The lectionary passages from the Gospel of Matthew for the middle section of the Pentecost season raise many difficult questions of faith for modern Christians. In eleven eloquent and well-illustrated messages, Marilyn Saure Breckenridge examines these questions and searches for relevant answers. She notes that while these texts confront us with our human limitations, they also demonstrate how God's grace embraces us. Her ability to combine the scripture with contemporary applications makes these inspiring examples of the art of preaching at its finest.

Sermon titles include:

• What Is Priceless? (Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52)
• Are You A Risk Taker? (Matthew 14:22-33)
• Who Is Jesus To You? (Matthew 16:13-20)
• Is Big Brother Watching You? (Matthew 18:15-20)
• Why Doesn't God Do Something? (Matthew 21:33-46) Marilyn Saure Breckenridge is the senior pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Wadena, Minnesota. She has also served as assistant to the bishop of the ELCA's Saint Paul Area Synod, and as associate pastor at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Minneapolis. Breckenridge had the honor of being the Minnesota Senate Chaplain for 1995 and 1996. She is a graduate of Augsburg College (B.A.), Hartford Seminary (M.A. in Christian Education), and Luther Seminary (M.Div. and D.Min.). In 1994 Augsburg College named Breckenridge a Distinguished Alumna. She has also penned an Advent family activity book (Jesse Tree Devotions), two Bible studies on Philippians, and numerous articles for church magazines.