Emphasis Preaching Journal

Seventh Sunday of Easter - A

Seventh Sunday of Easter - A

Ascension of the Lord - A

Ascension of the Lord - A

There is something wonderfully paradoxical about the Christian church. Its origin as a unique social phenomenon clearly dates from the Pentecost events described in Acts 2. Yet, at the same time, Jesus’ disciples, who were at the center of the church from its very beginning, would say that this “new” community of faith was simply part of a centuries-old already existing people of God, stretching back all the way to Abraham and his family. The connection between the old and the new is rooted in several theological axioms.

Seventh Sunday of Easter - A

Contents
“The Times or Periods” by David O. Bales
“Mark Twain’s The War Prayer” by David O. Bales


The Times or Periods
by David O. Bales
Acts 1:6-14

Ascension of the Lord - A

Contents
“Left Behind” by Keith Hewitt
“Faith In the Spirit” by Peter Andrew Smith


Left Behind
by Keith Hewitt
Acts 1:1-11

It was the damnedest thing…

Ascension of the Lord - B

It was an amazing moment. Everything that had happened before now seemed to lead up to this. All of those things — the stories and teachings, the miracles, the cross and the empty tomb, all of those things seemed to come together to create this one moment in time.

Seventh Sunday of Easter - A

Do you know what Ascension Day is? In many Christian traditions, that day is a festival as important as Good Friday or Thanksgiving. It is a day which comes exactly forty days after Easter. It is the commemoration of Jesus' assumption into heaven which was the subject of our reading from Acts today. It marks the conclusion of his resurrection appearances and the opening of the ministry of the Holy Spirit through the work of the church.

Seventh Sunday of Easter - A

It's always interesting to ask children whether they have any idea of what they will do with their lives. Some are very sure and answer immediately, saying that they will become a nurse or a doctor or a teacher or whatever they have set their heart on. Others have absolutely no idea. And yet others seek fame and fortune by aspiring to become a pop star or a football star or an actor.

Ascension of the Lord - A

Good morning, boys and girls. Why do you think I brought a kite with me this morning? (Let them answer.) I brought it because it will help me tell you about one of the most wonderful stories in the New Testament. It is today's lesson. As I tell you the story see if you can think why I brought my kite along. Have any of you flown a kite this year? (Let them answer.)

Seventh Sunday of Easter - A

Good morning! My father once had an old pickup truck that was a very light blue in color. It was an old work truck that was not too well taken care of. I remember taking some car polish and putting some on the finish of that pickup. I was amazed! The finish became bright and pretty -- not dull, faded and ugly like it had been. (Use a similar story from your life.)

The polish used on cars makes them pretty. It keeps the colors bright and actually makes the paint last much longer. It helps protect the metal under the paint from water and rust and will