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Acts 2:1-21

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Children's Activity

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

About the Spirit -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1999
Perhaps it is inevitable that as Christians we focus on the second article of the Apostles' Creed so
Filled with the Spirit -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 1998
Christians did not start the day of Pentecost.
We are one in the Spirit -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1997
Pentecost was one of three major Jewish feasts -- Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles.
Come Holy Spirit! -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1994
This festival is often a problem. Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Spirit -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Acts 2:1-21, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Day of Pentecost - B
Few issues trouble the church more than dealing with matters of the Spirit.
Passover and Pentecost -- Genesis 11:1-9, Acts 2:1-21, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Day of Pentecost - B
I encourage you to do some extensive work in an effort to understand something of the meaning of Pen
Spirited speech -- Genesis 11:1-9, Acts 2:1-21, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Day of Pentecost - C
The issue of communication, godly and human, forms the common bond among the Pentecost texts.
The day the Spirit moved in -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- David Kalas -- Day of Pentecost - C
Things change in a house when someone new moves in.
Windsurfing -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Day of Pentecost - A
We've all seen them -- women and men, girls and boys, wrestling with huge sails attached to a small
Spiritual chinook -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Romans 8:22-27, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Wayne Brouwer -- Day of Pentecost - B
In northern parts of the United States winter weather reports include phrases like "cold

Children's Liturgy and Story

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Wildfire! -- John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Day of Pentecost - C
Fire is an archetypal symbol and a powerful reality in our lives.

SermonStudio

Shower The People -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: The experience of the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Devotional

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon illustrations for Day of Pentecost (2016) -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, R. Robert Cueni, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2016
Acts 2:1-21
Sermon Illustrations for Pentecost (2015) -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2015
Acts 2:1-21
Sermon Illustrations for Trinity Sunday (2014) -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
Acts 2:1-21
There is something... -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
There is something within people that automatically draws them to a spectacular event.
On the day of... -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Bob Ove -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
On the day of Pentecost they spoke in many languages so that all the visitors there heard and unders
Sermon illustrations for Day of Pentecost (2013) -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2013
Acts 2:1-21
Fire is an interesting image... -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2013
Fire is an interesting image with which to describe the effect of the Holy Spirit upon those who fol
Wow!... -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Bob Ove -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2013
Wow! Wouldn't you like to live then to see all those miracles?
Sermon Illustrations for Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2012
Acts 2:1-21
Leslie Weatherhead was an outstanding English Methodist preacher... -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2012
Leslie Weatherhead was an outstanding English Methodist preacher and writer who tells of a visit to
Why do we live as Christians?... -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Craig Kelly -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2012
Why do we live as Christians?
NULL -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
Acts 2:1-21
NULL -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
In one of the great scenes in George Bernard Shaw's play Saint Joan, Joan of Arc, the peasant
NULL -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Craig Kelly -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
It is almost impossible to get an accurate count of how many Christians there are in the world today
Acts 2:1-21 Multiculturalism... -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2010
Acts 2:1-21
Free Sermon Illustrations for May 23, 2010 from Emphasis Preaching Journal -- John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2010
The Christians in Acts 2 aren't the priesthood's hierarchy or the temple's choir.
Acts 2:1-21br... -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Romans 8:22-27, Acts 2:1-21 -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2009
Acts 2:1-21
Like a wildfire. That's how... -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2009
"Like a wildfire." That's how Eugene Peterson describes the Pentecost tongues of fire, in his Bible

The Immediate Word

All Together Now! -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2016
The account of Pentecost in the book of Acts tells of a crowd gathered from many diverse locations..
Of Pentecost, Polls, And Power -- Acts 2:1-21, Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2015
The account of Pentecost in the book of Acts is filled with vivid imagery -- but though there are pl
Roger Wilco -- Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
As portrayed in the book of Acts, Pentecost was a strange, exciting, and even bewildering occasio
Heard And Understood -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2013
The account of Pentecost in the book of Acts is full of remarkable details that offer many direction
Together In One Place -- Acts 2:1-21, Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2012
A quick perusal of the daily headlines is all you need to see how bitterly divided we are as a socie
Imagine -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
It's interesting that we observe Pentecost Sunday during the spring graduation and marriage season.
Understanding In A World Of Many Languages -- Acts 2:1-21, Genesis 11:1-9, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2010
One of the most fascinating aspects of Luke's account of the first Pentecost is the wide variety of

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

Pentecost Day -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme The teachings, miracles, and earthly ministry of Jesus.
Day of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2001
The scene is familiar to us by this time.
Pentecost Day -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Spirit's Coming -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
1. Text
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:1-21 (C); Acts 2:1-11 (RC, E)
Miracle 6 Spirit's Coming -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
1. Text
The Spirit gives life -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Through the gift of the Holy Spirit the church witnesses to the saving power of
The gift of the Holy Spirit -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:1--21 (C); Acts 2:1--11 (RC, E)
The Spirit Became flesh -- Acts 2:1-21 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1992
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.
The Spirit Became flesh The Miracle On The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1992
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Acts 2:1-21 (C)
The Day Of Pentecost -- Genesis 11:1-9, Acts 2:1-21, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- George M. Bass -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
The Day Of Pentecost -- Genesis 11:1-9, Acts 2:1-21, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- George M. Bass -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
The Day of Pentecost -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27 -- George M. Bass -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1990
Just when the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the event known as Pentecost, occurred is a matter of d
The Day of Pentecost -- Genesis 11:1-9, Acts 2:1-21, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Perry H. Biddle, Jr. -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 1988
Comments on the Lessons

The Immediate Word

Spirit Or Spirit? -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Mary Boyd Click -- Day of Pentecost - A
Every year Pentecost rolls around and church-school teachers rack their brains to figure out how to
It's A Small World After All -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Romans 8:22-27, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman -- Day of Pentecost - B
Media theorist Marshall McLuhan first coined the term "global village" nearly four decades ago, and
Wildfire! -- John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Day of Pentecost - C
Fire is an archetypal symbol and a powerful reality in our lives.

Sermon

SermonStudio

Pentecost Diaries -- Acts 2:1-21 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
The last time I spoke to Ken was on the phone a few weeks before he died.
The Undoing Of Babel -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Stan Purdum -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2006
Several years ago, my wife and I took a vacation where we drove to Mexico City in an old Volkswagen
Experiencing The Reality Of God -- Acts 2:1-21 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
The story of the Day of Pentecost tells of a pivotal event in the history of God's work in the world
Never Limit Others, Ourselves, Or God -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2003
Once upon a time a badly deformed little girl was born to a very wealthy family.
The Real Miracle -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
All of you have heard stories of miracles. Some of you have experienced a miracle.
Laughing In The Face Of Darkness! -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2000
A seminary student writing a term paper about confession of sin started to type, "When we confess, C
Bewitched, Bothered, And Bewildered -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Billy D. Strayhorn -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2000
A farm family had some friends from the city come to visit.
Only The Beginning ... -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Gary L. Carver -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1999
It had not happened before, it has not happened since, and in that uncommon experience God was uniqu
What do these things mean? -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Leonard W. Mann -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
Suppose you are witness to the most remarkable event ever to transpire in the whole history of the w
Day of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Arthur H. Kolsti -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1996
Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lor
The Presence Of The Spirit -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Charles Curley -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1993
Occasionally, while flipping through the channels on my television, I pause for a moment at a networ

Free Access

The Undoing Of Babel -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Stan Purdum -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2006
Several years ago, my wife and I took a vacation where we drove to Mexico City in an old Volkswagen

The Immediate Word

Spirit Or Spirit? -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Mary Boyd Click -- Day of Pentecost - A
Every year Pentecost rolls around and church-school teachers rack their brains to figure out how to
It's A Small World After All -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Romans 8:22-27, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman -- Day of Pentecost - B
Media theorist Marshall McLuhan first coined the term "global village" nearly four decades ago, and
Wildfire! -- John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Day of Pentecost - C
Fire is an archetypal symbol and a powerful reality in our lives.

The Village Shepherd

Power -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - C
In his book, "How To Know God," Deepak Chopra describes seven levels of fulfillment.

Stories

StoryShare

My Peace I Give To You -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Day of Pentecost - C
"I have said these things to you while I am still with you.
Happy Birthday -- John 7:37-39, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Day of Pentecost - A
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Happy Birthday"
Backdraft -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Romans 8:22-27, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Frank R. Fisher, Sil Galvan, Richard A. Jensen, Timothy F. Merrill, John E. Sumwalt -- Day of Pentecost - B
Contents What's Up This Week
Smokin'! -- John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Frank R. Fisher, Gregory L. Tolle, Ron Lavin -- Day of Pentecost - C
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Smokin'!" by Frank R. Fisher

SermonStudio

My Encounter With God -- Acts 2:1-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Robert L. Gossett -- Day of Pentecost - B
A United Methodist pastor, lying on a Lutheran gymnasium floor, struggling with God about speaking i

Worship

SermonStudio

The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
Theme: The Coming Of The Holy SpiritCall To Worship
Day of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2000
First Lesson: (Acts 2:1-21 or) Genesis 11:1-9 Theme: Jibberish
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Acts 2:1-21Theme: I Hear!Call To Worship
Receiving the Holy Spirit -- Acts 2:1-21 -- James R. Wilson -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- James R. Wilson -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: We are called to serve the Lord with all of our hearts!
The Coming Of The Holy Spirit -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1992
Suggestions:Use as a call to worship or in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
PENTECOST -- Acts 2:1-21, Numbers 11:24-30, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21 -- B. David Hostetter -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP

The Immediate Word

Spirit Or Spirit? -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Mary Boyd Click -- Day of Pentecost - A
Every year Pentecost rolls around and church-school teachers rack their brains to figure out how to
It's A Small World After All -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Romans 8:22-27, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman -- Day of Pentecost - B
Media theorist Marshall McLuhan first coined the term "global village" nearly four decades ago, and
Wildfire! -- John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Day of Pentecost - C
Fire is an archetypal symbol and a powerful reality in our lives.
UPCOMING WEEKS
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For November 2, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message involves roleplay. You will need a chair for Zach to stand on, unless it is ok for him to stand on a front pew. For the best fun, you will also want to have an adult volunteer play the role of Jesus and walk in when it is time. Whether he is in costume is up to you.

* * *
John Jamison
Object: You will need one or more pictures of people recognized as saints. You may find some pictures by Googling “public domain pictures of saints” and printing images from the results.

* * *

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4 and Psalm 119:137-144
Walter Elwell in the Shaw Pocket Bible Handbook notes of righteousness that it is, “Right standing, specifically before God. Among the Greeks, righteousness was an ethical virtue. Among the Hebrews it was a legal concept; the righteous man was the one who got the verdict of acceptability when tried at the bar of God’s justice.” God is a righteous God, even when is people are not righteous.
Frank Ramirez
One of the features of Synagogue worship is the Shema. The Hebrew word is “Hear!” and is the opening for Deuteronomy 6:4-5, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” God’s people are commanded to “hear” these words. They come from the Lord. And these three scriptures invite us to hear God and each other, something that is lacking in our society today.
Wayne Brouwer
Fred Craddock tells of a vacation encounter in the Smokey Mountains of eastern Tennessee years ago that moved him deeply. He and his wife took supper one evening in a place called the Black Bear Inn. One side of the building was all glass, open to a magnificent mountain view. Glad to be alone, the Craddocks were a bit annoyed when an elderly man ambled over and struck up a nosey conversation: “Are you on vacation?” “Where are you from?” “What do you do?”
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 and Psalm 149

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, but your commandments are my delight. Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live. (vv. 143-144)

When I was an associate pastor in Janesville, Wisconsin one of my responsibilities was to give a lecture on spirituality once a month at a drug treatment facility. The students who attended were persons who had been convicted of drunk driving and were required to attend the class as a condition of their sentence. Attendance was always good.
Frank Ramirez
Call them the good old days. Call it the Golden Age. It’s not unusual for people to look back in their youth, or to the youth of their country, as somehow more perfect, honorable, or simpler. C.S. Lewis was always skeptical about claims that chocolate was better in one’s youth. It wasn’t better. Our taste buds were stronger and more receptive.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
The Roman Catholic Church's canonisation of Edith Stein some years ago, fuelled considerable controversy. Edith Stein was born and bred into a Jewish family, becoming a Roman Catholic Christian at the age of 31. She was also a leading German intellectual in the early thirties, during the run-up to World War 2, although she gave up that career in order to become a Carmelite nun. But she didn't deny her Jewish roots, for in 1933 she petitioned the Pope, Pious XI to write an encyclical in defence of the Jews.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus didn't reject anyone, even those who were liars and cheats. By a simple act of friendship Jesus turned Zaccheus' life around. In our worship today let us consider friendship and all that it means.


Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, there are some people I don't like.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, there are some people I reject.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, there are some people I keep out of my circle of friends.
Lord, have mercy.


Reading:

SermonStudio

Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
The world offers many blessings, but none of these things will save us: only the blessing of God in Jesus Christ can do that.

Old Testament Lesson
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18
Daniel's Apocalyptic Dream
Perry H. Biddle, Jr.
Comments on the Lessons
John W. Clarke
This chapter of Luke brings us ever closer to the end of Jesus' public ministry. Jesus enters Jericho, just fifteen miles or so from the holy city of Jerusalem. It is here that Jesus transforms the life of Zacchaeus, the tax collector. This is one of the few stories that is peculiar to Luke and is a wonderful human-interest story. The fact that Zacchaeus is willing to climb a tree to see Jesus is a clear indication that he really wanted to see and meet the carpenter from Nazareth. His eagerness to see Jesus is rewarded in a very special way.
Scott A. Bryte
Then he looked up at his disciples and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.
Mark Ellingson
This is a story written for people who had been or were about to be persecuted, if not enslaved. (The book of Daniel was probably written in the mid-second century B.C. during a period of Seleucid [Syrian] domination in Palestine.) It tells them and us how their ancestors had once faced a similar slavery under the oppression of the Babylonians centuries earlier. The implication was that if these ancestors could endure and overcome such bondage, so could they and so can we.
Gary L. Carver
Ulysses S. Grant fought many significant battles as commander of the Union forces in the War Between the States. He also served as President of the United States where he probably engaged in as many battles as he did while he was a general. Toward the end of his life he fought his toughest battle -- with cancer and death.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
There is an apocryphal story told that after completing his masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, the famous Italian Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci went to a nearby tavern to celebrate the event with his friends. While in conversation and sipping a little of the local wine, Leonardo noticed that many in the tavern were making sport of an ugly fool who made his living going from tavern to tavern, entertaining patrons for a spare coin or a crust of bread. This man truly was an ugly person; he seemed to be more of a troll than a man. His small beady eyes were not centered in his oversized head.

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