Schuyler Rhodes

Modern life presents many difficult and challenging situations -- but as the Hebrew scriptures tell us in rich detail, that's nothing new for God's people. Indeed, the Bible shares the epic story of how God's faithful followers were formed and shaped through centuries of trial by fire. In this inspiring collection of powerful messages based on the First Readings from Cycle A of the Revised Common Lectionary, five master practitioners of the homiletic craft explore passages from the Old Testament and the Book of Acts, and show how the wisdom contained in those ancient texts offers vital moral and spiritual guidance for contemporary living. Building on stories in which God moves ordinary people to extraordinary heights, these sermons for each Sunday and major celebration throughout the entire church year passionately proclaim the good news of God's continuing presence -- and the possibilities that offers for our lives, our churches, and the world. This essential resource is useful for: - Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts - Inspiring preaching illustrations and sermon starters - Understanding scripture passages - Bible study and discussion groups - Personal devotions and inspirational reading Tony S. Everett is currently the Dewey F. Beam Professor of Pastoral Care at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, South Carolina, where he also consults with congregations in spiritual growth, leadership training, and conflict management. Everett is a graduate of Youngstown State University (summa cum laude), Hamma School of Theology, and Boston University School of Theology. Schuyler Rhodes is the pastor of Temple United Methodist Church in San Francisco, California. He is an honors graduate of the State University of New York at Potsdam and Drew University Theological School. Stan Purdum is the pastor of Centenary United Methodist Church in Waynesburg, Ohio. Stan is a graduate of Youngstown State University, Methodist Theological School in Ohio, and Drew University Theological School. David J. Kalas is the pastor of First United Methodist Church in Whitewater, Wisconsin. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia and Union Theological Seminary of Virginia. Timothy J. Smith is currently the senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Millersville, Pennsylvania. Smith received his M. Div. degree with an emphasis on preaching and worship from United Theological Seminary and his B. A. degree in American history from Millersville University.

The Old Testament details the epic faith story of ancient people who, just like us today, seek God's answers to complex problems. In this inspiring collection of spiritually enlightening messages based on passages from the Old Testament and the Book of Acts, four master preachers demonstrate the profound lessons of the scriptures for modern living. Building on stories in which God moves ordinary people to extraordinary heights, these sermons for each Sunday and major celebration throughout the entire church year powerfully proclaim timeless themes of justice and righteousness while reminding us that God's grace is the model for the Christian community's core values of self-giving love and forgiveness. Each thought-provoking message is filled with compelling stories and illustrations from everyday life, and challenges readers to love and serve the Lord, trusting in divine providence even in the midst of a world that sometimes seems cruel and senseless.

In a time of divisiveness, poverty, oppression, and war, the messages of Schuyler Rhodes send a clarion call for renewal in the church. Like the apostles on Pentecost, Rhodes offers words that comfort and provoke; words that empower and give us vision of a better world. His sermons build on the gospel texts to bring spiritual insight and hope in place of cynicism and despair. Bringing the ancient biblical wisdom to bear on contemporary society, this volume is excellent for inspiration, study, and discussion. These sermons tell the truth, unsettling or devastating as this may be to conventional Christian ears.... I love this little book. It weaves through our scripture with verve, dignity, and good humor; the touch is now light, now a flick of the whip, the words rife with the truth that both hurts and heals. (from the Foreword) Daniel Berrigan, SJ Schuyler Rhodes is the pastor of Temple United Methodist Church in San Francisco, California. He previously pastored Washington Square United Methodist Church in New York City and served as executive director and campus pastor for the Wesley Foundation, a broad-based campus ministry at the University of California (Berkeley). Rhodes' commitment to social justice and peace has taken him around the globe. Over the last decade, he has traveled to more than a dozen countries, serving as a delegate to several consultations of the World Council of Churches, as the secretary of the Social and International Affairs Committee of the World Methodist Council, and as the chair of the board of directors for Pastors for Peace and the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organizing. He has also been a consultant on Peace and Justice Ministries for the Methodist Church's General Board of Global Ministries, developing liturgical and training materials as well as representing the General Board at numerous national and international gatherings. A prolific writer, Rhodes is an honors graduate of Drew University Theological School (M. Div.) and the State University of New York at Potsdam (B. A.).