These gospel-centered and grace-filled sermons are affirming of our lives. They are upbeat and positive, cleverly crafted, and written to be spoken and studied.Jerry L. Schmalenberger President, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary In the Old Testament the kingdom of God is a coming attraction with a serendipity beyond our wildest dreams. Foretaste of and readiness for that coming are twin themes of this book. Using Scriptures from nine Old Testament books, Ron Lavin offers 16 sermons to help people make choices about the present and the future. The messages follow the Common Lectionary. Sermon titles include: Preparing The Way -- Malachi 3:1-4 A Mother's Pride And Joy -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20 Anointed -- Isaiah 61:1-4 Dispelling Ministry Illusions -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 Ron Lavin is a popular speaker and prolific writer who served congregations in Indiana, Iowa, Arizona, and California. Membership in his Davenport, Iowa, parish increased by over 2,000, while more than 1,000 new members were baptized during his pastorate in Tucson, Arizona. Ron has written 28 books, including the CSS "Another Look" series: People Who Met Jesus, Abba, Stories to Remember, I Believe; Help My Unbelief, The Big Ten, and Saving Grace.