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Hebrews 11:29--12:2

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Jesus versus family values -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2022
Note: This installment was originally published in 2007.
Marathon -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
The Desert Fathers told of a father and a son who were traveling together.
Welcoming stress -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2016
In this week’s gospel passage Jesus says, “What stress I am under!” How often do we make this claim,
Created to be God's people -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- David Coffin -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
A congregation has started a new ministry to work with younger children.
Sober reflections -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
My memories of my great-grandmother Bolt are very vague.
Hall of fame game -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- David Kalas -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
Every major professional sport has a hall of fame. So do a lot of more obscure sports.
Tuning the fourth turning -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2001
People often think more highly of themselves than their behavior in fact reflects.
Judgment -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 1998
These are hard texts and no responsible exegete can make them easy.

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Holy Heart Burn -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19, Jeremiah 23:23-29, Psalm 82 -- Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2022
For August 14, 2022:
Seeing the Signs, Taking the Steps -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
For August 18, 2019:
Eeny, Meeny, Miney, Moe -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2016
In this week’s gospel passage, Jesus rails that he has not come to bring peace but rather division -
Sour Grapes -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
In this week’s lectionary passage from the book of Isaiah, the prophet laments the strained rela
Pick Your Witnesses -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, the author of Hebrews takes us on a mini-tour of the Old
Signs Of The Times -- Luke 12:49-56, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
In the Gospel lesson for this Sunday (Luke 12:49-56), Jesus chides the disciples for focusing on imm
Hero Time -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
Athletes and sports in general are always hot topics in American culture -- and even more so during

CSSPlus

True heroes -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
"For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the p
My heroes -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak,
Sin tangles us up -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
I need a volunteer today. (Select your helper.) I am going to tie you up, okay?
Staying focused -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
Good morning! I brought this board with me today to see how
Run the race -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
Good morning!

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 15 / Pentecost 13 / Ordinary Time 20 -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2009
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2022) -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2022
Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2019) -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
Isaiah 5:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2016) -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, R. Robert Cueni, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2016
Isaiah 5:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2013) -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Scott A. Bryte, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
Isaiah 5:1-7
We underestimate the power... -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
We underestimate the power of faith.
The Green Lantern, Superman... -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
The Green Lantern, Superman, Wonder Woman, the Incredible Hulk, Spiderman, Captain America -- superh
NULL -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
During the Underground Railroad, people would hide runaway slaves in their homes.
NULL -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
I visited Israel as a tourist several years ago.
NULL -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
IllustrationsIsaiah 5:1-7
The writer of Hebrews frames... -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
The writer of Hebrews frames pictures of people who lived by faith. He mounts those
If a life is so... -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
If a life is so richly rewarded when one walks by faith -- why is it so rarely seen? I have
My recent reading included the... -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
My recent reading included the story of the skilled carpenter who is asked to build a
Today's scripture from Hebrews is... -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
Today's scripture from Hebrews is one of the purple passages in the Bible. The great roll
I like to collect congregational... -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2001
I like to collect congregational history books.
As we become aware of... -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2001
As we become aware of the cloud of witnesses surrounding us, we should draw encouragement from them
Ten-year-old Taylor Touchstone... -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2001
Ten-year-old Taylor Touchstone survived four days alone in the waters of Turtle Swamp, Florida, swim
When this passage talks about... -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2001
When this passage talks about keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, I am reminded of open water swimming.
After describing many glorious deeds... -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 1998
After describing many glorious deeds performed by spiritual heroes of the past, the author of Hebrew
Heroes come in many shapes... -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 1998
Heroes come in many shapes, sizes, and colors.

The Immediate Word

Holy Heart Burn -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19, Jeremiah 23:23-29, Psalm 82 -- Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2022
For August 14, 2022:
Seeing the Signs, Taking the Steps -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
For August 18, 2019:
Eeny, Meeny, Miney, Moe -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2016
In this week’s gospel passage, Jesus rails that he has not come to bring peace but rather division -
Sour Grapes -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
In this week’s lectionary passage from the book of Isaiah, the prophet laments the strained rela
Pick Your Witnesses -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, the author of Hebrews takes us on a mini-tour of the Old
Signs Of The Times -- Luke 12:49-56, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
In the Gospel lesson for this Sunday (Luke 12:49-56), Jesus chides the disciples for focusing on imm

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Holy Heart Burn -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19, Jeremiah 23:23-29, Psalm 82 -- Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2022
For August 14, 2022:
Seeing the Signs, Taking the Steps -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
For August 18, 2019:
Eeny, Meeny, Miney, Moe -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2016
In this week’s gospel passage, Jesus rails that he has not come to bring peace but rather division -
Sour Grapes -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
In this week’s lectionary passage from the book of Isaiah, the prophet laments the strained rela
Pick Your Witnesses -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, the author of Hebrews takes us on a mini-tour of the Old
Signs Of The Times -- Luke 12:49-56, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
In the Gospel lesson for this Sunday (Luke 12:49-56), Jesus chides the disciples for focusing on imm
Hero Time -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
Athletes and sports in general are always hot topics in American culture -- and even more so during

SermonStudio

Proper 15 -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 5:1-7 (C)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Holy Heart Burn -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19, Jeremiah 23:23-29, Psalm 82 -- Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2022
For August 14, 2022:
Seeing the Signs, Taking the Steps -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
For August 18, 2019:
Eeny, Meeny, Miney, Moe -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2016
In this week’s gospel passage, Jesus rails that he has not come to bring peace but rather division -
Sour Grapes -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
In this week’s lectionary passage from the book of Isaiah, the prophet laments the strained rela
Pick Your Witnesses -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, the author of Hebrews takes us on a mini-tour of the Old
Signs Of The Times -- Luke 12:49-56, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
In the Gospel lesson for this Sunday (Luke 12:49-56), Jesus chides the disciples for focusing on imm
Hero Time -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
Athletes and sports in general are always hot topics in American culture -- and even more so during

SermonStudio

Running With Perseverance -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2009
United Methodist Bishop, Robert Schnase, tells of his hobby as a "serious runner." He reports that p
Unlocking The Power Of God -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2006
What can faith do? It can part a raging sea and allow a nation to walk through. What can faith do?
Look To Jesus -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2003
I never shall forget the time when I first donned the colors of the Purple and Gold.
No Pain, No Gain -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Kirk R. Webster -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2000
In his colorful commentary on Hebrews, Thomas Long paints a picture of the historical setting surrou

The Village Shepherd

Hang On In There -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
Although I love reading, I've never been a great lover of biographies.

Stories

StoryShare

A Cloud of Witnesses -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
Contents “A Cloud of Witnesses” by Peter Andrew Smith
What More Could I Have Done? -- Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Sandra Herrmann, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2016
Contents "What More Could I Have Done?" by Sandra Herrmann
The Song Of The Vineyard -- Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Keith Hewitt, John Fitzgerald -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
Contents"The Song of the Vineyard" by Keith Hewitt
The Parable And The Prophet -- Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Sandra Herrmann, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
Contents"The Parable and the Prophet" by Sandra Herrmann
Donnie's Plant -- Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Stan Purdum, Gregory L. Tolle, David E. Leininger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Donnie's Plant" by Stan Purdum
Faith Like A Lion -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
And what more should I say?

SermonStudio

Running With The Holy -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2006
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every
The Fat Factor -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2003
Camryn Manheim is an actor, best known for her role as the no-nonsense, take-no-prisoners, Eleanor F
The Faithful Harlot -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 1994
What's a bad girl like you doing in a list like this?
Proper 15 -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- John Steward -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
In Plato's Symposium there is an allegory that imagines the beginning of human beings.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Holy Heart Burn -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19, Jeremiah 23:23-29, Psalm 82 -- Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2022
For August 14, 2022:
Seeing the Signs, Taking the Steps -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
For August 18, 2019:
Eeny, Meeny, Miney, Moe -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2016
In this week’s gospel passage, Jesus rails that he has not come to bring peace but rather division -
Sour Grapes -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
In this week’s lectionary passage from the book of Isaiah, the prophet laments the strained rela
Pick Your Witnesses -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, the author of Hebrews takes us on a mini-tour of the Old
Signs Of The Times -- Luke 12:49-56, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
In the Gospel lesson for this Sunday (Luke 12:49-56), Jesus chides the disciples for focusing on imm
Hero Time -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
Athletes and sports in general are always hot topics in American culture -- and even more so during

SermonStudio

Proper 15 / Ordinary Time 20 / Pentecost 10 -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2009
Zoos are no longer in people's good graces. Religion faces the same problem.
Proper 15/Ordinary Time 20 -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Hebrews 11:29--12:2Theme: Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus
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
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29 – Worship Resources
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4 – Pastor's Devotions
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29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 15 | OT 20 | Pentecost 10
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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

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For August 10, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A treasure chest containing photos of some of your family members and friends, and a small, worn-out bag or purse. The treasure chest could be as simple as a small, metal lockbox, or you could have some fun with a larger box that actually looks like a treasure chest.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! But before I tell you the story, I have something that I want to show you. (Show the treasure chest.)

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
Personal rant here — since childhood I’ve been annoyed that the winners of the 100-meter dash at the Olympics are hailed as the world’s fastest humans. To me it’s been obvious that the greatest, and fastest, athletes are the women and men who endure the trials and tribulations throughout the 26.2-mile marathons, and who then somehow find it within themselves to sprint to the finish line.
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 and Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23

StoryShare

Frank Ramirez
Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return… (Luke 12:35-36)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus calls us to be ready for him, for we shall encounter him at unexpected times and in unexpected ways. In our worship today, let us prepare to meet with Jesus.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we don't bother to make ourselves ready for you.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes it doesn't occur to us that we might meet with you.

Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we miss you because we haven't expected you.

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
Those who bring thanksgiving as their sacrifice honor me; to those who go the right way I will show the salvation of God.
-- Psalm 50:23

Clayton A. Lord Jr.
I want to talk about heroes today. We all have them. Our heroes are men and women that we look up to. Our heroes are those individuals that inspire us and help us to strive to be our very best.

There is a cute story about a Texan who was trying to impress on a Bostonian, the valor of the heroes of the Alamo. After finishing his story about Sam Houston, Davy Crockett, and countless others, he says "I'll bet you never had anyone so brave around Boston."

"Did you ever hear of Paul Revere?" asked the Bostonian.

Thomas A. Renquist
Jesus tells us, "Don't be afraid," but it seems to me there is a lot to be afraid of. "Sell your possessions," he says, "give alms ... risk ... be dressed for action ... have your lamps lit ... be prepared ... be alert." Sounds very ominous, quite scary to me.

Christopher Reeves, the actor, knows what it is to be afraid. On Memorial Day weekend, 1995, in a tragic fall from his horse, he was instantly paralyzed from the neck down and fighting for his every breath.
John W. Wurster
"Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom. Listen to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah" (1:10; cf. Genesis 19).

Sodom. Gomorrah. Remember? Places of wickedness, of violence, of perversity. Do you know any place like that? Places where sexuality is twisted and relationships are corrupted and social order is breaking down? Places where people seek to gratify personal desires at the expense of others, where individual pursuits take precedence over common well-being, where anything goes as long as it feels good?

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