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Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

It's More Than You Think -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Esther is not just the winner of a beauty contest.
What righteousness means -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2015
In our day, “righteousness” is often mistakenly interpreted as “self-righteousness.” This i
Power alignment -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
Fred was a big man with a big heart.
Public enemy -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- David Kalas -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2006
If only he had understood his real enemy.
Lines in the sand -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2003
I don't know for a certainty that this story is in fact the origin of the saying, but with family ro
Togetherness -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2000
We humans are gregarious creatures, aren't we?
Who are God's people? -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1997
Is the world bad or good?

Free Access

It's More Than You Think -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Esther is not just the winner of a beauty contest.

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Better than what? -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Late Night With God -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2015
In this week’s epistle passage, James extols the power of faith -- and specifically of prayer -- to
The Politics Of Division -- Or Addition -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
Making conclusions based on anecdotal evidence is a tricky proposition -- while it can often powerfu
The Hiddenness Of God And God's Human Witnesses -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Mark 9:38-50 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
One God, Many Faiths, And A Divided World -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
This Sunday The Immediate Word writers will be discussing how hearing the words, "I'm sorry"

Free Access

Better Than What? -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 21 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2008
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 (2018) -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 (2015) -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2015
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 (2012) -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22
NULL -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
In Esther 9:20-22 we have the origins of the festival of Purim associated with the Esther story.
NULL -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
With a lot of earthly wisdom and femme fatale, Esther achieved justice for the Jewish people, perhap
What can you do when... -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2006
What can you do when you're treated unfairly? Go to any bookstore and you'll find books
In 1990, Jeremy Irons won... -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2006
In 1990, Jeremy Irons won an Oscar for his portrayal of Claus von Bulow in the film,
Every year, Tony would bring... -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2006
Every year, Tony would bring his family to the annual Veterans of Foreign Wars dinner
There is the story of... -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2006
There is the story of a young Parisian woman who wanted to marry an allusive and rather
While we may despise Haman... -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2003
While we may despise Haman for what he was plotting to do, let us not overlook what Americans did in
History does not treat kindly... -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1994
History does not treat kindly a person who betrays another.
Days of celebration often mark... -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1994
Days of celebration often mark events of freedom.

The Immediate Word

Better than what? -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Late Night With God -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2015
In this week’s epistle passage, James extols the power of faith -- and specifically of prayer -- to
The Politics Of Division -- Or Addition -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
Making conclusions based on anecdotal evidence is a tricky proposition -- while it can often powerfu
The Hiddenness Of God And God's Human Witnesses -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Mark 9:38-50 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
One God, Many Faiths, And A Divided World -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
This Sunday The Immediate Word writers will be discussing how hearing the words, "I'm sorry"

Free Access

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 (2018) -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22
Better Than What? -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Better than what? -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Late Night With God -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2015
In this week’s epistle passage, James extols the power of faith -- and specifically of prayer -- to
The Politics Of Division -- Or Addition -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
Making conclusions based on anecdotal evidence is a tricky proposition -- while it can often powerfu
The Hiddenness Of God And God's Human Witnesses -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Mark 9:38-50 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
One God, Many Faiths, And A Divided World -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
This Sunday The Immediate Word writers will be discussing how hearing the words, "I'm sorry"

Free Access

Better Than What? -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Brand Name Or Generic? -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Providing a preserving and redemptive effect on the world.

SermonStudio

Proper 21 / Pentecost 18 / Ordinary Time 26 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayBaptizing worldly wisdom. Collect of the Day
Proper 21 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2001
As referred to in 9:20--22 in our text, Esther is a book that celebrates Jewish deliverance from per
Proper 21 (C, E) -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 (C)
Brand Name Or Generic? -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Providing a preserving and redemptive effect on the world.
Proper 21 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1993
It is a wonder that the book of Esther, written about 460
Proper 21 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1990
The theological content of every Sunday in the year focuses on the resurrection of our Lord as a "Li
Proper 21, Pentecost 19, Ordinary Time 26 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Seasonal Theme

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Better than what? -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Late Night With God -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2015
In this week’s epistle passage, James extols the power of faith -- and specifically of prayer -- to
The Politics Of Division -- Or Addition -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
Making conclusions based on anecdotal evidence is a tricky proposition -- while it can often powerfu
The Hiddenness Of God And God's Human Witnesses -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Mark 9:38-50 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
One God, Many Faiths, And A Divided World -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
This Sunday The Immediate Word writers will be discussing how hearing the words, "I'm sorry"

Free Access

Better Than What? -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018

SermonStudio

The Place Beyond Revenge -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2008
A custom is begun!
Stewards Of Power -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2005
Stewards Of Power
You Can Make It Happen -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2002
Some friends invited Brenda to go rock climbing with them.
Mirror, Mirror On The Wall...! -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1999
Do you remember the fairy tale "Snow White"?

The Village Shepherd

Risking Everything -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Heroes of our time, like Bonhoeffer or Edith Cavell or Martin Luther King are remembered and admired

Stories

StoryShare

Hoisted On Their Own Petard -- James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Mark 9:38-50 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Contents “Hoisted On Their Own Petard” by C. David McKirachan
Basic Lessons For The Faith Community -- James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Keith Wagner -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2015
Contents "Basic Lessons for the Faith Community" by Keith Wagner
Family -- Mark 9:38-50, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Psalm 124 -- C. David Mckirachan, Lamar Massingill, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
Contents"Family" by C. David McKirachan
Blue Sky Thunder -- Mark 9:38-50, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Psalm 124 -- Keith Hewitt, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Blue Sky Thunder" by Keith Hewitt
Einstein's Youngest Student -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Contents
Not Cheating The Taxman? -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Constance Berg, Charles Cammarata -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
ContentsWhat's Up This Week

Free Access

Hoisted On Their Own Petard -- James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Mark 9:38-50 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Contents “Hoisted On Their Own Petard” by C. David McKirachan

SermonStudio

The God Who Is Always There -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2008
The always-there God? Do you wonder which God that might be?

Worship

The Immediate Word

Better than what? -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Late Night With God -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2015
In this week’s epistle passage, James extols the power of faith -- and specifically of prayer -- to
The Politics Of Division -- Or Addition -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
Making conclusions based on anecdotal evidence is a tricky proposition -- while it can often powerfu
The Hiddenness Of God And God's Human Witnesses -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Mark 9:38-50 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
One God, Many Faiths, And A Divided World -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
This Sunday The Immediate Word writers will be discussing how hearing the words, "I'm sorry"

Free Access

Better Than What? -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018

SermonStudio

Theme: For Such A Time As This -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipFrom Psalm 124. Leader:
Speak Up For Freedom -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: How shall we serve our God who has blessed us in so many ways?
Speaking Up -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Proper 21 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who would proclaim God's word gather now for worship!
PROPER 21 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPPraise the name of the Lord, you servants of the Lord, who stand
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
George Reed
Bethany Peerbolte
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
For April 18, 2021:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

StoryShare

Frank Ramirez
John E. Sumwalt
Contents
"Pause, Sign, Ponder, Reflect" by Frank Ramirez
"Reunite Refugee Children and Parents" by John Sumwalt
 

Pause, Sign, Ponder, Reflect
by Frank Ramirez
Psalm 4

When you are disturbed, do not sin; ponder it on your beds, and be silent. (Psalm 4:4)

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Acts 3:12-19
Wayne Brouwer
Note: This installment was originally published for April 22, 2012.

During the time of the Reformation, John Foxe of England was impressed by the testimony of the early Christians. He gleaned the pages of early historical writings, and wrote a book that has become a classic in the church: Foxe's Book of Martyrs.

One story he tells is about an early church leader named Lawrence. Lawrence acted as a pastor for a church community. He also collected the offerings for the poor each week and that led to his death.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus said, "Peace be with you. You are witnesses to the living Christ." Let us welcome the living Christ in our worship today.
Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we are frightened and anxious.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we aren't good witnesses to you.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, forgive us for all those things we think and do which we know are wrong.

SermonStudio

John A. Stroman
The theme of 1 John all along has been the love of God. The author now expands that love in the phrase, "the children of God," and for the first time he considers what it means to be the children of God. Earlier, he presented love within the fellowship and now he speaks of the meaning of God's love for us and its implications for the future. The consequences and proof of the love of God are evident in being called "the children of God." He is careful to point out that the love of God is a gift; we do not earn it.
Robert A. Noblett
Here's the scene. The disciples are huddled together and they have just heard Simon's account of experiencing the risen Christ when Cleopas and his companion enter and add word of their encounter with the risen Christ. Luke describes the scene like this: "While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, 'Peace be with you.' They were startled and terrified, and thought they were seeing a ghost" (v. 36).
James R. Wilson
First Lesson: Acts 3:12-19
Theme: Responding to God with repentance

Call To Worship
Leader: Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!
People: Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven!
Leader: Let us proclaim in all the world the glory due God's name!
People: Let us bring our offerings into the courts of Almighty God!
Leader: Let us come together and bring praise for our salvation in Christ!
All: Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Collect

Special Occasion