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Numbers 21:4-9

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

When Good News is Inexplicable -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- David Kalas -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
I spent a couple of days recently in a hospital room with a two-year-old grandson.
Rescue or Ruin? -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
It seems obvious if we had a choice, we would choose rescue over ruin. Right?
Bumps in the Road -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- David Coffin -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Moving into another state with different levels of road maintenance can result in some unexpected di
Choosing our path -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
When I started reading the passages for this week, I could not help but remember the Robert Frost
The cross in the desert -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- David Kalas -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
An older church member might see my title and take issue with it.
Lifting in Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2003
I bet we have all preached one of those sermons that questions the discipline of "giving up" somethi
Seeking aid -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2000
Like the stereotypical North American man, Bob is hesitant to stop and ask for directions.
Lift high the cross -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1997
SERMON FOR LENT 4Lift high the crossBy Durwood L. Buchheim
From death to life! -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1994
One of the moral dilemmas that has to be dealt with in these days when human organs are being transp

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Why Did It Have To Be Snakes? -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 14, 2021:
Snakes On The Plane -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 11, 2018:
Alive Together With Christ -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Paul lays out for the Ephesians in this week’s lectionary passage a chilling distillation of the dea
Le Monde Noir? -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
The ongoing strife in Syria has been a bracing reminder to the world of just how inhumane we can be
The Risk Of Being A Peacemaker -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," Jesus tells us in the Beatit
Lights Over Baghdad -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

Devotional

SermonStudio

Lent 4 -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Numbers 21:4-9

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2024) -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Numbers 21:4-9
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2021) -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Numbers 21:4-9
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2018) -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Numbers 21:4-9
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2015) -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Mark Ellingsen, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Numbers 21:4-9
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2012) -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Numbers 21:4-9
The people spoke against Moses... -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
The people spoke against Moses and worshiped idols for they could not trust and believe.
Numbers 21:4-9br... -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
Numbers 21:4-9
Rubber snakes are a favorite... -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
Rubber snakes are a favorite way to scare mothers, sisters, and girlfriends.
Walter Van Tilburg Clark's novel... -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
Walter Van Tilburg Clark's novel The Ox-Bow Incident is a classic western.
The Back to Egypt Committee... -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
The "Back to Egypt Committee" is alive and well.
Snakes had never been one... -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1994
Snakes had never been one of her favorite creatures, so when the real estate agent showing the house
Traveling is stressful. Traveling with... -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1991
Traveling is stressful. Traveling with a family is not any different.
Should we be surprised that... -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1991
Should we be surprised that the Israelites complained?
How common it is for... -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1991
How common it is for people to complain.
(L)The... -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1982
(L)
(L)Impatience... -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1982
(L)
(L)There... -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1982
(L)
(L)Rube... -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1982
(L)
(M,C,P)B... -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1982
(M,C,P)

The Immediate Word

Why Did It Have To Be Snakes? -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 14, 2021:
Snakes On The Plane -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 11, 2018:
Alive Together With Christ -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Paul lays out for the Ephesians in this week’s lectionary passage a chilling distillation of the dea
Le Monde Noir? -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
The ongoing strife in Syria has been a bracing reminder to the world of just how inhumane we can be
The Risk Of Being A Peacemaker -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," Jesus tells us in the Beatit

Free Access

Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2021) -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Numbers 21:4-9

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Why Did It Have To Be Snakes? -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 14, 2021:
Snakes On The Plane -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 11, 2018:
Alive Together With Christ -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Paul lays out for the Ephesians in this week’s lectionary passage a chilling distillation of the dea
Le Monde Noir? -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
The ongoing strife in Syria has been a bracing reminder to the world of just how inhumane we can be
The Risk Of Being A Peacemaker -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," Jesus tells us in the Beatit
Lights Over Baghdad -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

SermonStudio

Lent 4 -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day
Fourth Sunday in Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Theme For The Day We look to the cross of Jesus for salvation.
Fourth Sunday in Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2001
In today's Gospel lesson from John 3:14--21, Jesus says to Nicodemus, "As Moses lifted up the serpen
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Numbers 21:4-9 (C)
We are saved by grace through faith -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: We are saved by grace through faith.
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
The people of Israel are fed up with the hardships of
Fourth Sunday of Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- George M. Bass -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
Under the classic plan of the church year, the Fourth Sunday in Lent brought the second section of L
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Fourth Sunday In LentRevised CommonNumbers 21:4-9Ephesians 2:1-10

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Why Did It Have To Be Snakes? -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 14, 2021:
Snakes On The Plane -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 11, 2018:
Alive Together With Christ -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Paul lays out for the Ephesians in this week’s lectionary passage a chilling distillation of the dea
Le Monde Noir? -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
The ongoing strife in Syria has been a bracing reminder to the world of just how inhumane we can be
The Risk Of Being A Peacemaker -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," Jesus tells us in the Beatit
Lights Over Baghdad -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

The Village Shepherd

Symbols And Idolatry -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Present day icons

SermonStudio

Lift High The Cross -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- David H. Webb -- 2009
In our story today, the children of Israel are simply tired and worn out.
Hope Lifted Up -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Ken Lentz -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
It was a mystery.
Rebellion, Renewal, And Rebirth -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Ron Lavin -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
A French Bishop once told a story to a vast audience about a rebellious group of boys who stood outs
Just What The Doctor Ordered -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
A wealthy entrepreneur was consternated to find a fisherman sitting lazily beside his boat.
Persevering In The Faith -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Many years ago, a friend of mine remarked that several years earlier he and his wife had quit attend
Lift High The Cross -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Durwood L. Buchheim -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
Last Sunday we left the people of Israel at Mount Sinai where
Look Inside And Discover Life -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Richard E. Gribble -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Oscar Wilde's short novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, written in the early part of the twentieth ce

Stories

StoryShare

The Serpent… -- Numbers 21:4-9, John 3:14-21 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Contents “The Serpent…” by Keith Hewitt
Raised Up -- John 3:14-21, Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Contents “Raised Up” by Peter Andrew Smith
The Royal Hostage -- John 3:14-21, Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Sandra Herrmann, Keith Wagner -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Contents "Changing Our Focus" by Keith Wagner
A Place Of Healing And Hope -- John 3:14-21, Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Frank Ramirez, Lamar Massingill -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Contents"A Place of Healing and Hope" by Frank Ramirez
The Darkness -- John 3:14-21, Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Keith Hewitt, Larry Winebrenner, Sandra Herrmann -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Darkness" by Keith Hewitt
We Still Love You, Daddy -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Charles Cammarata, Paul Lintern, Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Contents What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

Look Up And Live -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- David E. Leininger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Do you like snakes? Not many do.

Free Access

Look Up And Live -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- David E. Leininger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Do you like snakes? Not many do.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Why Did It Have To Be Snakes? -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 14, 2021:
Snakes On The Plane -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 11, 2018:
Alive Together With Christ -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Paul lays out for the Ephesians in this week’s lectionary passage a chilling distillation of the dea
Le Monde Noir? -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
The ongoing strife in Syria has been a bracing reminder to the world of just how inhumane we can be
The Risk Of Being A Peacemaker -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," Jesus tells us in the Beatit
Lights Over Baghdad -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

SermonStudio

Theme: Snake Eyes -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 107:17-22) One:
Fourth Sunday in Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipThis is what Jesus was born for. Leader:
When We Lose Patience -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Fourth Sunday in Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
First Lesson: Numbers 21:4-9 Theme: I Will Pray For You Call To Worship
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- James R. Wilson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
The Snake Made Of Bronze -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- B. David Hostetter -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPDo not avoid the light of God but expose yourself to it. Come to
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For August 17, 2025:
  • When Good News Is Bad News by Dean Feldmeyer based on Acts 2:1-21. Charles Darwin believed that the two most significant achievements in human history were the development of language and the harnessing of fire. Today we apply both, language and the symbol of fire, to our understanding of the gospel.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Isaiah 5:1-7
David Coffin
When does the status quo no longer seem to be working? In her book, The Last Flight Julie Clark begins with the seemingly flawlessly choreographed life of Claire Cook, the wife of a wealthy politician at the peak of this political dynasty. Despite the elegant surroundings of the Manhattan townhouse, staff of ten servants, life behind closed doors is different. Her husband Rory has a hot temper, and is abusive. There is also the memory of the mysterious death of his first wife.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
How long? Will the hearts of the prophets ever turn back—those who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart? (Jeremiah 23:26)

You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? (Luke 12:56)

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A fire extinguisher.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! Let’s get started. But I need to warn you that this is a really strange story. At least the things that Jesus says sound really strange. But let’s see if we can figure out what the story is really all about.

(Show the fire extinguisher.)  This is a little reminder that sometimes it is really hard to follow Jesus and do what he wants us to do!

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said that life would not be easy for Christians, but calls us to stand up for our beliefs. In our worship today let us acknowledge and explore the difficulties of standing as a Christian in today's society.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we find it easier to go with the flow than to stand against other people.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we feel overwhelmed by the number of people who ignore you.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
(See Advent 4, Cycle A, and Advent 1, Cycle B, for alternative approaches.)

William E. Keeney
49"I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! 51Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! 52From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; 53they will be divided:
father against son
and son against father,
mother against daughter
and daughter against mother,
mother-in-law against her
Elizabeth Achtemeier
This passage is famously known as Isaiah's "Song of the Vineyard." It begins with the prophet singing, in what we would describe as troubadour-fashion, a love song about his dod, his friend, the beloved. Everyone is interested in a love affair, of course, and so the song is intended to capture the interest of Isaiah's listeners.
Clayton A. Lord Jr.
What can faith do? It can part a raging sea and allow a nation to walk through. What can faith do? It can knock down the walls of a fortified city so that God can prove a point. What can faith do? It can single out a woman who follows God's lead and protect her from certain death. Today many people are into "reality" television shows where individuals are put to extreme tests. We watch them because we like to see others battle against great odds and come out victorious.

Special Occasion

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