The Miracles Of Jesus And Their Flip Side

The miracles of Jesus are some of the most striking passages in the New Testament -- they bring the power of God "up close and personal" by dramatically rearranging human situations and teaching us great spiritual truths. But how can we translate the sometimes arcane historical content of the miracle stories in a way that will be meaningful to contemporary sensibilities? Jerry Schmalenberger has come up with an original solution in these thirteen well-crafted sermons on miracle stories contained in the Revised Common Lectionary. Using the analogy of old 45 rpm records which were usually released with a "hit" side and a "flip" side, Schmalenberger shares a structure for presenting the miracles in narrative form. He initially focuses on the traditional approach to each miracle (the "A" or "hit" side), and then offers a fresh look at the "other side of the story" (the "B" or "flip" side). Schmalenberger's punch, contemporary language, and narrative style produce hard-hitting and inspirational messages that offer a unique twist in the interpretation of these fascinating stories. Jerry L. Schmalenberger has taught speech and communication at Wittenberg University and Urbana College and was a parish pastor for 29 years, serving some of the nation's largest Lutheran congregations. Recently retired as professor of parish ministry and president of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California, he now serves as a Global Mission Volunteer for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Schmalenberger has preached and taught throughout the world, most recently teaching with the faculty of the Lutheran Seminary in Hong Kong. Schmalenberger has also taught at seminaries in Germany, Jamaica, Argentina, Surinam, Indonesia, and Liberia. A graduate of Wittenberg University and Hamma School of Theology in Springfield, Ohio (where he received his D.Min. degree), Schmalenberger was honored by Wittenberg with a D.Div. degree.

Written as a companion volume to Schmalenberger's acclaimed CSS title The Miracles Of Jesus And Their Flip Side, this book takes an imaginative look at twelve of Jesus' parables by examining their traditional interpretation (the "hit" side), and then turning them on their ear to see the "other side of the story" -- a different perspective with relevance for our modern-day lives (the "flip" side). For example, in addition to warning about the dangers of building on sand instead of rock, Schmalenberger considers how to rebuild after a flood. In the parable of the wedding banquet, he discusses the people who were invited live together after the undeserved feast. And in the parable of the lost sheep, he talks about how the shepherd needs the support of the "ninety-nine never lost" in order for him to go after the one lost sheep. Schmalenberger's punch, contemporary language, and narrative style produce hard-hitting and inspirational messages that offer a unique new twist in the interpretation of some old and marvelous gospel teachings -- his "flip side" approach is sure to add freshness and sparkle to your preaching. Jerry L. Schmalenberger has taught speech and communication at Wittenberg University and Urbana College and was a parish pastor for 29 years, serving some of the nation's largest Lutheran congregations. Recently retired as professor of parish ministry and president of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California, he now serves as a Global Mission Volunteer for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Schmalenberger has preached and taught throughout the world, most recently teaching with the faculty of the Lutheran Seminary in Hong Kong. Schmalenberger has also taught at seminaries in Germany, Jamaica, Argentina, Suriname, Indonesia, and Liberia. A graduate of Wittenberg University and Hamma School of Theology in Springfield, Ohio (where he received his D.Min. degree), Schmalenberger was honored by Wittenberg with a D.Div. degree.

A paraplegic on a rooftop and a woman with a hemorrhage that lasts 12 long years, what do they have in common? Another woman outcast by society and a religious ruler with a sick kid, what do they share? The one thing all these people have is an encounter with Jesus. We know the story told in the bible, but what about the story left untold? The thoughts, feelings and reactions of the people who lived on the other side of the miracles are largely unknown. The Other Side of Miracles looks at what else may have happened that day.

The miracles of Christ Jesus are recorded by all the Four Gospel writers which are treated in accordance with arrangement of each writer in their respective books. A careful reading and scrupulous examination in Matthew, Mark Luke and John shows that the three categories of the miracles mentioned above, are mixed up or rather placed or scattered haphazardly. Please note, this does not in any way constitute to contextual criticism. The main task of this book is to re-cast or re-set these three types of miracles which are unsystematically or indiscriminately placed in the Four Gospels and to meticulously put them in an organised or methodically order or format. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, this had been achieved in this book and this is one of the strongest and positive advantages and strength which makes this book unique and special. This makes it possible to read these amazing wonders with ease and without tears.

In the fullness of time, God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to sit on David’s throne as a conquering cosmic king. He demonstrated His kingly power and wisdom in a variety of ways, but none so spectacularly as by His many miracles. These miracles vanquished demonic forces, overcame nature, removed the curse’s sting, and crushed the serpent’s head through His resurrection from the dead. However, too often, these miracles are only appreciated as historical events or as a compilation of isolated stories. In The King in His Beauty, Michael Babcock helps readers understand the relevancy of those miracles as redemptive signs that reveal the King in all His salvific splendor. Each miracle is part of the grand message of new creation.

In our age of theological relativism, Jesus' question to His own disciples continues to ring true: "Who do the people say that the Son of Man is?" Through Jesus' seven miracles and His seven "I Am" sayings, the apostle John provides a clear answer to that all-important question. Furthermore, what do Jesus' miracles represent? Are they designed to point to something or someone? In our "supernatural-crazed" culture that affects even evangelical Christianity, it is refreshing to be reminded that biblical miracles were never arbitrary but were always purposeful, authenticating God's message and His messenger(s). In the Gospel of John, the miracles of Jesus are both Christological, that is, they highlight Jesus' Person, and eschatological, that is, they foreshadow the work the Messiah will do in His future Advent. The miracles remind us that God's desire for every believer is first and foremost a spiritual relationship with Him through His Son. Furthermore, Jesus' miracles also remind us that God's work in and for every believer will be fully and ultimately realized in the everlasting life.