A Bucket Full of Miracles

A Bucket Full of Miracles
Author: Jeff Wedge
Publisher: CSS Publishing
Total Pages: 178
Release: 2004
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0788023187

The stories of Jesus' miracles are challenging to modern sensibilities -- with today's scientific and technological knowledge, we have become somewhat jaded, finding it difficult to be really amazed by anything we encounter. And the miracle stories are so familiar that we rarely mustering any sense of wonder about them, especially if we look for logical explanations. But Jeff Wedge maintains that in order to understand the miracles of the Bible, we must recapture this sense of wonder, for underlying them is the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world in which we live. Packed with valuable idea starters and rich material for sermon development, A Bucket Full Of Miracles provides a detailed exploration of the nine miracle stories in Cycle A. Each chapter includes the biblical text along with an examination of the words, the people, and the action of the lesson, as well as several illustrations and possible preaching approaches. But this book is much more than just a sermon preparation resource -- it's also stimulating reading for anyone who wants greater insight into these marvelous stories of God's power at work.

The Miracles of Jesus and Their Flip Side

The Miracles of Jesus and Their Flip Side
Author: Jerry L. Schmalenberger
Publisher: CSS Publishing
Total Pages: 97
Release: 2000
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0788017101

The miracles of Jesus are some of the most striking passages in the New Testament -- they bring the power of God "up close and personal" by dramatically rearranging human situations and teaching us great spiritual truths. But how can we translate the sometimes arcane historical content of the miracle stories in a way that will be meaningful to contemporary sensibilities? Jerry Schmalenberger has come up with an original solution in these thirteen well-crafted sermons on miracle stories contained in the Revised Common Lectionary. Using the analogy of old 45 rpm records which were usually released with a "hit" side and a "flip" side, Schmalenberger shares a structure for presenting the miracles in narrative form. He initially focuses on the traditional approach to each miracle (the "A" or "hit" side), and then offers a fresh look at the "other side of the story" (the "B" or "flip" side). Schmalenberger's punch, contemporary language, and narrative style produce hard-hitting and inspirational messages that offer a unique twist in the interpretation of these fascinating stories. Jerry L. Schmalenberger has taught speech and communication at Wittenberg University and Urbana College and was a parish pastor for 29 years, serving some of the nation's largest Lutheran congregations. Recently retired as professor of parish ministry and president of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California, he now serves as a Global Mission Volunteer for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Schmalenberger has preached and taught throughout the world, most recently teaching with the faculty of the Lutheran Seminary in Hong Kong. Schmalenberger has also taught at seminaries in Germany, Jamaica, Argentina, Surinam, Indonesia, and Liberia. A graduate of Wittenberg University and Hamma School of Theology in Springfield, Ohio (where he received his D.Min. degree), Schmalenberger was honored by Wittenberg with a D.Div. degree.

Preaching the Miracles, Series III, Cycle B

Preaching the Miracles, Series III, Cycle B
Author: Harold H. Lentz
Publisher: CSS Publishing
Total Pages: 115
Release: 1999
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0788013580

One cannot read the miracles of Christ reported in the gospel of Mark without being convinced of the divinity of Christ. John Mark repeatedly records Christ's divine powers over nature, illness, severe physical handicaps, and sin. These events in which God's power entered into human situations had profound effects on those who witnessed them -- and they continue to teach us great spiritual truths today. Pastors will find this volume packed with valuable idea starters for their sermons. For each miracle in Cycle B, Harold Lentz shares background material, sermon approaches, and several illustrations. Instead of wondering, "What shall I preach on this Sunday?" you'll be thinking, "I can't wait to share all this information with my people!" Harold H. Lentz served as pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ashland, Ohio, prior to becoming the president of Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. As a pastor he increased the active membership of his congregation from 725 to 1,067. His Sunday morning sermons were broadcast and according to surveys were heard by more listeners than popular national preachers. As president of Carthage College, Lentz oversaw the relocation of its campus from Carthage, Illinois, to Kenosha, Wisconsin. This multi-million dollar effort resulted in a quadrupling of enrollment. The recipient of three honorary degrees, Dr. Lentz earned his Ph.D. with honors from Yale University, where he was named a University Fellow. He also holds degrees from Wittenberg University, Hamma School of Theology, and Oberlin College. This is his fifth publication.