The Parables Of Jesus And Their Flip Side

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.

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 But how can we translate the sometimes arcane historical content of the miracle stories in a way that will be meaningful to contemporary sensibilities?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.

Includes Meet J. Ellsworth Kalas and 12 weekly sessions (10 minutes each) that examine the chapters of the book Parables from the back side: Bible stories with a twist.

Told from two points of view, Zacchaeus climbs a tree to meet Jesus and his life changes.

Delivering a fresh, timely reflection every week on assigned scripture passages is a formidable challenge for even the most resourceful preacher. So when you're short on time or need creative ideas to jump-start your sermon preparation, the newest edition of this classic CSS resource is just what the doctor ordered! Prominent pastor, former seminary president, and prolific author Jerry Schmalenberger draws on the experience of a lifetime in the ministry to help you prepare vital, incisive messages that are sure to connect with the people in your pews. The Lectionary Preaching Workbook explores a variety of approaches for Cycle C lectionary passages, providing you with plenty of practical aids for effectively proclaiming God's Word. Each chapter includes: - a listing of the applicable Revised Common, Roman Catholic, and Episcopal lectionary texts; - a theme for the day's service; - commentary on the Old Testament, New Testament, and Gospel lessons; - suggestions on preaching possibilities; - an outline of possible sermon moves; - a prayer for the day; and - additional illustrations to flesh out the message. The former president of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California, Jerry L. Schmalenberger served some of the largest Lutheran congregations in the United States during 29 years as a parish pastor. He is a graduate of Wittenberg University and Hamma School of Theology in Springfield, Ohio (where he received his D.Min. degree), and received an honorary D.Div. degree from Wittenberg. He now preaches and teaches throughout the world as a Global Mission Volunteer for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, appearing in such varied locations as Germany, Jamaica, Argentina, Uruguay, Suriname, Liberia, Indonesia, and China. Schmalenberger also serves as Visiting Professor of Practical Theology at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Hong Kong.

This study is an addition to the author’s popular “Back Side” books. J. Ellsworth Kalas presents new insight into twelve of Jesus’ parables by entering them through a unique starting point, a creative retelling, a new “lens,” or the eyes of a minor or unsympathetic character. Chapter titles: 1. The Value of the House--Matthew 7:24-27 2. The Man Who Talked with His Soul--Luke 12:13-21 3. What Chance Does an Average Sinner Have?--Luke 7:36-48 4. The Importance of Downward Mobility--Luke 14:7-11 5. The Danger of Being Good and Empty--Matthew 12:43-45 6. Risky business--Matthew 13:45-46 7. Miracles Can Be Overrated--Luke 16:19-31 8. Second Chance for a Poor Manager--Luke 16:1-13 9. A Laugh and a Prayer--Luke 11:5-13, 18:1-8 10. It Happens While We Sleep--Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 11. The Importance of Being Dressed for the Party--Matthew 22:1-14 12. The Genius of Effective Waiting--Luke 12:32-40

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel throughout the world, sharing the gospel and learning about different cultures? Jerry Schmalenberger's diary gives you a vicarious opportunity to find out, as it documents some of his remarkable experiences during overseas teaching sojourns in all parts of the globe. Schmalenberger's voyages include visits to four continents -- and he provides a fascinating account of his encounters with Christians of deep faith in such diverse countries as Germany, Suriname, Uruguay, Argentina, Liberia, Indonesia, and China. This book offers a striking eyewitness view of many once-in-a-lifetime events: Schmalenberger's visit to his ancestral hometown (Schmalenberg, Germany); teaching a truly multicultural group (at the breakfast table as well as in the classroom) at the Lutheran Seminary in Hong Kong; and participating in a festive daylong ordination service in Liberia. His book is also an eye-opening look at some of the ordinary things that Americans take for granted -- Schmalenberger's sensitivity and willingness to adopt the cultural practices of his hosts are a testament to the unifying power of the good news to bring us all together under the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Dear Friends And Family is an inspirational, uplifting read that's sure to expand your horizons while reaffirming your faith. Recently retired as the president of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California, Jerry L. Schmalenberger served some of the largest Lutheran congregations in the United States during 29 years as a parish pastor. A graduate of Wittenberg University and Hamma School of Theology in Springfield, Ohio (where he received his D.Min. degree), Schmalenberger was awarded an honorary D.Div. degree by Wittenberg. Schmalenberger, who continues to teach parish ministry at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, has also taught speech and communication at Urbana College and Wittenberg University.

These exceptional sermons by J. Wayne McKamie are among the most thought-provoking and spiritually challenging that you will find concerning the human application of the parables of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He captures both the divine nature and the human nature of Jesus' words and then points out life-changing lessons from these truths, which, if we truly apply them to our hearts and lives, will make us much better people in the service of our Lord. According to Wayne, his main attempt has been to make these grand sermons live anew in the hearts of the Lord's people. He has said, "They have lived for me; I want them to live for others." This series of sermons can be utilized as a great study tool in gaining a more thorough understanding of Jesus' parables. It is also just an enjoyable read for the spiritually minded!