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1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Not On Our Own -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39, Psalm 42 and 43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2022
My guess is that we’ve all got a favorite book about Lincoln. The list is endless, of course.
Out of the dark; into the light -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- Gary Thompson, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2010
Our story from 1 Kings relates what happened immediately after Elijah had his famous showdown with p
Learning hard lessons -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2007
Arthur Clutton-Brock, who was for many years an art critic for the London
Searching for truth in all the wrong places -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2001
Gods and goddesses are plentiful these days, luring adherents into strange expressions of faith.
God's word transforms -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 1998
The lessons for today are quite disparate.
"Reclothe us in our rightful mind" -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 1995
Once again the lectionary provides rich soil for homiletical gardening.
The unwelcome work of God -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
Doctors and dentists: They are the patron saints of unwelcome work.
Whisper power -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
Were all the stories of the Bible of heroes who did not stumble, few of us could connect.

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Faith Outside the Box -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39, Psalm 42 and 43 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2019
For June 23, 2019:
Where Is Your God? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2016
The news was stunning -- a deranged man calmly waited until last call at a packed gay nightclub in O
Who Watches The Watchers? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2013
One of the main themes in the lectionary scripture texts for Proper 7 is the importance of truth-tel
What Have You Done For Me Lately? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2010
This week's Old Testament lesson addresses a problem that seems endemic to modern life -- burnout.
Struggling With Depression -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
It is a depressing world out there.
The Price Of Faith -- Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29, 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
The ongoing debate over how America ought to respond to what many consider a rising tide of illegal

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 7 / Pentecost 5 / Ordinary Time 12 -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2009
He asked that he might die: "It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better tha

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 7 | OT 12 (2022) -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2022
1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Psalms 42 and 43
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 7 | OT 12 (2019) -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2019
1 Kings 19:1-4, (5-7), 8-15a
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 7 | OT 12 (2016) -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, R. Robert Cueni, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2016
1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 7 | OT 12 (2013) -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- Scott A. Bryte, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2013
1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a
In 1952, composer John Cage... -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2013
In 1952, composer John Cage wrote a piece called 4'33" (Four minutes, 33 seconds).
A concern for the television... -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Ron Love -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2013
A concern for the television industry today is what is being referred to as "Zero TV" households.
Elijah, the great man of God... -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2013
Elijah, the great man of God, was in despair, ready to quit.
NULL -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Craig Kelly -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2010
In certain Hollywood movies, such as Oh, God! and Bruce Almighty, the writers had God
NULL -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Ron Love -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2010
"That was a miracle." Ronald Reagan was 11 years old in the winter of 1921-1922.
NULL -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Timothy Smith -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2010
Lynn recalls seeing a cartoon in a magazine with a small child asking, "Do caterpillars know they're
NULL -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2010
Illustrations1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a
In a speech to the... -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2007
In a speech to the Religious Communication Association, Quentin Schultze quoted Søren
Nearly twenty years ago, Marisa... -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2007
Nearly twenty years ago, Marisa was diagnosed with a debilitating illness. Her days were
Elijah was what I'd call... -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2007
Elijah was what I'd call a "running contradiction." He'd just stood up to the king and
The Tuesday night prayer meeting... -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2007
The Tuesday night prayer meeting was in full swing. They had begun by singing several
There are times when the... -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 1995
There are times when the Lord is more conspicuous about personally tending to the needs of his messe
The Tuesday night prayer meeting... -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 1995
The Tuesday night prayer meeting was in full swing.
It has often been said... -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 1995
It has often been said, "We are our own worst enemy." Elijah's worst enemy was not those in search o
Elijah had lost all perspective... -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 1995
Elijah had lost all perspective.
Some 10 to 14 million... -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
Some 10 to 14 million people in the United States, and some 10 to 20 percent of the world's populati
My favorite children's book is... -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
My favorite children's book is Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No-Good Very Bad Day by

The Immediate Word

Faith Outside the Box -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39, Psalm 42 and 43 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2019
For June 23, 2019:
Where Is Your God? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2016
The news was stunning -- a deranged man calmly waited until last call at a packed gay nightclub in O
Who Watches The Watchers? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2013
One of the main themes in the lectionary scripture texts for Proper 7 is the importance of truth-tel
What Have You Done For Me Lately? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2010
This week's Old Testament lesson addresses a problem that seems endemic to modern life -- burnout.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Faith Outside the Box -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39, Psalm 42 and 43 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2019
For June 23, 2019:
Where Is Your God? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2016
The news was stunning -- a deranged man calmly waited until last call at a packed gay nightclub in O
Who Watches The Watchers? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2013
One of the main themes in the lectionary scripture texts for Proper 7 is the importance of truth-tel
What Have You Done For Me Lately? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2010
This week's Old Testament lesson addresses a problem that seems endemic to modern life -- burnout.
Struggling With Depression -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
It is a depressing world out there.
The Price Of Faith -- Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29, 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
The ongoing debate over how America ought to respond to what many consider a rising tide of illegal

SermonStudio

Proper 7/Pentecost 5/Ordinary Time 12 -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of freedom.
Proper 7 -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2003
This story follows immediately on Elijah's victory over Jezebel's prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel,
Proper 7 -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Proper 7 -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a (C)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Faith Outside the Box -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39, Psalm 42 and 43 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2019
For June 23, 2019:
Where Is Your God? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2016
The news was stunning -- a deranged man calmly waited until last call at a packed gay nightclub in O
Who Watches The Watchers? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2013
One of the main themes in the lectionary scripture texts for Proper 7 is the importance of truth-tel
What Have You Done For Me Lately? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2010
This week's Old Testament lesson addresses a problem that seems endemic to modern life -- burnout.
Struggling With Depression -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
It is a depressing world out there.
The Price Of Faith -- Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29, 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
The ongoing debate over how America ought to respond to what many consider a rising tide of illegal

SermonStudio

At Points Of Despair -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2009
It seems almost inevitable that people who experience the highs of life are also going to experience
As Seen From The Solitary Broom Tree -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
I'm not sure when the term "burn out" ceased being only a description of what happened to a campfire
God Has Plans For Us -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2003
The name Robert Stroud is not one commonly heard in ordinary conversation, but this man's contributi
The Second Touch For The Out Of Touch! -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2000
There's an old legend that tells how God sent one of his angels to Satan with the message that all t

Stories

StoryShare

When I Fall In Love -- Luke 8:26-39, 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29 -- C. David Mckirachan, Sandra Herrmann, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2022
Contents"When I Fall in Love…" by C. David McKirachan
Gentle Whisper -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- John Fitzgerald -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2016
Contents "Gentle Whisper" by John Fitzgerald
End Of The Road -- Luke 8:26-39, 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Keith Hewitt, Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2013
Contents"End of the Road" by Keith Hewitt
Late For Her Own Funeral -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
A Story to Live By Late For Her Own Funeral
7 - 7-7-77 -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- Scott Dalgarno, Bonnie Compton Hanson, Timothy F. Merrill, David E. Leininger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "7 - 7-7-77" by Scott Dalgarno

SermonStudio

Stranger On A Fence Post -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- John E. Sumwalt, Bonnie Compton Hanson -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2003
Pulling his coat tight against the bitter wind, the old man stopped at the crest of Blue Bank Hill,

Worship

The Immediate Word

Faith Outside the Box -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39, Psalm 42 and 43 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2019
For June 23, 2019:
Where Is Your God? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2016
The news was stunning -- a deranged man calmly waited until last call at a packed gay nightclub in O
Who Watches The Watchers? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2013
One of the main themes in the lectionary scripture texts for Proper 7 is the importance of truth-tel
What Have You Done For Me Lately? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2010
This week's Old Testament lesson addresses a problem that seems endemic to modern life -- burnout.
Struggling With Depression -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
It is a depressing world out there.
The Price Of Faith -- Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29, 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
The ongoing debate over how America ought to respond to what many consider a rising tide of illegal

SermonStudio

Proper 7 / Ordinary Time 12 / Pentecost 3 -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39, Psalm 42 and 43 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2009
Zoos are no longer in people's good graces. Religion faces the same problem.
Proper 7/Ordinary Time 12 -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15aTheme: Take My Life -- Please
Proper 7 -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2003
Theme: What Are You Doing Here?Call To Worship
Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 | Pentecost 5 (First Reading) -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: 1 Kings 19:1-15a Theme: The Sound Of Silence
Faithful to the voice of God -- Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29, 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 1997
First Reading: 1 Kings 19:1-15a Theme: Faithful to the voice of God
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
and more...
Easter 4
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Tom Willadsen
For May 25, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A mat, like an exercise mat, or a blanket.

Note: You can do this all by yourself, but if you want to have more fun, help your children role-play the story. Select one child to be the sick man, and a few children to be the crowd. I usually play the role of Jesus so I can easily guide things. As you tell the story, have the sick man try to crawl, and have a group of children be the crowd blocking him, and then after Jesus helps him, have the man stand up, roll the mat up under his arm, and walk away smiling. Have fun with it!

StoryShare

Frank Ramirez
(This particular installment of StoryShare is adapted from a review of “Seven Psalms” that I wrote for Messenger, our denominational magazine.)

During the night, Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” (v. 9)

It all began with a dream.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
The church is a work in progress — and we are expected to be a critical part of that church’s work. In the absence of synagogue worship, Lydia and her fellow believers meet anyway at the riverside. Their faithfulness leads to Paul’s dream which helps create something where there was nothing. The passage from Revelation creates a target for us to aim for, and to work for, even as we wait for its perfect fulfillment.
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
Acts 16:9-15
John Calvin claimed that this is a text to stir up our commitments to reach out to those in need, especially in this time of intolerance towards immigrants and the poor. A 2024 Gallup poll indicates that 56% of Americans favor mass deportation. And in the most recent poll on the subject of the poor, (a 2002 NPR/Kaiser poll), 52% of Americans found the poor not to have a proper work ethic. It is unlikely we have outgrown that prejudice. In response, the reformer of Geneva wrote:

SermonStudio

Wayne Brouwer
During World War II, many members of the Lutheran church in Germany lost their faith because Hitler seduced them into ways of living that kept them from practicing their faith. But there was one man whom Hitler could not compromise. His name was Martin Niemöller. During World War I, Niemöller had been a great hero in the German military but when the Second World War came, he refused to bow to the authorities. He was marching to a different drumbeat. And march he did.
Forrest E. Chaffee
After this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
Stephen P. McCutchan
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us....
-- Psalm 67:1

Steven E. Albertin
(Sing the first verse and chorus of "The Battle Hymn Of The Republic.")

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He has loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword;
His truth is marching on.

Glory, glory! Hallelujah!
Glory, glory! Hallelujah!
Glory, glory! Hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.
1

Charles D. Reeb
Life has a way of presenting us with defining moments. I remember facing a defining moment in my ministry. I went to see a man in the hospital who was dying. He was not active in the church I pastored, but I knew who he was. When I entered his hospital room, his whole family was standing in a semi-circle around his bed. They greeted me, and then the man told his family that he wanted a moment alone with me. So they left us alone.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said to the paralysed man, "Stand up, take your mat and walk." In our worship today let us explore all that paralyses us, then let us respond to Jesus' command to stand up and walk.


Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes I'm so afraid of ridicule that I keep my head down.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes I'm so afraid of doing the wrong thing that I do nothing at all.
Christ, have mercy.

Special Occasion

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