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David O. Bales

David Bales was a Presbyterian pastor for 33 years. He is a graduate of San Francisco Theological Seminary. In addition to his ministry he also has taught college: World Religions, Ethics, Biblical Hebrew and Biblical Greek (lately at College of Idaho, Caldwell). He has been a freelance writer for Stephen Ministries. His sermons and articles have appeared in Interpretation, Lectionary Homiletics, Preaching the Great Texts and other publications. For a year he wrote the online column "In The Original: Insights from Greek and Hebrew for the Lectionary Passages." His books include: Gospel Subplots: Story Sermons of God's Grace, Toward Easter and Beyond, Scenes of Glory: Subplots of God's Long Story, and To the Cross and Beyond and Beyond: Cycle A Sermons for Lent and Easter. Dave has been a writer for the CSS online subscription, StoryShare, for five years. He can be reached at dobales.com.

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Sermon

SermonStudio

The Ordinary In God's Hands -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- David O. Bales -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2007
The apostle Paul writes to a church where he was the founding pastor.
A Friday We Call "Good" -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- David O. Bales -- Good Friday - A -- 2007
After our last trip to Israel, a number in our group met to share photos and memories.
Dust And Ashes Wednesday -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- David O. Bales -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
The Passion of the Christ, is a helpful movie to consider for Ash Wednesday and Lent.
Lighting Up Lent -- Ephesians 5:8-14 -- David O. Bales -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Can you recall a significant event that changed many things about you: maybe a natural disaster like
Life In The Resurrection Zone -- Colossians 3:1-4 -- David O. Bales -- Easter Day - A -- 2007
Sermon Note: Before this sermon something like the following needs to be included the worship
A Living Hope (If It Hadn't Been For Easter) -- 1 Peter 1:3-9 -- David O. Bales -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
A church member read the New Testament and concluded, "Amazing things were going on back then.
Oddballs For God -- 1 Peter 1:17-23 -- David O. Bales -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Immigration reform swirls around us. Immigrants, documented and undocumented, live among us.
A Big Enough Reason -- 1 Peter 2:19-25 -- David O. Bales -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Peter writes to Christian slaves.
Yes, You -- 1 Peter 2:2-10 -- David O. Bales -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Most congregations experience the joy of their former pastors visiting.
Rock Bottom -- 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- David O. Bales -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Peter begins a new paragraph here by asking, "Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is g
Power Sharing -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- David O. Bales -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2007
Modern people are fascinated with power.
Watchman, Tell Us Of The Night -- Isaiah 21:11-12 -- David O. Bales -- 2000
To strangers the plains of Eastern Montana seem barren, especially in late autumn.
The L & L Ranch -- John 11:25-26 -- David O. Bales -- 2000
Being a woman causes difficulties in being a pastor, not only because many men think I should not be
What Really Matters -- Galatians 5:22-23 -- David O. Bales -- 2000
Larry and Evelyn Schmidt lay awake long past their usual time for sleep. It was midnight at least.
The Half Pencil Doctor -- 1 John 3:18 -- David O. Bales -- 2000
Since his dying father placed a hand on his and asked that his ashes be taken to Bloomfield, Iowa, a
Mall Meeting -- Galatians 6:1-2 -- David O. Bales -- 2000
Joan Detlef slammed the screen door behind her.
Life Beside The Falls -- Ezekiel 47:1-12 -- David O. Bales -- 2000
The first storm of autumn clamped down with unseasonable cold -- lows at night in the teens -- which
Four Years Not Quite Too Late -- Matthew 2:1-2 -- David O. Bales -- 2000
At the Christian Endeavor Christmas party, 1948, the group of high school students had sung Christma
The Revolutionary In Bethlehem -- Luke 2:1-20 -- David O. Bales -- 2000
In the seven hundred and forty-seventh year since the founding of Rome, in the province of Judea, a
Pilate's Friend -- John 19:1-12 -- David O. Bales -- 2000
Throughout the ancient world being the friend of the king meant that you trusted the king to protect
The Photograph On The Piano -- John 3:16 -- David O. Bales -- 2000
No matter how careful the nursing and housekeeping staffs, the smell of body fluids hung in the room
Where The Halls Cross -- Luke 10:25-37 -- David O. Bales -- 2000
I have the two best jobs in the world.
Over The Pass -- John 20:23 -- David O. Bales -- 2000
Gerald Carrier's mind was pretty much unoccupied for a dozen miles as he maneuvered the big station
The Cathedral Corner Cafe -- Romans 12:14-21 -- David O. Bales -- 2000
Letty looked around the cafe.
Why Do People Suffer? -- Mark 15:33-39 -- David O. Bales -- 2000
Susan Ingraham was late for worship, but no one could tell she was hurrying -- regular, sharp gait,

Stories

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The Faith of Giving -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2021
Contents“The Faith of Giving” by Peter Andrew Smith
Despite Unreliable Witnesses -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Mark 16:1-8 -- David O. Bales, Peter Andrew Smith -- Easter Day - B -- 2021
Contents“Despite Unreliable Witnesses” by David O. Bales
One King Dead, Another King Eternal -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, Psalm 29 -- David O. Bales, Peter Andrew Smith -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2021
Contents“One King Dead, Another King Eternal” by David O. Bales
Through Michal's Two Windows -- Ephesians 1:3-14, 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Psalm 24 -- David O. Bales, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2021
Contents“Through Michal’s Two Windows” by David O. Bales
Seeing Your Sin -- 2 Samuel 11-26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2021
Contents“Seeing Your Sin” by Peter Andrew Smith

StoryShare

Mumbling Hope -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- David O. Bales -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2020
Contents "Mumbling Hope" by David O. Bales
Called and Freed To Serve -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8 -- David O. Bales -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2020
Contents “Called and Freed To Serve” by David O. Bales
Howling Good News For Some -- Genesis 45:1-15, Psalm 133 -- David O. Bales -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2020
Contents “Howling Good News For Some” by David O. Bales
Before You Judge -- Matthew 18:15-20, Romans 13:8-14 -- David O. Bales -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2020
Contents "Before You Judge" by David O. Bales
If It's Worth Telling … -- Psalm 25:1-9, Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 -- David O. Bales -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2020
Contents “If It’s Worth Telling …” by David O. Bales
Danger From Both Sides In Jerusalem -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- David O. Bales -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2020
Contents “Danger From Both Sides In Jerusalem” by David O. Bales
Gloriously Stormy Worship -- Matthew 3:13-17, Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 29 -- David O. Bales, Keith Hewitt -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2020
Contents “Gloriously Stormy Worship” by David O. Bales
Freshman Introduction To The Book Of Revelation -- Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 34:1-10, 22 -- David O. Bales -- All Saints Day - A -- 2020
Contents
Pup -- Matthew 5:1-12, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- David O. Bales -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2020
Contents “Pup” by David O. Bales
The Other Wise Man -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23 -- David O. Bales -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2020
Contents “The Other Wise Man” by David O. Bales
Control -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalm 119:1-8 -- David O. Bales -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2020
‘Wally’ K. Freirer To My Descendants by David O. Bales
Responding To Signs Of The End -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9 -- David O. Bales, Peter Andrew Smith -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Contents “Responding To Signs Of The End” by David O. Bales
Thorough Temptation Of The Thoroughly Human -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19 -- David O. Bales -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Contents"Thorough Temptation Of The Thoroughly Human" by David O. Bales
Everything is Possible with God -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Luke 1:26-38, Luke 1:46b-55 -- Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Contents “Everything is Possible with God” by Peter Andrew Smith
Valley Variation -- Psalm 23, 1 Samuel 16:1-13 -- David O. Bales -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Contents “Valley Variation” by David O. Bales
A Waste of Time -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Keith Hewitt, David O. Bales -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2020
Contents “A Waste of Time” by Keith Hewitt
A Way To Meet Jesus -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- David O. Bales -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
Contents “A Way To Meet Jesus” by David O. Bales
Excavating To The Center -- 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- David O. Bales -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
Contents"Excavating To The Center" by David O. Bales
The Times or Periods -- Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- David O. Bales -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
Contents “The Times or Periods” by David O. Bales
Too Deep For Words -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- David O. Bales -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2020
Contents “Too Deep For Words” by David O. Bales
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
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For May 5, 2024:
  • Longing for Belonging by Dean Feldmeyer — “A deep sense of love and belonging is an irreducible need of all people. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love and be loved and to belong.” — Brene Brown
  • Second Thoughts: Is Blood Thicker Than Water? by Elena Delhagen based on 1 John 5:1-6 and Acts 10:44-48.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
It was a dark and stormy night. Lightning flashed and thunder crashed. Suddenly, Kimberly, our middle daughter, was standing next to our bed, sobbing in fear. My wife held and comforted her for a few minutes, and then I led her back to the room she shared with her older sister Kristyn. I tucked her tightly into the sandwich of her sheets and blankets, snugging things up for extra safety.
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
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Acts 10:44-48

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: Pieces you might use, like dice, a spinner, a ball, or any other “unusual” things you might find. I used a beanbag, a shoe, and a piece of paper.

* * *

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (v. 12-13)

You have heard the saying “We are not called to be successful; we are called to be faithful.” Jesus’ invitation to “follow me” is an invitation to faithfulness. That might be described by the old-fashioned word “fidelity.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Do you love anyone enough to offer them your last Rolo? According to the advert, Rolos are so incredibly delicious that nobody could be that selfless. Those who consider offering their last Rolo to someone they love, snatch it back at the last moment and keep it for themselves.

Or you might of course, love Terry's chocolate orange, and feel it's something which would be good to share. But at the last moment, like cuddly Dawn French, you'd say, "No, it's mine, not Terry's, it's all mine!"

SermonStudio

Schuyler Rhodes
Anyone who has made a long road trip with children singing "99 Bottles Of Beer On The Wall" can support the notion of "singing a new song." Children love the repetition of singing the same song over and over. Parents or youth group leaders who have been in this situation can identify with the need to sing a new song.
Nancy Kraft
Are you in love with God? In 1 John, the author has a lot to say about the love of God and the way that love changes our lives. We love because God first loved us. God's love fills us to overflowing so that it flows through us to other people. Annie Dillard said that we catch grace like a man filling a cup underneath a waterfall.1 That's the way we receive God's love. But there can be a problem for us when we put a lid on our cups and the water can't get inside. We're closing our hearts off to the love of God.

Harry N. Huxhold
A remarkable feature of Dwight D. Eisenhower's memoirs is the composure with which he greeted crises. He titled his autobiography At Ease, an appropriate description for not only his retirement, but the manner in which he appeared to be on top of life. Colleagues, of course, could recall how excited he could get in revealing his impatience with mediocrity and the failures of the people in his command. However, what was impressive was the way he took control in the European theater in World War II with no fear for his own life and great confidence in the Allied offensive.
E. Carver Mcgriff
Charles Wesley began one of the Methodist Church's favorite hymns with this line: "Come Holy Ghost, Our Hearts Inspire." Of course, tradition now uses the alternate term, "Holy Spirit." Wesley called it the "fountain of life and love." And so it is. Once we experience the Holy Spirit, we know it is exactly that: the source of life and love. The giving of that Spirit into the lives of us all is the point of this passage.

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