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Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Untethering Jesus From the Interests Of the Empire -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2026
For February 8, 2026:
Jesus' Feedback Sandwich -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2023
For February 5, 2023:
Phoning In Our Faith? -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2020
For February 9, 2020:
Looking For Salt In A High-Sodium World -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for Epiphany 5, Jesus exhorts us to be “the salt of the earth” and “th
With The Mind Of Christ -- 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary reading from First Corinthians, Paul continues his discourse on how God
Theater -- Or The Real Deal? -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2011
In the Old Testament passage assigned by the lectionary for the fifth Sunday after Epiphany, Isaiah

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A Light On the Hill! -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- John Jamison -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2023
Object: A flashlight or other light, and something to put it under.
Take the Light with You -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2020
Light was an important commodity in Jesus’ world.
Snack Time -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Mary Kay Eichelman -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2017
It's snack time!  (Divide your group in half and give salty items to one group and unsalted items to
Let Your Light Shine -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Anna Shirey -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2014
First Thoughts Teaching On Y

Children's Activity

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Lamp -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Leah Thompson -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
How good are you? -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A
Teachers and Parents: The most common false doctrine, even
Matthew 5:13-20 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A
Teachers: Jesus made a great compliment to people when he called them "the salt of the earth." In th

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

What the Choir Needs to Hear -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2023
We have an idiom in our day that was born in the church but has worked its way into the broader cult
Lifestyle Evangelism -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2020
Fred Craddock told of a vacation encounter in the Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee that moved hi
The Expectations And Mercy Of God -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2017
Immanuel. God with Us. We have celebrated his birth.
Fasting, faith, and focus -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2013
Bernarr Macfadden, who once had a wide following in North America, said that everybody should fast n
Internal medicine -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2010
Some years ago Europa Times carried a story in which Mussa Zoabi of Israel claimed to be the
Are your lights on? -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1999
One of the difficulties that confronts us who drive our vehicles is forgetting to turn off the light
Choose life -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1996

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Untethering Jesus From the Interests Of the Empire -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2026
For February 8, 2026:
Jesus' Feedback Sandwich -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2023
For February 5, 2023:
Phoning In Our Faith? -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2020
For February 9, 2020:
Looking For Salt In A High-Sodium World -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for Epiphany 5, Jesus exhorts us to be “the salt of the earth” and “th
With The Mind Of Christ -- 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary reading from First Corinthians, Paul continues his discourse on how God

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 5 (2023) -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2023
Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12)
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 5 (2020) -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2020
Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12)
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 5 (2017) -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2017
Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12)

StoryShare

A Salt of the Earth Christian -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2023
You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored
Salt of the Earth -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2020
Maxine tapped her pen on the table as she looked at the open Bible in front of her.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Untethering Jesus From the Interests Of the Empire -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2026
For February 8, 2026:
Jesus' Feedback Sandwich -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2023
For February 5, 2023:
Phoning In Our Faith? -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2020
For February 9, 2020:
Looking For Salt In A High-Sodium World -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for Epiphany 5, Jesus exhorts us to be “the salt of the earth” and “th
With The Mind Of Christ -- 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary reading from First Corinthians, Paul continues his discourse on how God
Theater -- Or The Real Deal? -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2011
In the Old Testament passage assigned by the lectionary for the fifth Sunday after Epiphany, Isaiah

SermonStudio

Epiphany 5 -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: To a society that lives in the shadowed recesses
Epiphany 5/Ordinary Time 5 -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2007
Order For Confession And Forgiveness
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
HymnsHail To The Lord's Anointed (LBW87, CBH185, NCH104, UM203)
Ancient Ruins Rebuilt -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 58:10-11)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Untethering Jesus From the Interests Of the Empire -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2026
For February 8, 2026:
Jesus' Feedback Sandwich -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2023
For February 5, 2023:
Phoning In Our Faith? -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2020
For February 9, 2020:
Looking For Salt In A High-Sodium World -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for Epiphany 5, Jesus exhorts us to be “the salt of the earth” and “th
With The Mind Of Christ -- 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary reading from First Corinthians, Paul continues his discourse on how God
Theater -- Or The Real Deal? -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2011
In the Old Testament passage assigned by the lectionary for the fifth Sunday after Epiphany, Isaiah

The Village Shepherd

Being Christian -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2011
An abiding memory of my childhood is of my father in the garden.

SermonStudio

Discerning in Love -- 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16) -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2010
Many people have come to rely on Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to travel from one place to anothe
Scaring The Church, So It Will Be The Church -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2007
Sometimes when we read a passage of scripture, we may need to pay careful attention to who in the te
What Did The Turkey Say? (Or Contentious Communities) -- Isaiah 58:3-9a (9b-12) -- Tony S. Everett -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2007
Here is a story that has been told for many years. Some of you may have heard it.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Untethering Jesus From the Interests Of the Empire -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2026
For February 8, 2026:
Jesus' Feedback Sandwich -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2023
For February 5, 2023:
Phoning In Our Faith? -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2020
For February 9, 2020:
Looking For Salt In A High-Sodium World -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for Epiphany 5, Jesus exhorts us to be “the salt of the earth” and “th
With The Mind Of Christ -- 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary reading from First Corinthians, Paul continues his discourse on how God
Theater -- Or The Real Deal? -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2011
In the Old Testament passage assigned by the lectionary for the fifth Sunday after Epiphany, Isaiah

SermonStudio

Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany / Fifth Sunday In Ordinary Time -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12, Matthew 5:13-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day Christians are meant to be the salt of the earth.
Salt And Light -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2007
Sometimes I think preachers would do best by getting out of Jesus' way.
Epiphany 5/Ordinary Time 5 -- Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2006
This is a dangerous psalm -- dangerous, because it is so open to misinterpretation.
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
In the church, we speak often of "salvation." But what do we mean by that term?

Stories

StoryShare

A Salt of the Earth Christian -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2023
You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored
Salt of the Earth -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2020
Maxine tapped her pen on the table as she looked at the open Bible in front of her.
Resolutions -- Matthew 5:13-20, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- C. David Mckirachan, Peter Andrew Smith -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2017
Contents "Resolutions" by C. David McKirachan
The Salt Tax And The Light Of The World -- Matthew 5:13-20, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Sandra Herrmann -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2014
Contents "The Salt Tax and the Light of the World" by Sandra Herrmann
The Way To God -- Matthew 5:13-20, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2011
Contents "The Way to God" by Peter Andrew Smith

SermonStudio

The Problem Of Hunger -- Isaiah 58:3-9a (9b-12) -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2007
The problem of hunger in the world never seems to go away.
The Horse Whisperer -- 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
William Lee Rand
An Act Of Obedience -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
"You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.
Sweet/Salty Love -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2001
While waiting at the beauty salon, I was captivated by an article in People magazine (January
TALK The Walk -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1998
A group of mothers has been meeting once a month to pray for their children, as well as for other st

Drama

SermonStudio

The Lord Of The Way I Feel -- Matthew 5:13-20, Psalm 27 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2001
Thespian Theological Thoughts
You And The Law -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1998
Theme

Devotional

SermonStudio

Epiphany 5 / OT 5 -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2007
Yet day after day they seek me and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that practic
Epiphany 5 / OT 5 -- Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2007
It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.
Epiphany 5 / OT 5 -- 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16) -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2007
So that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.
Epiphany 5 / OT 5 -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2007
You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

Praxis Sees The Light -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2011
Praxis, the pixie whose skin changes colour according to his mood, was bright, bright blue.

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Praxis Sees The Light -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2011
Praxis, the pixie whose skin changes colour according to his mood, was bright, bright blue.

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Dean Feldmeyer
For October 11, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Amanda Squirrel hummed as she put the finishing touches to the icing on the huge cake she had made earlier that day. "Will this do?" she asked her friend Hetty Hedgehog.

"Do?" gasped Hetty. "Why, it's the best and biggest cake I've ever seen!"

Amanda had been planning this party for months. All the invitations had been sent out weeks ago, and Amanda and Hetty had been hard at it for several days, preparing the food and sweeping and cleaning and decorating the animal hall.

StoryShare

Alex A. Gondola, Jr.
Craig Kelly
John E. Sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
"A Lot of Bull" by Alex Gondola
"Rejoice in the Lord Always" by Alex Gondola
"Second Chances" by Craig Kelly
"American Idol" by John Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
Keith Hewitt
Frank Ramirez
Contents
"American Idols" by Keith Heweitt
"Invitation to Peace" by Frank Ramirez


* * * * * * * *


American Idols
by Keith Hewitt
Exodus 32:1-14

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
Psalm 106 is recitation of the sins of Israel, an enumeration of the ways in which the nation failed to trust their well-being to the Lord. In verse 6, the psalmist confesses that his own generation has been as sinful as their ancestors, but the catalog of sins that follows sticks to those of the forebears.
William E. Keeney
Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: 2"The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. 3He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come.
John R. Brokhoff
THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Exodus 32:1-14 (C)
The Israelites worship a golden bull. Thinking Moses had deserted them as well as Yahweh, the people persuaded Aaron to make a golden bull out of their jewelry for worship. It is a return to an Egyptian god, Amon-Re, represented by a bull. Yahweh was so angry at their desertion of him, that he threatened to destroy them. Upon Moses' intercession, their plight was avoided.

Lesson 1: Isaiah 25:6-10 (RC); Isaiah 25:1-9 (E)
 On Mount Zion, God will make a feast for all peoples on the last day.
Argile Smith
When we get nervous about the unknown, we can make mountains out of mole hills. But we aren't by ourselves. Loads of people down through history have made the same mistake.
Joseph M. Freeman
Jesus' use of parables is his way of communicating a striking truth with significant love. In my own journey as a Christian person, the most amazing quality of God which has been so instructive to me is that He approaches us with equal doses of love and truth. How different He is than us. When I see someone in error and that error has personally hurt me, I go for that person's jugular, to deliver the truth, but little or no love accompanies it. Hence, the person becomes defensive and flatly refuses the truth which could correct the error.
George S. Johnson
This morning I want to talk to you about becoming a Christian - the invitation of Jesus to come and follow him. It is not my intention to judge who is or is not a Christian, or criticize anyone's experience of salvation, or to suggest that you are not already a member of God's family. My intention is rather to allow this text to speak clearly to us about Jesus' invitation. My purpose is to give voice to Jesus' call to discipleship.

I approach this text from Matthew with a few assumptions, a few underlying givens. Let me share with you what they are.
Richard C. Brand
"I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord." We have no idea what in the world these two women were quarreling about. Perhaps if we had had Entertainment Weekly or the National Enquirer or MSNBC or the investigative potential of the Internet we would have more information about the nature of the split. But we have no idea what had set these two women against each other.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Prayer Of Confession And Absolution
P: We hold back your goodness from one another.
We hold back, pretending it is our own.
C: Break open the tombs of pride and fear that we build,
so that in giving what is yours,
we might find what we truly need.

Silence for reflection and self-examination

P: The Lord is your shepherd: you shall never be in want.
Such goodness and mercy will seek you,
and they will find you;
so that in the banquet of love, you will forever be filled.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Rejoice, Ye Pure In Heart (UM160, 16l, NCH55, 71, PH145, 146, LBW553)
Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life (UM427, CBH405, NCH543, PH408)
Sweet Hour Of Prayer (CBH11, UM496, NCH505)
Rejoice, The Lord Is King! (CBH288, UM716, NCH303, PH155)
What A Friend We Have In Jesus (NCH506, CBH573, UM526, PH403)
I Would Be True (NCH492)
Lead On, O King Eternal (LBW495, NCH573, PH447, 448, UM580)
We Come As Guests Invited (PH517)

Anthems

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
As I was driving home from the office the other day, I was waiting at a traffic light downtown, when I saw one of my parishioners cross the street in front of me. It's still my first year in my present appointment, and it occurred to me that I had never seen him outside of church. He is in church quite faithfully, but I had never seen him outside of that context. The sight of him in more casual clothes ... chewing gum ... and coming out of a store reminded me of a ridiculously simple fact: He has a life outside of that pew where I am accustomed to seeing him each Sunday morning.
Wayne Brouwer
His shrunken frame and age-diminished voice were almost lost at the front of our large church auditorium. He had been a medical intern at a small hospital in Arnhem when Hitler's war machine rolled through the Netherlands and set up a puppet Nazi government. Radios were destroyed to prevent BBC "propaganda" from demoralizing folks who needed nothing other than German "truth."

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Have you ever seen a movie or a television show that was scary? (Let them answer.) I have! Sometimes a show will get so scary that my heart starts pounding and it seems so real. When an action scene gets too real, what are some things people can do to remind themselves that this is only a show and not real? (Let them answer.)
Cynthia E. Cowen
The Point: Jesus asks us to join God's family and how we respond is important.

The Lesson: Welcome, boys and girls. Thank you for coming forward to share this teaching moment with me.
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