In this volume, a thoroughly revised and expanded version of The Mystery of God's Word, Father Raniero Cantalamessa engages the profound idea of the Eternal Word that becomes Life. The main and constant focus of the book is to show how the word of God illuminates and engages our existence. Cantalamessa uses the words of Scripture, particularly those of Jesus, to reflect on the meaning of a God who speaks, a God who is in relationship with humanity. By encountering these words in prayer and liturgy, we are invited to allow them into our minds and hearts so that we may be bearers of the word of God in the world. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap, taught the history of Christian origins at the Catholic University of Milan and served on the International Theological Commission. He devotes his ministry to preaching and writing, and since 1980 he has been the Preacher to the Papal Household. Cantalamessa is author of Come, Creator Spirit; Mary: Mirror of the Church; The Eucharist: Our Sanctification; Easter: Meditations on the Resurrection; The Holy Spirit in the Life of Jesus; The Mystery of Easter; The Mystery of Pentecost; and Life in Christ (al published by Liturgical Press).

A unique look at Christian biblical interpretation and theology from the perspective of Native American tradition. This book focuses on four specific experiences of Jesus as portrayed in the synoptic gospels. It examines each story as a “vision quest,” a universal spiritual phenomenon, but one of particular importance within North American indigenous communities. Jesus’ experience in the wilderness is the first quest. It speaks to a foundational Native American value: the need to enter into the “we” rather than the “I.” The Transfiguration is the second quest, describing the Native theology of transcendent spirituality that impacts reality and shapes mission. Gethsemane is the third quest. It embodies the Native tradition of the holy men or women, who find their freedom through discipline and concerns for justice, compassion, and human dignity. Golgotha is the final quest. It represents the Native sacrament of sacrifice (e.g., the Sun Dance). The chapter on Golgotha is a discussion of kinship, balance, and harmony: all primary to Native tradition and integral to Christian thought.

When you stand before your congregation, what do you hope to accomplish when you preach the Word? If people have Bibles and the freedom to read and pray on their own—why do they need you? In short, what do you bring to the table? Author, pastor, and professor John Koessler answers those questions and many more. Why does one sermon have a powerful effect on the audience while another falls flat? Why should listeners heed what the preacher says? Is human language adequate for facilitating an encounter with God? What is the point of preaching a sermon? Folly, Grace, and Power is a must-read for pastors, seminarians, and lay leaders charged with the task of preaching God’s word. This essential book is both a stern reminder of the sacredness of the awesome “job” of being a preacher, as well as a how-to that reveals the key to speaking powerfully on God’s behalf.

Ideal for priests, deacons, and those in formation for these ministries, this book offers a practical examination of the principal ingredients for effective homilies.

With warmth, insight, and staunch loyalty to the text, beloved preacher D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones brings the book of Ephesians from its first century context directly into our 21st century lives. This handsome boxed set of his popular commentary series takes you through Paul's epistle to the church at Ephesus, explaining vital contextual information while never ignoring the apostle's heart for these sometimes stumbling followers of Christ. The result is an exposition that remains faithful to the biblical message and inspires today's Christian to live out their faith in every area of life. Titles include · God's Ultimate Purpose: An Exposition of Ephesians 1:1-23 · God's Way of Reconciliation: An Exposition of Ephesians 2 · The Unsearchable Riches of Christ: An Exposition of Ephesians 3 · Christian Unity: An Exposition of Ephesians 4:1-16 · Darkness and Light: An Exposition of Ephesians 4:17-5:17 · Life in the Spirit: In Marriage Home, and Work--An Exposition of Ephesians 5:18-6:9 · The Christian Warfare: An Exposition of Ephesians 6:10-13 · The Christian Soldier: An Exposition of Ephesians 6:10-20

Gives attention to the biblical and theological foundations for effective liturgical preaching. --Back cover.

This introductory-level textbook from one of the best-known professors of preaching in the U.S. helps the reader understand the sermon in terms of the movement of time, place, shape, space, conflict, complication, and the "sudden shift" of the text.

Darrell Johnson's book is for any pastor or student who wants to cultivate a deeper pulpit approach, one that participates in the transforming mystery of God working through our less-than-perfect proclamation. Here is a solid foundation for preaching the good news as if God was living, Jesus was resurrected and the Holy Spirit was faithfully at work among us.