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Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The Surprising Character of Grace -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2023
The texts for this Sunday send a message about the surprising character of grace.
Not As Entitled As You Think -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
“Me and the man upstairs have an understanding.”
Declarations -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2017
The year was 1934.
We shall be as a city upon a hill -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Ron Love -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2014
Over fifty years ago on January 9, John Fitzgerald Kennedy gave his farewell speech to the Massachus
Law-abiding citizens -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- David Kalas -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2011
The Old Testament law may not be an object of daily meditation for most of our people but it ought t
Genuine imitation leather -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46, Psalm 19 -- David Kalas -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2008
From time to time we come across things that are meant to sound or look like something
God's top-ten list -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2002
One of the staples of The Late Show with David Letterman has long been its nightly top-ten list.
Managing what has been entrusted -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1999
In many congregations October is stewardship month.
Obedient love -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1996
As we move to Mount Sinai and the giving of the law we notice a change in Moses' role as leader.

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Not As Entitled As You Think -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
“Me and the man upstairs have an understanding.”

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Mission: Control -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2023
For October 8, 2023:
The Influence Of Her Religion -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
For October 4, 2020:
From Womb To Tomb -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2011
This week the lectionary's designated Old Testament passage is God's declaration of the Ten Commandm

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The Influence Of Her Religion -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
For October 4, 2020:

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 22 / Pentecost 20 / OT 27 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2007
You shall have no other gods before me.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 (2023) -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2023
Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 (2020) -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 (2017) -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2017
Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2014
Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
American Christians like... -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2014
American Christians like to think that they are pretty good at keeping the Ten Commandments.
The United States Constitution... -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Ron Love -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2014
The United States Constitution is not a religious document but a political treatise assuring that th
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 (2011) -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2011
Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
There is an old story about a bandit... -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2011
There is an old story about a bandit in the Far East who was badly injured and taken to a Christian
There have been many historical inspirations... -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Craig Kelly -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2011
There have been many historical inspirations for our current system of law and jurisprudence.
Somebody ran some famous documents... -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2008
Somebody ran some famous documents through a computer to count the number of
Which of the Ten Commandments... -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2008
Which of the Ten Commandments do you think is the most important? You shall not
I am constantly worried about... -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2008
"I am constantly worried about my son's ethical education." A. J. Jacobs writes in his
As much as they may... -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2008
As much as they may be ignored by many people, the Ten Commandments represent for
Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20... -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2008
Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20

The Immediate Word

Mission: Control -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2023
For October 8, 2023:
The Influence Of Her Religion -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
For October 4, 2020:
From Womb To Tomb -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2011
This week the lectionary's designated Old Testament passage is God's declaration of the Ten Commandm

StoryShare

Rules for Life -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2023
Teddy thought for a moment and then shook his head. “I appreciate you asking but no thanks.”

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The Influence Of Her Religion -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
For October 4, 2020:
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 (2020) -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Mission: Control -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2023
For October 8, 2023:
The Influence Of Her Religion -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
For October 4, 2020:
From Womb To Tomb -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2011
This week the lectionary's designated Old Testament passage is God's declaration of the Ten Commandm

Free Access

The Influence Of Her Religion -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
For October 4, 2020:

SermonStudio

Proper 22 / Pentecost 20 / Ordinary Time 27 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 (C)
Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
Our story of Israel has brought us to Mount Sinai, where Israel has heard that she is God's elected
Proper 22, Pentecost 20, Ordinary Time 27 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 (C)
God's judgment on those who do not produce the fruits of righteousness -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 20:1--4, 7--9, 12--20 (C)
Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-43 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 (C)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Mission: Control -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2023
For October 8, 2023:
The Influence Of Her Religion -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
For October 4, 2020:
From Womb To Tomb -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2011
This week the lectionary's designated Old Testament passage is God's declaration of the Ten Commandm

Free Access

The Influence Of Her Religion -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
For October 4, 2020:

SermonStudio

Appointment With Thunder -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- David Kalas -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2007
If you're like me, then you've spent your whole life in the church.
Ten Friends Drive Us To The Promise -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
"One day last spring, something memorable happened at Carleton University (in Ottawa, Ontario, Canad
When God Is Not "User Friendly" -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Douglas B. Bailey -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2001
Someone has suggested that if we simply posted the Ten Commandments on the wall in every school buil
The Mandate: Positive And Purposeful -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- William A. Jones -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1998
No other God, no graven images, no taking of the name of the Lord in vain, no work on the Sabbath, n

Stories

StoryShare

Rules for Life -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2023
Teddy thought for a moment and then shook his head. “I appreciate you asking but no thanks.”
Everyman Stands For Every Man -- Matthew 21:33-46, Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Psalm 19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2017
For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the people of Judah are his pl
Spilled Milk -- Matthew 21:33-46, Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Psalm 19 -- Frank Ramirez, John Fitzgerald -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2014
Contents"Spilled Milk" by Frank Ramirez
Gentlemen's Game -- Matthew 21:33-46, Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- C. David Mckirachan, Larry Winebrenner, Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2011
Contents"Gentlemen's Game" by C. David McKirachan

SermonStudio

God Cares About Justice -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2007
God cares about justice! Hardly a startling statement.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Mission: Control -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2023
For October 8, 2023:
The Influence Of Her Religion -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
For October 4, 2020:
From Womb To Tomb -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2011
This week the lectionary's designated Old Testament passage is God's declaration of the Ten Commandm

Free Access

The Influence Of Her Religion -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
For October 4, 2020:
Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
HymnsCantemos al Senor (O Sing To The Lord) (UM149, CBH55, NCH39, PH472)

SermonStudio

Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: All around us, the universe sings
Ten Words -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 19:7-10)
Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
HymnsCantemos al Senor (O Sing To The Lord) (UM149, CBH55, NCH39, PH472)
Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Ten CommandmentsCall To Worship
Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20Theme: Ten Commandments
PROPER 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 13 | OT 18 | Pentecost 8
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4 – Pastor's Devotions
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29 – Sermons
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27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
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29 – Commentary / Exegesis
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Proper 15 | OT 20 | Pentecost 10
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
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26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
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and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For August 17, 2025:
  • When Good News Is Bad News by Dean Feldmeyer based on Acts 2:1-21. Charles Darwin believed that the two most significant achievements in human history were the development of language and the harnessing of fire. Today we apply both, language and the symbol of fire, to our understanding of the gospel.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Isaiah 5:1-7
David Coffin
When does the status quo no longer seem to be working? In her book, The Last Flight Julie Clark begins with the seemingly flawlessly choreographed life of Claire Cook, the wife of a wealthy politician at the peak of this political dynasty. Despite the elegant surroundings of the Manhattan townhouse, staff of ten servants, life behind closed doors is different. Her husband Rory has a hot temper, and is abusive. There is also the memory of the mysterious death of his first wife.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
How long? Will the hearts of the prophets ever turn back—those who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart? (Jeremiah 23:26)

You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? (Luke 12:56)

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A fire extinguisher.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! Let’s get started. But I need to warn you that this is a really strange story. At least the things that Jesus says sound really strange. But let’s see if we can figure out what the story is really all about.

(Show the fire extinguisher.)  This is a little reminder that sometimes it is really hard to follow Jesus and do what he wants us to do!

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said that life would not be easy for Christians, but calls us to stand up for our beliefs. In our worship today let us acknowledge and explore the difficulties of standing as a Christian in today's society.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we find it easier to go with the flow than to stand against other people.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we feel overwhelmed by the number of people who ignore you.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
(See Advent 4, Cycle A, and Advent 1, Cycle B, for alternative approaches.)

William E. Keeney
49"I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! 51Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! 52From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; 53they will be divided:
father against son
and son against father,
mother against daughter
and daughter against mother,
mother-in-law against her
Elizabeth Achtemeier
This passage is famously known as Isaiah's "Song of the Vineyard." It begins with the prophet singing, in what we would describe as troubadour-fashion, a love song about his dod, his friend, the beloved. Everyone is interested in a love affair, of course, and so the song is intended to capture the interest of Isaiah's listeners.
Clayton A. Lord Jr.
What can faith do? It can part a raging sea and allow a nation to walk through. What can faith do? It can knock down the walls of a fortified city so that God can prove a point. What can faith do? It can single out a woman who follows God's lead and protect her from certain death. Today many people are into "reality" television shows where individuals are put to extreme tests. We watch them because we like to see others battle against great odds and come out victorious.

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