When building anything of lasting value, it's important to lay a solid foundation -- and the foundation of our Christian faith lies in the Hebrew scriptures. In this collection of inspirational messages based on the First Readings from Cycle B of the Revised Common Lectionary, five outstanding practitioners of the homiletic art explore passages from the Old Testament and the book of Acts. These ancient texts chronicle God's intervention in the lives of ordinary people throughout history, and the messages in this volume show how the stories of God's chosen people offer many lessons to guide us in our spiritual journey today. Drawing on diverse backgrounds and perspectives, this set of sermons for each Sunday and major celebration throughout the entire church year inspire us to see God's influence -- not only in our own lives, but also throughout all humanity. This essential resource is useful for: - Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts - Inspiring preaching illustrations and sermon starters - Understanding scripture passages - Bible study and discussion groups - Personal devotions and inspirational reading Richard Gribble, CSC is an associate professor of religious studies at Stonehill College in North Easton, Massachusetts. Gribble holds a Ph.D. from The Catholic University of America, and he has also earned degrees from the University of Southern California and the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley. Ken Lentz presently serves as a transition pastor for congregations in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Grand Canyon Synod. Lentz holds degrees from Capital University, Trinity Lutheran Seminary, and the University of Heidelberg, Germany, where he earned a Th.D. in church history. William J. Carl III is the president of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He is a graduate of the University of Tulsa, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and the University of Pittsburgh (Ph.D.). Donna E. Schaper has had a varied career as a writer, pastor, denominational executive, college chaplain, and community organizer. She is a graduate of Gettysburg College, Gettysburg Seminary, and the University of Chicago. Robert A. Hausman is the pastor of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection (ELCA) in St. Paul, Minnesota. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.