Sermons on the Second Readings

The New Testament epistles are a marvelous guidebook full of practical wisdom on living the Christian faith. Providing much more than just a glimpse of the specific issues facing the early church, the pastoral letters contain a multitude of timeless lessons for contemporary spiritual pilgrims who seek to grow in their daily walk with the Lord. In this extensive anthology of outstanding sermons based on the Second Readings from Cycle B of the Revised Common Lectionary, five distinguished preachers from diverse denominations apply the epistles' nourishing teachings to today's complex challenges. With messages for every Sunday and major celebration throughout the entire church year, there's a wealth of creative ideas and illustrations helpful for preaching, teaching, and meditation. These biblically grounded sermons shine the light of Christ on our often confusing world and proclaim the richness of God's truth, offering readers comfort and hope while challenging them to a more intense faith relationship with the Almighty.

This essential resource is useful for:
- Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts
- Preaching illustrations
- Understanding scripture passages
- Adult study and discussion groups
- Personal devotions and Bible study

Donald Charles Lacy recently retired after more than four decades serving United Methodist churches in Indiana. He is the author of ten books, as well as hundreds of smaller pieces, several of which appear in his recently published Collected Works (Providence House). Lacy's sermons have appeared in many outlets, including Great Preaching 2001, Keeping the Faith: Best Indiana Sermons (2003), and The Minister's Manual 2004.

John T. Ball has served numerous United Methodist congregations throughout western Ohio. A graduate of Ohio State University and Boston University School of Theology, he has had articles published in Circuit Rider, Christian Ministry, and Emphasis. Ball is the author of Barefoot In The Palace (CSS).

Maurice A. Fetty is the interim senior minister of Park Congregational Church (UCC) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He previously pastored congregations in Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and New York. Fetty is the author of numerous CSS titles, including The Feasts Of The Kingdom, The Devilish Dialogues, Money And The Kingdom Of God, and Sex, Love, And Marriage.

Richard E. Gribble, CSC is an associate professor in the department of religious studies at Stonehill College in North Easton, Massachusetts. The author of more than a dozen books and over 175 articles, Father Gribble is the former rector/superior of Moreau Seminary at the University of Notre Dame. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and served for five years on nuclear submarines before entering the priesthood. Gribble earned his Ph.D. from The Catholic University of America and has also earned degrees from the University of Southern California and the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley. Among Gribble's previous CSS publications is a three-volume series on The Parables Of Jesus.

Lee Ann Dunlap is the pastor of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in Zanesville, Ohio. She is a graduate of Mount Union College and the Methodist Theological School in Ohio.