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Matthew 7:21-29

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Children's Activity

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A beach home -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
Strong like a rock -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
The beauty of today's reading is that it is so easy to understand.
A good foundation -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Instructions

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Profiles in righteousness -- Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29, Psalm 46 -- David Kalas -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
In 1956, then Senator John F. Kennedy published a book titled, Profiles in
Flood insurance -- Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29, Psalm 46 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2002
The sad fact is that many people do not know what is truly covered in their insurance policies until
Defining your destiny -- Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29, Psalm 31:1-5, 19-24 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
One of Harry Emerson Fosdick's great sermons has the title "On Catching the Wrong Bus." He tells of

Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

Stamp Collections -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Call to Worship:

Children's sermon

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A beach home -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it
Strong like a rock -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Good morning, children! It's good to see you again. Today's lesson is a fun one.
A good foundation -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have ever seen a house being built?

The Immediate Word

Bad News, Good News In An Uncertain Life -- Matthew 7:21-29, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
Bad news is unavoidable.
Building On Sand -- Matthew 7:21-29, Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Every day we have fresh evidence that moral evil is not only a factor in personal life but -- with e

SermonStudio

Gordon Glove And Henry Hand -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a glove on a stick

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

What Matters? -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
When Lucy Dingall moved to a new house, she was very excited.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Epiphany 9 / OT 9 -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- 2007
Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord," will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who
Proper 4 / Pentecost 2 / OT 9 -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2007
Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

There's a story about a... -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
There's a story about a man who volunteered to serve at a soup kitchen run by nuns in
Our gospel for today gives... -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
Our gospel for today gives us Jesus' final words from his Sermon on the Mount in
Three years ago, Dalmar moved... -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
Three years ago, Dalmar moved to the United States from his native Africa. He witnessed
Jacob recounts his grandfather's experience... -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
Jacob recounts his grandfather's experience in pre-World War II Germany. His
Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19... -- Matthew 7:21-29, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19
An old cowboy story told... -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- 2002
An old cowboy story told by Boyce House:
The Jerusalem church was led... -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- 2002
The Jerusalem church was led by Jesus' closest friends: Peter, John and James.
Jessica was ecstatic. Her favorite... -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- 2002
Jessica was ecstatic. Her favorite band was playing at a club in a nearby community.
When Gina saw the sale... -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- 2002
When Gina saw the sale, she couldn't believe her eyes.
As a family gathered around... -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
As a family gathered around the table to eat, a little girl said grace.
Simone Weil, a Jewish convert... -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Simone Weil, a Jewish convert to Christianity, grasps the real meaning of her new faith: "Christ doe
Con artists are a fascinating... -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Con artists are a fascinating group of people. Take David Pecard.
Dan was always dressed immaculately... -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Dan was always dressed immaculately.

The Immediate Word

Bad News, Good News In An Uncertain Life -- Matthew 7:21-29, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
Bad news is unavoidable.
Building On Sand -- Matthew 7:21-29, Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Every day we have fresh evidence that moral evil is not only a factor in personal life but -- with e

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

A Prayer For The Golden Jubilee... -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Preaching

SermonStudio

Proper 4 / Pentecost 2 / Ordinary Time 9 -- Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayOur God is a God who remembers.
Fairy Tale Or God's Word? -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2007
When we ordain elders and deacons and ministers in the Presbyterian church we ask a number of questi
Proper 4 -- Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28, Matthew 7:21-29 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 6:9--22; 7:24; 8:14--19 (C)
Self--Deception, Hearers, And Doers -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Rebuilding On Secure Foundations -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2001
I live in Northern California where we frequently experience earthquakes and mud slides.
Proper 4, Pentecost 2, Ordinary Time 9 -- Genesis 6:11-22; 7:24; 8:14-9, Matthew 7:21-29 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Anchoring Your Life In The Lord -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1998
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who d
Proper 4 -- Genesis 6:11-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 6:11-22; 7:24; 8:14-19 (C)
A contrast between the righteousness of obedience and the righteousness of faith -- Genesis 6:11-22; 7:24, Romans 1:16-17, Matthew 7:21-29 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 6:11--22; 7:24; 8:14--19 (C)
Self-deception, Hearers And Doers -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1995
"Not every one who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one w
Proper 4 -- Genesis 6:11-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Genesis 6:11-22; 7:24; 8:14-19 (C)
Proper 4 -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 3:21-28, Matthew 7:21-29 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue

The Immediate Word

Bad News, Good News In An Uncertain Life -- Matthew 7:21-29, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
Bad news is unavoidable.
Building On Sand -- Matthew 7:21-29, Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Every day we have fresh evidence that moral evil is not only a factor in personal life but -- with e

Sermon

SermonStudio

Betting On Foolish Pleasure -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2009
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one wh
What Storms Blow Away -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- 2007
A friend once pastored a church with a beautiful building.
With A Firm Foundation, Application Is Second Nature -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2007
Practice makes perfect. If you do these things for Jesus, the Lord will bless you.
What Is Success? -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
Erma Bombeck wrote, "I can't remember the name of the man who spoke at my high school commencement,
Houses Built On Sand -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2001
One evening the television news was filled with stories about home--owners on the west coast whose m
Sand and Stone -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1989
Beachfront property runs the danger of being built on sand, for the beach naturally consists of sand

The Immediate Word

Bad News, Good News In An Uncertain Life -- Matthew 7:21-29, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
Bad news is unavoidable.
Building On Sand -- Matthew 7:21-29, Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Every day we have fresh evidence that moral evil is not only a factor in personal life but -- with e

The Village Shepherd

Quality Of Being -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
I used to know a man who was a devout Christian.

Stories

StoryShare

Where To Walk In Faith -- Matthew 7:21-29, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Where to Walk in Faith" by Peter Andrew Smith
Sufficient Grace -- Matthew 7:21-29, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Genesis 6:11-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Prayer at Valley Forge"

SermonStudio

Hearing And Doing -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- David E. Leininger -- 2007
Construction advice was given us from a well-known carpenter.
Doing The Right Thing -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2001
Len and Jeanne are the epitome of "good parents" according to their four sons, who keep in close con

Worship

The Immediate Word

Bad News, Good News In An Uncertain Life -- Matthew 7:21-29, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
Bad news is unavoidable.
Building On Sand -- Matthew 7:21-29, Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Every day we have fresh evidence that moral evil is not only a factor in personal life but -- with e

SermonStudio

Epiphany 9/Ordinary Time 9 -- Matthew 7:21-29, Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Psalm 31:1-5, 19-24 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- 2007
Order For Confession And Forgiveness
Proper 4/Pentecost 2/Ordinary Time 9 -- Matthew 7:21-29, Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Psalm 31:1-5, 19-24 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2007
LitanyDivide the congregation into two voices.
Epiphany 9 -- Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29 -- Thom M. Shuman -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: Here is the promise:
Proper 4 -- Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: Be still!
Come Into The Ark -- Genesis 6:11-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
Call To WorshipCome into the ark, it's raining outside.
Proper 4 -- Genesis 6:19-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
HymnsMy Hope Is Built On Nothing Less (UM368, PH379, NCH403, CBH343)
Proper 4 -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2001
Theme: A Firm FoundationCall To Worship
Self-deception; Hearers and Doers -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate The Season Of The Holy Spirit
Proper 4 -- Genesis 6:11-12; 7:24; 8:14-19, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 6:11-12; 7:24; 8:14-19Theme: Arks Of Faith
PROPER 4 -- Genesis 6:9-22, 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46, Matthew 7:21-29 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
PROPER 4 -- Psalm 33:12-22, Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 3:21-28, Matthew 7:21-29 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1986
Perhaps the best unifying theme in these six texts is the gracious goodness of God.
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 23 | OT 28 | Pentecost 18
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Tom Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For October 26, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
I am a scoreboard watcher. I follow a lot more games than I actually watch, but since technology makes it easy to check scores on a moment’s whim, I watch a lot of scoreboards of teams and games that I am at least mildly interested in. And as I check those scores, I find myself having immediate reactions: “Great!” “Oh, that's too bad.” “Excellent!” “Nuts.” And in the midst of that sports-fan roller coaster, I must continually remind myself that not all scores are final.
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Joel 2:22-32
Martin Luther sings the praises of God’s love revealed in this lesson. He wrote:

The love of God which lives in man loves sinners, evil persons, fools and weaklings in order to make them righteous, good, wise, and strong. Rather than seeking its own good, the love of God flows forth and bestows good. (Luther’s Works, Vol. 31, p.57)

John Wesley nicely summarizes the Spirit’s role in fighting the lure of our old sinful habits:

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John Jamison
Object: This message is a role-play story. You will need two children to play the roles of the Pharisee and the tax collector. I usually ask two children if they will help me as they are all coming forward for the message, but you may select them however you choose.

* * *

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, but your commandments are my delight.
Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live.
(vv. 143-144)

When I was an associate pastor in Janesville, Wisconsin one of my responsibilities was to give a lecture on spirituality once a month at a drug treatment facility. The students who attended were persons who had been convicted of drunk driving and were required to attend the class as a condition of their sentence. Attendance was always good.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

We all dislike people who blow their own trumpets, although sometimes we may be in awe of them. Jesus too deplored such behaviour and was never in awe of those who practised it. In our worship today let us open ourselves to Jesus, allowing him to see what is in our hearts.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we allow other people's behaviour to intimidate us.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes we refuse to reach our own fullest potential because we are afraid.

SermonStudio

Schuyler Rhodes
Every morning when sleep leaves and waking comes there is cause for praising God. Caught up, as we are, in the currents and eddies of our lives, this is easy to forget. This wonderful psalm is a reminder. God's bounty and abundance spill into our lives like waters over a causeway. God's delight in creation explodes in a million different colors. In every moment there is reason to give God praise.
Robert R. Kopp
When I was a little boy growing up in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania's First Presbyterian Church, one of those Christian chalk artists with black light, neon colors, and black felt canvas who made pictures of Jesus look like those Elvis portraits for sale on the side of the road at the beach showed up as entertainment for a Sunday evening potluck dinner.
John E. Berger
Today's sermon begins with this little one-person drama.
Mark Ellingson
Have you ever felt that you were absolutely at the end of your rope, left without hope? Sometime during the years of 539 B.C. to 331 B.C. that is the way the people of Judah felt. It seems that their land had been ravaged by a plague of locusts which had had catastrophic consequences.

Once a harvest has been destroyed, you cannot repair it. If a building has burned to the ground, you cannot repair it. In those instances you need to start from scratch with a fresh start.

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