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Third Sunday of Easter - B

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Children's sermon

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Peace Be With You! -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- John Jamison -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
Object: A large stick. * * *
Being Jesus! -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- John Jamison -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peac
No Ghost But God -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
“Touch me and see: for a ghost does not have flesh and bone.” (v.
Dinner with Jesus -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Anna Shirey -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
First Thoughts: Here we have another one of these miraculous revelation stories, where Jesus
Understanding comes from God -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning! How many of you can read? (Let them answer.)
God's family -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Babies are so cute. Do you all like babies?

The Immediate Word

Peace Be With You -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48, Psalm 4 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For April 18, 2021:
Back In for More -- Luke 24:36b-48, Psalm 4, 1 John 3:1-7 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
We're All Witnesses -- Luke 24:36b-48, Psalm 4, 1 John 3:1-7 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
This week’s gospel text features Luke’s version of the same events John depicted last week: Jesus
Of Fear And Superstition -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
In the gospel text appointed by the lectionary for the Third Sunday of Easter, Luke depicts a group

Children's Activity

CSSPlus

The piece of fish -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Materials Corks (cut in half lengthwise) Pipe cleaners (orange) Wiggle eyes
Understanding comes from God -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Teachers or Parents: Understanding what God is telling us in His
Touch and see! -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Teachers or Parents: We perceive what is true and what is not true through our senses and through t
Have you anything here to eat? -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Materials: Fish pattern(s) large enough to fit an 8.5" x 11" piece of paper

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: Luke 24:36b-48 -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: Luke 24:36b-48 -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: Luke 24:36b-48 -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: Luke 24:36b-48 -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Is it Good Enough? -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- David Coffin -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
Pastor Morgan was shocked!
Witnesses -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Note: This installment was originally published for April 22, 2012.
The Goodness of God -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Historically the Third Sunday of Easter has been a Sunday to celebrate the Goodness of God.
The lessons of Easter are meant for us -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
Two of the Founding Fathers, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, were once fast friends, comrades in th
Can I get a witness? -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2003
I was in a most meaningful worship not long ago. The singing was wondrous.
Voiding sin -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2000
(Myrna and Robert Kysar are the co-authors of "Charting The Course." Myrna is pastor of Christ Luthe
Empowered for mission -- Acts 3:12-19, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1994
God's Easter people were called into being for a purpose.
Reading the other side of the New Testament -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:35-48 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1991
It is important that we never forget that the New Testament was written in the midst of real life, r
Salvation -- Acts 3:12-19; 4:8-12, Acts 3:12-19; 4:8-12 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Easter is more than a story of the only man in history who was raised from the dead.
Learning from cancer -- Luke 24:36b-48, 1 John 3:1-7, Acts 3:12-19 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
For the past seven years, cancer has been part of my journey.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for the Third Sunday of Easter (2024) -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
Acts 3:12-19
Sermon Illustrations for the Third Sunday of Easter (2021) -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Acts 3:12-19
Sermon Illustrations for the Third Sunday of Easter (2018) -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Acts 3:12-19
Sermon Illustrations for the Third Sunday of Easter (2015) -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
Acts 3:12-19
Sermon Illustrations for the Third Sunday of Easter (2012) -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Acts 3:12-19
Lloyd Ogilvie one day was pondering this passage... -- Acts 3:12-19 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Lloyd Ogilvie one day was pondering this passage about Peter's sermon in the temple after Peter and

StoryShare

Who Knew? -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. (v. 1)

The Immediate Word

Peace Be With You -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48, Psalm 4 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For April 18, 2021:
Back In for More -- Luke 24:36b-48, Psalm 4, 1 John 3:1-7 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
We're All Witnesses -- Luke 24:36b-48, Psalm 4, 1 John 3:1-7 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
This week’s gospel text features Luke’s version of the same events John depicted last week: Jesus

Worship

The Immediate Word

Peace Be With You -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48, Psalm 4 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For April 18, 2021:
Back In for More -- Luke 24:36b-48, Psalm 4, 1 John 3:1-7 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
We're All Witnesses -- Luke 24:36b-48, Psalm 4, 1 John 3:1-7 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
This week’s gospel text features Luke’s version of the same events John depicted last week: Jesus
Of Fear And Superstition -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
In the gospel text appointed by the lectionary for the Third Sunday of Easter, Luke depicts a group

SermonStudio

O God, In Deep Distress I Pray -- Psalm 4 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
1. O God, in deep distress I pray. I seek the solace of your way,
Theme: I Had No Idea -- Luke 24:36b-48, 1 John 3:1-7, Acts 3:12-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (based on Acts 3:12-13) One:
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48, Psalm 4 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To Worship Taken from 1 John 3:1-3 (The Message) Leader:
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 4)
The Power Of Faith In The Risen Christ -- Acts 3:12-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: O God, answer us when we pray.
So, Anyway -- Acts 3:12-19 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Call To Worship

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Peace Be With You -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48, Psalm 4 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For April 18, 2021:
Back In for More -- Luke 24:36b-48, Psalm 4, 1 John 3:1-7 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
We're All Witnesses -- Luke 24:36b-48, Psalm 4, 1 John 3:1-7 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
This week’s gospel text features Luke’s version of the same events John depicted last week: Jesus
Of Fear And Superstition -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
In the gospel text appointed by the lectionary for the Third Sunday of Easter, Luke depicts a group

SermonStudio

Fish Tales -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- John Jamison -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
Have you ever had to sell an idea or a concept or a belief?
What Is the Point? -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- John W. Clarke -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
What is the purpose of the church? Why was it established?
At The Heart -- Acts 3:12-19 -- David H. Webb -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
We have a new library in town.
Becoming Like Jesus -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- Nancy Kraft -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Lately, I've been thinking that I'd rather not be referred to as a Christian.
Three O'Clock At The Temple -- Acts 3:12-19 -- Ken Lentz -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
A church caught on fire.
The Five Senses -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- John S. Smylie -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
In the gospel text there is an opportunity to meet Jesus, using every one of our senses.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Peace Be With You -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48, Psalm 4 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For April 18, 2021:
Back In for More -- Luke 24:36b-48, Psalm 4, 1 John 3:1-7 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
We're All Witnesses -- Luke 24:36b-48, Psalm 4, 1 John 3:1-7 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
This week’s gospel text features Luke’s version of the same events John depicted last week: Jesus
Of Fear And Superstition -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
In the gospel text appointed by the lectionary for the Third Sunday of Easter, Luke depicts a group

SermonStudio

Easter 3 -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day
Psalm 4 -- Psalm 4 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
A great piece of advice was once offered by a sage, elder pastor.
Easter 3 -- Psalm 4 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2006
This psalm is familiar to those whose liturgical traditions include an evening, or Evensong, service
Third Sunday of Easter -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Revised Common Acts 3:12-19 1 John 3:1-7 Luke 24:36b-48
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 3:12-19 (C); Acts 3:13-15, 17-19 (RC)
Jesus fulfills all of God's plans and promises -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Jesus fulfills all of God's plans and promises.

Stories

StoryShare

Who Knew? -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. (v. 1)
Pause, Sign, Ponder, Reflect -- Psalm 4, 1 John 3:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Contents"Pause, Sign, Ponder, Reflect" by Frank Ramirez
Witnesses -- Luke 24:36b-48, Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Psalm 4 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Contents “Witnesses” by Peter Andrew Smith
A Piece Of Fish -- Luke 24:36b-48, Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Psalm 4 -- Keith Hewitt -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
Contents "A Piece of Fish" by Keith Hewitt * * * * * * *
Hunger Dreams -- Luke 24:36b-48, Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Psalm 4 -- John E. Sumwalt, Constance Berg -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Contents "Hunger Dreams" by John Sumwalt "Blooming" by Constance Berg
Discovering What We Will Be -- Luke 24:36b-48, Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Psalm 4 -- Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales, John E. Sumwalt -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Contents What's Up This Week

Free Access

Pause, Sign, Ponder, Reflect -- Psalm 4, 1 John 3:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Contents"Pause, Sign, Ponder, Reflect" by Frank Ramirez

SermonStudio

The Family Album -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- David E. Leininger -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!
We Are Family -- John 3:1-7 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
We Are Family
Blooming -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- Constance Berg -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
"You know how three weeks ago I asked you to speak about your trip to Mexico?

Drama

SermonStudio

The Cure For The Slump -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
ThemeIf we could talk to Jesus, how would that change us?Summary
Sherman Skeptical And Rodney Rude -- Micah 4:1-5, Acts 4:5-12, Luke 24:36b-48, Psalm 98 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts

Poems

SermonStudio

Easter 3 -- Luke 24:35-48 -- Andrew Daughters -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
How slow was the walk to Emmaus!How fast do they run in return!

Prayer

SermonStudio

Reading the scriptures with open minds -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Dennis Koch -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: Luke uses here a post-resurrection appearance story that, in

Devotional

SermonStudio

Easter 3 -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48, Psalm 4 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Acts 3:12-19
Easter 3 -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- William W. Helland -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Luke 24:36b-48

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

The Butterfly -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Thelma was in tears.

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

Risen God, I Really Do Want To Know You In A New Sort Of Way... -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

Derek And The Lamb -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Call to Worship:

Free Access

Derek And The Lamb -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Call to Worship:

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Alyssa Spradlin
For November 1, 2026:
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Alyssa Spradlin
For November 1, 2026:

CSSPlus

Wesley T. Runk
The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Good morning boys and girls. Does anyone here remember someone saying, “I am the greatest?” I remember hearing it many times by a prize fighter named Ali. Does anyone here remember Muhammed Ali? He used to say a lot of things and he was a very good boxer. He told everyone that he saw that he was “the greatest of all time.” Wow! Not many people say those kind of things about themselves.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
What is a saint?

According to the Roman Catholic church, a saint is a holy person who has been elevated by God to heaven, there to pray for those of us who need their help. There is a three-step process: the request by those who knew the person in life, and who attest to their holiness; a witness by at least two people that they asked the candidate to pray for them and their prayer was granted in a miraculous way; and an investigation by the Vatican into all this evidence. The declaration is made by the pope.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the people how they could be blessed by God and experience God's kingdom. In our worship today let us explore the Sermon on the Mount.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm full of pride instead of being poor in spirit.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm overbearing and pushy, instead of being meek.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm not exactly pure in heart.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

John S. Smylie
Keith Hewitt
Bryan Meadows
Frank Ramirez
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Fifth Gospel" by John Smylie
"The Burden" by Keith Hewitt
"Up Stream" by Bryan Meadows
"A Magical Little Poem" by Frank Ramirez


What's Up This Week
John S. Smylie
Keith Hewitt
Bryan Meadows
Frank Ramirez
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Fifth Gospel" by John Smylie
"The Burden" by Keith Hewitt
"Up Stream" by Bryan Meadows
"A Magical Little Poem" by Frank Ramirez


What's Up This Week
Keith Hewitt
Larry Winebrenner
Peter Andrew Smith
Constance Berg
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann
"Lost" by Keith Hewitt
"Three Paths for the End of October" by Larry Winebrenner
"Ahmad's Final Lesson" by Larry Winebrenner
"Freedom to Live" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Fullness of Life" by Constance Berg


* * * * * * * *


New Leadership
by Sandra Herrmann
Joshua 3:7-17
Keith Hewitt
Larry Winebrenner
Peter Andrew Smith
Constance Berg
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann
"Lost" by Keith Hewitt
"Three Paths for the End of October" by Larry Winebrenner
"Ahmad's Final Lesson" by Larry Winebrenner
"Freedom to Live" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Fullness of Life" by Constance Berg


* * * * * * * *


New Leadership
by Sandra Herrmann
Joshua 3:7-17

SermonStudio

Mary S. Lautensleger
"Surprise! You're adopted!" If you were to hear those words from a trusted relative, surprise would be an understatement, I'm sure. Total shock would probably be more descriptive terminology for your emotional state as you examined the official court record and your original birth certificate. "Adopted" does describe each of us though, because we have been adopted by God into God's family. How do we know? The Bible tells us so.
James L. Killen, Jr.
When we put together the collection of things that we can believe, we need to ask a question about the person in the middle of the inquiry. What can we believe about ourselves? We don't often ask that question but it is a very important one. Some people are oppressed by low self-esteem. Others are led astray by exaggerated images of themselves. It is important to get a realistic understanding of who we are -- and of who we can be. The Bible has something to say on the subject that may surprise you. Are you ready? Hold on to your hat. The Bible says you were created and called to be saints.
Argile Smith
At an office meeting, Ben got the official news that he would become the manager of one of the most influential departments in the company. His colleagues admired him because of his tireless work, and they respected him as a dependable person in whom they could place their trust. They were glad when they found out that he had gotten the promotion. In order to celebrate the news with him, they bought him a gift. Well, it was actually more like a gag-gift, the kind that he would place on his shelf and chuckle over every time he saw it.
Joseph M. Freeman
Maybe both the best and the worst of us in humanity are far better preachers than we are doers and deliverers of what we preach and teach. And maybe maturity has everything to do with our genuine willingness to bring a greater congruity between our esteemed words and those actions compatible with, not contradictory of, those words. Jesus, fully divine and fully human, loved and valued not just the right deeds, but also the right motives and attitudes.
Mary Sue Dehmlow Dreier
Commotion At The Communion Rail

Tommy didn't budge.

When everyone else got up to leave the communion rail, he stayed kneeling. His folded hands were perched on the rail, and his little head was bowed so far down that his forehead was squinched against his thumb knuckles. His eyes were closed hopefully, as if he were waiting for a big present.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
As the movie Contact opens, the audience sees a precocious girl named Eleanor learning how to use a ham radio. Nicknamed "Sparks" by her father, she has reached a man in Florida, and is excited that her radio lets her speak with someone so far away. In a later scene she asks her father wistfully if she can call her deceased mother on the radio. He responds sadly that no antenna is big enough.
George L. Murphy
You know that old saying, "Be careful what you wish for, because it might come true"? We see examples of that again and again in life. During the war in Iraq, Hampton Sides, a journalist who had been slated to be "embedded" with one of our frontline Marine battalions, gave an interview on NRP (National Public Radio). At almost the last possible moment, Sides decided not to go with the Marines, but instead to report from Central Command in Qatar.
Richard C. Brand
It seems fair to say that the saints of the Lord have always shown us what it is to be worthy of God. It is why we remember them and rejoice for them. They have shown us what a life worthy of God might look like. To talk about the saints, we may talk about Kagawa in Japan, about Mother Teresa, about Bishop Tutu and Nelson Mandela, about D. T. Niles in India, and about Saint Patrick in Ireland. To know the stories of Dorothy Day in New York City and Oscar Romero in Latin America is to have examples of what it means to lead lives worthy of the God who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
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