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Matthew 5:21-37

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Children's sermon

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Being Real -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- John Jamison -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2023
Object: A disguise to put on one of the children.
Clean the Mess At the Source -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2020
As Jesus raises the bar on what is considered sinful the foundation of his message is to go to the s
Time For Some Weeding -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Mary Kay Eichelman -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2017
It may surprise you that I have my gardening gloves on today as it isn't the time of year for growin
Our Laser Beam Lives -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Anna Shirey -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2014
First Thoughts Teaching On Y

The Immediate Word

Team Everybody -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2023
For February 12, 2023:
Everything Grows From Common Ground -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2020
For February 16, 2020:
An Ultimate Ultimatum -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from the Hebrew scriptures, Moses confronts the Israelites with a
Breath Of Life -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2014
This Sunday’s Deuteronomy text presents us with a stark and very clear choice: “I have set before
The Rules That Rule -- Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2011
In this week's lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, Moses concludes a lengthy address to t

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Our Laser Beam Lives -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Anna Shirey -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2014
First Thoughts Teaching On Y

Children's Activity

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'Yes, yes' and 'No, no' -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Leah Thompson -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Loving others more than money -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A
Teachers or Parents: Ask the class: "Do you have any ideas of what a person could do if he or sh
Keep a promise -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have jobs that you do at home each week?
Be True To Your Word -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A
Teachers: Focus your students' attention on making promises, which are verses 33 to 37.

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Social Circles -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2023
Here is a great poem by Edwin Markham. Listen closely!
Right Turns -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2020
Where you and I live, intersections are clearly marked.
Curses And Blessings -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2017
Maurice Boyd remembers one incident that sealed the impact of his father on his life forever.
Choosing to love -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2014
Here we are, the Sunday after the sentimentality and excesses of Valentine's Day.
Heart condition -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37, Psalm 119:1-8 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2010
As a middle-aged man, I am forced to be conscious of my heart health.
Challenging ancient law -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 2:6-13, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 1996

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 (2023) -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2023
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 (2020) -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2020
Sirach 15:15-20
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 (2017) -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2017
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Wow! We might obey... -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Bob Ove -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2014
Wow! We might obey the letter of the law, but Jesus carries it at least one step "too" far.
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 (2014) -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2014
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 (2014) -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2014
Deuteronomy 30:15-20

The Immediate Word

Team Everybody -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2023
For February 12, 2023:
Everything Grows From Common Ground -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2020
For February 16, 2020:
An Ultimate Ultimatum -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from the Hebrew scriptures, Moses confronts the Israelites with a

StoryShare

The Anger of Will Smith -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2023
You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder,’ and ‘whoever

Worship

The Immediate Word

Team Everybody -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2023
For February 12, 2023:
Everything Grows From Common Ground -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2020
For February 16, 2020:
An Ultimate Ultimatum -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from the Hebrew scriptures, Moses confronts the Israelites with a
Breath Of Life -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2014
This Sunday’s Deuteronomy text presents us with a stark and very clear choice: “I have set before
The Rules That Rule -- Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2011
In this week's lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, Moses concludes a lengthy address to t

SermonStudio

Epiphany 6/Ordinary Time 6 -- Matthew 5:21-37, Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2007
Order For Confession And Forgiveness
Epiphany 6 -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: You could have stayed in bed,
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-2, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 30:15-2
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
HymnsLord Jesus, Think On Me (LBW309, PH301, CBH526)

The Village Shepherd

Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
HymnsLord Jesus, Think On Me (LBW309, PH301, CBH526)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Team Everybody -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2023
For February 12, 2023:
Everything Grows From Common Ground -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2020
For February 16, 2020:
An Ultimate Ultimatum -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from the Hebrew scriptures, Moses confronts the Israelites with a
Breath Of Life -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2014
This Sunday’s Deuteronomy text presents us with a stark and very clear choice: “I have set before
The Rules That Rule -- Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2011
In this week's lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, Moses concludes a lengthy address to t

The Village Shepherd

The Great Antitheses -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2011
Jane had marriage problems.

SermonStudio

Becoming Good Trees -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2007
Most pastors have seen the damage caused when a purple-faced preacher has sought to scare a person i
The Embassy At 66011 -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
The year was 1967. Vietnam was exploding. The Nuclear Arms Race was escalating.
Building Bridges -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Linda Schiphorst Mccoy -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2001
There was a story on CNN a few months ago about a town in Wales that was divided by a river.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Team Everybody -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2023
For February 12, 2023:
Everything Grows From Common Ground -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2020
For February 16, 2020:
An Ultimate Ultimatum -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from the Hebrew scriptures, Moses confronts the Israelites with a
Breath Of Life -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2014
This Sunday’s Deuteronomy text presents us with a stark and very clear choice: “I have set before
The Rules That Rule -- Matthew 5:21-37, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2011
In this week's lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, Moses concludes a lengthy address to t

SermonStudio

Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany / Sixth Sunday In Ordinary Time -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day Let us keep anger from ruling over us.
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 30:15--20 (C)
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (C)
God's Forgiving Spirit -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 30:15--20 (C, L)

Stories

StoryShare

The Anger of Will Smith -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2023
You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder,’ and ‘whoever
If Thy Eye Offend Thee... -- Matthew 5:21-37, Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2017
Contents "If Thy Eye Offend Thee..." by Keith Hewitt
Having A Stake In The Harvest -- Matthew 5:21-37, Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2014
Contents "Having a Stake in the Harvest" by Frank Ramirez
Choose Life -- Matthew 5:21-37, Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2011
Contents "Choose Life" by C. David McKirachan

SermonStudio

An Old Enemy -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
Kendall W. Anderson
The Stolen Generation -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2001
In an October 2, 2000, Time magazine article written by Terry McCarthy, Archie Roach recounts
Reconciled -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 1998
No one could remember when the trouble between Mark and Sue began.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Epiphany 6 / OT 6 -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2007
So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

Praxis Feels Angry -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2011
Praxis, the little pixie whose skin changes colour according to his moods, was a dull, ugly red.
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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.

CSSPlus

(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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