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Ascension of the Lord - C

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Children's Activity

CSSPlus

Whodunit? -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Leah Thompson -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
"Still with us" -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Ascension of the Lord - C
Teachers or Parents: There is a possibility that children who

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Jesus Rules! -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2022
Note: This installment was originally published in 2001
Let The Reign Begin -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2019
The Reign of Christ has begun, even though it may not be immediately apparent to the world at large.
A community of joy -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2016
The feast of the Ascension is the ideal time for us to discuss the role of the Church in the world t
Wait here for the baptism of the Holy Spirit -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
The thrust of the scriptures for Ascension is on the reliance of the early Christians on the power a
Hope for tomorrow -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53, Psalm 47 -- Gary Thompson, Schuyler Rhodes -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2010
The book of Acts is Luke's second volume, continuing the story from his gospel.
Coronation day -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53, Psalm 47 -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2007
A successful businessman had built up his corporation from a whim and a dream to a
Christ reigns -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 1998
Although the ascension is perhaps referred to in a few other writings, it is narrated only in Luke a
He ascended into heaven -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 1995
The readings for this day are standard in lectionary cycles A, B, and C.
More than one tale can tell -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53, Psalm 93 -- Ascension of the Lord - C
Ascension Day is perhaps one of the least celebrated of the major Christian feasts.
Right Response -- Acts 15:1-2, 22, 27, Revelation 21:10, 22-27, John 14:23-29 -- Ascension of the Lord - C
Just what does God expect of us?
Christian community -- Acts 15:1-2, 22-29, Revelation 21:10, 22-27, John 14:23-29 -- Ascension of the Lord - C
Here we see community formation in action.
Assurance -- Psalm 67, Revelation 21:10, 22-27, John 14:23-29 -- Ascension of the Lord - C
Sometimes I think that we take assurance with a lack of seriousness.

Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

You Can Do It, Emily! -- John 5:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Ascension of the Lord - C
Call to Worship:

Children's sermon

CSSPlus

Never Alone -- Luke 24:44-53 -- John Jamison -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2022
I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have
Mission Accomplished! -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2019
While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven.
Witness To The Saving Work Of Jesus -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2016
The Point: as Jesus ascends to heaven we are left to be his witnesses in the world
The Morning After -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Anna Shirey -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
First Thoughts
The nth power -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Leah Thompson -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2010
"God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his righ
Whodunit? -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Leah Thompson -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2010
"You are witnesses of these things." (v. 48)
Who's the boss? -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Ascension of the Lord - C
Good morning! Can anyone tell me who this is? (Show the
Still with us -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Ascension of the Lord - C
Good morning! After Jesus was raised from the dead he
Like a rug -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Ascension of the Lord - C
Good morning. Where would we put this rug? (Let them answer.)
Real power! -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Ascension of the Lord - C
I love the Superman stories. When I was young I would buy and

The Immediate Word

Jump In... The Water's Fine -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar

Devotional

SermonStudio

The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2009
They asked him, "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?" He replied,
The Ascension of Our Lord -- Psalm 47 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2009
He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves. Selah
The Ascension of Our Lord -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2009
And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church
The Ascension of Our Lord -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2009
And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have b

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon illustrations for Ascension of the Lord (2022) -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2022
Acts 1:1-11
Sermon illustrations for Ascension of the Lord (2019) -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2019
Acts 1:1-11
Sermon illustrations for Ascension of the Lord (2016) -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- R. Robert Cueni, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2016
Acts 1:1-11
Sermon illustrations for Ascension of the Lord (2013) -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Acts 1:1-11
NULL -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
In their book Metaphors We Live By, authors George Lakoff and Mark Johnson describe orient
NULL -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Bob Ove -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
First we might question who Theophilus is.
NULL -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Christ's ascension gives us a glimpse at the awesomeness of God.
NULL -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Ron Love -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
To be empowered and inspired in our Christian lives, we must identify with the name of Jesus.
NULL -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Jesus speaks of Jerusalem as the launch pad from which the Christian witness is to go to all nations
NULL -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Bob Ove -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
In order to understand all the New Testament, we have to be familiar with the Old Testament also.
Acts 1:1-11 I... -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2010
Acts 1:1-11
Back in the days of... -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2007
Back in the days of the old west, there used to be three classes of tickets on the
Power drinks and nutritional power... -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2007
Power drinks and nutritional power bars are all the rage with athletes these days.
Community Church planned a special... -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2007
Community Church planned a special celebration for its 150th anniversary. Several
The disciples asked him, Lord... -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2007
The disciples asked him, "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to
Mark Twain responded to the... -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2007
Mark Twain responded to the Philippine-American War in 1899-1902 by writing The
Early in the year 2007... -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2007
Early in the year 2007, as I write this, I wonder if this can be a year of hope. In a world
Paul Wharton tells a story... -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2007
Paul Wharton tells a story about a wise old Middle-Eastern mystic. He confessed: "I was
You are witnesses of these... -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2007
"You are witnesses of these things." The scriptures call us all to be Christ's witnesses. In
Ask two people who witnessed... -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2007
Ask two people who witnessed the same event to give an accurate account of the event,
Olav recalls the time over... -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2007
Olav recalls the time over fifty years ago when he first accepted Jesus as his Lord and
And they were continually in... -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2007
"And they were continually in the temple blessing God." That's what the disciples
This passage celebrates the Ephesian... -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2001
This passage celebrates the Ephesian Church.

StoryShare

Looking in the Right Place -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2022
Will stood in line at the cafeteria oblivious to the smells and noise and activity of the other stud

The Immediate Word

Jump In... The Water's Fine -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar

Prayer

SermonStudio

Awaiting the power that authenticates -- Dennis Koch -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:Awaiting the power that authenticatesGospel Note:

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Jump In... The Water's Fine -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar

SermonStudio

The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Psalm 93 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see The Ascension Of Our Lord, Cycles A and B for
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Psalm 47 -- Stan Purdum -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
Both Psalms 47 and 93 (the alternative psalm for this day) are enthronement psalms, praise hymns cel
Ascension of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2003
As we all know, the book of the Acts of the Apostles forms the second volume, as it were, of Luke's
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeThe resurrected Christ becomes a physical presence in the world again.
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 1:1-11 (C, RC, E)
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53 -- George M. Bass -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Captain's Voice -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2021
I was walking through a building on a college campus when I spied a student lounging in an overstuff
The Balcony View -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Bonnie Bates -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2021
This section of Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus is a note of thanksgiving.
A Stupid Question -- Acts 1:1-11 -- David Kalas -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2009
Generous teachers sometimes assure their students that there is no such thing as a stupid question.
It's A Good Thing He's Gone! -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2009
Today I want you to participate in the proclamation of today's message.
The End Of The Beginning -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2009
Three decades ago my nephew, Nathaniel, was a toddler when he discovered the full moon for the first
A Good-bye Topping All Others -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
Those bidding good-bye are around us all of our lives.
Caring For Others: The Christian Vocation In The World -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
When Bobby Smith was a youngster, his family lived near Mrs.
What Are You Looking At? -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
One of the most obvious things about the night sky is the moon, especially the full moon.
In The Event Of Power Failure -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2003
A friend of mine once shared a story about his first visit to Niagara Falls.
Now What? -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2003
The Ascension of Jesus into heaven is one of those strange Bible stories that Cecil B.
Holy Collision -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2003
Before a dog guide and its teammate meet, an apprentice pup spends twelve months in the home of a 4-
You Shall Receive Power -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2000
Luke gives a telling account of Jesus' instructions to the apostles before his ascension into heaven
Living Vertically -- Luke 24:44-53 -- John N. Brittain -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2000
Some years ago I attended a conference on the East Coast which concluded on Saturday but to save air
Why Life Changes When You Know The Truth -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Henry F. Woodruff -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2000
If you live long enough, you will come to know the truth of it: "What goes around, comes around." Fi
The "Ups And Downs" Of The Ascension -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Barbara Brokhoff -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 1991
Roller coasters are becoming more and more popular in America; they are being built taller, and long
Jesus Meets Buddha and Confucius -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Carl L. Jech -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 1988
Are you familiar with the book called "The Lost Years of Jesus"?
He Ascended Into Heaven -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Durwood L. Buchheim -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 1985
After hearing the story of Christ's Ascension, a small child responded, "When the Lord Jesus finally

The Immediate Word

Jump In... The Water's Fine -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar

Free Access

Caring For Others: The Christian Vocation In The World -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
When Bobby Smith was a youngster, his family lived near Mrs.
A Good-bye Topping All Others -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
Those bidding good-bye are around us all of our lives.

The Village Shepherd

God's Breath -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Ascension of the Lord - C
I read an article recently about the spiritual life of people with mental health problems (The Bible

Stories

StoryShare

Looking in the Right Place -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2022
Will stood in line at the cafeteria oblivious to the smells and noise and activity of the other stud
Waiting On the Promises -- Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53, Psalm 47 -- Keith Hewitt, David O. Bales -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2019
Contents “Waiting On the Promises” by Keith Hewitt
On The Shoulders Of Giants -- The King James Translation Of The Bible -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 47 -- Frank Ramirez, John Fitzgerald -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2016
Contents
Wrong By A Century -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 47 -- Frank Ramirez, Keith Hewitt -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Contents"Wrong By a Century" by Frank Ramirez "The Return" by Keith Hewitt
Are You Sure? -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53, Psalm 47 -- C. David Mckirachan, Stan Purdum, Constance Berg -- Ascension of the Lord - C
What's Up This Week
The Inexplicable Molly -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 47 -- Scott Dalgarno, Argile Smith, David O. Bales, John S. Smylie -- Ascension of the Lord - C
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Inexplicable Molly" by Scott Dalgarno

Free Access

Waiting On the Promises -- Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53, Psalm 47 -- Keith Hewitt, David O. Bales -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2019
Contents “Waiting On the Promises” by Keith Hewitt

SermonStudio

Divine Dynamite -- Acts 1:1-11 -- David E. Leininger -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2009
"You will receive power ..." (Acts 1:8).
Waiting And Wasting -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the
Microsoft *#!@&* -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2003
I don't want to use profane language in these pages, so I am going to resort to euphemism.
Don't Just Stand There! -- Acts 1:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Judith M. Evenden -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2003
It happened thirty years ago. I am standing at the graveside of my grandmother, my father's mother.
Open Our Minds, Lord -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Constance Berg -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2000
Mr.
Ascension Sunday -- Luke 24:44-53 -- John Steward -- Ascension of the Lord - C
This is a story about two young men I once encountered.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Jump In... The Water's Fine -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar

SermonStudio

The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53, Psalm 47 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2009
Our lives end in the middle of the story.
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Acts 1:1-11Theme: View From A Height
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Ephesians 1:15-23Theme: That's Him!
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 24:44-53Theme: Why Do We Wonder?
Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2003
Theme: The AscensionCall To Worship
Convincing -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Ascension Day -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: Luke 24:44-53
The Ascension -- Acts 1:1-11 -- James R. Wilson -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who believe in the risen and ascended Christ give praise!
Ascension of Our Lord -- Psalm 47 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 1991
Clap your hands, all you peoples;shout to God with loud songs of joy.
Ascension Sunday -- Psalm 47 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 1991
Clap your hands, all you peoples;shout to God with loud songs of joy.
ASCENSION DAY -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Heth H. Corl -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 1976
First Lesson: Acts 1:1-11Theme: The Ascension of JesusCall to Worship
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Easter 2
20 – Sermons
170+ – Illustrations / Stories
26 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
20 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 3
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: An old, worn-out shoe and an old banana.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent! Let’s get started!

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
For May 18, 2025:
  • Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by Chris Keating based on Acts 11:1-18 and John 13:31-35. As Peter, popes, pastors, and even pew-sitters learn, change often becomes the smokescreen that conceals deeper conflicts that keep us from loving as Jesus commanded.
  • Second Thoughts: Giving and Accepting Love by Tom Willadsen based on John 13:31-35.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Acts 11:1-18
Who do we exclude? In the days of the early church, everything was about purity, about the acts that made one a member of the Jewish community first and then a part of “the way” of Jesus. Imagine the horror among the crowds of the faithful when Peter traveled to the Gentiles, to those who did not believe in the one true God before Jesus came into the world. Yet, Peter is clear. He has had a vision and, in that vision, was declared, “What God has made clean, you must not call profane.” God ordains who is included, not people.
David Kalas
The old idiom claims of certain people, “To know them is to love them.” A variation on the saying might be appropriate when talking about the Lord.  Specifically, we might say that to know him is not merely to love him, but to know that he is love.

This may seem like an unspectacular statement to church folks.  I fear that we are perhaps so accustomed to the affirmation that God is love that we no longer recognize the profundity of it. Or the scandal of it.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
‘See, the home of God is among mortals.
He will dwell with them;
they will be his peoples,
and God himself will be with them and be their God;
he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
for the first things have passed away.’
(vv. 3-4)

SermonStudio

Bonnie Bates
We continue this Easter season with the epistolary readings from Revelation. In this reading, we see the final vision of the world to come: the new heaven and the new earth, the new Jerusalem. This is also an apocalyptic vision, the vision the seer shared with us of the end of the world as we know it. This is a writing about a prophetic promise of what is to come at the end of time as we know it. John’s vision is almost complete and we may be comforted by this vision of what is to come.
James Evans
(See Christmas 1, Cycle A; Christmas 1, Cycle B; and Christmas 1, Cycle C for alternative approaches.)

The theme of this psalm is the glory of God. The praise is extravagant and unrestrained. The psalmist makes good use of repetitive themes to drive home the central message of the psalm, namely that God is worthy of praise. The psalmist, with great deliberation, leads worshipers through a litany of causes and effects that demonstrate the praiseworthiness of God.

David Kalas
Professional sports has no statistic for measuring talking. Yet talking can be an important part of the game.

We can measure how fast a player pitches or serves. We keep statistics on batting averages, shooting percentages, and quarterback ratings. We track yards-after-catch, on-base percentages, and shots on goal. We record height and weight, wins-and-losses, and times in the 40-yard dash. But we have no way of measuring a player's talking.
John M. Braaten
It is often difficult for Christians to get past the idea that those who have given themselves to the Lord should be treated a little better than the average woman or man who does not possess a living faith. In other words, there ought to be some kind of return for what you have done for God, for what you have given in time, energy and money. That doesn't sound outrageous, does it? In this "you get what you deserve" world, you really ought to be rewarded. Harmless as that sounds, it is the first step toward a theology of glory.

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

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