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1 Corinthians 9:24-27

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Is there something wrong with me? -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2011
We are a very sensitive generation.
Follow the directions -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45, Psalm 30 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2003
Over the course of my lifetime, I have occasionally been caught up in the recurrent genealogy fads t
To be clean -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2000
"Cleanliness is next to Godliness." We don't hear that old proverb much any more, but its meaning is

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

It Pays To Advertise -- Mark 1:40-45, 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Psalm 30 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
Another Super Bowl extravaganza is now in the rearview mirror, and for many people the most anticipa
The Prophet's Prescription -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers

CSSPlus

Christians in training -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
We all win! -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Good morning! Have any of you ever played in a baseball or

Devotional

SermonStudio

Epiphany 6 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45, Psalm 30 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2008
2 Kings 5:1-14

Drama

SermonStudio

Heal! -- 2 Kings 5:1-15ab, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45, Psalm 42 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2002
Thespian Theological Thoughts
Discipline -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Matthew 25:14-30, Psalm 15 -- Neil Ellis Orts -- 1996
1 - WATCH AND PRAY.2 - The season of Lent is nearly over.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 6 (2012) -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
2 Kings 5:1-14
Lynn Caines and lifelines -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
Lynn Caines, in her autobiographical Lifelines, tells how in the midst of her struggle to ove
During the NFL lockout... -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Craig Kelly -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
This past summer during the NFL lockout, coaches and staff were prohibited from working with the pla
2 Kings 5:1-14br... -- Mark 1:40-45, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2009
2 Kings 5:1-14
Failure, they say, is the... -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2008
"Failure," they say, "is the path of least persistence." That truth was demonstrated in the movie,
The job of a football... -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2008
The job of a football coach is to make men do what they don't want to do, in order to achieve what t
Lanny Bassham, Olympic gold-medalist... -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2008
Lanny Bassham, Olympic gold-medalist in small-bore rifle competition, tells what concentration does
Taylor recalls his high school... -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2008
Taylor recalls his high school wrestling coach whose goal was to make his students both tougher and
Everyone knows that to be... -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2008
Everyone knows that to be a top level athlete takes talent mixed with lots of hard work.
It is often difficult to... -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2003
It is often difficult to discipline oneself to delay gratification.
In training for the Tour... -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2003
In training for the Tour de France, the world's most challenging sporting event, Lance Armstrong goe
Training camp is one of... -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2003
Training camp is one of the most grueling times in an athlete's life.
Paul urges the faithful to... -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2003
Paul urges the faithful to live out their faith like runners in a race.
A bad habit and I... -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2000
A bad habit and I struggled for many years.
At the age of 77... -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2000
At the age of 77, Senator John Glenn applied to go into space again.
A preacher often related the... -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2000
A preacher often related the exceptional accomplishments of noted athletes in order to inspire his c
In 1964, Pope Paul VI... -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2000
In 1964, Pope Paul VI gave Mother Teresa the limousine that he had used during a visit to India.
(L, M)br... -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1982
(L, M)
(L, M)br... -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1982
(L, M)
(L, M)br... -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1982
(L, M)
(L, M)br... -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1982
(L, M)
(P, C)br... -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1982
(P, C)
(P, C)br... -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1982
(P, C)

The Immediate Word

It Pays To Advertise -- Mark 1:40-45, 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Psalm 30 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
Another Super Bowl extravaganza is now in the rearview mirror, and for many people the most anticipa

StoryShare

The Path To Healing -- Mark 1:40-45, 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Psalm 30 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Lamar Massingill -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
Contents"The Path to Healing" by Peter Andrew Smith

Preaching

The Immediate Word

It Pays To Advertise -- Mark 1:40-45, 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Psalm 30 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
Another Super Bowl extravaganza is now in the rearview mirror, and for many people the most anticipa
The Prophet's Prescription -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers

SermonStudio

Epiphany 6 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayGod finds surprising ways to heal.
Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2005
Revised Common 2 Kings 5:1-14 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Mark 1:40-45
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Kings 5:1-14 (C); 2 Kings 5:1-15 (E)
God's cleansing presence and power, with or without water -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: God's cleansing presence and power, with or without water.
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1993
Elisha was a prophet of Israel in the ninth century. He was
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1990
In the pre-1970 church year, this would probably have been one of the gesima Sundays, partly because
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Seasonal ThemeJesus grows up and it begins to dawn on some who and what he is.

Sermon

The Immediate Word

It Pays To Advertise -- Mark 1:40-45, 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Psalm 30 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
Another Super Bowl extravaganza is now in the rearview mirror, and for many people the most anticipa
The Prophet's Prescription -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers

SermonStudio

Busy With A Purpose -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Scott Suskovic -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2008
... I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air.
Plea For Discipline -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2005
In a way, Christians are all in the Olympics!
Congratulations, You've Made The Team! -- Hebrews 12:1, 2, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2002
Perhaps you remember, in high school or college, trying out for the varsity or junior varsity baseba
Working Out In The Gymnasium Of Faith -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1999
Good athletes make it all seem so easy: precision, coordination, grace, and strength.

The Village Shepherd

Spiritual Training -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Many years ago when I was at school, children tended to be divided into two groups.

Stories

StoryShare

The Path To Healing -- Mark 1:40-45, 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Psalm 30 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Lamar Massingill -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
Contents"The Path to Healing" by Peter Andrew Smith
The Deserving Recipient -- Mark 1:40-45, 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Psalm 30 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Larry Winebrenner -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week

SermonStudio

Something's Missing ... -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1999
When Todd was four years old, he loved to play T-ball.

Worship

The Immediate Word

It Pays To Advertise -- Mark 1:40-45, 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Psalm 30 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
Another Super Bowl extravaganza is now in the rearview mirror, and for many people the most anticipa
The Prophet's Prescription -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers

SermonStudio

Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45, Psalm 30 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipFrom Psalm 30. Leader: I will exalt you, O Lord,
If Only ... -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all of God's people give praise and worship the Lord!
SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45, Psalm 30 -- B. David Hostetter -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPRejoice and be glad, good people, sing aloud before our
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
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120+ – Illustrations / Stories
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4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
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10 – Worship Resources
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4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Christmas!
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
Merry Christmas! The midwinter festival has come, and it calls for parties, feasting and drinking and dancing and the exchange of gifts. Like all people in the northern hemisphere, we need light in the dark days of winter. The only problem with all of this is that the pressure to be joyful can send us spiraling in the exact opposite of mind sets.
Christmas shops are not just for Christmas anymore. These stores that specialize in everything yuletide-ish do business year round and can be found everywhere. I have seen them in an outlet mall near Washington, D.C., nestled in a small village in the mountains of North Carolina and adorning the white sand beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is born! A bright light has come into our world, so let us thank and praise God for his gift to us of Jesus, the Messiah.

Invitation to Confession:

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, make us worthy to worship at your crib.

Lord, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, may we remember you in today's excitement.

Christ, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, be born in our hearts today.

Lord, have mercy

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
A Story to Live By: "
Christmas Stories: "Christmas Presence" by Janice Hammerquist
"Silver In His Soul"
"www.ChristmasHouse" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: Great Prayer of Thanksgiving for Christmas Eve by Thom M. Shuman


What's Up on Christmas Eve

Lamar Massingill
John E. Sumwalt
Contents
"Taking His Joy unto Ourselves" by Lamar Massingill
"God Acted that We Might Act" by Lamar Massingill
"The Hopes and Fears of All the Years" by John Sumwalt
"God with Us" by Peter Andrew Smith


* * * * * * * *


Taking His Joy unto Ourselves
Lamar Massingill
Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)

Christmas would be incomplete without recognizing Incarnate Love's first fruit, which is joy. Johann Sebastian Bach recognized it when he, as an act of worship, composed "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring."

SermonStudio

John R. Brokhoff
THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Isaiah 9:2--7 (C, RC); Isaiah 9:2--4, 6--7 (E)
Mark Wm. Radecke
Year after year, we are drawn to this night: This night with its carols, its candlelight, its communion, and the combined fragrance of pine, poinsettia and perfume. (Is that Passion or Poison you're wearing? Or maybe it's Polo!) The gentle poetry of Luke's story draws us, too.

Why is it that we are so drawn to this night, I wonder? There are, I suppose, as many answers as there are people in this room.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
It's not an easy life, I'll tell you that. I work my small farm during the day, but that doesn't bring in enough money. I have a family to support, taxes to pay -- oy, don't get me started on taxes -- so I need more than my farm brings in. I do the only other thing I know how to do. I hire myself out for the night shift watching other people's sheep. Tending sheep would not be my first choice, you understand. First, I have to stay awake all night. Then, there's counting the sheep to make sure one or two haven't wandered off. Thieves are always a problem.
Timothy J. Smith
There is a special feeling from being in church on Christmas Eve. For many of us it feels like coming home for Christmas. We come to hear the familiar story of Mary and Joseph making their way to the little town of Bethlehem. We hear once again of Baby Jesus born in stable. Soon after an unexpected encounter with angels, the shepherds head to the manger to see Jesus for themselves. Children have creatively acted out this story for generations complete with the wise men offering their gifts. Living Nativities complete with live animals are portrayed in church parking lots in many communities.
Frank Luchsinger
"The grace of God has appeared ... training us ... to await our blessed hope" (Titus 2:11-13), and oh, how we have waited! The air is filled with anticipation, the Holy Night has come. We each wait for different things: the lighting of candles, the singing of carols, loved ones returning home, feasting, and forgetting ferment, for the Prince of Peace is coming. We wait for delight in the eyes of someone we love as he or she opens that special gift. We wait in awe in the hope that one star's strong light lingers still and will lead us home to him who redeems us.
John B. Jamison
He stood on the steps and waved. He nodded to those cheering to him from below, and took a deep breath as if to soak up their praise.
Susan R. Andrews
At the risk of putting you to sleep, I'd like to ask each one of you to close your eyes. Right now, for just a minute. Please close your eyes. And now imagine with me. Imagine that you are holding a newborn baby. Imagine how this baby feels - skin touching skin, curves touching curves - harmonious heartbeats as life surges between you. Imagine the smell - the earthy sweetness of breath and body perfuming the air. Imagine the sound - the silent melody of sighing, stretching, settling. Right now, for just a minute, let your imagination go. Feel the baby. Smell the baby. Hear the baby.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Gathering
P: Born into this world,
C: born into our lives,
P: God made flesh.
C: O Emmanuel, we praise you now and forever. Amen.

Hymn Of Praise
O Come, All Ye Faithful or Jesus, What A Wonderful Child

Gospel Procession
Have the children (dressed as Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds) process and then read the gospel from the center of the congregation.

Intercessory Prayers
After each petition:
L: O God of love,
C: be born in us today.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Sing A New Song To The Lord (PH216)
Angels From The Realms Of Glory (UM220, PH22, NCH126)
Born In The Night (PH30, NCH152)
Once In Royal David's City (PH49, UM250, NCH145)
The First Nowell (PH56, UM245, CBH199, NCH139)
On This Day Earth Shall Ring (UM248, PH46, CBH192)
What Child Is This? (UM219, PH53, CBH215, NCH148)
Silent Night (PH60, UM229, CBH193, PH134)
The Friendly Beasts (UM227, NCH138)
That Boy--Child Of Mary (PH55, UM241)
Frank Ramirez
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 9:2-7)

One: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light -

All: Those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them light has shone.

Women: You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.

Men: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders -

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Merry Christmas, boys and girls. (Show one of your signs). Do any of you know what this sign means? (Let them answer.) That's right, it means (provide answer). (Show another sign and ask what it means. Let them answer.) Very good. Signs are very important aren't they? They give us direction. They tell us what to do and what not to do. The Bible gives many signs also.

You all know the story about the shepherds on Christmas Eve. The shepherds were in the field watching their sheep. Suddenly an angel appeared to them. The Bible says that the shepherds
Leah Thompson
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all… (v. 11)

Good morning, boys and girls! How are you today? (allow answers) Who can tell me what today is? (allow answers) That's right -- it's finally here! Today is Christmas [Eve]! We have spent the whole season of Advent preparing for right now. The long preparation is finally over. Christmas is here!

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