To call the arrest, trial, scourging and crucifixion of Jesus Christ a miscarriage of justice is true as far as it goes, but it does not go far enough. Christ's death on the cross was not an accident but, as his resurrection attests, was accomplished according to the sovereign, loving will of God, by which sinners can be reconciled to the One who made them, and can pass by grace from death to life. In this memorable set of sermons which date from 1557 to 1558, Calvin, chief pastor of the Genevan church, offers a sensitive reading of Matthew's account of Christ's passion, death and resurrection. The preacher's focus, however, is not so much on the events themselves as on their significance, on what he calls the fruit and efficacy of Christ's redemptive work. What, in practical terms, is the import of the Easter message for the life of faith? Calvin's answer has vital implications not only for what we believe but for the way we live, serve, worship and pray.

Much preaching today begins with the hearer's "felt needs" and then moves to how Christianity can solve those problems. But this approach often results in trite Christologies that merely use Jesus as a means to an end or a vehicle for self-improvement. While preachers might not dispense with Christ altogether, other things subtly take center stage and become more important than Christ himself. Pastoral theologian Stephen Seamands issues a stirring call to rediscover the centrality of Christ in preaching. Deftly blending doctrine and praxis, he revitalizes preaching by focusing on five key dimensions of Jesus' work: his incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension and return. Seamands highlights how preaching Christ crucified and risen speaks profoundly to the deepest dimensions of human existence. Addressing both the "what" and the "so what," this exposition helps church leaders declare afresh that Christ alone is supremely sufficient for Christian faith and practice. Pastors and preachers will find here significant resources for their churches' worship, life together and mission in the world. Become captivated once again by the glory of Christ, and find yourself compelled to proclaim his work anew.

Nineteen sermons on the resurrection of Christ taken from the pages of The Sword Of The Lord.

Richard Sheffield's preaching is stimulating and unique. Whenever I am burdened or under pressure his pithy insights into the Gospel of our Lord refresh my spirit. They sometimes also sting my soul to pay attention to more significant things in life than preoccupying problems. He is also a courageous preacher when he says things we all think or doubt and dare not to express. He handles life's misgivings kindly and cleanly so that listening to him is a religious experience. This comes about because he came to the temple of religion through the corridors of commerce and knows the real world of his laymen. Under his gentle manner there is the fire of Peter, Thomas and St. Paul, all of whom also preached with integrity and conviction. Bryant Kirkland, Minister Emeritus Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church New York, New York At first glance the Easter title may seem out of place for a book half full of sermons for Lent. But Richard Sheffield argues and preaches that the sermon for Easter Day is really the sermon for every day in the life of a Christian. The Lord Is Risen is really the only sermon we have or need to have. How we live out our lives in response to that central fact of our faith fills the sermons in Lent, as well as Easter, with hope. Hope in the here-and-now as well as in the hereafter. Rev. Sheffield has little patience with those who would turn the good news about God into the bad news about us... and it shows. He writes: "Belief is more than just ascertaining the facts and figures of faith. Or figuring out the best way to keep God happy long enough to get into heaven. Belief is living life now certain of the love of God in Jesus Christ for you and me. Living life unafraid -- even of death itself." Richard L. Sheffield is senior pastor of Market Street Presbyterian Church, Lima, Ohio. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and an M.B.A. degree from the University of Chicago. He is a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry degree at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

These sermon outlines on various topics were chosen for their strong scriptural support and solid expository structure. They will enhance pulpit ministry and encourage those in the pew.