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James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Suffer The Powerless -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2021
For September 19, 2021:
Memory and Wisdom -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2018
Press One To Order Quality Parenting -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Robin Lostetter, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2015
This week’s passage from Proverbs describes the qualities of a “capable wife” who is “far more preci
Girl Talk -- Eavesdropping On The Capable Wife And Today's Woman -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2012
Over the last century, the role of women in American society has been completely transformed.
Power And Servanthood In Christian Leaders: "the First Will Be Last" -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Can a balance between power and servanthood be found?

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Memory and Wisdom -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2018

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Nearer to God -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2006
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. (v. 8a)
Clean and unclean hearts -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Today we are reading from the book of James in our Bible.

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Submission -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2024
Friends in Alberta used to tell of an uncle who married late in life.
It Takes God To Get Our Relationships Right -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2021
Proverbs 31:10-31
Winsome Wisdom -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2018
In H. G. Wells’ tale “The Queer Story of Brownlow’s Newspaper,” it is November 10, 1931, when Mr.
Wisdom's gifts, God's embrace -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2015
We are blessed today with inspiring words from the Wisdom tradition in both the Hebrew and Christian
Consider the source -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- David Kalas -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2012
The Bible is marked by a kind of dualism that is much-maligned in our present culture.
Any questions -- show of hands -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2006
"Any questions?" The words hang in the air at the end of the teacher's lecture as the students play
Heroes -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2003
One Sunday morning after church school, a teacher came into my office.
Understanding -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2000
Have you ever heard a joke and didn't "get it"?
Values assessment -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1997
The January/February 1995 issue of Men's Health magazine offered a feature titled "What do me

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Winsome Wisdom -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2018
In H. G. Wells’ tale “The Queer Story of Brownlow’s Newspaper,” it is November 10, 1931, when Mr.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2024) -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2024
Proverbs 31:10-31
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2021) -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2021
Proverbs 31:10-31
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2018) -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2018
Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2015) -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2015
Proverbs 31:10-31

StoryShare

Frank Brown, Legendary Cattle Trucker -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2024
“Who is wise and knowledgeable among you?

The Immediate Word

Suffer The Powerless -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2021
For September 19, 2021:
Memory and Wisdom -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2018
Press One To Order Quality Parenting -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Robin Lostetter, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2015
This week’s passage from Proverbs describes the qualities of a “capable wife” who is “far more preci

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Sermon Illustrations for Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2018) -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2018
Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1
Memory and Wisdom -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2018

Worship

The Immediate Word

Suffer The Powerless -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2021
For September 19, 2021:
Memory and Wisdom -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2018
Press One To Order Quality Parenting -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Robin Lostetter, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2015
This week’s passage from Proverbs describes the qualities of a “capable wife” who is “far more preci
Girl Talk -- Eavesdropping On The Capable Wife And Today's Woman -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2012
Over the last century, the role of women in American society has been completely transformed.
Power And Servanthood In Christian Leaders: "the First Will Be Last" -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Can a balance between power and servanthood be found?

Free Access

Memory and Wisdom -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2018

SermonStudio

Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship Psalm 1:1-3 (The Message) Leader:
Call Her Happy -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Proper 20 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1996
First Lesson: Proverbs 31:10-31
PROPER 20 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPTurn your thoughts to God who is your helper and who will be the

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Suffer The Powerless -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2021
For September 19, 2021:
Memory and Wisdom -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2018
Press One To Order Quality Parenting -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Robin Lostetter, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2015
This week’s passage from Proverbs describes the qualities of a “capable wife” who is “far more preci
Girl Talk -- Eavesdropping On The Capable Wife And Today's Woman -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2012
Over the last century, the role of women in American society has been completely transformed.
Power And Servanthood In Christian Leaders: "the First Will Be Last" -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Can a balance between power and servanthood be found?

Free Access

Memory and Wisdom -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2018

SermonStudio

Heavenly Wisdom -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- Thomas W. Lentz -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2008
Who is wise and understanding among you?
God's Wisdom Or The World? -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2005
Once upon a time there was an old man who lived on the outskirts of town.
The Battle Of The Wisdoms -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2002
In the 1960s a favorite weekend night of entertainment for many was to attend events titled "The Bat

The Village Shepherd

You Ask And Do Not Receive -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Perhaps one of the problems of those who are on the fringes of the church, that is those who cal

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Suffer The Powerless -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2021
For September 19, 2021:
Memory and Wisdom -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2018
Press One To Order Quality Parenting -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Robin Lostetter, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2015
This week’s passage from Proverbs describes the qualities of a “capable wife” who is “far more preci
Girl Talk -- Eavesdropping On The Capable Wife And Today's Woman -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2012
Over the last century, the role of women in American society has been completely transformed.

Free Access

Memory and Wisdom -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2018

SermonStudio

Proper 20 / Pentecost 17 / Ordinary Time 25 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day It takes God to get our relationships right.
Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 -- Proverbs 31:10-31 or Jeremiah 11:18-20, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Proverbs 31:10-31 or Jeremiah 11:18-20 James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a
Proper 20 (C, E) -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Proverbs 31:10-31 (C)
A warning against selfish ambition, which fractures community -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: A warning against selfish ambition, which fractures community.
Proper 20 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1993
In this epilogue in Proverbs, a godly woman is described. It

Stories

StoryShare

Frank Brown, Legendary Cattle Trucker -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2024
“Who is wise and knowledgeable among you?
Standing Up To The General -- Mark 9:30-37, Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Psalm 1 -- Frank Ramirez, Sandra Herrmann, Keith Hewitt -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2012
Contents "Standing Up to the General" by Frank Ramirez
Five Days Old -- Mark 9:30-37, Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Psalm 1 -- John S. Smylie, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2009
Contents What's Up This Week "Five Days Old" by John Smylie
A Dishonest Painter -- Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Contents
Do You Have To Be Smart To Be A Christian? -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Terry Cain, David O. Bales -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Contents What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

A Second Chance -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- Constance Berg -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1999
Mark is a chaplain in a nursing home.
Wisdom From Above -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- John E. Sumwalt, Martinus Cawley -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
About fifteen years ago, as I prepared for a big cider-pressing, I had to move the top-heavy hydraul

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 20 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2008
Proverbs 31:10-31

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

All-Powerful God, When Your Church Is Filled With Your Spirit... -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Dean Feldmeyer
For July 12, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus said that some seed fell on good soil and brought forth a great harvest. As we worship today let us ask God to make sure that we are good soil and to help us to bring forth a great harvest.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, as soil is prepared, prepare me to receive the seed of your word.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, remove the thistles and nettles, weeds and briars from the soil of my life.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, plough me, hoe me and weed me to make me ready to receive you.

StoryShare

Bryan Meadows
John E. Sumwalt
Keith Hewitt
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Turning Dirt!" by Bryan Meadows
"The Snares of the Wicked" by John Sumwalt
"Taxicab Confessions" by Keith Hewitt


What's Up This Week
Frank Ramirez
C. David Mckirachan
Contents
"Restoring the Birthright" by Frank Ramirez
"Product" by C. David McKirachan


* * * * * * * *


Restoring the Birthright
by Frank Ramirez
Genesis 25:19-34; Romans 8:1-11

Esau said to Jacob, "Let me eat some of that red stuff, for I am famished!" (Therefore he was called Edom.) Jacob said, "First sell me your birthright."
-- Genesis 25:30-31

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
-- Romans 8:5
John E. Sumwalt
Linda Willis Harper

I was 27 years old and very active in our United Methodist Church. I had taught Sunday school, been on the administrative board, was president of the United Methodist Women, and sang in the choir -- maybe not all at the same time, but I spent enough time at church to feel it was a second home.
Richard L. Sheffield
Sometimes the best way to start reading your Bible is with the footnotes. Sometimes even in English the Bible seems like it's still written in a foreign language. In a way it is. Not just in Hebrew and Greek with a smattering of Aramaic, but even in English it is still in a "language" 2,000 years or more removed from you and me. The language of the Bible reflects the life of the Bible's people and we don't live there. So we need help if we're going to go there in our mind's eye and hear clearly what was being said when it was being said.
Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Genesis 25:19--34 (C)
Once again, God seems to linger in fulfilling his promise to make a great nation of Abraham's progeny. Isaac is 40 by the time he married Rebekah. Another 20 years expire before his wife gives birth to the twins, Esau and Jacob. Perhaps the Lord wants to demonstrate that this business of nation building is his doing, not a human accomplishment. Esau, being firstborn, earns the birthright, but foolishly sells it to his scheming brother for a pot of stew.
Stan Purdum
Do you remember the movie 1988 movie, Twins? It was comedy that starred Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito as, of all things, twin brothers. Even if you know nothing about the plot of the movie, the mental picture of those two actors standing side-by-side as twins is itself pretty funny.
Wayne H. Keller
One autumn, a young man aiming for the seminary left home to complete his college degree. When he returned in the spring, his parents had gone into the chicken-for-eggs business. To that point, he knew little about chickens, except for the fact that they made an excellent dinner. He learned quickly, however, that to call a person a chicken, though perhaps appropriate, is not an act of admiration. For the novice, nothing is more nauseating than a chicken house full of chickens. He decided, nevertheless, to learn about chickens.
Gary L. Carver
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation ..." (v. 1 NIV). No condemnation! No condemnation? Can you think how it would be to live without the fear of condemnation? All too well we know just the opposite! All too well we know the fear of condemnation - the dread that the axe might fall, that the gavel might sound.
James L. Killen, Jr.
Today, we are going to talk about conflict. How do you feel about conflict? I suspect that most of us don't like it. Yet, conflict is a nearly constant part of life as most of us experience it. It surrounds us in many ways in every aspect of our living. People who believe in God know that they must live through every interaction with life as an interaction with God. One of the big questions that people of faith must answer is: "How can we live through the conflict situations of our lives as interactions with the God who loves us all and who requires us to love each other?"

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
We vacationed recently on Hilton Head Island. It was a way to spend time with our daughter who is a student at the Savannah College of Art and Design nearby. One of the things that impressed us about Hilton Head Island is that if you don't live there, you don't know where things are or how to get to them. Traffic is tightly controlled, especially in residential areas. Most of the housing developments are "gated communities," with access only by way of a single entrance barred by security devices to all but the privileged owners, their guests, and those who serve their needs.
Anthony Flew was born in England, the son of a Methodist preacher. He was raised in a Christian home and attended a Christian school. As an adult, he abandoned the faith he was raised with claming to be an atheist. Over the course of his distinguished career as a professor, he wrote over thirty books on the subject of philosophy. With such a reputation Dr. Flew became known as the world's preeminent defender of atheism for over fifty years.
David Kalas
I recall a few weeks in elementary school when it was the height of hilarity to take someone aside and say, with contrived horror, "You know your epidermis is showing!" For any youngster unfamiliar with the word, it was a trepidant moment. They panicked in the double embarrassment of both this personal thing that was evidently visible and the not knowing precisely what it was. After a few weeks, of course, the fancy term for skin had worked its way into everyone's vocabulary, and so the value of the stunt was lost.

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(Hand out the ears of corn to each child as he or she arrives.) Jesus said, "Let anyone with ears listen!" You each have an ear of corn, so I want you to listen ... Wait a minute. Do you think that is what Jesus had in mind? (Let them answer.) I don't think so! What do you suppose Jesus did have in mind? (Let them answer.) I think you are right. I think that Jesus meant that anyone with the kinds of ears that we hear with should listen to what he says.
Cynthia E. Cowen
The Point: Jesus wants to tell others about his love that saves.

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