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Robert A. Beringer

Robert A. Beringer is a graduate of Cornell University and Princeton Theological Seminary. Beringer is also author of three books published by CSS. Those books are "The Easter People," "Batteries Not Included," and "Something's Coming ... Something Great."
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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Scandalous behavior! -- Exodus 20:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Robert A. Beringer -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Note: This piece was originally published in 1994.
Scandalous behavior! -- Exodus 20:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Robert A. Beringer -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1994
When Paul wrote, "We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to the Gentiles,"

Sermon

SermonStudio

Broadway -- Matthew 7:13-14, Luke 15:11-32 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1995
Many of our large cities across America have a street which is called ''Broadway.'' Broadway in New
Risen And Recognized -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1995
We have examined a number of ''Turning Points'' in the Gospel narrative, but perhaps none is as vivi
Flashing Lights -- Acts 9:1-9 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1995
There is a hunger in human hearts for an experience of God that transforms human life.
Second Thoughts -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1995
Sooner or later the spiritual journey we make as followers of Jesus Christ leads us to a Jericho Roa
Time Out -- John 12:1-11 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1995
A woman who worked in a high level job for a major corporation experienced a grueling schedule and a
Biography Of A Changed Person -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1995
There are many people who outwardly seem to have their lives all together.
Our Helper -- Acts 8:26-39 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1995
There is an imaginary story in which the angel Gabriel asks the Risen Christ what is his plan for ca
Why A Cross? -- John 19:16-27 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1995
Some years ago the motion picture industry did a great service to the cause of Christianity with its
Make A Choice -- Luke 19:28-40 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1995
Palm Sunday or Passion Sunday as it is now called in some churches is certainly one of the greatest
Something's Coming -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- Robert A. Beringer -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1992
Could it be? Who knows?There's something to anything,
Improving Your Serve -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- Robert A. Beringer -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 1992
Charles Swindoll in his popular book, Improving Your Serve, tells of how he was at first haunted and
The Bottom Line -- Micha 6:1-8 -- Robert A. Beringer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1992
One of the most common phrases heard in the marketplace today is "the bottom line." It makes no diff
Religion's Built-in Hazard -- Isaiah 58:3-9a -- Robert A. Beringer -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1992
A Japanese legend says a pious Buddhist monk died and went to heaven.
The Illusion Of Neutrality -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20 -- Robert A. Beringer -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 1992
Charlie Moran, the old National League baseball umpire, always regarded himself and his decisions hi
Is Anybody There? -- Isaiah 49:8-13 -- Robert A. Beringer -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1992
In 1976 when our nation was celebrating its bicentennial, there was a delightful musical produced ab
The Recovery Of Reverence -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Robert A. Beringer -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 1992
Once upon a time there was a college professor named A Squared. A Squared lived in Flat Land.
Lessons From The Mountaintop -- Exodus 24:12-18 -- Robert A. Beringer -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 1992
Frederick Buechner in his book, Peculiar Treasures, writes about Moses in the following way: "Whenev
God's Christmas Greeting -- Isaiah 11:1-10 -- Robert A. Beringer -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 1992
Christmas is the time of year for sending messages.
Christmas Preparations we Often Forget -- Isaiah 35:1-10 -- Robert A. Beringer -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 1992
It does not seem to bother the children that Christmas is so close.
The Baby Who Changes Everything -- Isaiah 7:10-16 -- Robert A. Beringer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 1992
Click here for
What Christmas Is About -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Robert A. Beringer -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1992
Charlie Brown isn't the only one who asks, "What's Christmas all about?" Real people also ask that s
What Is God Like? -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Robert A. Beringer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1992
There is an old story about a little girl who was one day drawing a picture.
So, What's New? -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Robert A. Beringer -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 1992
"So, what's new?" he asked. It happens all the time.
Light For Our Darkness -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Robert A. Beringer -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 1992
The Feast of Christmas celebrates God's wondrous gift of Jesus Christ to be the Savior of the world.

The Village Shepherd

The Illusion Of Neutrality -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20 -- Robert A. Beringer -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 1992
Charlie Moran, the old National League baseball umpire, always regarded himself and his decisions hi

Stories

SermonStudio

The Unseen Leader -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1993
Mark Thomas and his wife, Susan, were excited by the
What's Appropriate? -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1993
Mary and Jack had really begun to feel at home in their new
The Wall -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1993
Warren Jones had just retired from a long successful career in
Why Bother? -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1993
Pete Richards was a lonely and bitter man. His life had

StoryShare

The Promised Land -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Ephesians 2:11-22, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Psalm 89:20-37 -- C. David Mckirachan, Robert A. Beringer, Sil Galvan -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Resting Up"

Worship

SermonStudio

Draw Near to God -- James 4:1-10 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
The Three Crosses of Calvary -- Luke 23:32-43 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
A Show of Hands -- John 20:24-29 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Here's Jesus! -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Refreshing Christians -- 2 Timothy 1:8-18 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
A Light Shines in the Darkness -- John 1:1-14 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
When Life Breaks Your Heart -- 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Standing on the Promises -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
The Shadow You Cast -- Acts 5:12-16 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
We Too Can Be Resurrected! -- John 20:11-18 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Prayer Is for Real! -- Matthew 6:5-13 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
On Hoisting a Sail -- Acts 2:1-13 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Amazing Grace -- Joshua 2:1-15 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
One Nation Under God -- Mark 12:13-17 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
What's the Use of Worrying? -- Matthew 6:25-34 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
The Grace of Gratitude -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
The Gospel of the Second Chance -- Acts 15:36-41 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Swift to Hear and Slow to Speak -- James 1:19-25, James 3:1-12 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Incredible Faith -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
The Ministry of Encouragement -- Acts 4:32-37 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Down in the Dumps -- 1 Kings 19:1-8 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Really Serious Business -- Mark 9:42-47 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
On Being in Second Place -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Christ and Criticism -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Facing a Giant -- 1 Samuel 17:37-50 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 16 | OT 21 | Pentecost 11
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 17 | OT 22 | Pentecost 12
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 18 | OT 23 | Pentecost 13
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Tom Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For September 14, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A sheep stuffy or toy.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! Let’s get started!

Did you know that Jesus traveled around and hunted for people who were doing something illegal and breaking the laws? (Let them respond.) He really did.And when he found someone who was doing something illegal, do you know what he did with them? (Let them respond.)

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
Our text tells us that we are skilled in doing evil (v.22). An anonymous late medieval treatise titled German Theology tells us why:

It is the nature and property of the creature to seek itself and its own things, and this and that, here and there, and in all that it does and leaves undone as desire is to its own advantage and benefit. (Varieties of Mystic Experience, p.162)

Martin Luther King, Jr. offers an alternative to this vision:
David Coffin
All three of today’s texts can be viewed as good news that God never gives up on God’s people. This is despite their resistance to repent or simple straying from the community of faith. We can observe family and loved ones at various points of their faith journey through the lens of each of these texts. Jeremiah 4 informs the people their neglect of honoring their covenant with God is about to result in disastrous consequences. Paul recalls in 1 Timothy 1 how he thought he was falling God’s will until he had his literal come to Jesus moment!

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. (vv. 6-7)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus told stories to illustrate to the people God's gladness whenever anyone turned to him and chose life. There is still rejoicing in heaven whenever any one of us turns to God.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes I think I'm too insignificant for you to bother with me.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes I don't bother with you.

Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes I don't bother with other people, but only with myself.

SermonStudio

James Evans
(See Proper 12/Pentecost 10/Ordinary Time 17, Cycle B, for an alternative approach.)

The psalm writer has an interesting perspective on the origin of injustice in our world. He begins this psalm with the assertion that those who do not believe in God are "fools." He goes on to accuse them of corruption and of being incapable of doing good. Later on he writes, "Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call upon the Lord?" (v. 4).

Elizabeth Achtemeier
"Now it is I who speak in judgment upon them" (v. 12). Ours is a society that does not accept that as the Word of God. Many people do not believe that God judges anyone. Rather, the Lord is a forgiving God, a kindly deity who overlooks all wrong. As in the Gospel lesson for the morning, the Lord searches for the one lost sheep and returns it gently to the fold, or he hunts for the one lost coin until he finds it. God accepts the lost as they are, we think, overlooking Jesus' teaching about repentance and transformation of life.
Scott Suskovic
We usually don't spend too much time thinking about our own sinfulness. On occasion, of course, our feelings of guilt overwhelm us. We can't stop thinking about our sinfulness. If we are in that situation, we may need to talk that out with someone. Apart from times like that, we don't think much about our own sinfulness. We have ways of getting around that.

R. Robert Cueni
Back before the ways of the Taliban became common knowledge, there was a fascinating little article about how they jailed barbers when they didn't do culturally correct haircuts.1 The newspaper reported that young men in Kabul, Afghanistan, have started wearing their hair the way the actor Leonardo DiCaprio wears his. Long, not only on the sides, but so long in the front that hair can drop over the eyes. They call the style, "the Titanic," named for the blockbuster movie starring DiCaprio about the 1912 sinking of the cruise ship by that name.

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