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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

CSSPlus

'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
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
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

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.
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Easter 2
30+ – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 3
26 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
28 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 4
27 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
Dean Feldmeyer
For April 19, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
When Jesus broke bread in a house in Emmaus, the eyes of his companions were opened, and they recognized him. Let us try to recognise Jesus in our worship today.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm unable to see you or to discern your presence.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I refuse to wait around long enough for you show yourself to me.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I find it easier to ignore you than to seek for you.
Lord, have mercy.

StoryShare

John S. Smylie
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Speak the Truth in Love" by John Smylie
"Recognizing the Christ" by Sandra Herrmann


What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

Lee Griess
It is perhaps one of the most compelling narratives in all of the scriptures. So fascinating is this scene, in fact, that the gospel writer Luke includes it in detail near the end of his gospel writing. It is a story known well and beloved in the church -- the story of two disciples walking down a dusty road to the village of Emmaus, the evening of that first Easter day.
Richard L. Sheffield
"People die. Don't ya know." That's what Cleopas and his friend said to Jesus on Easter afternoon on their way home. People die!

Don't believe it? Don't want to believe it? Read about it in The Lima News. And not just in the obits. This is my copy of The Lima News from Good Friday, the day we remember that Jesus died.

Page 1: Cult Died in Shifts

Page 2: A headline so gruesome, let's just say, "Wife kills husband."

Page 3: A list of the dead from page 1, by age, sex, and the state where they got their driver's license.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
Is the life you lead one for which you want to be remembered? That very challenging and thought-provoking question certainly came to the mind of the famous Swedish scientist Alfred Nobel one day. In the common everyday exercise of reading the morning paper, Nobel discovered the challenge of God and the need for conversion before his very eyes.
Mark Ellingsen
"What happens to you when you die, Dad?" "Of course, son, if you believe in God, you go up to heaven where you will be with God and the angels."
Harry N. Huxhold
A rather insightful novel about the problem of Christian missions to Africa is Barbara Kingsolver's story The Poisonwood Bible. Kingsolver weaves her story around Nathan Price, a fundamentalist, legalistic preacher who takes his wife and four daughters to serve in the heart of the Belgian Congo. While they are there, in l960 Patrice Lumumba emerges as the leader of his people when Belgium grants the Congolese their independence. Soon after, Mobuto comes to power. Nathan Price decides to remain and serve with his family even when the resources of his sponsors are cut off.
Bill Mosley
There's an old Uncle Remus story about Br'er Rabbit. Br'er Fox catches Br'er Rabbit and is fixin' to cook him for supper. Rabbit kinda giggles behind his hand. Fox grabs him by the ear, and says, "Why you laughin'?"

Rabbit says, "Jus' thinkin' 'bout my Laughin' Place." Fox says, "What Laughin' Place?" Rabbit says, "Oh, I cain't tell you about it. I got to show you!"
B. David Hostetter
CALL TO WORSHIP
Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus the Messiah, for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children and to all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God may call.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Gathering Litany
Begin instrumental music for the Hymn of Praise when the spoken litany begins. A solo flute would be excellent.
P: Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
C: we rejoice that you have been raised from the dead.
P: Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
C: we rejoice in the gift of your Holy Spirit.
P: Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
C: we rejoice in your promise of baptism.
P: Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
C: we rejoice that we are born anew eternally.

Hymn Of Praise

Emphasis Preaching Journal

William H. Shepherd
My friend was overwhelmed by his first church convention. "It's all so big," he wrote in his report. "There is so much going on. I wish I had a manual to instruct me on what to do, where to go, and how to vote."

Someone responded to his report with a letter to an editor. "How sad," said the letter, "that a leader of our church would not know that we Christians already have a manual on how to live the Christian life. It's called the Bible."
The best way to learn about modern culture is to have a teenager; you learn quickly what is valued highly. One of those things that a teenager can teach you is the extreme value of being cool. Now "cool" means different things in different contexts. In general, it means desirable. In talking about clothes, it means fashionable. For 14-year-old boys talking about girls, cool means attractive. But at its root, cool means ... the opposite of hot. It means the opposite of passion. It means looking like nothing will get you stirred up. Like nothing bothers you. Like nothing can affect you.

CSSPlus

Good morning! I have here a newspaper article about a kidnapping. It seems that ... (tell them about the story in the clipping). Now when somebody is kidnapped, the usual reason for kidnapping them is money. The kidnappers want somebody to pay them money to release the prisoner. Does anybody know what we call the money paid to get someone released from the kidnappers? (Let them answer.) It's called a "ransom." A ransom is paid in order to get someone released by the bad guys.
Good morning! Did you know that after Jesus was raised from the dead, he went around showing himself to some of his followers? Some of the disciples saw him and recognized him right away. One of the disciples, Thomas, recognized him but he didn't believe that it was really Jesus. He wanted proof before he would believe.
After the resurrection of Jesus -- but before it was known -- two of his followers were walking along a road. They were sad about the crucifixion and mourning that their friend was gone. Jesus joined them on the road, but they did not recognize him. He challenged their lack of belief in the resurrection. Didn't the prophecies say that the Messiah would be brought back from the dead? Why, then, didn't they believe them? Jesus tells them that they are slow to believe.

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