Loading ...Laughing with Sarah by Gene Jennings
Following Christ is a journey. It has mountaintops and valleys, sure – but most of the time, we are somewhere in between. There are times when God shows us something so unbelievable that we, like Sarah in Genesis, laugh at the ridiculousness of it all. There are also times when he moves us so profoundly that we can do nothing but stare in awe. This is a collection of essays that will trigger thoughts, incite wisdom, and share earthy insight to help you along the way – wherever it is you may find yourself – on the journey with God.
Contents:
1. The Thanksgiving Killer
2. Another Night with the Frogs
3. The Joy of Do-Overs
4. God Chooses You
5. Buried Treasure
6. Laughing with Sarah
7. His Hands
8. The Dynamite Box
9. Is It in You?
10. Getting Deep
11. When God Comes Quickly
12. The Main Business of Your Life
13. What the World Needs to Know
renee altson
Laughing with Sarah is a book of sermons. Written and collected by Gene Jennings, it also includes a small group discussion guide. Currently the Associate Pastor at TrueNorth Church in North Augusta, SC. Gene is a graduate of the University of South Carolina-Aiken and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
I went into the book with both interest and hesitation.
The back of the book says, “Following Christ is a journey. It’s a series of mountaintops and valleys. Most of the time, we are somewhere in between.”
It explains the title by continuing, “There are times when God shows us something so unbelievable that we, like Sarah in Genesis, laugh at the ridiculousness of it all.”
The first sermon, titled “The Thanksgiving Killer” talks about gratitude, and being thankful for our blessings. It’s a good point, as many people struggle with thankfulness. But the author tends to give a heavy-handed judgment, without acknowledging the reality of people right here in America who struggle. As Jennings writes, “We don’t always realize how blessed we are and how affluent we are as American citizens.” Although Jennings is speaking to the church, it is likely that there are ‘American citizens’ listening who struggle deeply with their finances.
“The Thanksgiving Killer” goes on to talk about the “five blessings for which we should be thankful:” Forgiveness, availability (from God), protection, instruction, and unfailing love. It’s an interesting (and true) list, but it fails to acknowledge that some people might find even these inaccessible. This particular sermon is a sort of church spanking that we often hear around the pulpits during the thanksgiving season. And while I agree that we all can find more things to be grateful for (I strive to make a list several times a week), Jennings is missing out on an opportunity to remind us not only of all we have, but also all we can do for others. I believe that the call to gratitude includes the call to servanthood, as well.
Chapter 7, titled “His Hands,” is a journey through the hands of Jesus. From the healing of the leper to the crucifixion, Jennings uses the concept of Jesus’ hands to convince us to to let Jesus have our lives. Out of all of the chapters, this one had the best discussion questions. From “Look at your hands; what stories do they tell?” to “What can you do with your hands this week to demonstrate Christ’s love to others?”, these questions seemed the most thought-provoking and honest.
Overall, Laughing with Sarah is exactly what it proclaims itself to be: a book of sermons. Jennings is a talented sermon-writer, he knows how to write a sermon that has a hook. Hearing these while sitting in the pew would be somewhat entertaining and probably applicable, as well.
This book is perfect for the people it was written for. It has analogies, facts, Scripture, conclusions, points, and personalization. The discussion guide is a bonus way to think about what you have just read — on your own or in a group. In the end, reading Laughing with Sarah is like going to church 13 times. Not a bad thing, just overly familiar.
Jun 1st, 2010
theshadesofpink
I recently chose to review Laughing with Sarah by Gene Jennings for The Ooze Viral Bloggers.
The product description reads: Following Christ is a journey. It’s a series of mountaintops and valleys. Most of the time, we are somewhere in between. There are times when God shows us something so unbelievable that we, like Sarah in Genesis, laugh at the ridiculousness of it all. There are also times when he moves us so profoundly that we can do nothing but stare in awe. This is a collection of essays that will trigger thoughts, bring wisdom, and give practical insight to help you along the way – wherever it is you may find yourself – on the journey with God.
This is a relatively small book filled with sermons written by Gene Jennings. These sermons are brilliant and thought provoking. They pull the reader in and are easily relatable to not only every day life but REAL life. So often while listening to sermons there is a huge disconnect between the speaker and the parishioner, this is not true in the case of Gene’s sermons. While reading through the book I felt like he really knew and understood what was happening with THIS generation and understood how to relate.
http://www.genejennings.com – Gene’s blog
http://www.laughingwithsarah.blogspot.com – Laughing With Sarah booksite
I was given this book by The Ooze Viral bloggers in exchange for an honest review.
Jun 7th, 2010
camelbo
I chose to review “Laughing with Sarah” not only because the description on the back (I’m a sucker for the anyone who is willing to admit that faith is a journey), but, also, being a minister of a small home church that is discussion-based, I love when books add a group discussion section into the book.
Perhaps my hopes were a bit high!
Jennings’ book is a collection of sermons on differing topics. The best word I could use to describe this book is pedestrian. It is a feel-good devotional. Now that is not a bad thing by itself. However, Jennings is very very illustration heavy. He is constantly using a story from a book, movie, or some other media source. These start to feel less than genuine. Very few of the stories are personal and thus, I 1) never felt I formed a personal connection with this author and 2) It simply began to overshadow any Biblical texts that he might use. In this case, I also could not form a connection with the topic or text as well as it always seemed to fall short of anything really meaty!
Don’t get me wrong. There are some good illustrations in there. A couple I have flagged for any occasion I may need them. However, they will have to be used sparingly and naturally connect with the text. Yet even the good illustrations are easily glossed over by the sheer number that he chooses to use. I neither think that this makes for a good sermon, nor a good devotional.
I will admit that my wish and disappointment came from whizzing through the Biblical texts. I wanted something much more to chew on. I would have loved for him to spend more time on the texts he chose and given some background that would tie it all together; something that would make a connection between the text and the topic stick with me. Instead I am more likely to be faced with a topic and a short pop-culture illustration that comes to mind.
I understand that this book will be good for some people. If you like, for instance, “Guideposts” magazine with their inspirational stories, than you would probably find this book enlightening and soothing. This is neither a condemnation of either publication, simply an observation (I used to love “Guideposts” growing up).
However, if you want something with a bit more meat on it’s bones… something that truly inspires conversation (the discussion notes did not inspire much to talk about in my trial), then perhaps this is not the book for you.
Jun 9th, 2010
tiffanymalloy
Laughing with Sarah review
One of the most recent books I received from The Ooze Viral Bloggers is an independently published book called Laughing with Sarah, written by Gene Jennings. The cover looks pretty contemporary and it seemed like a good idea to write a book about stories from the Bible, applying them devotionally to one’s life. I thought maybe I could use it as a devotional…you know, a little food for thought everyday along with reading the Scripture from which it is drawn.
Sadly, it just wasn’t for me. Each chapter was a sermon that he had delivered. And while I’m SURE the sermons were great, they didn’t translate to book form well. I felt … preached at. The author seems like a great guy and all, but this just wasn’t my cup of tea. However, if anyone wants this book, let me know and I’ll get it to you!
Jun 13th, 2010
kristinapetrella
I was excited when I saw the title “Laughing with Sarah”. I waited expectantly for it to arrive and when it did, I picked it up immediately to immerse myself in what I had hoped would be a deep text on life as a journey. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. Each chapter was a sermon that Mr. Jennings had preached and while I understand the big picture of each of the sermons, I feel that they were not delivered well in written form. I think that if I were able to hear his inflection, tone, affect and other such auditory markers I may have enjoyed the information found in “Laughing With Sarah” more. The topics and ideas presented were important however I think that there was something left to be desired in its delivery.
Jun 14th, 2010
jc4jc
Laughing with Sarah: Thoughts on the Journey with God by Gene Jennings has some incredible sermon ideas. As in most collections of sermons, some chapters are profound and invigorating and others average, if not mediocre. Jennings starts with “The Thanksgiving Killer,” which was spot on. Indeed, not only does Black Friday change our perception the day after Thanksgiving, as we concentrate on getting and forget thanking; but it affects our very celebration of Thanksgiving itself. We give more and more thought to what we will do at the mall the next day than we do thanking God for anything on Thanksgiving Day. As for me and my family we will return our attention to thanking God on Thanksgiving Day—and may that set the tone for the rest of the year as well.
Jennings has stimulated me to think of Biblical passages and concepts in new ways. I found his juxtaposition of our proclivity to procrastinate with the plague of frogs particularly apropos. Some things may legitimately be put off till tomorrow. But the more we do today, the better we feel tomorrow. Why isn’t that motivation enough?
The recounting of the story of Jeremiah Lamphier in New York City one hundred and fifty years ago describes just what Jefferson County for Jesus Christ needs. If we will but put into practice 2 Chronicles 7:14 we might very well see a mighty work of God in our county. But until we are willing to rearrange our priorities and humble ourselves and pray, we cannot expect much to change in this God-neglecting corner of North America.
Jun 17th, 2010
prolepticlife
I chose to “Laughing with Sarah” because I liked the title (I know not a great way to chose a book – what can I say). There are good things in this book. It is, as the author clearly states in the forward, simply a collection of sermons. Jennings is clearly skilled at crafting a sermon. His style is apparently leaning toward the devotional and practical. He fills his messages with lots of good illustrations and practical wisdom for daily living.
This book is easy to read, and would make a good devotional book. While each chapter has group study questions, I’m not convinced that there is enough meat there to use this in a small group study setting.
I was a little disappointed that I didn’t find a unifying theme, other than the generalized idea of the Christian life is a journey. There is also not a lot of in-depth study of the Scriptures.
I would recommend the book to preachers who want to add to their illustration resource file (and what preacher isn’t in need of more sermon illustrations?). It would also be a fine book for anyone who would like some lite reading of a devotional nature with good practical wisdom for life.
If you are looking for a resource for your small group Bible study I would look elsewhere.
Jun 22nd, 2010
ebdixon
Gene Jennings provides a unique opportunity for small groups to engage in conversations that will stretch new followers and veterans alike. Jennings utilizes simplistic language with practical analogies to develop storylines and messages that are to promote application within everyday living.
“Laughing With Sarah” would be a great asset to any small group that has intermingled levels of spiritual maturity. Jennings accomplishes a blending of discipleship and fellowship with “Laughing With Sarah” that will help integrate each individual into the conversation initiated in a small group study.
If you are looking for a more indepth study for small groups, this would not be a good resource, but if you are looking for a starting place for conversation this could be beneficial.
Jun 23rd, 2010
maverick24
“The Lord said to Abraham,”Why did Sarah laugh and say, “Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old? Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you about the this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son”.
But Sarah denied it, saying , “ I did not laugh” for she afraid.
He said, “ No, but you did laugh”.
GENESIS 18:13
By the title alone, I thought this whole context of this book will be devoted to these famous bible characters such as Abraham and his wife Sarah. But it only covers, one chapter among many topics that Pastor Gene Jennings have covered.
It is a collection of sermons, some of which I can really appreciate like the first chapter that dealt with Thanksgiving dinner. Although I am not an American, however, it’s main message is more targeted on how we get lost in the Christmas commercialism and the sad state of wanting to have more on which you and I can relate regardless of nationality!
There is a small group discussion guide at each chapter for those who are into bible study groups. His essays are also filled with scripture quotations, quotes from books, movies and other sources to drive his point of view.
Pastor Gene Jennings might not be another Joel Osteen or Rich Warren but he does makes me want to read more as he takes you to a journey to examine your life and do away for being a shallow Christian on which we are prone to —me included.
This is simply a collection of sermons coming from someone who’s been there and done—who wants to share a bit of wisdom for those who are willing to listen with an open mind.
VERNIE-CAFEMOM
http://decaffeinateddreams.blogspot.com/
Aug 7th, 2010
pomotheo
I like books, and sometimes I review them when they’re sent to me, in this case from theooze.com. I wanted to do two in one in this review simply because I do’nt have that much to say.
First off, Laughing with Sarah by Gene Jennings, certainly a far cry from the usual theooze offerings. This one seemed to be from a regular pastor from a regular multi-site church in a regular suburb somewhere in the US. The book starts in the forward with, “this is a book of sermons.”
I’m skeptical of sermons, not because I don’t think they’re necessary, but because I think it’s a failed exercise in a post-Christendom world. The last thing I want to do on a Sunday morning is sit and listen to someone talk for 40 minutes. Now I’m supposed to read about it?
Story telling or sermons, whatever you want to call it, shouldn’t be longer than TV. I don’t’ even pay attention to TV for 20 minutes, let along 40. Hopefully these chapters (sermons) were cut up into 3-4 parts. I know they weren’t, but I would do it that way, and I know regular Joe’s who’ve never been to church would prefer it that way.
So in terms of the run of the mill sermon content, these chapters in Laughing with Sarah are better than average. Why it’s in book form I have no idea. This is something you should be able to get for free from the church website or blog.
Aug 12th, 2010
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