Discovering A Sermon

This book will equip anyone who would speak for God with a proven, step-by-step procedure for discovering, developing, and delivering the actual message of the text.

Winner of a first-place award for English translation editions from The Catholic Media Association. Teachings for an Unbelieving World is a newly discovered work written by St. John Paul II—then Archbishop Karol Wojtyła of Kraków—in the years just after Vatican II. He uses St. Paul’s sermon to the people of Athens in Acts 17 as a framework for articulating the faith in a culture of skepticism and unbelief. These thirteen brief reflections provide compelling teaching for Catholics in today’s post-Christian world and give fresh insight into JPII’s pontificate. This is the first English-language publication of this important work. St. John Paul II composed these thirteen reflections at a unique point of convergence in history—the closing of Vatican II in 1965 and the 1966 observance of one thousand years of Christianity in Poland. Teachings for an Unbelieving World is an extended meditation on Acts 17 where Paul speaks to the cultural elite of Athens after he observed an altar of an unknown god in the city. Quoting from both the Bible and the documents of Vatican II, John Paul II draws timely wisdom from the apostle’s mission to bring the truth of the Gospel to a worldly culture of sophistication and disbelief, one not unlike our own. The future pope reveals Paul’s memorable encounter as an enduring framework to boldly present the core truths of Catholic faith to those living under Poland’s communist regime. In so doing, JPII demonstrates how relevant Paul’s words are today and equips us to meet the challenges of proclaiming the faith in our times. Teachings for an Unbelieving World affirms the continuity of Catholic faith about: humanity’s place in God’s creation; our search for meaning, truth, and freedom; addressing a culture of unbelief; the gift of redemption in Jesus Christ; the grace of the Holy Spirit; the role of the Church in the world; the power of the Eucharist; the redemptive and self-giving nature of human love; and the importance of prayer.

A treasure chest of stories, quotes, sermon outlines, dedications and other sermon helps for pastors, this resource is an excellent companion to The Year-Round Church Event Book. An easy-to-use index will aid pastors, lay leaders and Bible study teachers in finding just the right illustration for any occasion -- from baptisms to weddings, from Mother's Day to the National Day of Prayer and from New Year's Day to Christmas. The shorter stories and quotes are suitable for newsletters and church bulletins. A great addition to any leader's resource library or bookshelf.

Jesus not only gave us the greatest message of all time, he also gave us the greatest method to communicate that message. You'll explore how by (re)discovering Jesus' interrobang communication secrets of story, mystery, and encounter, you can unlock and unleash transformation in you, your message, and your audience. "I'm not a preacher. Can this book help me too?" Although the application of this book is directed to preachers, the truth is, we're all communicators of the gospel. Furthermore, the principles of Jesus' communication style apply across multiple disciplines-they work in the boardroom, the classroom, the sales room, and in every area of life. If you're a Sunday School teacher or small group leader, a businessman or salesperson, an administrator, educator, or in any other role requiring communication, Jesus' methods can help you. Simply put, if you want to become a better communicator, this book is for you.

Each chapter in this workbook by Trevor Hudson is peppered with "holy experiments," simple practices that bring you into God's presence and help you experience life as his beloved. At the end of each chapter is a set of questions which are ideal for discussion with one or two spiritual friends or a small group. A Renovaré Resource.

This book offers a practical model for developing sermons for occasions when the Bible offers little specific guidance for interpreting an issue, need, or situation. Ronald Allen describes why and how topical sermons should be used, discusses special occasions when they are appropriate, and outlines strategies for developing topical sermons, giving particular attention to controversial issues. The last chapter includes sample sermons by other preachers.

Instead of being a dour task on the checklist, what if the process of homily prep renewed you? Instead of feeling insecure about your message, what if your skills made you confident to preach a consistently clear message of Good News, authentic to you, relevant to your listeners, holding their attention and inviting transformation? Backstory Preaching: Integrating Life, Spirituality, and Craft shows you how. By integrating your life and spirituality with the practical skills necessary for effective preaching, you can move beyond the boredom, stress, or insecurity of preaching so it is no longer you who preach but Christ who preaches in you. By connecting with God in the midst of your sermon prep, the Gospel will be spread deeper and further. God’s joy—and yours—will be made complete.

This book is about Michael O'Connor's three loves: baseball, his wife, and God. He hears God speaking to him on the diamond and in the stands.