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Isaiah 64:1-9

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Apocalypse Now! -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
Shakespeare’s stage was pretty simple and bare — an open space out of doors where comedies, tragedie
Advent Calendars -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9 -- David Kalas -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
For all the years that I have been a parent, I have taken pleasure in buying Advent calendars for ou
The light of God always comes to us -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Sandra Herrmann -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” says the song that plays endlessly in the nearly vacant
Anticipation -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Wayne Brouwer -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
A well-rounded biblical "Screw your courage to the sticking-place," says Lady Macbeth to her doomed
Reading the last chapter first -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- David A. Davis -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Christmas comes earlier every year. At least the Christmas season starts earlier every year.
Reading the last chapter first -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Christmas comes earlier very year. At least the Christmas season starts earlier every year.
A way to the future -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Advent shifts our attention to the future.
The Christmas yet to come -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1993
The future is now -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Isaiah has been called "the prophet of the holy." His personal encounter with God, described in

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Apocalypse Now! -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
Shakespeare’s stage was pretty simple and bare — an open space out of doors where comedies, tragedie

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Advent 1 (2023) -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
Isaiah 64: 1-9
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 1 (2020) -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Isaiah 64:1-9
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 1 (2017) -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
Isaiah 64:1-9

The Immediate Word

Awakened by Hope -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
For December 3, 2023:
What Are We Waiting For? -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
For November 29, 2020:
She Says / Cross-Contamination -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
It’s almost as if there’s been a nuclear chain reaction -- in the wake of serious allegations of sex

StoryShare

A Soldier Waits for God -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- John E. Sumwalt -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
From ages past no one has heard,    no ear has perceived,

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Sermon Illustrations for Advent 1 (2023) -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
Isaiah 64: 1-9
A Soldier Waits for God -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- John E. Sumwalt -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
From ages past no one has heard,    no ear has perceived,
Awakened by Hope -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
For December 3, 2023:

Worship

The Immediate Word

Awakened by Hope -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
For December 3, 2023:
What Are We Waiting For? -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
For November 29, 2020:
She Says / Cross-Contamination -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
It’s almost as if there’s been a nuclear chain reaction -- in the wake of serious allegations of sex
Second-Coming Living -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Are you awake, or are you drowsing off?
Anticipation -- It's Keepin' Me Waitin' -- Mark 13:24-37, Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Advent arrives for our congregations on a weekend when many people will still be basking in the afte
Be Ready: The Lord Is Coming! -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
(Originally published November 30, 2008)
Home For The Holidays? -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Julia Ross Strope -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published November 27, 2005)

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Awakened by Hope -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
For December 3, 2023:

SermonStudio

Bulletin Insert for First Sunday in Advent for Year B -- Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Advent Wreath Service Reader A: ______________________
First Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Awakened by Hope -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
For December 3, 2023:
What Are We Waiting For? -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
For November 29, 2020:
She Says / Cross-Contamination -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
It’s almost as if there’s been a nuclear chain reaction -- in the wake of serious allegations of sex
Second-Coming Living -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Are you awake, or are you drowsing off?
Anticipation -- It's Keepin' Me Waitin' -- Mark 13:24-37, Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Advent arrives for our congregations on a weekend when many people will still be basking in the afte
Be Ready: The Lord Is Coming! -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
(Originally published November 30, 2008)
Home For The Holidays? -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Julia Ross Strope -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published November 27, 2005)

Free Access

Awakened by Hope -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
For December 3, 2023:

SermonStudio

Jesus Brings New Life -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
The end of World War II and the onset of the Cold War, which saw the super powers of the United Stat
Last Piece Of The Puzzle -- Mark 13:24-37, Isaiah 64:1-9 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2006
Advent is the time of waiting, of wishing, and of wanting an intervention.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Awakened by Hope -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
For December 3, 2023:
What Are We Waiting For? -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
For November 29, 2020:
She Says / Cross-Contamination -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
It’s almost as if there’s been a nuclear chain reaction -- in the wake of serious allegations of sex
Second-Coming Living -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Are you awake, or are you drowsing off?
Anticipation -- It's Keepin' Me Waitin' -- Mark 13:24-37, Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Advent arrives for our congregations on a weekend when many people will still be basking in the afte
Be Ready: The Lord Is Coming! -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
(Originally published November 30, 2008)
Home For The Holidays? -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Julia Ross Strope -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published November 27, 2005)

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Awakened by Hope -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
For December 3, 2023:

SermonStudio

Advent 1 -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day
First Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Revised Common Isaiah 64:1-9 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37

Stories

StoryShare

A Soldier Waits for God -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- John E. Sumwalt -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
From ages past no one has heard,    no ear has perceived,
Responding To Signs Of The End -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9 -- David O. Bales, Peter Andrew Smith -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Contents “Responding To Signs Of The End” by David O. Bales
The Long Wait -- Mark 13:24-37, Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Keith Hewitt, Keith Wagner -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Contents "The Long Wait" by Keith Hewitt
A Stellar Calamity -- Mark 13:24-37, Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Frank Ramirez, Peter Andrew Smith, John E. Sumwalt -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "A Stellar Calamity" by Frank Ramirez
Are You Waiting For Godot? -- Mark 13:24-37, Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Richard A. Jensen, John E. Sumwalt, Gregory Tolle, R.h. Thompson -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Contents What's Up This Week

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A Soldier Waits for God -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- John E. Sumwalt -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
From ages past no one has heard,    no ear has perceived,

SermonStudio

Painful Waiting -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
The pain was unbearable!
A Safe Place To Tell Visions -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, John E. Sumwalt -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Late on Maundy Thursday evening, in the year 2000, as I lay in bed, meditating on the format of this

Devotional

SermonStudio

Advent 1 -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Awakened by Hope -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
For December 3, 2023:
What Are We Waiting For? -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
For November 29, 2020:
She Says / Cross-Contamination -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
It’s almost as if there’s been a nuclear chain reaction -- in the wake of serious allegations of sex
Second-Coming Living -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Are you awake, or are you drowsing off?
Anticipation -- It's Keepin' Me Waitin' -- Mark 13:24-37, Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Advent arrives for our congregations on a weekend when many people will still be basking in the afte
Be Ready: The Lord Is Coming! -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
(Originally published November 30, 2008)
Home For The Holidays? -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Julia Ross Strope -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published November 27, 2005)
All Trees Are Christmas Trees -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- George L. Murphy, Larry Hard, Wesley T. Runk -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

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Awakened by Hope -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
For December 3, 2023:

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Alyssa Spradlin
For November 1, 2026:
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Alyssa Spradlin
For November 1, 2026:

CSSPlus

Wesley T. Runk
The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Good morning boys and girls. Does anyone here remember someone saying, “I am the greatest?” I remember hearing it many times by a prize fighter named Ali. Does anyone here remember Muhammed Ali? He used to say a lot of things and he was a very good boxer. He told everyone that he saw that he was “the greatest of all time.” Wow! Not many people say those kind of things about themselves.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
What is a saint?

According to the Roman Catholic church, a saint is a holy person who has been elevated by God to heaven, there to pray for those of us who need their help. There is a three-step process: the request by those who knew the person in life, and who attest to their holiness; a witness by at least two people that they asked the candidate to pray for them and their prayer was granted in a miraculous way; and an investigation by the Vatican into all this evidence. The declaration is made by the pope.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the people how they could be blessed by God and experience God's kingdom. In our worship today let us explore the Sermon on the Mount.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm full of pride instead of being poor in spirit.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm overbearing and pushy, instead of being meek.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm not exactly pure in heart.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

John S. Smylie
Keith Hewitt
Bryan Meadows
Frank Ramirez
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Fifth Gospel" by John Smylie
"The Burden" by Keith Hewitt
"Up Stream" by Bryan Meadows
"A Magical Little Poem" by Frank Ramirez


What's Up This Week
John S. Smylie
Keith Hewitt
Bryan Meadows
Frank Ramirez
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Fifth Gospel" by John Smylie
"The Burden" by Keith Hewitt
"Up Stream" by Bryan Meadows
"A Magical Little Poem" by Frank Ramirez


What's Up This Week
Keith Hewitt
Larry Winebrenner
Peter Andrew Smith
Constance Berg
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann
"Lost" by Keith Hewitt
"Three Paths for the End of October" by Larry Winebrenner
"Ahmad's Final Lesson" by Larry Winebrenner
"Freedom to Live" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Fullness of Life" by Constance Berg


* * * * * * * *


New Leadership
by Sandra Herrmann
Joshua 3:7-17
Keith Hewitt
Larry Winebrenner
Peter Andrew Smith
Constance Berg
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann
"Lost" by Keith Hewitt
"Three Paths for the End of October" by Larry Winebrenner
"Ahmad's Final Lesson" by Larry Winebrenner
"Freedom to Live" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Fullness of Life" by Constance Berg


* * * * * * * *


New Leadership
by Sandra Herrmann
Joshua 3:7-17

SermonStudio

Mary S. Lautensleger
"Surprise! You're adopted!" If you were to hear those words from a trusted relative, surprise would be an understatement, I'm sure. Total shock would probably be more descriptive terminology for your emotional state as you examined the official court record and your original birth certificate. "Adopted" does describe each of us though, because we have been adopted by God into God's family. How do we know? The Bible tells us so.
James L. Killen, Jr.
When we put together the collection of things that we can believe, we need to ask a question about the person in the middle of the inquiry. What can we believe about ourselves? We don't often ask that question but it is a very important one. Some people are oppressed by low self-esteem. Others are led astray by exaggerated images of themselves. It is important to get a realistic understanding of who we are -- and of who we can be. The Bible has something to say on the subject that may surprise you. Are you ready? Hold on to your hat. The Bible says you were created and called to be saints.
Argile Smith
At an office meeting, Ben got the official news that he would become the manager of one of the most influential departments in the company. His colleagues admired him because of his tireless work, and they respected him as a dependable person in whom they could place their trust. They were glad when they found out that he had gotten the promotion. In order to celebrate the news with him, they bought him a gift. Well, it was actually more like a gag-gift, the kind that he would place on his shelf and chuckle over every time he saw it.
Joseph M. Freeman
Maybe both the best and the worst of us in humanity are far better preachers than we are doers and deliverers of what we preach and teach. And maybe maturity has everything to do with our genuine willingness to bring a greater congruity between our esteemed words and those actions compatible with, not contradictory of, those words. Jesus, fully divine and fully human, loved and valued not just the right deeds, but also the right motives and attitudes.
Mary Sue Dehmlow Dreier
Commotion At The Communion Rail

Tommy didn't budge.

When everyone else got up to leave the communion rail, he stayed kneeling. His folded hands were perched on the rail, and his little head was bowed so far down that his forehead was squinched against his thumb knuckles. His eyes were closed hopefully, as if he were waiting for a big present.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
As the movie Contact opens, the audience sees a precocious girl named Eleanor learning how to use a ham radio. Nicknamed "Sparks" by her father, she has reached a man in Florida, and is excited that her radio lets her speak with someone so far away. In a later scene she asks her father wistfully if she can call her deceased mother on the radio. He responds sadly that no antenna is big enough.
George L. Murphy
You know that old saying, "Be careful what you wish for, because it might come true"? We see examples of that again and again in life. During the war in Iraq, Hampton Sides, a journalist who had been slated to be "embedded" with one of our frontline Marine battalions, gave an interview on NRP (National Public Radio). At almost the last possible moment, Sides decided not to go with the Marines, but instead to report from Central Command in Qatar.
Richard C. Brand
It seems fair to say that the saints of the Lord have always shown us what it is to be worthy of God. It is why we remember them and rejoice for them. They have shown us what a life worthy of God might look like. To talk about the saints, we may talk about Kagawa in Japan, about Mother Teresa, about Bishop Tutu and Nelson Mandela, about D. T. Niles in India, and about Saint Patrick in Ireland. To know the stories of Dorothy Day in New York City and Oscar Romero in Latin America is to have examples of what it means to lead lives worthy of the God who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
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