Humming Till the Music Returns
Humming Till the Music Returns

Author: Wayne Brouwer

Publisher: CSS Publishing

Published: 1999

Total Pages: 160

ISBN-13: 0788015060

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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.

Ashes to Ascension
Ashes to Ascension

Author: John A. Stroman

Publisher: CSS Publishing

Published: 1999

Total Pages: 106

ISBN-13: 0788015095

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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.

Sermons on the Second Readings
Sermons on the Second Readings

Author: Frederick R. Harm

Publisher: CSS Publishing

Published: 2002

Total Pages: 432

ISBN-13: 0788019015

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The sermons in this anthology reaffirm the hope that is ours through Jesus Christ, and challenge readers to a deeper and more intense faith relationship with the almighty. The collection provides a complete set of sermons for each Sunday and major celebration throughout the Christian year based on the Second Readings from Cycle B of the Revised Common Lectionary. Outstanding preachers from across the denominational spectrum draw on texts from the New Testament epistles to explore how the practical and moral concerns of the early church offer lessons for modern Christian living. Each biblically grounded message confronts real issues with Christ-honoring solutions that bring challenge, comfort, and conviction to those who look at life with the eyes of faith. 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 readings Rarely is there such a wonderful blend of the pastoral heart and the scholarly intellect. Frederick Harm's sermons draw on a wide spectrum of literature, from Luther to Paul Harvey, from Seneca to Yogi Berra, from Epicurus to John Bunyan. Harm's illustrations, far from being contrived or trite, naturally illumine the truths of the scriptures. Permeating each sermon is the deep desire to share Christ and his love with the hearer. Pastors will find ample ideas and inspiration in these sermons as they seek to build their own message for the people of God. Stephen A. Gewecke Counselor, Circuit 5 New Jersey District, Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod

Against the Grain-- Words for a Politically Incorrect Church
Against the Grain-- Words for a Politically Incorrect Church

Author: Steven E. Albertin

Publisher: CSS Publishing

Published: 1999

Total Pages: 115

ISBN-13: 0788015036

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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.).

Out of the Whirlwind
Out of the Whirlwind

Author: John A. Stroman

Publisher: CSS Publishing

Published: 1999

Total Pages: 69

ISBN-13: 0788013882

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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.

Sermons on the Gospel Readings
Sermons on the Gospel Readings

Author: Charles L. Aaron

Publisher: CSS Publishing

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 484

ISBN-13: 0788024531

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Share God's truth in words that engage not only the mind but also the heart with this complete set of insightful and inspiring sermons based on Gospel texts from Cycle A of the Revised Common Lectionary. Five outstanding preachers from diverse denominations skillfully weave together scripture with dynamic stories and illustrations to create eloquent messages for every Sunday and major celebration in the Church year. These stirring sermons pull readers into God's Word by combining deep biblical grounding with an astute understanding of the meaning of Jesus' message and ministry for contemporary living. Offering a vision of God's unconditional love and the grace-filled life, this collection of model messages from an experienced group of master preachers passionately proclaims the Good News, provides a wealth of sermon seeds, and revitalizes the faith of anyone who reads them. 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 Charles L. Aaron Jr. is the pastor of Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Garland, Texas. Aaron 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). Lee Griess is the Assistant to the Bishop for Mission and Outreach in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Nebraska Synod. Prior to that he served for 15 years as the senior pastor of Luther Memorial Church in Omaha, Nebraska. Mark Ellingsen has had a rich and varied career as both a parish pastor and a seminary professor. Ellingsen is now on the faculty of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, the largest historic African-American seminary in the United States. Wayne Brouwer has been a pastor in the Christian Reformed denomination for nearly three decades, serving congregations in both Canada and the United States (most recently Harderwyk Ministries in Holland, Michigan). He holds degrees from Dordt College (B.A.), Calvin Theological Seminary (M.Div., Th.M.), and McMaster University (M.A., Ph.D.). Chris Ewing has ministered to both French- and English-speaking congregations of the Presbyterian and United Churches of Canada, serving most recently at St. Paul's United Church in Kindersley, Saskatchewan. Ewing is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University, McGill University, and Presbyterian College (Montreal).

The Culture of Disbelief
The Culture of Disbelief

Author: Donna Schaper

Publisher: CSS Publishing

Published: 1999

Total Pages: 84

ISBN-13: 0788013947

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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.

Wearing the Wind
Wearing the Wind

Author: Stephen M. Crotts

Publisher: CSS Publishing

Published: 1999

Total Pages: 87

ISBN-13: 0788013858

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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.

The Language of Emily Dickinson
The Language of Emily Dickinson

Author: Nicole Panizza

Publisher: Vernon Press

Published: 2021-01-05

Total Pages: 162

ISBN-13: 164889092X

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"The Language of Emily Dickinson" provides valuable insight into the cryptic, complex, and unique language of America’s premier poet. The essays make each subject of exploration accessible to general readers, providing sufficient background and contextual information to situate anyone interested in a better understanding of Dickinson’s language. The collection also makes a substantial contribution to Dickinson studies with new scholarship in philology, musicality, and manuscript study. Cynthia L. Hallen, creator of the invaluable Emily Dickinson Lexicon, offers a detailed examination of Dickinson’s words and phrases that are lexically alive and semantically vital. Nicole Panizza, an accomplished pianist, explores Dickinson’s poetic relationship with music as bilingual practice. Holly L. Norton outlines the surprising connections between Dickinson’s poetry and rap music, and Trisha Kannan contributes to recent discussions regarding Dickinson’s fascicles, the manuscript “books” that contain just over 800 of Dickinson’s 1,789 poems, by reading Fascicle 30 in relation to the work and life of John Keats. This book will be of interest to scholars of Emily Dickinson and advanced readers of poetry—such as those in upper-level undergraduate English courses and graduate students in departments of English—as well as to general readers with an interest in Emily Dickinson.

Defining Moments
Defining Moments

Author: William L. Self

Publisher: CSS Publishing

Published: 1999

Total Pages: 121

ISBN-13: 0788013769

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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.