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John R. Brokhoff

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Christian Faith

SermonStudio

Choose Your Belief -- John R. Brokhoff -- 1999
Today's Wilderness Of Beliefs
The Faith Of The Creeds -- John R. Brokhoff -- 1999
What a Christian believes is expressed in the creeds. What is a creed?
The Holy Trinity -- John R. Brokhoff -- 1999
Christians of all denominations love to sing Reginald Heber's "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty .
I Believe -- John R. Brokhoff -- 1999
When Vince Lombardi came to take over as coach of the Green Bay Packers, he held his first meeting w
God The Father -- John R. Brokhoff -- 1999
In the Apostles' Creed a Christian confesses, "I believe in God the Father Almighty." Many consider
God The Creator -- John R. Brokhoff -- 1999
A surgeon, an engineer, and a politician were arguing which profession was the oldest.
The Human Jesus -- John R. Brokhoff -- 1999
Who is Jesus?
The Divine Christ -- John R. Brokhoff -- 1999
Though it is important, it is not enough to say that Jesus was a fully human being.
Christ The Redeemer -- John R. Brokhoff -- 1999
Some years ago a Japanese business executive living in South America was kidnapped.
The Christian's Unknown God -- John R. Brokhoff -- 1999
Like the Greeks of Saint Paul's day, Christians today have an unknown God.
The Spirit And The Church -- John R. Brokhoff -- 1999
When we say in the Apostles' Creed, "I believe in the Holy Spirit," we confess our faith in "the hol
The Forgiveness Of Sins -- John R. Brokhoff -- 1999
Years ago an evangelist, Dr.
The Word -- John R. Brokhoff -- 1999
The Means Of Grace
Holy Baptism -- John R. Brokhoff -- 1999
Nature Of A Sacrament
Holy Communion -- John R. Brokhoff -- 1999
Before going to the electric chair a criminal indicates what he would like for his last meal.
The Resurrection Of The Body -- John R. Brokhoff -- 1999
According to a traditional teaching in the Bible, Christ will return unexpectedly to earth, and all
The Life Everlasting -- John R. Brokhoff -- 1999
"If a man die, shall he live again?" (Job 14:14).
A Service Of Faith Renewal -- John R. Brokhoff -- 1999
Dear Friends in Christ: At an earlier time in our lives, we were received by grace into God's Kingdo

Preaching

SermonStudio

First Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- John R. Brokhoff -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 2:1--5 (C, RC, E)
Christ The King -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
THE LESSONS
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Judges 4:1--7 (C)
The Nativity Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- John R. Brokhoff -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 9:2--7 (C, RC); Isaiah 9:2--4, 6--7 (E)
Corpus Christi Roman Catholic -- Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, John 6:51-58 -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 8:2--3, 14--16
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 31:31--34 The promise of a new covenant.
Proper 6 -- Genesis 18:1-15, Romans 5:1-8 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 18:1--15 (C)
The Easter Season -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
Easter is the old English adaptation of the pagan name, "Eastre," which was the name of a Teutonic g
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 24:12--18 (C); Exodus 24:12 (13--14) 15--18 (E)
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 21:8--21 (C)
The Resurrection Of Our Lord -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18, Jeremiah 31:1-6 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Easter Day - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 10:34--43 (C, E); Acts 10:34, 37--43 (RC)
First Sunday after Christmas Day -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- John R. Brokhoff -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 63:7--9 (C); Isaiah 61:10-62:3 (E)
Proper 8 -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 22:1--14 (C)
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:14a, 22--32 (C, E)
Proper 20 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 16:2--15 (C)
Proper 9 -- Genesis 24:34-38, Romans 7:15-25a -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2004
Proper 9 (C, E)14th Sunday In Ordinary Time (RC)Seventh Sunday After Pentecost
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
THE LESSONS
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 1:8-2:10 (C)
Proper 10 -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 25:19--34 (C)
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:42--47 (C); Acts 2:14a, 36--41 (RC)
Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 12:1--14 (C)
Proper 11 -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 28:10--19a (C)
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Lesson 1: Acts 7:55--60 (C)
Proper 23 -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 32:1-14 (C)
Proper 12 -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 29:15--28 (C)

Sermon

SermonStudio

God's Promises, Promises! -- John 14:2-3 -- John R. Brokhoff, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
A funeral meditationGod's Promises, Promises!
OK, God -- You Win! -- Job 42:1-6 -- John R. Brokhoff, Robert W. Stackel -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1990
Did you ever pick a fight with God?
We All Sin -- So What? -- Genesis 3:9-19 (20-21) -- John R. Brokhoff, Robert W. Stackel -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1990
One day a young skeptic knocked on the door of a rectory. A priest opened the door.
Stooping Is a Divine Posture -- Isaiah 23:7-12 -- John R. Brokhoff, Robert W. Stackel -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1990
Long ago and far away there was a land that could have been called "the richest little country in th
Can We Love Too Much? -- Deuteronomy 6:1-9 -- John R. Brokhoff, Robert W. Stackel -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1990
Can we love each other too much? How much is too much?
Renewal of the New -- Jeremiah 31:31-32 -- John R. Brokhoff, Robert W. Stackel -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1990
"What's new?" is the question we often ask of a person whom we haven't seen for some time.
God's Great Final Day -- Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 -- John R. Brokhoff, Robert W. Stackel -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1990
Those who do weekend sailing on a very wide body of water have a way of charting their course.
God's Kind of King -- Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- John R. Brokhoff, Robert W. Stackel -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1990
About three centuries ago, Spaniards besieged a small French town, St. Quentin.
Adam's Prime Rib -- Genesis 2:18-24 -- John R. Brokhoff, Robert W. Stackel -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1990
When William Jennings Bryan went to the father of the young woman whom he loved to ask her hand in m
Here They Come, Singing -- Jeremiah 31:7-9 -- John R. Brokhoff, Robert W. Stackel -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1990
When six nations of eastern Europe were freed from the domination of totalitarian Communism in 1989,
Forever and Ever -- 1 Kings 17:8-16 -- John R. Brokhoff, Robert W. Stackel -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1990
On August 20, 1977, there was launched an 1819 pound space craft, Voyager 2, at Cape Canaveral.
I Saw a New Heaven -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- John R. Brokhoff, Robert W. Stackel -- All Saints Day - B -- 1990
Two ninety-five-year-old sisters died at the same time and went to Heaven.
Wisdom for the Living of These Days -- Proverbs 2:1-8 -- John R. Brokhoff, Robert W. Stackel -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1990
Four men were in a plane: the president of the United States, a college professor, a preacher, and a
Read the Directions -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9 -- John R. Brokhoff, Robert W. Stackel -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1990
Late in the evening before his little son's birthday, a father was trying to put together a complica
What Ever Happened to Wisdom? -- Job 28:20-28 -- John R. Brokhoff, Robert W. Stackel -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1990
Does gray hair bring wisdom or slower reflexes or both?
Rent and Rebels -- Matthew 21:33-43 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1989
Some time ago I paid a good price for a rosebush to be placed on our patio.
The Rejects and the Rejected -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 1989
In 1971 the Shah of Iran gave a banquet in Persepolis in observance of the 2500th anniversary of the
The Wise and the Foolish -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1989
Today's parable is commonly known as the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins.
Shepherds and Sheep -- John 10:1-10 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1989
It appears to be a gross anachronism to deal with shepherds and sheep in the last decade of the twen
Sand and Stone -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1989
Beachfront property runs the danger of being built on sand, for the beach naturally consists of sand
Weeds and Wheat -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1989
"This is a perplexing parable." This is George Buttrick's first sentence in the chapter discussing t
The Forgiven Forgive -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1989
In 1988 former Texas governor, John Connally, auctioned off his personal belongings ranging from sad
Hours and Wages -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1989
In 1988 my Seminary class celebrated its fiftieth reunion.
The Yes and No Sons -- Matthew 21:28-32 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1989
The parables are like mirrors. You can see yourself in them.
Sheep and Goats -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1989
The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats is the last parable in Series A of the Lectionary.
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Advent 4
32 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Christmas!
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100+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
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4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
Merry Christmas! The midwinter festival has come, and it calls for parties, feasting and drinking and dancing and the exchange of gifts. Like all people in the northern hemisphere, we need light in the dark days of winter. The only problem with all of this is that the pressure to be joyful can send us spiraling in the exact opposite of mind sets.
Christmas shops are not just for Christmas anymore. These stores that specialize in everything yuletide-ish do business year round and can be found everywhere. I have seen them in an outlet mall near Washington, D.C., nestled in a small village in the mountains of North Carolina and adorning the white sand beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is born! A bright light has come into our world, so let us thank and praise God for his gift to us of Jesus, the Messiah.

Invitation to Confession:

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, make us worthy to worship at your crib.

Lord, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, may we remember you in today's excitement.

Christ, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, be born in our hearts today.

Lord, have mercy

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
A Story to Live By: "
Christmas Stories: "Christmas Presence" by Janice Hammerquist
"Silver In His Soul"
"www.ChristmasHouse" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: Great Prayer of Thanksgiving for Christmas Eve by Thom M. Shuman


What's Up on Christmas Eve

Lamar Massingill
John E. Sumwalt
Contents
"Taking His Joy unto Ourselves" by Lamar Massingill
"God Acted that We Might Act" by Lamar Massingill
"The Hopes and Fears of All the Years" by John Sumwalt
"God with Us" by Peter Andrew Smith


* * * * * * * *


Taking His Joy unto Ourselves
Lamar Massingill
Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)

Christmas would be incomplete without recognizing Incarnate Love's first fruit, which is joy. Johann Sebastian Bach recognized it when he, as an act of worship, composed "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring."

SermonStudio

John R. Brokhoff
THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Isaiah 9:2--7 (C, RC); Isaiah 9:2--4, 6--7 (E)
Mark Wm. Radecke
Year after year, we are drawn to this night: This night with its carols, its candlelight, its communion, and the combined fragrance of pine, poinsettia and perfume. (Is that Passion or Poison you're wearing? Or maybe it's Polo!) The gentle poetry of Luke's story draws us, too.

Why is it that we are so drawn to this night, I wonder? There are, I suppose, as many answers as there are people in this room.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
It's not an easy life, I'll tell you that. I work my small farm during the day, but that doesn't bring in enough money. I have a family to support, taxes to pay -- oy, don't get me started on taxes -- so I need more than my farm brings in. I do the only other thing I know how to do. I hire myself out for the night shift watching other people's sheep. Tending sheep would not be my first choice, you understand. First, I have to stay awake all night. Then, there's counting the sheep to make sure one or two haven't wandered off. Thieves are always a problem.
Timothy J. Smith
There is a special feeling from being in church on Christmas Eve. For many of us it feels like coming home for Christmas. We come to hear the familiar story of Mary and Joseph making their way to the little town of Bethlehem. We hear once again of Baby Jesus born in stable. Soon after an unexpected encounter with angels, the shepherds head to the manger to see Jesus for themselves. Children have creatively acted out this story for generations complete with the wise men offering their gifts. Living Nativities complete with live animals are portrayed in church parking lots in many communities.
Frank Luchsinger
"The grace of God has appeared ... training us ... to await our blessed hope" (Titus 2:11-13), and oh, how we have waited! The air is filled with anticipation, the Holy Night has come. We each wait for different things: the lighting of candles, the singing of carols, loved ones returning home, feasting, and forgetting ferment, for the Prince of Peace is coming. We wait for delight in the eyes of someone we love as he or she opens that special gift. We wait in awe in the hope that one star's strong light lingers still and will lead us home to him who redeems us.
John B. Jamison
He stood on the steps and waved. He nodded to those cheering to him from below, and took a deep breath as if to soak up their praise.
Susan R. Andrews
At the risk of putting you to sleep, I'd like to ask each one of you to close your eyes. Right now, for just a minute. Please close your eyes. And now imagine with me. Imagine that you are holding a newborn baby. Imagine how this baby feels - skin touching skin, curves touching curves - harmonious heartbeats as life surges between you. Imagine the smell - the earthy sweetness of breath and body perfuming the air. Imagine the sound - the silent melody of sighing, stretching, settling. Right now, for just a minute, let your imagination go. Feel the baby. Smell the baby. Hear the baby.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Gathering
P: Born into this world,
C: born into our lives,
P: God made flesh.
C: O Emmanuel, we praise you now and forever. Amen.

Hymn Of Praise
O Come, All Ye Faithful or Jesus, What A Wonderful Child

Gospel Procession
Have the children (dressed as Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds) process and then read the gospel from the center of the congregation.

Intercessory Prayers
After each petition:
L: O God of love,
C: be born in us today.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Sing A New Song To The Lord (PH216)
Angels From The Realms Of Glory (UM220, PH22, NCH126)
Born In The Night (PH30, NCH152)
Once In Royal David's City (PH49, UM250, NCH145)
The First Nowell (PH56, UM245, CBH199, NCH139)
On This Day Earth Shall Ring (UM248, PH46, CBH192)
What Child Is This? (UM219, PH53, CBH215, NCH148)
Silent Night (PH60, UM229, CBH193, PH134)
The Friendly Beasts (UM227, NCH138)
That Boy--Child Of Mary (PH55, UM241)
Frank Ramirez
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 9:2-7)

One: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light -

All: Those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them light has shone.

Women: You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.

Men: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders -

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Merry Christmas, boys and girls. (Show one of your signs). Do any of you know what this sign means? (Let them answer.) That's right, it means (provide answer). (Show another sign and ask what it means. Let them answer.) Very good. Signs are very important aren't they? They give us direction. They tell us what to do and what not to do. The Bible gives many signs also.

You all know the story about the shepherds on Christmas Eve. The shepherds were in the field watching their sheep. Suddenly an angel appeared to them. The Bible says that the shepherds
Leah Thompson
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all… (v. 11)

Good morning, boys and girls! How are you today? (allow answers) Who can tell me what today is? (allow answers) That's right -- it's finally here! Today is Christmas [Eve]! We have spent the whole season of Advent preparing for right now. The long preparation is finally over. Christmas is here!

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