Real Time Ministry: Cycle B Sermons for Pentecost through Proper 17 Based on the Gospel Texts

“John’s gospel challenges us to explore what calling we have, one which we are willing to give our lives for, that also points us beyond this life. This is a Pentecost question for both the church as a group and us as individual Christians” (59). Our callings will vary from person to person, and even throughout our lives, you may not find your true calling until later. This was certainly true for David Coffin, who did not follow his calling into ministry until the age of 29. Unlike many of his coworkers, Coffin was working for an envelope manufacturing company before he applied for seminary and began his walk closer to God. Although his classes were challenging and his life lead him through various twists and turns, he could always turn to God in times of struggle and be reinvigorated.

During Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus’ disciples, many Christians are looking for a similar sign from above, telling them what they should do with their life. Coffin encourages his readers to instead take this time to search out their true callings, regardless of where they are in their life journey. No matter what trials you may encounter along the way, Coffin uses his own experiences to prove that God will be there for you, and that every hardship happens for a reason, though it may not be immediately clear. Although this season of Pentecost may not be as flashy or miraculous as we want, it will still change our lives for the better if we focus on God and his messages for us.

Sermon titles include:

• “New Life Goes On” (Mark 5:21-43)
• “Bread and Call” (John 6:35, 41-51)

• “Belonging at the Table” (John 6:51-58)

  Fifteen sermons based on the Gospel lessons from the Revised Common Lectionary (Cycle B) for the first half of the season after Pentecost are included in this single volume. The reader will find these messages inspiring, thought-provoking and comforting. The content of this book will be useful for sermon preparation, study groups and for personal devotions.