Contemporary life is filled with a host of contentious moral and social issues. There are many thorny topics, both personal and political, which bring out a cacophony of opinions that can overwhelm us. While we are inundated with questions, there often seem to be no clear answers. So how should we respond? As Christians, we must constantly ask ourselves, What does the Lord require of me? In this outstanding collection of meditations, James Killen examines many of today's hot-button issues with an eye toward helping readers think through their beliefs and responsibilities. Mindful of our call to live in faithfulness to God's purpose, each essay draws on the Bible and the Christian faith to discern how God would have us respond to the emerging situations of our world's history. What Does The Lord Require? is topical, inspiring reading -- and with thoughtful discussion questions at the end of each meditation, it's an excellent resource for adult classes or study groups, as well as for a sermon series that is sure to connect with congregations. Among the issues addressed are: * religious pluralism * economic justice * materialism * environmental stewardship * gender roles * suicide * abortion * personal integrity * homosexuality * AIDS * race relations * war The timid pulpit is too often the platform of pastors who choose not to unsettle their parishioners. As a result, words that address the critical social and moral issues of our day go unspoken. The messages of this book inspire the reader to new heights of courage as these difficult issues are presented with clear, forthright challenges. You will be informed and motivated as the cost of discipleship awakens your Christian journey in the 21st century. Joe A. Wilson United Methodist bishop James Killen does a remarkable job of reminding us that being a Christian is more than individual religiosity. Rather, it encompasses every facet of our existence, personal and corporate. These meditations explore issues that Christians cannot afford to ignore. A must read! Brig. Gen. Hiram Jones, USAF (retired) Former Deputy Chief, Air Force Chaplain Service James L. Killen has pastored a variety of congregations during a 45-year career in the ministry, ranging from a small open country parish in northeast Texas to Trinity United Methodist Church in Beaumont, Texas, a 2,000-member church with a television ministry serving all of southeast Texas and southwestern Louisiana. A graduate of the University of Houston and Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, Killen's work has appeared in several publications, including Preaching, Pulpit Digest, Circuit Rider, The Upper Room, and the Abingdon Preaching Annual. He is also the author of Who Do You Say That I Am?

What Does the Lord Require?: Meditations on Major Moral and Social Issues

Religion & Spirituality

James L. Killen

Christian Books & Bibles

CSS Publishing Company

Bring the Old Testament to life with this inspiring and thought-provoking collection of sermons for each Sunday and major celebration in the Church year. Based on the First Readings from Cycle A of the Revised Common Lectionary, these powerful messages by five exceptional preachers from diverse denominations explore the meaning of the Hebrew scriptures for today's Christian living. Abundant insights into vital current issues are woven together with powerful proclamation of timeless themes of justice and righteousness -- and these imaginative homilies are full of compelling examples of how a loving God uses us to further his divine plan. This essential resource is useful for: * Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts * Preaching illustrations * Understanding scripture passages * Adult study and discussion groups * Personal devotions and Bible study John T. Ball has served United Methodist congregations in Toledo, Cincinnati, and Columbus, Ohio. A graduate of Ohio State University and Boston University School of Theology, he has had articles published in Circuit Rider, Christian Ministry, and Emphasis. Bill Mosley has served several congregations in Texas, specializing in rural and small church settings. Currently he pastors Trinity Lutheran Church in Frelsburg, Texas, and St. John Lutheran Church in New Ulm, Texas. A graduate of Texas Lutheran University and Luther Seminary, Mosley is the author of Paradise Restored (CSS). His writing has also appeared in Emphasis, Lutheran Digest, and Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine. James L. Killen, Jr. has pastored a variety of congregations during a 45-year career in the ministry, ranging from a small open country parish in northeast Texas to Trinity United Methodist Church in Beaumont, Texas, a 2,000-member church with a television ministry serving all of southeast Texas and southwestern Louisiana. A graduate of the University of Houston and Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, Killen's work has appeared in several publications, including Preaching, Pulpit Digest, Circuit Rider, The Upper Room, and the Abingdon Preaching Annual. He is the author of What Does The Lord Require? (CSS). Arley K. Fadness serves as an associate pastor at Custer Lutheran Fellowship in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. He has served numerous other ELCA parishes in Arizona, South Dakota, and Minnesota, and he is a graduate of Augustana College, Luther Theological Seminary, and McCormick Theological Seminary. The author of several books published by CSS Publishing Company and Onesimus Press, Fadness also serves as a congregational consultant coaching churches in visioning processes. Charles L. Aaron, Jr. is currently the pastor of Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Garland, Texas, and has served other congregations in Texas, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia. In addition to serving in the parish ministry, Aaron has also taught at Perkins School of Theology, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and Duke University Divinity School, where he was a Luce post-doctoral fellow in preaching. Aaron is a prolific writer whose works have appeared in numerous publications, including Lectionary Homiletics, Preaching Great Texts, Catholic Biblical Quarterly, and Word and Witness. He 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).

Sermons On The First Readings

Arley K. Fadness

Bill Mosley

John T. Ball

and Charles Aaron

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by James L. Killen. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by James L. Killen