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CSSPlus Writer Bethany Peerbolte ...

Reverend Bethany Peerbolte recognizes her calling is to make scripture relevant to young Christians, and Christians young at heart. She serves as the Associate Pastor of Youth and Mission at First Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Michigan. Her blog, Millennial Epistle, seeks to connect scripture to trending topics and contemporary issues. Bethany’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has led her to work with Detroit Pride, The Interfaith Council for Peace & Justice, and the National Black Presbyterian Caucus. Bethany holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University and a Master of Divinity degree from Ecumenical Theological Seminary.

Fifth Sunday in Lent - A

Bethany Peerbolte
The story of Lazarus was always my favorite. Might be because he is from Bethany, might be that the easiest verse to memorize is from this story, “Jesus wept.” I have always believed in Einstein’s assessment that if you cannot explain something simply then one does not understand it well enough. “Jesus wept” is simple. There is so much to unpack in those two words and yet they can stand alone. Jesus’s care of humanity is deep, and it affects him. Even when he knows things will turn out okay, the pain we experience is valid enough to make him pause and lament with us. This emotion is worthy of being felt by our Savior, so why do we demonize it?

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120+ – Illustrations / Stories
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24 – Worship Resources
28 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Passion/Palm
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120+ – Illustrations / Stories
35 – Children's Sermons / Resources
23 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Maundy Thursday
10 – Sermons
70+ – Illustrations / Stories
17 – Children's Sermons / Resources
18 – Worship Resources
16 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Good Friday
11 – Sermons
90+ – Illustrations / Stories
19 – Children's Sermons / Resources
15 – Worship Resources
15 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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110+ – Illustrations / Stories
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CSSPlus

Fifth Sunday in Lent - A
Bethany Peerbolte
The story of Lazarus was always my favorite. Might be because he is from Bethany, might be that the easiest verse to memorize is from this story, “Jesus wept.” I have always believed in Einstein’s assessment that if you cannot explain something simply then one does not understand it well enough. “Jesus wept” is simple. There is so much to unpack in those two words and yet they can stand alone. Jesus’s care of humanity is deep, and it affects him. Even when he knows things will turn out okay, the pain we experience is valid enough to make him pause and lament with us.

The Immediate Word

Fifth Sunday in Lent - A
Bethany Peerbolte
Christopher Keating
Ron Love
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Thomas Willadsen
For March 29, 2020:
  • Turn Our Minds by Bethany Peerbolte — Now is a great time to reintroduce spiritual practices we have loved and try out some new ones. Let’s turn our minds to the spirit and renew our souls.
  • Second Thoughts: Keeping Our Distance by Chris Keating — As Jesus practices social distancing, his friend Lazarus dies, leaving all to wonder what Jesus had in mind.

StoryShare

Fifth Sunday in Lent - A
C. David Mckirachan
Frank Ramirez
Contents
"What Else Are We Supposed To Pray For?" by C. David McKirachan
"Be A Hero" by C. David McKirachan
"Our Story" by Frank Ramirez


What Else Are We Supposed To Pray For?
C. David McKirachan
Romans 8:6-11

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Fifth Sunday in Lent - A
Frank Ramirez
Eternal life. Real life. We get up in the pulpit and promise the one after death and the other before it. What are we talking about? An endless succession of mornings where we get up, let the dog out, bring in the morning paper, and sit down to our first cup of coffee? That certainly sounds attractive to some of us, and perhaps appalling to others, but is that what scripture is telling us? Is that our faith? As we gather together, days before we observe our remembrance of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, let us consider a few things.
Fifth Sunday in Lent - A
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Ron Love
Frank Ramirez
M Adryael Tong
Psalm 130
In the week before Super Bowl LIV was to be played in Miami, on February 2, 2020, the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, Robert Saleh, explained the meaning behind the two bracelets that all the defensive players are wearing.

The Village Shepherd

Fifth Sunday in Lent - A
Janice B. Scott
Death is difficult for anyone to understand and accept, and particularly difficult for children who usually have little concept of time. In this story Anita is angry with God, because her beloved Grandma has died.

SermonStudio

Fifth Sunday in Lent - A
Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Ezekiel 37:1-14 (C); Ezekiel 37:12-14 (RC); Ezekiel 37:1-3 (4-10) 11-14 (E, L)
God instructs Ezekiel to preach to the dry bones scattered over the valley floor and as he preaches to them they come together, as flesh and sinew cover them. The dry bones represent the people of Israel, who have been taken captive and live hopeless lives in a strange land. The message is that God will carry his people home and fill their lifeless carcasses with his Spirit. This word of hope helps lift the people from their depressed state.

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