In each of the chapters of this book Freeman carefully opens up the text with an introductory statement. He then shares the historical background and the theological theme of the text and continues with commentary that amplifies and illustrates the passage for contemporary preaching. Chapters include: The Marvelous Style Of Jesus: Truth And Love -- Matthew 22:1-14 Spiritual Armchairs vs. Mature Discipleship -- Matthew 22:34-36 Authenticity vs. Showmanship -- Matthew 23:1-12 Terminally Distracted Or Decisively Prepared? -- Matthew 25:1-13 Commitment One Way Or The Other -- John 8:31-36 Joseph M. Freeman graduated from Wittenberg University, Springfield, Ohio, with a B.A. degree. He earned his M.Div. degree from Yale Divinity School and spent two and half years in a Clinical Pastoral Education program at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, D.C. After serving as assistant and associate pastor for churches in Ohio and Colorado, he established Christ The Savior Lutheran Church in Fishers, Indiana. Under his energetic leadership the church has grown to 1,600 baptized members. CSS Publishing Company -