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 based on the Second Readings from Cycle C of the Revised Common Lectionary, five eminent preachers from diverse denominations apply the nourishing teachings of the epistles to today's complex challenges. With messages included for every Sunday and major celebration throughout 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.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

Sermons On The Second Readings: Cycle C Series II

Religion & Spirituality

Gribble, Richard

Jamison, John B

Ball, John T

Christian Books & Bibles

CSS Publishing Company

Sometimes in our zeal to proclaim God's message of truth and redemption, we overcomplicate it. As pastors, we sometimes believe that the greatest message is delivered in carefully planned sermons, with every nuance explained and every chapter and verse deconstructed. But what if we let the stories of Jesus speak for themselves? Author and storyteller John B. Jamison asked himself this question, and it didn't take long for him to discover that when he simply stepped back and got out of the way, his preaching began to change. In Simple Faith?, Jamison takes us through Jesus' journey to the cross, but rather than following the traditional sermon structure, he invites us to pull up a chair and listen, to imagine with him those days when Jesus walked the earth and ushered in the kingdom of heaven. As Jamison seeks to revive the imaginations of congregations, he encourages pastors to use this resource as a tool for inspiration. The seventeen Lent/Easter, Cycle B, sermons included in this book, Jamison believes, hold powerful plots and themes that will transform in today's world as boldly as they did in ancient days. Jamison's humble approach to storytelling makes this an accessible resource to not only pastors, but also to those seeking group studies, private devotionals, and a renewed understanding of the gospel text. A few of the chapter titles included in this book are: Some Greeks (John 12:20-33) Where It Ends (John 13:1-17, 31b-35) Tangled Up in the Vines (John 15:1-8) John B. Jamison spent twenty plus years as a full-time pastor of United Methodist congregations in Illinois. Jamison still maintains his connection to the church by serving as an interim pastor for Presbyterian congregations. The author of Time's Up! (CSS) and a section of Sermons on the Second Readings, Series II, Cycle C, Jamison has also participated in the United Methodist Academy for Preaching, and he has created a variety of print, television, and radio material. Jamison is currently CEO of ImagiLearning, Inc. He is married and has one grown child and his hobbies include painting, bonsai, writing, gardening, playing guitar, and traveling.

Simple Faith?: Cycle B Sermons for Lent/Easter Based on the Gospel Texts

The 14 sermons in Be Different are based on Gospel texts with concentrations from Matthew. Sermons follow the Revised Common, Lutheran, and Catholic lectionaries. Sermon titles include: <ul>
<li>Christmas is Out of Control</li> <li>Ponder This!</li> <li>Other People’s Mail</li> <li>What About Me?</li> </ul> These homilies as well as the others in this collection are suitable for assistance in sermon preparation, personal and group study and reflection as well for use as personal devotions. John B. Jamison is pastor of First United Methodist Church, Carthage, Illinois. He holds a Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. He also received his master’s degree from Quincy University. John is a member of the Chicago Writer's Association, The St. Louis Writer's Guild and the Lincoln and Beekeepers Association, just to name a few. He has appeared several times on the nationwide United Methodist television program "Catch the Spirit." When he is not writing or beekeeping, he enjoys painting gardening, and playing the guitar. He and his wife Patricia are the parents of one adult child, Tricia.

Be Different: Cycle A Sermons for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Based on the Gospel Texts

"What does it mean to be an ambassador of Christ? This is the question that John Jamison asks throughout this Lenten season. During this time where we remember Jesus final weeks and actions before his death and resurrection, we must ask ourselves how we can live more like Jesus did, and how we are showing Gods presence to the world? Jamison uses a unique mix of historical fact and modern examples throughout his sermons to show his congregation the many ways that the disciples had lived in Jesus example, and how we can do the same. Although we all have those days where we may not act in a way that is befitting of Jesus, Jamison reminds us that there are no requirements for who can be saved by Gods love, for he sent his son to die for all people. So, do what you can today, and do your best to help others using the gifts that God has given you. Remember that nobody is without Gods grace, and that you should love others as you are loved by your Father in heaven. "The pastor lay awake with the feeling that tonight, he had seen the church as it was meant to be. He had seen those people doing what he believed Jesus would have done. He had been a pastor for many years, but what he saw tonight amazed him. As he walked into his office and joined that nine o clock meeting, he was exhausted, but he felt like the church, and he, had been reborn." Sermon titles include: "Who the Heck is Melchizedek?" (Hebrews 5:5-10) "I Want to Remind You- Easter Sunday (1 Corinthians 15:1-11) "It Takes Both" (1 John 5:1-6)"--

Ambassadors for Christ: Cycle B Sermons Based on Second Lessons for Lent and Easter

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 17 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.""

Time's Up!: Sermons for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany: Gospel a Texts