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Genesis 32:22-31

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wrestling with the Undeniable -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2023
This is really happening. No, really. This is really happening.
Blessed Assurance -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5 -- David Coffin -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2020
A recently widowed woman in her early seventies is returning to the church where she raised her chil
Abundance -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2014
The wise old preacher hobbled up to the pulpit and made an announcement to the congregation.
Making war, making change -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2011
It has happened more than once that I have been counseling a young couple who are planning to get ma
God in unexpected places -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- David Kalas -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Early in the cherished 1965 movie, The Sound of Music, we see the sisters at the
Making war, making change -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2002
It has happened more than once that I have been counseling a young couple who are planning to get ma
Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1996
The desert hardly looks like a place of abundance.
Wrestling -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
We all love stories of courage among those who wrestle with daunting difficulties in life and actual

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Nag, Nag, Nag -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 121 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2022
For October 16, 2022:
Wrestling with an Unseen Enemy -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15, Isaiah 55:1-5, Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2020
For August 2, 2020:
Wrestling With Hope -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from Genesis, a tenacious Jacob is tested by an all-night wrestlin
You Give Them Something To Eat -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2011
As August 3rd approaches, our government leaders are locked in a struggle over how to keep America f
It's Decision Time: God Or The World? -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Every day in our lives is a series of decisions.
Striving -- Genesis 32:22-31, Isaiah 55:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
News of the nomination of Judge John Roberts for a seat on the Supreme Court has filled the news thi

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 13 / Pentecost 11 / OT 18 -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
Then the man said, "You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with Go

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 (2023) -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2023
Genesis 32:22-31
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 (2020) -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2020
Genesis 32:22-31
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 (2014) -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove, Scott A. Bryte, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2014
Genesis 32:22-31
Jacob is in hot water... -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2014
Jacob is in hot water!
Jacob had two wives... -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2014
Jacob had two wives, which can be a problem for those who follow scripture literally.
It is said that the... -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2014
It is said that the story of Jacob wrestling with God on the banks of the Jabbok River was one of Ma
NULL -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2011
Genesis 32:22-31
NULL -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2011
In 1614, Pocahontas married English colonist John Rolfe in Jamestown.
NULL -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2011
There's nothing like an injury to serve as a permanent reminder of something.
We might expect religion to... -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
We might expect religion to make our life with God easier. That wasn't the religion of
The famous black pitcher, Satchel... -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
The famous black pitcher, Satchel Paige, became famous for saying, "Don't look back.
Have you ever tried to... -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Have you ever tried to sleep using a stone for a pillow? No wonder Jacob had some
Genesis 32:22-31 We... -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Genesis 32:22-31
Jacob may have been the... -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
Jacob may have been the first person of faith to wrestle with God, but he was certainly not the last
A young man was learning... -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
A young man was learning to wrestle, unfortunately everyone he wrestled was more skilled and experie
Jacob wrestles with the angel... -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
Jacob wrestles with the angel ...
Fundraisers tell us there is... -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
Fundraisers tell us there is no way to receive a gift if we don't ask. Persistence can help.

The Immediate Word

Nag, Nag, Nag -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 121 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2022
For October 16, 2022:
Wrestling with an Unseen Enemy -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15, Isaiah 55:1-5, Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2020
For August 2, 2020:
Wrestling With Hope -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from Genesis, a tenacious Jacob is tested by an all-night wrestlin
You Give Them Something To Eat -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2011
As August 3rd approaches, our government leaders are locked in a struggle over how to keep America f
It's Decision Time: God Or The World? -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Every day in our lives is a series of decisions.
Striving -- Genesis 32:22-31, Isaiah 55:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
News of the nomination of Judge John Roberts for a seat on the Supreme Court has filled the news thi

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Nag, Nag, Nag -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 121 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2022
For October 16, 2022:
Wrestling with an Unseen Enemy -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15, Isaiah 55:1-5, Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2020
For August 2, 2020:
Wrestling With Hope -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from Genesis, a tenacious Jacob is tested by an all-night wrestlin
You Give Them Something To Eat -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2011
As August 3rd approaches, our government leaders are locked in a struggle over how to keep America f
It's Decision Time: God Or The World? -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Every day in our lives is a series of decisions.
Striving -- Genesis 32:22-31, Isaiah 55:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
News of the nomination of Judge John Roberts for a seat on the Supreme Court has filled the news thi

SermonStudio

Proper 13 / Pentecost 11 / Ordinary Time 18 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayWhen we wrestle with God, the encounter changes us.
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 32:22--31 (C)
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Isaiah 55:1-5 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
At the command of God (Genesis 31:13), Jacob is returning to Canaan from Haran after twenty years of
Proper 13, Pentecost 11, Ordinary Time 18 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 32:22-31 (C)
God provides for our needs, if we but trust him -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 32:22--31 (C)
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Genesis 32:22-31 (C)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Nag, Nag, Nag -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 121 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2022
For October 16, 2022:
Wrestling with an Unseen Enemy -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15, Isaiah 55:1-5, Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2020
For August 2, 2020:
Wrestling With Hope -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from Genesis, a tenacious Jacob is tested by an all-night wrestlin
You Give Them Something To Eat -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2011
As August 3rd approaches, our government leaders are locked in a struggle over how to keep America f
It's Decision Time: God Or The World? -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Every day in our lives is a series of decisions.
Striving -- Genesis 32:22-31, Isaiah 55:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
News of the nomination of Judge John Roberts for a seat on the Supreme Court has filled the news thi

SermonStudio

A Blessing In Disguise -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- David Kalas -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
I wonder how many of us here are named after someone.
An Incredible Encounter -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
Jacob sends presents to brother Esau in the hope of finding favor with him.
An Honest And Painful Wrestling Match -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- Douglas B. Bailey -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2001
Jacob's wrestling match at Peniel is much different from the wrestling matches we see on television
The Honor Of A Limp -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- Tempe Fussell, Curtis Fussell -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1998
Richard Sears was a young man when his father died, and so he had to go to work to support the famil

The Village Shepherd

Nightmare -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C
Anyone who has suffered any sort of trauma in life will know what it is to have bad dreams.
Wrestling With God -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
Tom and Ben couldn't stand each other.

Stories

StoryShare

Who are the Good People? -- Genesis 32:22-31, Isaiah 55:1-5, Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 -- C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2020
Contents"Who are the Good People?" by C. David McKirachan
Rules Fer Wrasslin' -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Frank Ramirez, John Fitzgerald -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2014
Contents"Rules fer Wrasslin' " by Frank Ramirez
Leap Of Faith -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Craig Kelly -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2011
Contents"Leap of Faith" by Peter Andrew Smith
Not A Cup But A Cow -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Frank Ramirez, Argile Smith -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Not a Cup but a Cow" by Frank Ramirez
Those Who Seek Refuge -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
Contents What's Up This Week

Worship

The Immediate Word

Nag, Nag, Nag -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 121 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2022
For October 16, 2022:
Wrestling with an Unseen Enemy -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15, Isaiah 55:1-5, Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2020
For August 2, 2020:
Wrestling With Hope -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from Genesis, a tenacious Jacob is tested by an all-night wrestlin
You Give Them Something To Eat -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2011
As August 3rd approaches, our government leaders are locked in a struggle over how to keep America f
It's Decision Time: God Or The World? -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Every day in our lives is a series of decisions.
Striving -- Genesis 32:22-31, Isaiah 55:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
News of the nomination of Judge John Roberts for a seat on the Supreme Court has filled the news thi

SermonStudio

Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: We come to this place of worship,
Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Genesis 32:22-31Theme: Out Of Joint
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
HymnsBreak Now The Bread Of Life (NCH321, CBH360, UM599, PH329)
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2001
Theme: Encountering GodCall To Worship
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 32:22-31Theme: Bless Me?Call To Worship
PROPER 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - 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
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 14 | OT 19 | Pentecost 9
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 15 | OT 20 | Pentecost 10
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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.

Special Occasion

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