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1 Thessalonians 2:9-13

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Community Memories -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- David Coffin -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2023
At first glance all three of today’s texts can seem intimidating for preachers who seek to be cultur
Witnesses -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2020
Abraham Kuyper served two terms as prime minister of the Netherlands in the early 20th century.
Servants -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2017
In Robert Bolt's play A Man for All Seasons, Sir Thomas More stands at a moral crossroads.
Law and life -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
God gives the law to the Israelites as a blessing and guidance for new life after generations of pro
Imitation Christianity -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- David Kalas -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2011
So much of what we human beings learn to do, we learn to do by imitation.
The trouble with religion -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 1999
Speaking out against religion is as popular as ridiculing the American flag, motherhood, and apple p

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Jesus Gives the Job Description -- Matthew 5:1-12, Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A, All Saints Day - A -- 2023
For November 1/5, 2023:
Swamp Cleaning 101 -- Matthew 23:1-12, Matthew 5:1-12, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- All Saints Day - A, Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for Proper 26 (Matthew 23:1-12), Jesus shames the scribes and the Phar
For All The Saints -- Matthew 23:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Joshua 3:7-17, Psalm 34:1-10, 22 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
Many congregations will be celebrating All Saints Sunday this week -- and in this installment of

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Neat and tidy -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2011
You are witnesses, and God also, how pure, upright, and blameless our conduct was toward you beli
Good job -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2008
We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the
Thank you -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel
The word of God -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A
Good morning! Today is a special Sunday for us. Can anybody
A life worthy of God -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you enjoy playing

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 26 / Pentecost 24 / OT 31 -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2007
We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you h

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2023) -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2023
Joshua 3:7-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2020) -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2020
Joshua 3:7-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2017) -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2017
Joshua 3:7-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2014) -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
Joshua 3:7-17
I have a Baptist pastor friend... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
I have a Baptist pastor friend who is so proud of the fact that he has a job on the side and gets no
Paul writes to the Thessalonians... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
Paul writes to the Thessalonians that he has been a messenger of encouragement to them and, in essen
In the popular game show To Tell the Truth... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Brian Hohmeier -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2011
In the popular game show To Tell the Truth, a celebrity panel would ask questions to a group
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2011) -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2011
Joshua 3:7-17
The Johnsons owned a hardware store... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2011
The Johnsons owned a hardware store and they devoted their lives to their business -- tracking what
At local taverns, pubs, and bars... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Ron Love -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2011
At local taverns, pubs, and bars, people drank from pint and quart-sized containers.
In the movie, Forrest Gump... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2008
In the movie, Forrest Gump, Forrest has many amazing abilities but has an IQ of about seventy
Grandma and Grandpa worked hard... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2008
Grandma and Grandpa worked hard.
The apostle Paul models an... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2008
The apostle Paul models an excellent work ethic through making tents.
Joshua 3:7-17 There... -- Matthew 23:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Joshua 3:7-17 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2008
Joshua 3:7-17
In 1940, a British officer... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 1999
In 1940, a British officer on Dunkirk beach flashed to London a three-word message: "But if not." It
For you know that we... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 1999
"For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, c
The apostle Paul speaks of... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 1999
The apostle Paul speaks of honoring God with our lives in our lesson.
How can you stand there... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 1999
"How can you stand there and talk about God?" sneered Jim.

The Immediate Word

Jesus Gives the Job Description -- Matthew 5:1-12, Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A, All Saints Day - A -- 2023
For November 1/5, 2023:
Swamp Cleaning 101 -- Matthew 23:1-12, Matthew 5:1-12, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- All Saints Day - A, Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for Proper 26 (Matthew 23:1-12), Jesus shames the scribes and the Phar
For All The Saints -- Matthew 23:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Joshua 3:7-17, Psalm 34:1-10, 22 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
Many congregations will be celebrating All Saints Sunday this week -- and in this installment of

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Jesus Gives the Job Description -- Matthew 5:1-12, Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A, All Saints Day - A -- 2023
For November 1/5, 2023:
Swamp Cleaning 101 -- Matthew 23:1-12, Matthew 5:1-12, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- All Saints Day - A, Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for Proper 26 (Matthew 23:1-12), Jesus shames the scribes and the Phar
For All The Saints -- Matthew 23:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Joshua 3:7-17, Psalm 34:1-10, 22 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
Many congregations will be celebrating All Saints Sunday this week -- and in this installment of

SermonStudio

Proper 26 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Matthew 23:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Joshua 3:7-17, Psalm 43, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
Theme of the DayThe marvelous things God's word does.
Proper 26 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayRole-models are important to us in our life of faith.
Proper 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joshua 3:7--17 (C)
Proper 26, Pentecost 24, Ordinary Time 31 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joshua 3:7-17 (C)
Warning against religious hypocrisy -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joshua 3:7--17 (C)
Proper 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Joshua 3:7-17 (C)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Jesus Gives the Job Description -- Matthew 5:1-12, Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A, All Saints Day - A -- 2023
For November 1/5, 2023:
Swamp Cleaning 101 -- Matthew 23:1-12, Matthew 5:1-12, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- All Saints Day - A, Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for Proper 26 (Matthew 23:1-12), Jesus shames the scribes and the Phar
For All The Saints -- Matthew 23:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Joshua 3:7-17, Psalm 34:1-10, 22 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
Many congregations will be celebrating All Saints Sunday this week -- and in this installment of

SermonStudio

What Can We Believe about the Christian Life? -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2010
Paul frequently reminded the Thessalonians of the kind of life that he and his friends lived while t
Mentoring Matters -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2007
A man, a woman, a house, and a pitchfork.
Worthy Of God -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Richard C. Brand -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
It seems fair to say that the saints of the Lord have always shown us what it is to be worthy of God
Marks Of A Model Minister -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1997
Because he often banged his fists into people's faces, they called him Bam Bam.

The Village Shepherd

Priorities, Energy And Work -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A
When my father was dying. he started to give away all his possessions.

Stories

StoryShare

Incident In Jericho -- Matthew 23:1-12, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- David O. Bales -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2017
Contents "Incident In Jericho" by David O. Bales
Who Me? -- Matthew 23:1-12, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- C. David Mckirachan, Keith Hewitt -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
Contents"Who Me?" by C. David McKirachan
Lost -- Matthew 23:1-12, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Keith Hewitt, Larry Winebrenner, Peter Andrew Smith, Constance Berg, Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A, All Saints Day - A -- 2011
Contents "New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann "Lost" by Keith Hewitt
The Fifth Gospel -- Matthew 23:1-12, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- John S. Smylie, Keith Hewitt, Bryan Meadows, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A, All Saints Day - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "The Fifth Gospel" by John Smylie
The Reformer -- Matthew 23:1-12, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Jo Perry-Sumwalt, Bonnie Compton Hanson, Victor Shepherd, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2005
Contents What's Up This Week

Worship

The Immediate Word

Jesus Gives the Job Description -- Matthew 5:1-12, Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A, All Saints Day - A -- 2023
For November 1/5, 2023:
Swamp Cleaning 101 -- Matthew 23:1-12, Matthew 5:1-12, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- All Saints Day - A, Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for Proper 26 (Matthew 23:1-12), Jesus shames the scribes and the Phar
For All The Saints -- Matthew 23:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Joshua 3:7-17, Psalm 34:1-10, 22 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
Many congregations will be celebrating All Saints Sunday this week -- and in this installment of

SermonStudio

Proper 26 / Ordinary Time 31 / Pentecost 23 -- Matthew 23:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 43 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Proper 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: Some have come a great distance,
Taking The Plunge (What's An Ebenezer?) -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Proper 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
HymnsAsk Me What Great Things I Know (NCH49, UM163, CBH337)
Proper 26 -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2001
Theme: God's Work In UsCall To Worship
Proper 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Joshua 3:7-17Theme: Miracles of Leadership Call To Worship
PROPER 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 20 | OT 25 | Pentecost 15
30 – Sermons
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Proper 21 | OT 26 | Pentecost 16
29 – Sermons
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27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
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Proper 22 | OT 27 | Pentecost 17
34 – Sermons
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32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
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31 – Commentary / Exegesis
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For September 28, 2025:
  • Money! Money! Money! by Dean Feldmeyer based on Acts 2:1-21. “This is the even-handed dealing of the world! There is nothing on which it is so hard as poverty; and there is nothing it professes to condemn with such severity as the pursuit of wealth!” — Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
The president of the college I attended was the kind of man who always said what was on his mind. He had a very healthy self-image and wasn’t concerned about how people might take him. At one of the graduation ceremonies, he stood at the podium, looked out over the huge crowd of people, shook his head, and said to himself (right into the microphone, of course), “All these Christians in one place, and no one’s taking an offering!”
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15
The lesson makes clear that God is present in the world of business, in our daily work.  John Wesley offered thoughtful reflections on the nature of work; he noted:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. (vv. 14-15)

One morning last October, Bruce Klemm got up and sang a song to his wife, Virginia, as he has done every morning of the 42 years they have been married. Little did he know that within a few hours, he would be calling her to say goodbye.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus told a story about a rich man and a beggar to illustrate the way in which we fail to notice those who are poor. In our worship today let us remember the poor and ask God to teach us a real concern for them.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we fail notice some people.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we deliberately leave people out.

Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we care only about ourselves.

SermonStudio

James Evans
(See Lent 1, Cycle C, for an alternative approach to vv. 1-2 and 9-16.)

The writer of this psalm deftly employs a striking image, that at once offers us hope in times of trouble -- but at the same time, redefines for us what it means to be a human being in the world.

Schuyler Rhodes
Many Christians can be heard in or out of worship these days as they lift up their voices and say, "Praise the Lord!" The phrases are familiar, almost rote. Mouths open and words emerge. Pastors and liturgists remind the faithful that this God is not only worthy of our praise; this God sort of requires it of us. This God is a jealous God (Exodus 20:5) who brooks no competition from other gods we might pursue. Yes, God is worthy of praise. Right?
Clayton A. Lord Jr.
It always amazes me when I read about a sports figure who decides to hold out for more money. With salaries that are often in the millions, they feel underpaid unless they are at the next level. I heard one player say to a reporter on Sports Center, "It's not about the money. It is about respect." A few moments later, the host of the show made the comment, "When they say it isn't about the money, it's always about the money."

Chrysanne Timm
As we conclude several weeks of readings in the book of the prophet Jeremiah and next week look at the companion text from the book of Lamentations, a common thread begins to emerge. It is the thread of grief. Jeremiah has been called by God to a truly thankless job -- that of accompanying the people of his homeland into a time of loss and grief. Because of decades of idolatry and treaties with neighboring nations, the people of Judah will lose the land God once graciously gave to their ancestors.
R. Robert Cueni
The lesson for today continues the discussion on the proper use of material possessions by describing what happens when a person tries to "serve both God and wealth" (Luke 16:13). Today's Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus leaves us repulsed by the gory details, puzzled by the literal description of eternal life, and hopeful that the Lord didn't really mean all those terrible things about the punishment due us "Haves" for our treatment of the "Have Nots."

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Good morning, boys and girls. I brought some coins with me this morning. (Show the coins.) How many of these coins would it take to be rich? (Let them respond.) I think it would take millions of these coins before you would really be rich. How many of you would like to be rich? (Wait for show of hands.) I think most of us would like to be rich. What would you think if you had a wish that everything you touched turned to gold? (Let them respond.) You would soon have lots and lots of gold and you would quickly be very, very rich. There's a famous story about a man who had

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