9 sessions. One of today's most exciting biblical writers, J. Ellsworth Kalas, explains nine of the parables Jesus used to present eternal truths. Scripture passages referenced are from the New Revised Standard Version. Parables covered include: -The House on the Rock (Matthew 7:24-27) -The Sower (Mark 4:1-20) -The Father and His Two Sons (Luke 15:11-32) -The Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32) -The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) -The Widow and the Unjust Judge (Luke 18:1-8) -The Wise and Foolish Bridesmaids (Matthew 25:1-13) -The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14 -The Nobleman and the...

Popular and beloved author J. Ellsworth Kalas presents new insight into the biblical story of Christmas. Kalas approaches the season through the "back side"--through a unique starting point, a creative retelling, a new "lens," or the eyes of a minor character.

Kalas's creative approach both clarifies basic teachings and introduces new possibilities of meaning, even for those who are most familiar with the Christmas story. Enriched with contemporary illustrations and personal experiences, this volume will provide new perspectives.

Where else would teens find courage and strength to live for God if not from theGospel of John? This book takes readers through the Book of John in 50 devotionswritten especially to speak to youth concerns. Each devotion is only two pages andcovers 10-30 verses, giving youth a great way to connect with Scripture. And youthleaders will find dozens of illustrations, questions for reflection, and programideas to beef up their ministry to youth.

This Advent study has four sessions--one for each Sunday of Advent. Each session is related to the overall theme of the study, includes discussion/reflection questions.

If you are like many parish pastors, you find the Christmas season to be the most frustrating season of the church year -- so much to do, so much to celebrate, so much to say -- and so little time to prepare it all
That is why J. Ellsworth Kalas has prepared these twelve thoughtful sermons -- to help you present the meaningful and coherent messages you want your congregation to hear during this busiest of seasons.
Within are sermons for every Cycle C gospel text during the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany seasons from the Common, Lutheran, and Roman Catholic lectionaries, including:...

How can something be created from nothing? How does Genesis relate to the New Testament and Christian faith?

In this eight-week study, homiletics professor and pastor J. Ellsworth Kalas approaches Genesis as a very personal and almost intimate book. Instead of viewing it as an academic study or as a puzzle to be solved, the author reads Genesis in a very personal, up-close way. Easy-to-follow, step-by-step suggestions for leading a group are provided, as well as questions to facilitate class discussion.

Immersion, inspired by a fresh translation--the Common English...

Mohney presents eight New Testament women and the lessons they have for us today. From familiar women such as Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene to lesser known women such as Lydia and Dorcas, Mohney explores the unique circumstances of each woman and the practical and spiritual insights we can glean from her story. Each chapter begins with a refreshing retelling of the biblical woman's story, followed by suggested lessons or insights we can apply in our own lives. A scripture text is also provided so that we may read the biblical account for ourselves. The author's conversational...

While the Ten Commandments are known throughout the world, it's not often that we are offered a fresh take on them. Popular and beloved author J. Ellsworth Kalas approaches the Ten Commandments through the "back side"--through a unique starting point, a creative retelling, a new "lens," or the eyes of a minor character.

Kalas explores how these "prohibitive" laws actually are our dear friends, intended to make life richer and more fulfilling. He uses contemporary illustrations and personal experience to show how these timeless laws give us an appetite for divine excellence.

While the Ten Commandments are known throughout the world, it's not often that we are offered a fresh take on them. Popular and beloved author J. Ells...

"I confess that I am an unreconstructed optimist. Not a naive one; I've lived too long for that, long enough to have experienced a resounding case for pessimism. I have vivid memories of the Great Depression, and I've lived through several wars and those international anomalies that we call police actions. I've watched what has seemed to me to be a rather steady decline in both public and private morals, and a growing confusion about ethics. And of course, I've watched the increasing prevalence of both evil and inanity (sometimes they're synonymous) in television and on the...

The Planning Kit contains a DVD with twelve 10-minute sessions, plus "Meet J. Ellsworth Kalas"; one copy of the book Parables from the Back Side; and one copy of the video study Leader's Guide.