In a world filled with disappointments, where many people have lost any sense of hope and purpose, Billy Strayhorn reminds readers that Jesus Christ is the hope that does not disappoint. And noting that hope and faith go hand in hand, his messages point the way toward a life filled with hope and possibilities through faith in God.

Strayhorn's sermons explore second lesson passages from the Revised Common Lectionary (many drawn from Paul's letters) for Pentecost and the weeks immediately following. And Pentecost is an apt focus -- as the church's "birthday," it is the day that the hopes and dreams of Jesus' disciples and followers began to take shape. While pastors will find in these hope-filled pages a jumping-off place for their own sermons, anyone who wants a closer relationship with God will benefit from this inspiring and uplifting volume. Titles include:

• Bewitched, Bothered, And Bewildered -- Acts 2:1-21
• A Hope That Does Not Disappoint -- Romans 5:1-5
• Born And Called -- Galatians 1:11-24
• Bear One Another's Burdens -- Galatians 6: (1-6) 7-16
• Get Your Transfer Here -- Colossians 1:1-14
  ... and more! Billy D. Strayhorn is a graduate of Central Methodist College (Fayette, Missouri) and Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. He has pastored many congregations in Texas and Missouri, and now serves at First United Methodist Church in Joshua, Texas. Strayhorn's sermons and sermon briefs have been featured in several outlets, including Dynamic Preaching and Preaching magazines as well as the Abingdon Preaching Annual.