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Road to Hallelujah

On a tall stack of...

Illustration
Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A
Matthew 22:34-46
On a tall stack of large boxes at the pharmacy each box carried a huge red sign: Bend Your Knees. A child could read the sign and conclude that the pharmacy was cruel to its employees, insisting they must bend their knees when picking up a box -- as though the company were punishing all those who handled boxes. Adults, however, understand that the reason is positive. Although written in the imperative, the "command" is much more a warning than a prohibition.

The Old Testament has many commandments. Jews count them: 613. Some of them are
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Proper 25 | OT 30 | Pent 21
22 – Sermons
110+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
23 – Worship Resources
20 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
All Saints Day
22 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
26 – Children's Sermons / Resources
19 – Worship Resources
24 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 26 | OT 31 | Pent 22
27 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
25 – Worship Resources
17 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 27 | OT 32 | Pent 23
23 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
35 – Children's Sermons / Resources
23 – Worship Resources
22 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
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New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
You have no doubt seen, as I have, the lingering effect of the songs that are sung at a loved one’s funeral. Certain individuals in my congregation reliably tear up during this hymn or that one, and I know that it’s because that song was sung at their parent’s, or spouse’s, or child’s service. And the experience of death and grief is so strong in us that that song, then, forever belongs to that occasion for that individual. 
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Mark Ellingsen
Ron Love
Revelation 7:9-17
Wayne Brouwer
Abraham Kuyper served two terms as prime minister of the Netherlands in the early 20th century. He was known as a man of faith and sought to incorporate it into every dimension of life, including social and political. But faith was not always so important to Kuyper. At the start of his career, he was a young preacher in a rural village. He had been schooled in the best of modern theology, and his sermons were well-polished masterpieces.

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Bethany Peerbolte
Ron Love
Mary Austin
George Reed
Dean Feldmeyer
For November 1, 2020:
  • Shining in Glory by Chris Keating — On All Saints day, we recall those who have faced the great ordeal. Those who shine in glory give us courage to press forward, even in the face of pandemic and ongoing strife.

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“There were so many people involved in the project I’m not sure I deserve to be singled out,” Jenny said.

“You deserve it and more,” Carl said from beside her. “Don’t be humble. You worked hard and should be thanked.”

“Thanked I can handle but all of this?” Jenny nodded toward the lavish reception which followed the surprise presentation. “Like I said in my speech there were many hands and gifts that went to make this outreach effort possible.”

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. (vv. 1-4)

John Jamison
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (vv. 11-12)

I have a few questions for you.

Have any of you ever been sick? (Let them respond) How did you feel? Did you feel lucky? (Let them respond.)

Have any of you ever gotten hurt? (Let them respond) How did you feel? Did you feel happy? (Let them respond.)

SermonStudio

Mark Ellingsen
Theme of the Day
Inspired by the saints and the love of God.

Collect of the Day
Acknowledging that God has knit His people together in one body, petitions are offered that the faithful might follow the saints in lives of faith and commitment and know the inexpressible joys prepared for those who love Him. Doctrines of Sanctification (construed as a Work of God), Church, and Eschatology are emphasized.

Psalm of the Day
Psalm 34:1-10, 22
Mary Sue Dehmlow Dreier
Pharisees Today

The Pharisees were real "good news/bad news" guys!

They were the undisputed authorities on the Jewish Scriptures, and the recognized spokespersons for Moses himself. "Do whatever they teach you and follow it," Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples (Matthew 23:3a). We hear so much about Jesus in conflict with the Pharisees, that sometimes we forget Jesus respectfully acknowledged their academic accomplishments and religious leadership.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.

Special Occasion