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It's always tough waiting for the big reveal...

Illustration
First Sunday of Advent - B
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Craig Kelly
It's always tough waiting for the big reveal. Think about the tense moments on television as the audience awaits the winner of American Idol or Survivor. Or we wait to see who our favorite NFL team will pick in the college draft. Or we wait for that amazing new movie we've heard so much about. In those moments, we have no idea what's coming next.

In Advent, however, we know what the reveal is. We wait with baited breath for the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is still a difficult wait, but we have his Spirit to sustain us until then (v. 8).
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
George Reed
Bethany Peerbolte
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
For April 18, 2021:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
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.”

StoryShare

Frank Ramirez
John E. Sumwalt
Contents
"Pause, Sign, Ponder, Reflect" by Frank Ramirez
"Reunite Refugee Children and Parents" by John Sumwalt
 

Pause, Sign, Ponder, Reflect
by Frank Ramirez
Psalm 4

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

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Acts 3:12-19
Wayne Brouwer
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!

Collect

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