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Romans 13:8-14

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

God Sets Us Free And Keeps Us Together -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
In accord with the Pentecost season’s preoccupation with living the Christian life (Sanctification),
The meaning of community -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2014
The Moravian Community of Herrnhut in Saxony was well established by the year 1727.
The things God requires -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Psalm 149 -- David Kalas -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2011
Many of us deeply cherish Micah's famous answer to that question (Micah 6:8).
Kill or be killed? -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Psalm 149 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2008
Gilbert and Sullivan, the dynamic duo of the stage, created fun-filled musicals and light
Non-Hollywood love -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Psalm 149 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2002
In June the American Film Institute released its list of the top 100 romance movies of all time.
Putting love to work -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1996
Last week we suggested that if Genesis is the account of God's election, then Exodus is t

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God Sets Us Free And Keeps Us Together -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
In accord with the Pentecost season’s preoccupation with living the Christian life (Sanctification),

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Love in Action -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary epistle text, Paul echoes Jesus when he says that the commandments can be
The Debt Penalty: Pay The Fine Or Do The Time -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2014
In this week’s Romans passage, Paul reminds us once again of our call to look beyond our own self
No More Promised Lands -- Exodus 12:1-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Romans 13:8-14, Psalm 149 -- Roger Lovette, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2011
It's been an eventful week for America's East coast, dominated by what the media blithely refers to
Love Of Neighbor: Priceless -- Romans 13:8-14, Exodus 12:1-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
Dear fellow preachers,

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Love in Action -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary epistle text, Paul echoes Jesus when he says that the commandments can be

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What is a neighbor? -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2011
Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. (v. 10)
Sharing Jesus -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2008
Love your neighbor as yourself. (v. 9)
Love your neighbors -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
Good morning, boys and girls! Did you do anything special this week?
Who is my neighbor? -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
Good morning! The Bible tells us that we should love our
Fulfilling the law -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
Good morning! This morning I'm going to ask you to fill this
A neighbor at school -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you take your lunch

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / OT 23 -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2007
Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the

Drama

SermonStudio

N-o-o-o-t Exactly ... -- Matthew 24:37-44, Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:8-14 -- John A. Tenbrook -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Thespian Theological Thoughts

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermons Illustrations For Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 (2017) -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
Exodus 12:1-14
Sermons Illustrations for Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove, Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2014
Exodus 12:1-14
Love is an overused word... -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2014
Love is an overused word in the English language.
How hard it is to remember... -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2014
How hard it is to remember that most important rule.
Leonardo da Vinci once designed... -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2014
Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) once designed a timepiece that could wake a sleeping person by brushin
It's all about getting your priorities straight... -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2011
It's all about getting your priorities straight.
Have you ever had an outfit or a pair of jeans... -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Brian Hohmeier -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2011
Have you ever had an outfit or a pair of jeans that fit so well that they just felt natural to wear
Early politicians required feedback from the public... -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2011
Early politicians required feedback from the public to determine what the people considered importan
Sermons Illustrations For Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 (2011) -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2011
Exodus 12:1-14
One of our sons-in... -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2008
One of our sons-in-law is Mexican. He grew up speaking only Spanish. His mother has
Do you need commandments to... -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2008
Do you need commandments to keep you in line or the threat of a fine to keep you going
The life of Saint Augustine... -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2008
The life of Saint Augustine is an example of how God can transform a life, and how that
Reality TV has become popular... -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2002
"Reality TV" has become popular in recent months with shows such as Survivor.
Do you know the hymn... -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2002
Do you know the hymn, "Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun?" It was written in 1695, by Thomas Ken, who
Loving one another includes loving... -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2002
Loving one another includes loving our enemies.
The kitchen was not new... -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2002
The kitchen was not new to him. His wife called him a "gourmet" cook. Cakes were his specialty.
In a 1998 television commercial... -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1999
In a 1998 television commercial for the Isuzu Rodeo a giant sign says, "Obey," but the narrator say
Thomas Moore, the nineteenth century... -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1999
Thomas Moore, the nineteenth century poet, was married to a beautiful young woman to whom he was tot
Jean was badly in need... -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1999
Jean was badly in need of a friend. Her father had died nearly ten years ago.
During 1995, we marked the... -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1996
During 1995, we marked the fiftieth anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.

The Immediate Word

Love in Action -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary epistle text, Paul echoes Jesus when he says that the commandments can be
The Debt Penalty: Pay The Fine Or Do The Time -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2014
In this week’s Romans passage, Paul reminds us once again of our call to look beyond our own self
No More Promised Lands -- Exodus 12:1-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Romans 13:8-14, Psalm 149 -- Roger Lovette, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2011
It's been an eventful week for America's East coast, dominated by what the media blithely refers to

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Sermons Illustrations For Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 (2017) -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
Exodus 12:1-14
Love in Action -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary epistle text, Paul echoes Jesus when he says that the commandments can be

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Love in Action -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary epistle text, Paul echoes Jesus when he says that the commandments can be
The Debt Penalty: Pay The Fine Or Do The Time -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2014
In this week’s Romans passage, Paul reminds us once again of our call to look beyond our own self
No More Promised Lands -- Exodus 12:1-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Romans 13:8-14, Psalm 149 -- Roger Lovette, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2011
It's been an eventful week for America's East coast, dominated by what the media blithely refers to
Love Of Neighbor: Priceless -- Romans 13:8-14, Exodus 12:1-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
Dear fellow preachers,

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Love in Action -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary epistle text, Paul echoes Jesus when he says that the commandments can be

SermonStudio

Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayIn the Passover and in the Lord's Supper, eating is remembering.
Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 12:1--14 (C)
Proper 18, Pentecost 16, Ordinary Time 23 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-4, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 12:1-4 (C)
A word of warning -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 12:1-14 (C)
Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Exodus 12:1-14 (C)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Love in Action -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary epistle text, Paul echoes Jesus when he says that the commandments can be
The Debt Penalty: Pay The Fine Or Do The Time -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2014
In this week’s Romans passage, Paul reminds us once again of our call to look beyond our own self
No More Promised Lands -- Exodus 12:1-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Romans 13:8-14, Psalm 149 -- Roger Lovette, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2011
It's been an eventful week for America's East coast, dominated by what the media blithely refers to
Love Of Neighbor: Priceless -- Romans 13:8-14, Exodus 12:1-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
Dear fellow preachers,

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Love in Action -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary epistle text, Paul echoes Jesus when he says that the commandments can be

SermonStudio

The Armor Of Light -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Larry Lange -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2007
Characters Harry Christian Margaret Christian (Harry's wife)
Doing Well And Doing Good -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
There is a cliche thrown around the business world that states that people should do well by doing g
A Call To Love -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Tom M. Garrison -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2001
Of all the words used throughout the world, the one that is used the most -- or misused the most --

The Village Shepherd

Rising To The Heights Of Love -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
Over the sombre weeks of this recent summer in which two little girls were murdered in a quiet C

Stories

StoryShare

The Power Of Passover -- Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Psalm 149 -- John Fitzgerald, Keith Hewitt -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2014
Contents"The Power of Passover" by John Fitzgerald
I Tertius, The Writer Of This Letter -- Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Psalm 149 -- David O. Bales, Craig Kelly -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2011
Contents"I Tertius, the Writer of this Letter" by David O. Bales
Styling And Profiling -- Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Psalm 149 -- Bryan Meadows, Constance Berg -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2008
What's Up This Week
The Armor Of Light -- Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Psalm 149 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2005
..

SermonStudio

The Winds Of God -- Romans 13:8-14 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
Larry WinebrennerMy grandmother was an unforgiving woman.
Paying With Love -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the
The Defining Mark -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1998
Rollin and Tom were colleagues at a small Christian college.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Love in Action -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary epistle text, Paul echoes Jesus when he says that the commandments can be
The Debt Penalty: Pay The Fine Or Do The Time -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2014
In this week’s Romans passage, Paul reminds us once again of our call to look beyond our own self
No More Promised Lands -- Exodus 12:1-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Romans 13:8-14, Psalm 149 -- Roger Lovette, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2011
It's been an eventful week for America's East coast, dominated by what the media blithely refers to
Love Of Neighbor: Priceless -- Romans 13:8-14, Exodus 12:1-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
Dear fellow preachers,

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Love in Action -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary epistle text, Paul echoes Jesus when he says that the commandments can be

SermonStudio

Proper 18/Pentecost 16/Ordinary Time 23 -- Matthew 18:15-20, Romans 13:8-14, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2007
Confession, Instruction, And Forgiveness P: Holy God, in whose name we gather,
Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: To people held captive by others,
Bitter Herbs, Sweet Remembrance -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 149:1-4)
Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Psalm 149, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
HymnsWake, Awake, For Night Is Flying (UM720, NCH112, PH17)
Proper 18 -- Romans 13:8-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2001
Theme: Love One AnotherCall To Worship
Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 12:1-14Theme: TogetherCall To Worship
Duties Toward Others -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1992
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
PROPER 18 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Psalm 149, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Bethany Peerbolte
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Ron Love
George Reed
Dean Feldmeyer
For December 8, 2019:
  • Repentance That Matters by Tom Willadsen — John reminds the people that it is not who they are but what they do, the fruits of their repentance that matters. “You’ve got to walk the walk,” John insists.
  • Second Thoughts: Letting the Sucker Do Its Work by Bethany Peerbolte — The line of Jesse is not dead. It has just enough energy to send up one more change for survival.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Ron Love
Bonnie Bates
Isaiah 11:1-10
Of the Advent readings, this is one of my favorites. The prophet proclaims that one from the root of Jesse will come and the Spirit of the Lord will be upon him. Righteousness will come into the world. People, nations, even animals that war with one another will be at peace. All will be blessed, from the smallest child to the oldest adult. Mercy and justice will reign. That is the hope, the promise.
David Kalas
Broadly speaking, we human beings turn to two solutions to try to make things better. Whether it is an organization, a family, a church, or a nation, there is always room for improvement, always some yearning for things to be even better than they are. And we generally seek those improvements by trying to find either the right system or the right person.

Revolutions are usually about trying to find the right system. Elections are about trying to find the right person. And human beings seem to have an endless reservoir of optimism when it comes to new systems and new leaders.

StoryShare

David O. Bales
Contents
"Less Than A Peaceable Kingdom" by David O. Bales
"Prayer For Righteous Government" by David O. Bales


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Less Than A Peaceable Kingdom
by David O. Bales
Isaiah 11:1-10

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Bethany Peerbolte
Matthew introduces John the Baptist, the person who God has sent to prepare the people for Jesus. John’s teaching is the first sign that the Messiah is coming, everyone should be listening closely. John’s fashion choices make it hard for some people, though. His dirty camel hair toga and general unkempt appearance is not what we expect a great teacher to look like. This is a warning to us all that God’s voice may not always come from the people from whom we expect.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Roddy was plunged into gloom. It was that time of year again - the time of the annual nativity play. Roddy hated it. For a start, he had only once been chosen to actually feature in the play. That was the year he had to wear his dressing gown with a stupid tea towel on his head, and say one line: "Look! Let us follow that shining star!" Only he'd pointed to the star and forgotten the words. The audience had started to laugh, and the teacher said afterwards that "the whole feel of the play had been lost." Roddy was never invited to be in the play again.

SermonStudio

Don M. Aycock
A man who lives in Hollywood tells this to friends who come to visit: "When you are in Hollywood, don't miss Hollywood." He reminds his guests that his town is much more than a movie set. They won't see stars giving autographs or movie crews with cameras whirring.

In a similar way the scriptures seem to say to us, "At Christmas, don't miss Christmas." It is easy to miss, isn't it? We can get so busy that the season passes over us like a plane at night, heard but not really seen. And what, during this season, do we need not to miss?

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