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Carlos Wilton

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

The Comfort Zone -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, George L. Murphy, Chris Ewing, Carlos Wilton, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 4, 2005)
Marketing The Messiah -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- Chris Ewing, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 11, 2005)
Stealing Christmas? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton, George Reed, Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 18, 2005)
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Ephesians 3:1-12, John 1:1-18 -- Carter Shelley, George L. Murphy, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton, Larry Hard -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2003
(Originally published for January 5, 2003)
The Two Towers And The Prince Of Peace And Light -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Charles Cammarata -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for December 29, 2002)
The Message On A Postcard -- Luke 1:68-79 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Named, Claimed, And Unashamed -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
Dear Fellow Pastor,
Netting A Dream -- Luke 5:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Psalm 138 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
A Working Faith -- Luke 13:1-9, Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Psalm 63:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
Many of our everyday religious words are notoriously difficult to define, which suggests that we oft
Who's To Blame? -- Luke 23:13-25 -- Carlos Wilton -- Passion Sunday - C
Passion Sunday again raises the questions about why Jesus had to die and who was to blame.
Ananias, Meet Your Brother -- Acts 9:1-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
Dear Fellow Preacher:
The Message On A Postcard -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
December 5, 2004Second Sunday in Advent / Cycle A
God Plays No Favorites -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Carlos Wilton -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that no preacher should go long without saying something
The Keeper -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,Serious proposals for radical change in the U.S. Social Security
Awakenings -- John 11:1-45, Romans 8:6-11, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A
Crime and punishment are in the news.
Well-Known Christians -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Looking Skyward -- Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - A
Ascension Day is not observed by many North Americans.
Striving -- Genesis 32:22-31, Isaiah 55:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
News of the nomination of Judge John Roberts for a seat on the Supreme Court has filled the news thi
A Good-Enough Marriage -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
December 19, 2004Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cycle A
The Prophet's Prescription -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers
My Big Fat Greek Religion -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Lights Over Baghdad -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
"shock And Awe" -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Carlos Wilton -- Easter Day - B
Dear Preacher,
"who's Your Daddy?" -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Carlos Wilton -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
How Would Jesus Campaign? -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- All Saints Day - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,

Illustration

The Immediate Word

The Good Fight -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Carlos Wilton, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2007
We find so few people who are able to declare that they have fought the good fight for the sake of t
A Lucky Marriage -- Luke 10:25-37, Colossians 1:1-14, Amos 7:7-17, Psalm 82 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2007
This past Saturday -- 7/7/07 -- was an especially busy day for those in the wedding
The Sure Thing -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2007
Understanding this difficult parable requires our people to follow along with Jesus as he turns a so
Border Crossing -- Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43, Jeremiah 23:1-6, Luke 1:68-79 -- Carlos Wilton, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2007
Carlos Wilton writes on the Colossians 1:13 text, "He has rescued us from the power of darkness and
The Risk Of Being A Peacemaker -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," Jesus tells us in the Beatit
The Comfort Zone -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, George L. Murphy, Chris Ewing, Carlos Wilton, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 4, 2005)
Marketing The Messiah -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- Chris Ewing, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 11, 2005)
Stealing Christmas? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton, George Reed, Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 18, 2005)
Home For The Holidays? -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Julia Ross Strope -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published November 27, 2005)
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Ephesians 3:1-12, John 1:1-18 -- Carter Shelley, George L. Murphy, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton, Larry Hard -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2003
(Originally published for January 5, 2003)
The Two Towers And The Prince Of Peace And Light -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Charles Cammarata -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for December 29, 2002)
"did You Call?" -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
"prepare Him Room" -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Striving -- Genesis 32:22-31, Isaiah 55:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
News of the nomination of Judge John Roberts for a seat on the Supreme Court has filled the news thi
Null -- 1 Kings 2 10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
A Good-Enough Marriage -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
December 19, 2004Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cycle A
What Kindness Teaches -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13-18 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
When Jesus Says "no" -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
In Giving, We Receive -- 1 Kings 17:8-16, Mark 12:38-44 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Message On A Postcard -- Luke 1:68-79 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Named, Claimed, And Unashamed -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
Dear Fellow Pastor,
Netting A Dream -- Luke 5:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Psalm 138 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
A Working Faith -- Luke 13:1-9, Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Psalm 63:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
Many of our everyday religious words are notoriously difficult to define, which suggests that we oft
Who's To Blame? -- Luke 23:13-25 -- Carlos Wilton -- Passion Sunday - C
Passion Sunday again raises the questions about why Jesus had to die and who was to blame.
Ananias, Meet Your Brother -- Acts 9:1-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
Dear Fellow Preacher:

Preaching

SermonStudio

Resurrection Of Our Lord / Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18 -- Carlos Wilton -- Easter Day - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
All Saints -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- All Saints Day - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayThe saints in heaven glory in an eternal sabbath.
Proper 6 / Ordinary Time 11 / Pentecost 2 -- Genesis 18:1-15, Romans 5:1-8, Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 14 / Ordinary Time 19 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayFaith always involves an element of risk.
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 16 / Ordinary Time 21 / Pentecost 12 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 15 / Pentecost 13 / Ordinary Time 20 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayJesus Christ is Lord of the commonplace.
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayIn the Passover and in the Lord's Supper, eating is remembering.
Proper 17 / Pentecost 15 / Ordinary Time 22 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayJesus Christ promises us abundance, as a flowing river.
The Day Of Pentecost -- John 20:19-23, John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Numbers 11:24-30, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 19 / Pentecost 17 / Ordinary Time 24 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2010
Theme For the DayIt is not for us to judge the hearts of others.
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayJesus Christ is the cornerstone. First Lesson
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / Ordinary Time 26 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayChrist calls us to be faithful in deeds as well as words.
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 22 / Pentecost 20 / Ordinary Time 27 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 23 / Pentecost 21 / Ordinary Time 28 -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayThe only antidote to idolatry is proper worship.
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Carlos Wilton -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayJesus is willing to help us bear the burden of worry.
Proper 24 / Pentecost 22 / Ordinary Time 29 -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
First Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 26 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayRole-models are important to us in our life of faith.
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day

Sermon

The Immediate Word

The Comfort Zone -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, George L. Murphy, Chris Ewing, Carlos Wilton, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 4, 2005)
Marketing The Messiah -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- Chris Ewing, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 11, 2005)
Stealing Christmas? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton, George Reed, Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 18, 2005)
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Ephesians 3:1-12, John 1:1-18 -- Carter Shelley, George L. Murphy, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton, Larry Hard -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2003
(Originally published for January 5, 2003)
The Two Towers And The Prince Of Peace And Light -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Charles Cammarata -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for December 29, 2002)
The Message On A Postcard -- Luke 1:68-79 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Named, Claimed, And Unashamed -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
Dear Fellow Pastor,
Netting A Dream -- Luke 5:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Psalm 138 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
A Working Faith -- Luke 13:1-9, Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Psalm 63:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
Many of our everyday religious words are notoriously difficult to define, which suggests that we oft
Who's To Blame? -- Luke 23:13-25 -- Carlos Wilton -- Passion Sunday - C
Passion Sunday again raises the questions about why Jesus had to die and who was to blame.
Ananias, Meet Your Brother -- Acts 9:1-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
Dear Fellow Preacher:
The Message On A Postcard -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
December 5, 2004Second Sunday in Advent / Cycle A
God Plays No Favorites -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Carlos Wilton -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that no preacher should go long without saying something
The Keeper -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,Serious proposals for radical change in the U.S. Social Security
Awakenings -- John 11:1-45, Romans 8:6-11, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A
Crime and punishment are in the news.
Well-Known Christians -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Looking Skyward -- Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - A
Ascension Day is not observed by many North Americans.
Striving -- Genesis 32:22-31, Isaiah 55:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
News of the nomination of Judge John Roberts for a seat on the Supreme Court has filled the news thi
A Good-Enough Marriage -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
December 19, 2004Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cycle A
The Prophet's Prescription -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers
My Big Fat Greek Religion -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Lights Over Baghdad -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
"shock And Awe" -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Carlos Wilton -- Easter Day - B
Dear Preacher,
"who's Your Daddy?" -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Carlos Wilton -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
How Would Jesus Campaign? -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- All Saints Day - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,

Stories

Worship

The Immediate Word

The Comfort Zone -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, George L. Murphy, Chris Ewing, Carlos Wilton, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 4, 2005)
Marketing The Messiah -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- Chris Ewing, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 11, 2005)
Stealing Christmas? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton, George Reed, Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 18, 2005)
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Ephesians 3:1-12, John 1:1-18 -- Carter Shelley, George L. Murphy, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton, Larry Hard -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2003
(Originally published for January 5, 2003)
The Two Towers And The Prince Of Peace And Light -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Charles Cammarata -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for December 29, 2002)
The Message On A Postcard -- Luke 1:68-79 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Named, Claimed, And Unashamed -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
Dear Fellow Pastor,
Netting A Dream -- Luke 5:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Psalm 138 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
A Working Faith -- Luke 13:1-9, Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Psalm 63:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
Many of our everyday religious words are notoriously difficult to define, which suggests that we oft
Who's To Blame? -- Luke 23:13-25 -- Carlos Wilton -- Passion Sunday - C
Passion Sunday again raises the questions about why Jesus had to die and who was to blame.
Ananias, Meet Your Brother -- Acts 9:1-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
Dear Fellow Preacher:
The Message On A Postcard -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
December 5, 2004Second Sunday in Advent / Cycle A
God Plays No Favorites -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Carlos Wilton -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that no preacher should go long without saying something
The Keeper -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,Serious proposals for radical change in the U.S. Social Security
Awakenings -- John 11:1-45, Romans 8:6-11, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A
Crime and punishment are in the news.
Well-Known Christians -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Looking Skyward -- Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - A
Ascension Day is not observed by many North Americans.
Striving -- Genesis 32:22-31, Isaiah 55:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
News of the nomination of Judge John Roberts for a seat on the Supreme Court has filled the news thi
A Good-Enough Marriage -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
December 19, 2004Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cycle A
The Prophet's Prescription -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers
My Big Fat Greek Religion -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Lights Over Baghdad -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
"shock And Awe" -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Carlos Wilton -- Easter Day - B
Dear Preacher,
"who's Your Daddy?" -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Carlos Wilton -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
How Would Jesus Campaign? -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- All Saints Day - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,
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New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
In the sometimes-tiresome debate over science and scripture with respect to creation, it’s easy to become distracted. While the argument typically requires a focus on the how, we may lose sight of the what. And so, for just a moment, let me invite us to think for a moment about what God created.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Acts 8:26-40
As a local church pastor, I was often asked if I would baptize a child whose family were not members of the church. Some churches rebelled against this, but I remember this scripture — the hunger for understanding and inclusion of the Eunuch and Philp’s response — to teach and share and baptize in the name of our God. How could we turn anyone away from the rite of baptism?

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Dad, I think you worked a miracle.” Rolf slowly walked around the tree. “After that windstorm, I assumed this tree was as good as gone.”

“We just needed to give the branches time to heal and come back,” Michael replied.

 “I know, but so many of them were battered and broken I figured that it couldn’t recover. Now though it looks just like it did before the storm.” Rolf paused. “Do you think it will bear any fruit this summer?”

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A live plant that produces fruit, and a broken branch from that plant. I used a tomato plant from a local greenhouse. Ideally, find a plant with blossoms or small fruit already growing. If you use a different kind of fruit-producing plant, just change the script to fit.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent!

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Elena Delhagen
Dean Feldmeyer
Quantisha Mason-Doll
For April 28, 2024:
  • On The Way To Gaza by Chris Keating based on Acts 8:26-40. On the way to Gaza, Philip discovers the startling ways the Spirit of God moves across borders, boundaries, customs, and traditions.
  • Second Thoughts: Abiding by Katy Stenta based on John 15:1-8.
  • Sermon illustrations by Mary Austin, Tom Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is the vine, we are the branches. In our service today, let us absorb from the vine all the nourishment we need.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes our branches become cut off from the vine.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes our branches are withered.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we fail to produce good fruit.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
We will meet Psalm 22 in its entirety on Good Friday, but here the lectionary designates just verses 23-31. The lectionary psalms generally illuminate the week's First Lesson, which in this case is about the covenant initiated by God with Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 17. The nine verses from this psalm, while not inappropriate, nonetheless leave us looking for an obvious connection with the First Lesson.

John S. Smylie
I think some people are natural-born gardeners. Our Lord grew up in a society that was familiar with agriculture. The images that he used to explain the ways of his Father in heaven are familiar to his audience. Growing up, my closest experience to agriculture was living in, "the Garden State." Most people, when they pass through New Jersey, are surprised to see that expression on the license plates of vehicles registered in New Jersey. Most folks traveling through New Jersey experience the megalopolis, the corridor between New York City and Washington DC.
Ron Lavin
A pastor in Indiana went to visit an 87-year-old man named Ermil, who was a hospital patient. A member of his church told the pastor about this old man who was an acquaintance. "He's not a believer, but he is really in need," the church member said. "I met him at the county home for the elderly. He's a lonely old man with no family and no money."

Paul E. Robinson
"Love is a many splendored thing...." Or so we heard Don Cornwall and the Four Aces sing time and again. Of course you or I might have other words to describe love, depending on our situation.

Love. "I love you." "I love to play golf." "I just love pistachio lush!" "It's tough to love some people." "Jesus loves me, this I know."

Love.

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