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The worry test

Commentary
Isaiah 49:8-16a
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Matthew 6:24-34
Psalm 131
Wayne Brouwer
Remember when the most popular song around the world was Bobby McFerrin's little ditty "Don't Worry; Be Happy"? People hummed it everywhere and radio stations of all varieties played its catchy, optimistic message. No matter what happens in life, one should never worry. One should just live and be happy.

Since millions of people bought recordings of that song, you would think that no one would be anxious anymore. Unfortunately, even with all that airplay, Bobbie McFerrin's song failed to chase the worrywarts from our souls.

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Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16

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John E. Sumwalt
Frank Ramirez
Contents
“Breaking Jesus’ Heart” by John Sumwalt
“Wade In the Water” by Frank Ramirez


Breaking Jesus’ Heart
by John Sumwalt
Psalm 22:23-31

For he did not despise or abhor
    the affliction of the afflicted;
he did not hide his face from me,
    but heard when I cried to him. (Psalm 22:24)

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SermonStudio

Russell F. Anderson
Theme For The Day: The road to God's kingdom is the way of obedience, suffering and death, the way of the cross. Christ calls us to take up our cross and follow him.


BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Genesis 17:1--7, 15--16 (C)
John W. Clarke
These verses from Mark's gospel are a call to commitment, a call to sacrifice, and a call to give up everything of earthly value in life. To say these are difficult verses is truly an understatement. It is pretty clear that the disciples are not at all ready for what Jesus is saying. They are not ready for Jesus to die and they certainly are not ready to die themselves.

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