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John 2:13-22

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Children's sermon

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My Father's House! -- John 2:13-22 -- John Jamison -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Object: This message makes a good role play.
Real Value -- John 2:13-22 -- John Jamison -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tabl
Respecting God's House -- John 2:13-22 -- Wesley T. Runk -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and others sitting at
Raising the Temple -- John 2:13-22 -- Anna Shirey -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
First Thoughts: In order to teach this passage to our children, we need to discern the differ

The Immediate Word

Family Matters -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 3, 2024:
Flipping Tables Sunday -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 7, 2021:
From the Outside In -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 4, 2018: From the Outside In by Mary A
Wiser Than Wisdom, Stronger Than Strength -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
As we know all too well from the headlines, many places in our world are extremely dangerous.
Should We Give Up Calm Instead Of Chocolate? -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary gospel passage features Jesus's celebrated outburst in which he clears out

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Family Matters -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 3, 2024:

Children's Activity

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God's house is special -- John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Materials Pictures of a church, a school, and a house
He can do it! -- John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Teachers or Parents: The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is
A sign -- John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Teachers or Parents: The people wanted to know that Jesus was truly God's Son and our Savior.
Sign of the cross -- John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Teachers: This week's story tells of Jesus driving people from the temple.
A house of worship -- John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 2:13-22 -- John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 2:13-22 -- John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 2:13-22 -- John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 2:13-22 -- John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Lost... -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Each of our lectionary readings for today reminds us that we have forgotten who we are.
The Ways of God -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22 -- David Kalas -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
At the beginning of his masterpiece, Paradise Lost, John Milton articulates a part of his t
Scandalous behavior! -- Exodus 20:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Robert A. Beringer -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Note: This piece was originally published in 1994.
New Creations -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
In each of our lessons today, we encounter God’s people starting over and finding their way into
Foolish wisdom -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Timothy B. Cargal -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
I'm not that old, but I am still old enough to remember "Blue Laws" from my adolescence in northwest
Cut it out! -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2000
We began Lent with our baptisms and proceeded to a discussion of the faith that both motivates and s
Their Sunday in Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1997
Until I sat at the feet of Dr. Carl A.
Scandalous behavior! -- Exodus 20:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Robert A. Beringer -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1994
When Paul wrote, "We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to the Gentiles,"
What is the Law? -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:22-25, John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1991
One of the difficult things we do around the church is to use the same word when we mean different t

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Lost... -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Each of our lectionary readings for today reminds us that we have forgotten who we are.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2024) -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Exodus 20:1-17
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2021) -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Exodus 20:1-17
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2018) -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Exodus 20:1-17
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2015) -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17 -- Mark Ellingsen, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Exodus 20:1-17

The Immediate Word

Family Matters -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 3, 2024:
Flipping Tables Sunday -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 7, 2021:
From the Outside In -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 4, 2018: From the Outside In by Mary A
Wiser Than Wisdom, Stronger Than Strength -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
As we know all too well from the headlines, many places in our world are extremely dangerous.

Free Access

Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2024) -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Exodus 20:1-17
Family Matters -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 3, 2024:

Worship

The Immediate Word

Family Matters -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 3, 2024:
Flipping Tables Sunday -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 7, 2021:
From the Outside In -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 4, 2018: From the Outside In by Mary A
Wiser Than Wisdom, Stronger Than Strength -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
As we know all too well from the headlines, many places in our world are extremely dangerous.
Should We Give Up Calm Instead Of Chocolate? -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary gospel passage features Jesus's celebrated outburst in which he clears out

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Family Matters -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 3, 2024:

SermonStudio

Third Sunday in Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Call To Worship Psalm 19:1-2 Leader:
You Shall ... -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- James R. Wilson -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all of God's people come together for worship and praise!
Lent 3 -- John 2:13-22 -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
Reader 1: The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Family Matters -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 3, 2024:
Flipping Tables Sunday -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 7, 2021:
From the Outside In -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 4, 2018: From the Outside In by Mary A
Wiser Than Wisdom, Stronger Than Strength -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
As we know all too well from the headlines, many places in our world are extremely dangerous.
Should We Give Up Calm Instead Of Chocolate? -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary gospel passage features Jesus's celebrated outburst in which he clears out

Free Access

Family Matters -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 3, 2024:
The Perfect Blemish -- John 2:13-22 -- John S. Smylie -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
When we think of the Lord Jesus, we tend to think of what he has done for us.

SermonStudio

Zeal! -- John 2:13-22 -- John Jamison -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Have you ever had one of those times when you had just had enough?
Cleaning the Temple -- Cleansing Our Lives -- John 2:13-22 -- John W. Clarke -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Having heard the gospel this morning let me introduce a word from Paul when he said to the church in
The Perfect Blemish -- John 2:13-22 -- John S. Smylie -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
When we think of the Lord Jesus, we tend to think of what he has done for us.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Family Matters -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 3, 2024:
Flipping Tables Sunday -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 7, 2021:
From the Outside In -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 4, 2018: From the Outside In by Mary A
Wiser Than Wisdom, Stronger Than Strength -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
As we know all too well from the headlines, many places in our world are extremely dangerous.
Should We Give Up Calm Instead Of Chocolate? -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary gospel passage features Jesus's celebrated outburst in which he clears out

Free Access

Family Matters -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 3, 2024:
The Antidote To Anger -- John 2:13-22 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

SermonStudio

Lent 3 -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day Look! God doesn't do things our way.
The Antidote To Anger -- John 2:13-22 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
Third Sunday in Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Revised Common Exodus 20:1-17 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 John 2:13-22

Drama

SermonStudio

Stand Up For Jesus -- John 2:13-22 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Theme Who will speak out for Jesus when it becomes necessary?
Sylvester, The Schizophrenic Solicitor -- Exodus 20:1-17, Romans 7:13-25, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19:7-14 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts

Poems

SermonStudio

Lent 3 -- John 2:13-22 -- Andrew Daughters -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
A space for God,I need a space to set aside,a room to prepare,

Prayer

SermonStudio

GRACE PLACE -- John 2:13-22 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 2:13-22
Old Temple, New Body -- John 2:13-22 -- Dennis Koch -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: John's version of the cleansing of the temple is distinctive

Devotional

SermonStudio

Lent 3 -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Exodus 20:1-17
Lent 3 -- John 2:13-22 -- William W. Helland -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
John 2:13-22

Stories

StoryShare

Forty Years Later -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22 -- David O. Bales, Peter Andrew Smith -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Contents“Forty Years Later” by David O. Bales
Kicking Over the Pulpit -- John 2:13-22 -- C. David Mckirachan -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Contents "Kicking Over the Pulpit" by C. David McKirachan
Maintaining The Sacred -- John 2:13-22 -- John Fitzgerald -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Contents "Maintaining the Sacred" by John Fitzgerald
The Test -- John 2:13-22, Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Psalm 19 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Contents "The Test" by Keith Hewitt "Glory Days" by C. David McKirachan
Reasons For Rules -- John 2:13-22, Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Psalm 19 -- Larry Winebrenner, Craig Kelly, John S. Smylie -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
Contents What's Up This Week "Reasons for Rules" by Larry Winebrenner
Traffic Control -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19 -- C. David Mckirachan, David O. Bales, Constance Berg, Charles W. Byrd -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
This week's readings can be very unsettling, as Paul advises us to be fools for Christ while Jesus g

SermonStudio

Upside Down -- John 2:13-22 -- David O. Bales -- 2008
Chapter 22 Upside Down John 2:13-22
The Weight Of The Cross -- John 2:13-22 -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1993
The restoration of First Community Church had been completed.

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Traffic Control -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19 -- C. David Mckirachan, David O. Bales, Constance Berg, Charles W. Byrd -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
This week's readings can be very unsettling, as Paul advises us to be fools for Christ while Jesus g

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

Justin's Dilemma -- John 2:13-22 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Justin sighed. It was time for yet another rugby lesson, and he hated playing rugby.

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Justin's Dilemma -- John 2:13-22 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Justin sighed. It was time for yet another rugby lesson, and he hated playing rugby.

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

Unpredictable God... -- John 2:13-22 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

Praxis Gets Rich -- John 2:13-22 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Call to Worship: As we listen today to the story of Jesus driving people out of the
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Easter 5
28 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
29 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
26 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 6
29 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
28 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 7
22 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
24 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
21 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

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Good morning, boys and girls. (Show the rubbing of the cornerstone.) Does anyone know what I'm holding? (Let them answer.) This is a rubbing of the cornerstone of our church building. (Read to them what the cornerstone says. Tell them where the cornerstone is located.) I hope that when church is over this morning you can go out and look at and touch the real cornerstone. Cornerstones are very important. Does anyone know the purpose of a cornerstone? (Let them answer.) It's important because it is at the very foundation of our building. The church building is built on top of it.
Good morning, boys and girls. (Have your road map opened as you talk. Examine the map as you greet the children.) If I wanted to take a trip to (name a familiar city in your area) but I wasn't certain how to get there, what could I use to help me? (Let them answer.) A road map! I just happen to have one here. I'm looking for my direction right now. (Point out the way to your destination.) When you go on vacation do your parents sometimes give you road maps to follow? (Let them answer.) A road map is very important when you are going places that you've never been before.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
What do you do between Act 2 and Act 3 of a performance? That depends upon who you are.

If you are like me, then you have attended a great many more shows, plays, and performances than you have participated in. And, as members of the audience, the time between acts is an intermission -- an opportunity to stretch your legs, to use the restroom, to enjoy some refreshments.
Sandra Herrmann
It is hard for us, living after the resurrection, to understand how Jesus, who was clearly a mortal man, could come to be worshipped as though he were God. Since we believe that Jesus did rise from the dead, we tend to endow his ministry with a divine glow. How could the authorities not see that Jesus was, indeed, the son of God? How did they explain away his miracles? How did they ignore how the average people felt about him?

SermonStudio

Frank Ramirez
Call To Worship (Psalm 31:15-16)

One:
My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.

All:
Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.


Collect
Strengthen us, Lord, in the time of testing and trial, calling to mind the example of the martyrs who died for our faith. Amen.


Prayer Of Confession
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Confession And Forgiveness
P: We gather for worship in the name of the one who is
the way, the truth, and the life, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C: Amen.
P: The journey before us is one of letting go and taking hold.
As he prepares a place for us,
let us name the sin that clings to us, that we may find release.

Silence for reflection and self-examination

P: Unbelief, hatred, revenge,
C: Lord, do not hold our sins against us.
P: Gossip, despair, deceit,
C: Lord, do not hold our sins against us.
Robert J. Elder
In the earliest experience of the church, the apostles soon discovered that their teaching and preaching duties were taking an incredible amount of energy. As the community of believers grew in numbers, and they continued in their commitment to hold all things in common, it became obvious that some details of the life of the community would need more attention than the twelve apostles themselves could give. It was decided to appoint deacons to serve the needs of the church, particularly the needs of the poor and widows who could no longer care for themselves. Seven were appointed.
Richard L. Sheffield
Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me" (John 14:1 NRSV).

Since everything that follows for the rest of the passage I just read from John is commentary on that, we need to hear that clearly, before we hear anything else.

This is the closest English can get to the Greek of John's Gospel: "Let not be troubled of you the heart; Believe in God, also in me believe."1

And here are the translations of others who have listened and interpreted these words for you and me:
Lee Griess
The great American humorist, Will Rogers, had the reputation that he could make anyone laugh. President Calvin Coolidge, on the other hand, had the reputation that he never laughed. Want to know what happened the time those two met? Rogers was invited to visit the White House and as was the custom, the president's assistant brought Rogers into the Oval Office. As was the custom as he entered, the assistant said, "President Coolidge, this is Will Rogers. Mr. Rogers, this is President Coolidge." To which Rogers leaned forward and said, "I'm sorry.
Schuyler Rhodes
This story about Stephen is a hard one to preach about these days. Lately, the idea of martyrdom has fallen under a bit of a cloud, don't you think? What do you think of when you hear about martyrs? In my experience, a martyr is either reduced to a psychological complex foisted off on someone who does too much for others, or it's a poor child with a dynamite vest ready to doom himself or herself and plenty of others for the sake of the cause, and the cash benefits paid to the family, after the fact. There's no question about it. The stock on martyrdom is way, way down these days.
Derl G. Keefer
C. Neil Strait
WORSHIP HELPS

CALL TO WORSHIP
God is ready to swoop down and rescue us from the burdens we carry and to lift the heart aches! Our God has known us since birth through old age and gray hair and He will sustain us today!

OFFERING THOUGHT
The secret of money is enjoying the opportunity of giving it away for the glory of God.

BENEDICTION
May the God who transforms disappointments to joy do that for you this week. Amen.



SERMON BRIEFS

Holiness, The Trademark Of A Holy Person
Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
Jesus Christ is the cornerstone.

First Lesson
Acts 7:55-60
The Stoning Of Stephen
David E. Leininger
"Christ is our cornerstone!" That motto was chosen over a century ago for the congregation I now serve. It was October 29, 1895, at 2:30 in the afternoon, that the grandparents and great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, the forebears of today's congregation, gathered outside in Pennsylvania's autumn chill to see the laying of the cornerstone of the church building that has been in use ever since.

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
Keith Hewitt
Contents
"Words of Power" by Peter Andrew Smith
"Refuge" by Keith Hewitt


* * * * * * * *


Words of Power
by Peter Andrew Smith
Acts 7:55-60

The principal looked at the boy holding the cloth up to his nose. His hair was dishevelled, his lip swollen, and his clothes bore the stains of the muddy playground. The nurse examined him but his bleeding nostrils seemed his greatest injury.
Keith Hewitt
Scott Dalgarno
John E. Sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Encounter in the Darkness" by Keith Hewitt
"Please Don't Forget Me" by Scott Dalgarno
"An Unwanted Gift" by John Sumwalt


What's Up This Week

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." In our worship today, let us explore these words and find out how to reach God through Jesus.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, show me the right way to God.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, lead me into the truth about God.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, give me the eternal life which you have promised.
Lord, have mercy.

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