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Psalm 27:1, 4-9

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Group picture -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2010
I was in the home of a church member the other day where I saw a marvelous family portrait.
Political religion -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2007
"Politics are almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous!" said Winston Churchill.
Full-contact life -- Isaiah 9:1-4, Matthew 4:12-23, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2002
Rachel Matthews, 48, a community manager for an Internet start-up company, started doing it because

Worship

The Immediate Word

Which Empire Are You Serving? -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2026
For January 25, 2026: Which Empire Are You Serving?
At Home in Capernaum -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
For January 22, 2023:
The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
For January 26, 2020:
United In Mind And Purpose -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from First Corinthians, Paul highlights the divisions and quarrels
The Jesus Gang -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2011
In the wake of the recent Arizona shootings, a great deal of attention has been focused on the tone
Who Will You Follow? -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2008
Every four years, the people of the United States are called upon to make their voices heard and cho
The View From The Mountaintop -- Matthew 17:1-9, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2008
We have all had what we call "mountaintop" experiences in our lives -- times when we feel we have ov

Free Access

At Home in Capernaum -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
For January 22, 2023:
The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
For January 26, 2020:

SermonStudio

Epiphany 3/Ordinary Time 3 -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2007
Litany Of Confession P: Discord, dissention, strife,

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Which Empire Are You Serving? -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2026
For January 25, 2026: Which Empire Are You Serving?
At Home in Capernaum -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
For January 22, 2023:
The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
For January 26, 2020:
United In Mind And Purpose -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from First Corinthians, Paul highlights the divisions and quarrels
The Jesus Gang -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2011
In the wake of the recent Arizona shootings, a great deal of attention has been focused on the tone
Who Will You Follow? -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2008
Every four years, the people of the United States are called upon to make their voices heard and cho
The View From The Mountaintop -- Matthew 17:1-9, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2008
We have all had what we call "mountaintop" experiences in our lives -- times when we feel we have ov

Free Access

At Home in Capernaum -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
For January 22, 2023:
The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
For January 26, 2020:

SermonStudio

Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
German playwright, Bertolt Brecht, writes in one of his immortal tunes that "magic fear puts the wor

Stories

StoryShare

Light For The Darkness -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Keith Wagner, C. David Mckirachan -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2017
Contents "Light for the Darkness" by Keith Wagner
Ordinary Time -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- C. David Mckirachan, Sandra Herrmann -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2014
Contents "Ordinary Time" by C. David McKirachan
Found In Darkness -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, Craig Kelly -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2011
Contents "Found in Darkness" by John Sumwalt "Sold Out" by Craig Kelly
Glenda's Surprise -- Matthew 17:1-9, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Argile Smith, Keith Hewitt, Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Glenda's Surprise" by Argile Smith
God Time -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "God Time" by Keith Hewitt
Angel Of Mercy -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Angel of Mercy"

SermonStudio

A Dog's Life -- Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, David Michael Smith -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
The phone rang at precisely 9 p.m.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Epiphany 3 / OT 3 -- Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2007
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? -- Psalm 27:1

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Which Empire Are You Serving? -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2026
For January 25, 2026: Which Empire Are You Serving?
At Home in Capernaum -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
For January 22, 2023:
The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
For January 26, 2020:
United In Mind And Purpose -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from First Corinthians, Paul highlights the divisions and quarrels
The Jesus Gang -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2011
In the wake of the recent Arizona shootings, a great deal of attention has been focused on the tone
Who Will You Follow? -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2008
Every four years, the people of the United States are called upon to make their voices heard and cho
The View From The Mountaintop -- Matthew 17:1-9, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2008
We have all had what we call "mountaintop" experiences in our lives -- times when we feel we have ov

Free Access

At Home in Capernaum -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
For January 22, 2023:
The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
For January 26, 2020:

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Which Empire Are You Serving? -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2026
For January 25, 2026: Which Empire Are You Serving?
At Home in Capernaum -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
For January 22, 2023:
The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
For January 26, 2020:
United In Mind And Purpose -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from First Corinthians, Paul highlights the divisions and quarrels
The Jesus Gang -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2011
In the wake of the recent Arizona shootings, a great deal of attention has been focused on the tone
Who Will You Follow? -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2008
Every four years, the people of the United States are called upon to make their voices heard and cho
The View From The Mountaintop -- Matthew 17:1-9, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2008
We have all had what we call "mountaintop" experiences in our lives -- times when we feel we have ov

Free Access

At Home in Capernaum -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
For January 22, 2023:
The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
For January 26, 2020:

StoryShare

Found In Darkness -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, Craig Kelly -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2011
Contents "Found in Darkness" by John Sumwalt "Sold Out" by Craig Kelly

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Which Empire Are You Serving? -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2026
For January 25, 2026: Which Empire Are You Serving?
At Home in Capernaum -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
For January 22, 2023:
The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
For January 26, 2020:
United In Mind And Purpose -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from First Corinthians, Paul highlights the divisions and quarrels
The Jesus Gang -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2011
In the wake of the recent Arizona shootings, a great deal of attention has been focused on the tone
Who Will You Follow? -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2008
Every four years, the people of the United States are called upon to make their voices heard and cho
The View From The Mountaintop -- Matthew 17:1-9, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2008
We have all had what we call "mountaintop" experiences in our lives -- times when we feel we have ov

Free Access

At Home in Capernaum -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
For January 22, 2023:
The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
For January 26, 2020:
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 8 (OT 13, Pent 5)
22 – Sermons
110+ – Illustrations / Stories
22 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 9 (OT 14, Pent 6)
29 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
24 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 10 (OT 15, Pent 7)
28 – Sermons
130+ – Illustrations / Stories
23 – Children's Sermons / Resources
19 – Worship Resources
22 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Tom Willadsen
Christopher Keating
For July 5, 2026:

StoryShare

David O. Bales
Keith Wagner
Contents
"Jesus And Religious Know-It-Alls" by David O. Bales
"Pauls’ Innards" by David O. Bales
"A Little Bit of Heaven" by Keith Wagner
"A Glimpse of Hope" by Keith Wagner

Jesus And Religious Know-It-Alls
by David O. Bales
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
Frank Ramirez
Scott Dalgarno
There are many facets to the life we have in Christ, but one of the most important is joy. Joy is intrinsically connected with the Christian experience. However, many of us miss out on it. We may have the reverence part, the seeking-after-justice part, or even the devotion part, but many of us miss out on joy. Frank Ramirez explores the notion of play in worship and the joy it can bring with it in "Holy Games." Scott Dalgarno illustrates the joy we can experience knowing we're following the path and vocation God has set out for us in, "What Can Brown Do for You?"

CSSPlus

Arley K. Fadness
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (v. 28)

Good morning girls and boys,

Do you ever get tired? So tired that you just want to lay down and take a nap? (children share) A lot of things in life can wear us out -- like too many chores, too much playing sports, too much homework, going on a long, boring trip? Sometimes people even get tired in church.

People get tired physically. People also get tired spiritually. Here's why:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
“Wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” This week, we have the story of Abraham’s servant going “back home” to find a wife for his boss’ son juxtaposed with Jesus’ words about the criticism he and John the Baptist got for living in two diametrically opposed lifestyles. Jesus is, in effect, saying: “What do you expect? You went out to the wilderness to see John, who preached fear and the punishment sinners deserve, and wound up calling him a madman. You come to see me, and then criticize me for ministering to the outcasts, for eating and drinking like any normal person.
William H. Shepherd
One of the central concepts of the Bible is the "covenant." A covenant is a contract-plus. Like a contract, a covenant is an agreement between two parties to behave in a certain way: I'll do this, and you will do that. Unlike a contract, however, the two parties are not necessarily equals; a king, for example, could enter into a covenant with his people, while in no way ceding power to the people. Further, you can't just walk away from a covenant. A contract, sure -- just pay the penalties for breaking the agreement and you're off the hook.

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:
Jesus said, "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." In our worship today let us consider our own burdens and leave then behind at the feet of Jesus.


Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I feel overwhelmed by my problems.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I cling onto my difficulties.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, help me to let go of all my burdens.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

SermonStudio

Elizabeth Achtemeier
God has promised Abraham that he will be the forebear of many descendants. To begin to fulfill that promise, God has granted the aged Abraham and Sarah a son, Isaac. That is the context of this story that must never be forgotten.
Carlos Wilton
(See Proper 17/Pentecost 15/Ordinary Time 22, Cycle B, for an alternative approach, emphasizing vv. 1-2 and 6-9.)
Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Genesis 24:34--38, 42--49, 58--67 (C)
In his old age, Abraham sends his trusted servant back from the land of his origin to secure a wife for his son, Isaac, from his own people. He discovers Rebekah, daughter of Bethuel, who was Abraham's brother. When Isaac lays eyes on her, he is immediately smitten with love. The story assumes that all these events are due to divine design.

Lesson 1: Zechariah 9:9--10 (RC); Zechariah 9:9--12 (E, L)
Mark Ellingsen
Jesus was teaching about the kind of authority he has. We need authority in our context, because to Jesus' mind we are a very confused, wayward generation. There was nothing to compare the people of his time to, nothing to compare us to.1 They and we are wayward, hardened, confused people. Inappropriate behavior seemed to be the order of the day in Jesus' view. The people of Israel were like children who were playing, but could get none of the other children to celebrate, even when they played music.
Stan Purdum
The popular notion in our society is that the best way to choose a marriage partner is to wait until we "fall in love" with someone. By that, we usually mean that we wait for some kind of feeling, some emotional response to a person of the opposite sex that convinces us that we can never be truly happy again unless we can spend the future with that person. And often the feeling we experience is one of ecstatic joy and excitement.
Kristin Borsgard Wee
Early one morning several years ago, I was having coffee with a friend in her kitchen. Her youngest daughter came into the kitchen, dragging her favorite ragged blanket behind her. She looked at her mother with her big eyes and said, "Mommy, why did you marry daddy?" (I was surprised at such a serious question first thing in the morning!) My friend said, "Because I love him." The child's face broke into a smile, and she looked fondly at her blanket. "I love my blanket," she said. Her mother pulled her up into her lap, hugged her, and said, "I know you love your blanket.
William G. Carter
In a certain church, a woman was leading the congregation in the prayer of confession. She called the people to confess, reminding them of the sin within their hearts, and then all joined in reading the prayer of confession. She paused for the silent confession, and she kept pausing for a good long while. So long, in fact, that the people began to rustle as they waited for the next part of the service.
B. David Hostetter
CALL TO WORSHIP
Hear the invitation of Jesus: "Come to me, all those whose work is hard, whose load is heavy; and I will give you relief. Bend your necks to my yoke, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble-hearted; and your souls will find relief. For my yoke is good to bear, my load is light."

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Come, Thou Fount Of Every Blessing (LBW499, NCH459, PH356, CBH521, UM400)
Camina, Pueblo de Dios (Go Forth, O People Of God) (NCH614, UM305)
Make Me A Captive, Lord (CBH539, UM421, PH378)
How Clear Is Our Vocation, Lord (CBH54, PH419)
There Is A Place Of Quiet Rest (CBH5, UM472, PH527)
I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say (NCH489, CBH493)
There Is A Balm In Gilead (NCH553, CBH627, UM375, PH394)
Just As I Am (CBH516, UM357, PH370)

Anthems
Frank Ramirez
Call To Worship (Psalm 45:6-7)
 Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. Your royal scepter is a scepter of equity; you love righteousness and hate wickedness.


Collect
 Lord, in our distress you found us and brought us together as your family in Christ. We praise you for your loving kindness. Great is your faithfulness. Amen.


Prayer Of Confession

Special Occasion

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