Emphasis Contributors
Illustration Writers
Ron Love
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
M Adryael Tong
Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
Frank Ramirez
“Me and the man upstairs have an understanding.”
Did you ever hear something like that from someone who suggests they have an exemption from faith, the Bible, and any religious expectations?
We are called into a personal relationship with God, but it is God who sets the parameters and boundaries in that relationship, including how we are to address God.
The thing is, sometimes we believers think we’re entitled. Entitled to special exemptions, no restrictions, and free rein as if we owned own the place. I’m kind of reminded of those tabloids that suggest you can diet while eating yourself silly. Hmm….
Did you ever hear something like that from someone who suggests they have an exemption from faith, the Bible, and any religious expectations?
We are called into a personal relationship with God, but it is God who sets the parameters and boundaries in that relationship, including how we are to address God.
The thing is, sometimes we believers think we’re entitled. Entitled to special exemptions, no restrictions, and free rein as if we owned own the place. I’m kind of reminded of those tabloids that suggest you can diet while eating yourself silly. Hmm….
Mark Ellingsen
Ron Love
Bill Thomas
Bonnie Bates
Frank Ramirez
Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
The toy “Etch A Sketch” is sixty years old in 2020. Wow! That’s hard to believe, isn’t it? I remember playing with an Etch A Sketch as kid. It had a red border surrounding the screen and two knobs which you could move to cause the sketch to be made. There is an Etch A Sketch website that celebrates this iconic toy’s birthday and has pictures of some amazing sketches.
There was one thing about the Etch A Sketch, though, that ought to be noted. What was done on an Etch A Sketch wasn’t permanent. If you turned it over and shook it, what had been there was gone.
The toy “Etch A Sketch” is sixty years old in 2020. Wow! That’s hard to believe, isn’t it? I remember playing with an Etch A Sketch as kid. It had a red border surrounding the screen and two knobs which you could move to cause the sketch to be made. There is an Etch A Sketch website that celebrates this iconic toy’s birthday and has pictures of some amazing sketches.
There was one thing about the Etch A Sketch, though, that ought to be noted. What was done on an Etch A Sketch wasn’t permanent. If you turned it over and shook it, what had been there was gone.
Lectionary Commentary and Sermon Illustrations
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For each week, Emphasis writers delve into the heart of the lectionary readings, providing you with several fresh, solid ideas -- based squarely on the lectionary texts -- for creating sermons that speak powerfully to your audience. They look for overall themes that hold the readings together. Then, they zero in on the themes and the specific scripture links, suggesting directions for the sermon and worship service. Since a single idea each week may not provide what you are looking for at that particular time, writers suggest several, giving you the opportunity to select the one that matches your specific needs.
