 16-17) - The Tale of Three Women -- (Ruth 1:1-8) - God Remembers -- (1 Samuel 1:4-20) ... and more! John A. Stroman recently served as Lecturer in New Testament Studies at Trinity Theological College in Accra, Ghana (West Africa). Prior to that he was senior pastor of the 3,000-member Pasadena Community Church (United Methodist) in St. Petersburg, Florida. Stroman served as a United Methodist minister for 38 years in the Southern New Jersey and Florida Conferences. He also serves on the Florida Conference Board of Trustees, the Board of Directors of the Florida United Methodist Children's Home, and the Advisory Council of Bethune-Cookman College. He has written numerous articles in addition to his six books.
Author: John Neal Brittain
Publisher: CSS Publishing
ISBN: 0788024523
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 502
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Book Description
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.
Author: Stephen M. Crotts
Publisher: CSS Publishing
ISBN: 0788013858
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 87
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Book Description
Stephen Crotts tells us that "nothing is spared the Spirit's influence. He shapes our friendships, our marriages, our love for our enemies, our heritage, sexual passion, wisdom, even our femininity and self-esteem." One of the nation's most eloquent preachers pulls contemporary wisdom from these ancient texts with sermons such as "How to Affair-Proof Your Marriage," "How to Treat Your Enemies," and "Godly Sexual Passion for an X-Rated World." Preachers will find much food for thought in these ten sermons based on Cycle B Old Testament texts. Stephen M. Crotts, an ordained minister of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, holds a degree in philosophy from Furman University and an M.Div. degree from Emory University, and has engaged in graduate study at the University of London (England) and L'Abri Fellowship in Switzerland. Thousands of readers have found inspiration in his sixteen books. A member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Crotts is a popular campus speaker, and he and his wife frequently lead marriage renewal weekends.
Author: William L. Self
Publisher: CSS Publishing
ISBN: 0788013769
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 121
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Book Description
The Old Testament readings in the lectionary are often neglected during the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany seasons in favor of the more direct and easier-to-preach New Testament passages. William Self brings his creative imagination to these scriptural passages and gives them new life for the preacher. The sermons of this veteran preacher are written with the pew in mind. They are for people who hurt, for people who wait, for people who face defining moments, and for churches that struggle to proclaim the Gospel. Amply illustrated from life and literature, these sermons can be read for inspiration by lay persons and clergy alike. William L. Self has a national reputation as a gifted preacher, pastor, author, lecturer, motivational speaker for corporate America, and innovator in church growth. He achieved considerable acclaim during his 26-year pastorate at the Wieuca Road Baptist Church in Atlanta. His leadership and substantial influence have brought Johns Creek Baptist Church in Alpharetta, Georgia, a burgeoning suburb north of Atlanta, to the vanguard of fast-growing congregations. Dr. Self is a graduate of Stetson University, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (B.D.), and Candler School of Theology (S.T.D.). He has received honorary degrees from Stetson University, Mercer University, and Han Yang University in Seoul, Korea. The McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University has established the William L. Self Preaching Lectureship in his honor.
Author: John A. Stroman
Publisher: CSS Publishing
ISBN: 0788015095
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 106
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Book Description
These sermons lift up the themes of suffering, reconciliation, and the unmerited goodness of God extended to all through Jesus Christ. Stroman never loses sight of the kerygma in his tightly packed messages. He addresses a world where hatred and violence prevail with the message of divine love, which has enriched souls and kindled faith throughout the centuries. Titles include: - Beginning the Journey to Calvary (2 Corinthians 5:20b) - Once and for All (1 Peter 3:18a) - Promises -- Promises (Romans 4:21) - The Right Person for the Job (Hebrews 5:5-10) - Life -- And Then Some (1 John 5:9-13) John A. Stroman recently served as Lecturer in New Testament Studies at Trinity Theological College in Accra, Ghana (West Africa). Prior to that he was senior pastor of the 3,000-member Pasadena Community Church (United Methodist) in St. Petersburg, Florida. Stroman served as a United Methodist minister for 38 years in the Southern New Jersey and Florida Conferences. He also serves on the Florida Conference Board of Trustees, the Board of Directors of the Florida United Methodist Children's Home, and the Advisory Council of Bethune-Cookman College. He has written numerous articles in addition to his six books.
Author: Wayne Brouwer
Publisher: CSS Publishing
ISBN: 0788015060
Category : Bibles
Languages : en
Pages : 160
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Book Description
One day God will stand again as solo conductor on the podium of the universe and lead in the crashing finale of the symphony of life. But until then, we who are left in this world with the buzzing and blaring of many competing and changing "top 40" hits need to keep humming the tune that Jesus taught. -- from the Introduction The scripture lessons for these seasons combine themes of waiting in expectation and displaying the effects of eternity within the context of time. Though the dulling ache of sin and corruption pushes the song of creation out of tune, Jesus intervenes with a melody of grace, and the church keeps the music alive in witness and testimony while longing for the chorus of eternity to shout hallelujah once again. Wayne Brouwer's messages ring loud and true in the ears of those who hear these sermons. Sermon titles include: - I Can't Wait (1 Corinthians 1:3-9) - Tilting the Balance of Power (Romans 16:25-27) - Anti-Venom Serum (Galatians 4:4-7) - Finding the Right Superlatives (Ephesians 1:3-14) - Beyond Personal Preferences (1 Corinthians 8:1-13) Wayne Brouwer is a graduate of Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, and has done graduate study at Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Christ Seminary - Seminex, St. Louis, Missouri; and McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, where he is working toward his Ph.D. He has served as President of the CRC Publications Board and Vice President of the Synod of the Christian Reformed Church in North America. Prior to his present position as senior pastor of Harderwyk Christian Reformed Church in Holland, Michigan, Brouwer was Assistant Professor of Theology at Redeemer Christian College in Ancaster, Ontario. He also has taught at the Reformed Theological College of Nigeria in Mkar, Nigeria. He has published many books and over 100 articles, devotionals, and sermons.
Author: Maurice A. Fetty
Publisher: CSS Publishing
ISBN: 0788013912
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 157
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Book Description
With his usual flair and fascinating anecdotes, Fetty presents 16 Gospel-based sermons for the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany seasons. Unforgettable in their power and witness, these messages hold the listener's attention from beginning to end.