Preparation and Manifestation

There really is good news! God is still eager to save. Prepare yourself for his coming into your life. He is already present. It is all here; the secret to the good and happy life is already manifest and present. -- from the sermon "We Must Be Blind!" The 21 sermons in this book are based on gospel texts, primarily from Matthew and John. Sermons follow the Revised Common, Lutheran, and Roman Catholic lectionaries. In his messages, Mark Ellingsen connects preparation through penitence and the new life given in baptism. "The gospel lessons assigned for the season provide excellent occasions to practice such liturgical proclamation," writes Ellingsen. "Penitence and preparation happen in the presence of Christ and the new life he gives. Thus they are Gods work." Mark Ellingsen is pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church, Asheboro, North Carolina. He is a graduate of Gettysburg College and holds a master of divinity and a doctorate from Yale.