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David Kalas

David Kalas is pastor of First United Methodist Church in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia and Union Theological Seminary of Virginia. David has been a contributing writer for Emphasis Preaching Journal and has authored several books.
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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Happy New...! -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 8 -- David Kalas -- New Year's Day - B -- 2021
This is the Sunday when we celebrate Jesus’ baptism. This is not Pentecost.
In the Background -- Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2021
Perhaps you have someone in your family or friend group who is fond of photobombing.
The Ways of God -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22 -- David Kalas -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
At the beginning of his masterpiece, Paradise Lost, John Milton articulates a part of his t
Just Another Day -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17, Psalm 29 -- David Kalas -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2020
This is the Sunday when we celebrate Jesus’ baptism. This is not Pentecost.
Right Turns -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2020
Where you and I live, intersections are clearly marked.
Vision Test -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- David Kalas -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Samuel was clearly impressed by what he saw.  But the question is, what could he actually see?
What Now? -- John 20:19-31, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9 -- David Kalas -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
Last week felt very much like a climax.
Wood Across the Back -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- David Kalas -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2020
When I was a boy, I heard a preacher remind his congregation about the true nature of the cross.
Don’t Put the Turkey In Yet -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 -- David Kalas -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2020
I love Thanksgiving.
Mirror, Mirror, On The Shelf -- Matthew 21:23-32, Philippians 2:1-13, Exodus 17:1-7 -- David Kalas -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2020
The mirror on the wall gets a lot of looks.
Us and Them -- Matthew 5:1-12, Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3 -- David Kalas -- All Saints Day - A -- 2020
You have no doubt seen, as I have, the lingering effect of the songs that are sung at a loved one’s
Advent Calendars -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9 -- David Kalas -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
For all the years that I have been a parent, I have taken pleasure in buying Advent calendars for ou
Coming and Going -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- David Kalas -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
Perhaps on this holiday weekend, which culturally marks the beginning of summer, it is right for us
Preparing to Go -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62 -- David Kalas -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2019
I have just recently returned from an out-of-town trip, and as I read our selected passages for this
A Case of Mistaken Identity -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17 -- David Kalas -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2019
Literature is full of stories of mistaken identity.
High Calling in an Upside-Down World -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6 -- David Kalas -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2019
A colleague and I were talking some years ago about how we do premarital counseling with the couples
Standing Orders -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38 -- David Kalas -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2019
Some commands and instructions are for the moment. Some are relegated to the past.
A More Perfect Union -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 -- David Kalas -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
Broadly speaking, we human beings turn to two solutions to try to make things better.
Neglected Holiday -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- David Kalas -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2019
Perhaps your congregation is well-acquainted with the liturgical calendar.
God of the ages -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Psalm 27 -- David Kalas -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
Note: This installment by David Kalas is from 2004.
All the Signs -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42, Psalm 22 -- David Kalas -- Good Friday - C -- 2019
From time to time, I’ll hear someone ask a speculative question that begins, “If a space alien showe
Lent Calls -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David Kalas -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2018
Today marks the beginning of Lent. In some churches, that is a nearly meaningless designation.

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High Calling in an Upside-Down World -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6 -- David Kalas -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2019
A colleague and I were talking some years ago about how we do premarital counseling with the couples
A More Perfect Union -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 -- David Kalas -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
Broadly speaking, we human beings turn to two solutions to try to make things better.
Neglected Holiday -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- David Kalas -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2019
Perhaps your congregation is well-acquainted with the liturgical calendar.

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The Man Who Wasn't There -- Acts 16:9-15 -- David Kalas -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
I've never had a vision -- at least not of the sort that Paul had.
A Stupid Question -- Acts 1:1-11 -- David Kalas -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2009
Generous teachers sometimes assure their students that there is no such thing as a stupid question.
The Place Of Prayer -- Acts 16:16-34 -- David Kalas -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
"Where is the place of prayer?" they asked. "We're looking for the place of prayer."
Prelude To A Sacrament -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- David Kalas -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2009
We have a table before us.
Trumpet Medley -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- David Kalas -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2009
Listen to the sound of the trumpet. What do you hear?
Anatomy Of A Testimony -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- David Kalas -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
You see a man busily writing. His face reveals the intensity of his focus.
A Resume Of Righteousness -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- David Kalas -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
Statues don't perspire. The characters portrayed in stained-glass windows don't blink.
RSVP -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- David Kalas -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
When you and I send out invitations to events we are hosting, we typically include at the bottom of
Joshua's New Diet -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- David Kalas -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
What do you or your family pray at mealtime?
Heisman In The Hudson -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- David Kalas -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
In December of every year, the Downtown Athletic Club in New York City awards the coveted Heisman Tr
Profile Of A Savior -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- David Kalas -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2009
In the century and a half that cameras have been around, photographers have done us the great favor
That's Why We Call It Good -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- David Kalas -- Good Friday - C -- 2009
At the end of the day, God saw that it was good.
The Gospel According To Pronouns -- Acts 10:34-43 -- David Kalas -- Easter Day - C -- 2009
The gospel of Jesus Christ is personal.
A Tale Of Two Peters -- Acts 5:27-32 -- David Kalas -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
When the curtain opens on Scene Two, we see a familiar scene.
God All Along -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) -- David Kalas -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
See him as he travels along the road to Damascus: the intensity in his eyes, the purposefulness of h
The Good Works We Leave Behind -- Acts 9:36-43 -- David Kalas -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
It's a poignant scene: the gathering place of mourners.
Look Who's Talking -- Acts 11:1-18 -- David Kalas -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
Professional sports has no statistic for measuring talking.
A Match Made In Heaven -- Genesis 29:15-28 -- David Kalas -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2007
One of the great privileges of being a parish pastor is the opportunity to officiate at weddings.
A Blessing In Disguise -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- David Kalas -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
I wonder how many of us here are named after someone.
Do You See What I See? -- Exodus 14:19-31 -- David Kalas -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2007
In 1956, director/producer Cecil B.
Sentimental Slaves -- Exodus 16:2-15 -- David Kalas -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2007
Let me ask you to do a little remembering today.
The Proof Is In The Pudding -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- David Kalas -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2007
It is an incongruous scene: a multitude in the desert.
Appointment With Thunder -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- David Kalas -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2007
If you're like me, then you've spent your whole life in the church.
God's Providence: The Long And Short Of It -- Genesis 45:1-15 -- David Kalas -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2007
We human beings are naturally fond of happy endings.

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The Man Who Wasn't There -- Acts 16:9-15 -- David Kalas -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
I've never had a vision -- at least not of the sort that Paul had.
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The Immediate Word

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The texts this week are centered on the church’s testimony and witness. That is the essence of what Peter and the Apostles are up to Acts. Luke reminds us that when the times get tough, the tough go to worship — which is exactly where we find Peter and John this Sunday. Peter’s healing of a paralyzed person produces praise. The crowd’s amazement leads to Peter’s proclamation.

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While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

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Pause, Sign, Ponder, Reflect
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When you are disturbed, do not sin; ponder it on your beds, and be silent. (Psalm 4:4)

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Acts 3:12-19
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Note: This installment was originally published for April 22, 2012.

During the time of the Reformation, John Foxe of England was impressed by the testimony of the early Christians. He gleaned the pages of early historical writings, and wrote a book that has become a classic in the church: Foxe's Book of Martyrs.

One story he tells is about an early church leader named Lawrence. Lawrence acted as a pastor for a church community. He also collected the offerings for the poor each week and that led to his death.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus said, "Peace be with you. You are witnesses to the living Christ." Let us welcome the living Christ in our worship today.
Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we are frightened and anxious.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we aren't good witnesses to you.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, forgive us for all those things we think and do which we know are wrong.

SermonStudio

John A. Stroman
The theme of 1 John all along has been the love of God. The author now expands that love in the phrase, "the children of God," and for the first time he considers what it means to be the children of God. Earlier, he presented love within the fellowship and now he speaks of the meaning of God's love for us and its implications for the future. The consequences and proof of the love of God are evident in being called "the children of God." He is careful to point out that the love of God is a gift; we do not earn it.
Robert A. Noblett
Here's the scene. The disciples are huddled together and they have just heard Simon's account of experiencing the risen Christ when Cleopas and his companion enter and add word of their encounter with the risen Christ. Luke describes the scene like this: "While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, 'Peace be with you.' They were startled and terrified, and thought they were seeing a ghost" (v. 36).
James R. Wilson
First Lesson: Acts 3:12-19
Theme: Responding to God with repentance

Call To Worship
Leader: Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!
People: Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven!
Leader: Let us proclaim in all the world the glory due God's name!
People: Let us bring our offerings into the courts of Almighty God!
Leader: Let us come together and bring praise for our salvation in Christ!
All: Blessed be the name of the Lord!

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