How to Preach the Miracles

<i>With contemporary stories and insight into ancient texts John Sumwalt invites readers into the mystery of God's active palpable presence in the world. When we decide to live in God's presence we are in position to see hear believe and experience the miraculous in our daily lives.</i><br>Bishop Rueben P. Job<br>Author of <i>Living Fully Dying Well</i><br>Former editor <i>The Upper Room</i><br><br>Since modern culture explains the world through scientific rationalism there are many people in our pews who are skeptical about miracles. No matter how credible the source our society tends to view those who speak of miracles as purveyors of superstition and magical thinking. That presents a significant problem when discussing the resurrection and the other miracles recorded in scripture -- so what can the preacher do?<br><br>John Sumwalt says the answer is to begin like Jesus did by telling stories of the mysterious saving presence of God. This is the realm in which Jesus did his miracle work a dimension of reality that is readily accessible to all who are hungry for it. Tell the miracle stories from the Bible along with those that are happening in our own time. In this fascinating volume Sumwalt brings a storyteller's perspective to nine miracle passages in Cycle A of the Revised Common Lectionary. His rich biblical commentary is filled with numerous illustrations and tellable sermon stories including over 30 contemporary accounts of miracles.<br><br><i>In this beautifully written book John Sumwalt shows you how to preach the miracle stories in ways that reach modern congregations. Full of warm and engaging stories it reaches straight for the heart. This is a wonderful book that will connect you and your congregation to the scriptures in fresh ways. It's certain to warm the heart of anyone who reads it. I look forward to using it over and over again as a source for my sermons.</i><br>Deacon Eddie Ensley<br>Author of <i>Prayer That Relieves Stress and Worry</i><br><br><b>John E. Sumwalt</b> is the lead pastor of Wauwatosa Avenue United Methodist Church in suburban Milwaukee. A noted storyteller and seminar leader he is the author of nine christian books including the acclaimed <i>Visions</i> series (CSS). John and his wife Jo Perry-Sumwalt served for three years as co-editors of the online service <i>StoryShare</i> www.sermonsuite.com.