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Romans 5:1-11

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Rendezvous With God -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11 -- David Kalas -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
A colleague of mine and I decided to meet one day for lunch.
Overcoming Objections -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
The Black Angel. That’s what Michael Christopher calls Herman Engel in his famous play.
Live And Learn -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
These three passages recognize that we all make mistakes -- and some of the mistakes could be disast
The love of God poured out -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The Old Testament lesson and the gospel for the Third Sunday in Lent tie closely together in that th
Are you thirsty? -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42, Psalm 95 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
Here's a parable by a cartoonist named Saxon. It's about a fellow who has just reached retirement.
Turning things upside down -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42, Psalm 95 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
If you are like me, you come from an educational background that basically emphasized
Calling on a full-access God -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42, Psalm 95 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
Perhaps more than most cities in the world, Washington, D.C., is a city whose central principle, the
Coloring outside the lines -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1999
(Dr. Foster R. McCurley has had a distinguished career as St.
Timing -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1996
After the bombing of a building in Oklahoma City, an earthquake or a department store implosion in
The jar left behind -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42, Psalm 95 -- William H. Shepherd -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
I was reading the work of a well-known biblical critic who said, "Adequate water sources were crucia

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Tapping Into Unlimited (Living) Water -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Elena Delhagen -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For March 12, 2023:
Ignored at the Well -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 15, 2020:
Affordable Living Water -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Health care reform is a hot topic in Washington these days, with the Republican Congress and the Tru
Water, Water, Everywhere? -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
All the action in this week’s Old Testament and gospel texts is centered around access to water.
Assurance But Not Insurance -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42, Psalm 95 -- Ron Love, Roger Lovette, Mary Austin -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
This week's lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures describes the intense frustration of the I
As Common As A Samaritan Woman With Five Husbands -- John 4:5-42, Romans 5:1-11, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Sometimes the most amazing things in life are right in front of your face.
Where Can You Go From The Top? -- John 4:5-42, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- George L. Murphy -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
For the Third Sunday in Lent, February 27, the gospel is John 4:5-42.

CSSPlus

On the clock -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Leah Thompson -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. (v. 6)
Many steps -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering
Learning the hard way -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
Good morning, boys and girls! I'm going to bandage NAME's hand.
Justified by faith -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
Good morning! I have here an article from the newspaper
Plenty of love -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
God loves you and me. That is a wonderful thing. When I think
Poured into our hearts -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have a pet? (Let
Pain makes us stronger -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
Good morning, boys and girls. Has anyone here had a hard week?

SermonStudio

You're Worth A Million -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a make--believe check for $1,000,000 (be sure to void the check!) and an old rag

Devotional

SermonStudio

Lent 3 -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Lent 3 (2023) -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42, Psalm 95 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Exodus 17:1-7
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 3 (2020) -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42, Psalm 95 -- Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Psalm 95
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 3 (2017) -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Exodus 17:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2014) -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Ron Love, Scott A. Bryte, Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
Exodus 17:1-7
This scripture deals... -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
This scripture deals with expectations of faith, praise, sacrifice, and hope.
A friend of mine... -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Ron Love -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
A friend of mine told me why he will not do online dating.
Paul says that... -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
Paul says that even while enemies of God we were reconciled to him through Christ (v. 10).
When demanding fair... -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
When demanding fair pay for hard work, we often say that a person should get what they deserve.
NULL -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
Exodus 17:1-7
NULL -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Leah Thompson -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
In word processing programs, one of the formatting choices is the "justification." Options include l
NULL -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Ron Love -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
Elie Wiesel is most often recognized for his book Night, in which he recounts his captivity a
New Illustrations for February 24, 2008 -- John 4:5-42, Romans 5:1-11, Exodus 17:1-7 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Exodus 17:1-7
A great many people -- particularly... -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
A great many people -- particularly those involved with twelve-step programs -- are
One June 11, the feast... -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
One June 11, the feast of Saint Barnabas, I went to the animal shelter. I was not looking
Last summer, the Talbott family... -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Last summer, the Talbott family rode their bikes from coast to coast, from Oregon to
In his book, The Greatest... -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
In his book, The Greatest Generation, news reporter, Tom Brokaw, makes the
Like only a few others... -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
Like only a few others, Helen was seemingly always calm.
Terrorist attacks put open societies... -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
Terrorist attacks put open societies at risk.
A farmer owned an old... -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
A farmer owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer's well.

The Immediate Word

Tapping Into Unlimited (Living) Water -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Elena Delhagen -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For March 12, 2023:
Ignored at the Well -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 15, 2020:
Affordable Living Water -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Health care reform is a hot topic in Washington these days, with the Republican Congress and the Tru
Water, Water, Everywhere? -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
All the action in this week’s Old Testament and gospel texts is centered around access to water.
Assurance But Not Insurance -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42, Psalm 95 -- Ron Love, Roger Lovette, Mary Austin -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
This week's lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures describes the intense frustration of the I
As Common As A Samaritan Woman With Five Husbands -- John 4:5-42, Romans 5:1-11, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Sometimes the most amazing things in life are right in front of your face.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Tapping Into Unlimited (Living) Water -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Elena Delhagen -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For March 12, 2023:
Ignored at the Well -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 15, 2020:
Affordable Living Water -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Health care reform is a hot topic in Washington these days, with the Republican Congress and the Tru
Water, Water, Everywhere? -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
All the action in this week’s Old Testament and gospel texts is centered around access to water.
Assurance But Not Insurance -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42, Psalm 95 -- Ron Love, Roger Lovette, Mary Austin -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
This week's lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures describes the intense frustration of the I
As Common As A Samaritan Woman With Five Husbands -- John 4:5-42, Romans 5:1-11, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Sometimes the most amazing things in life are right in front of your face.
Where Can You Go From The Top? -- John 4:5-42, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- George L. Murphy -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
For the Third Sunday in Lent, February 27, the gospel is John 4:5-42.

SermonStudio

Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 17:1--7 (C, E); Exodus 17:3--7 (RC)
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme We head toward the passion and cross of Christ.
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 17:1-7 (C, E); Exodus 17:3-7 (RC)
Christ Confronts A Samaritan Woman -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Exodus 17:3-7 (RC); Exodus 17:1-7 (C, E)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Tapping Into Unlimited (Living) Water -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Elena Delhagen -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For March 12, 2023:
Ignored at the Well -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 15, 2020:
Affordable Living Water -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Health care reform is a hot topic in Washington these days, with the Republican Congress and the Tru
Water, Water, Everywhere? -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
All the action in this week’s Old Testament and gospel texts is centered around access to water.
Assurance But Not Insurance -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42, Psalm 95 -- Ron Love, Roger Lovette, Mary Austin -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
This week's lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures describes the intense frustration of the I
As Common As A Samaritan Woman With Five Husbands -- John 4:5-42, Romans 5:1-11, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Sometimes the most amazing things in life are right in front of your face.
Where Can You Go From The Top? -- John 4:5-42, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- George L. Murphy -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
For the Third Sunday in Lent, February 27, the gospel is John 4:5-42.

SermonStudio

Spiritual Judo -- Romans 5:1-11 -- David O. Bales -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Back in the old days, meaning before Computer Assisted Design (CAD), blueprints for a house were dra
Access Denied -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
We live in a world of secret passages.
Access To Grace -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
One of the most colorful, exciting, and stirring scenes in all of the scriptures is the call of the
Enter Your Pax Word A Lenten Lexicon -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Enter your password -- flashed up on the computer screen.
A Real Test Of Fait -- Isaiah 53:2-6, Job 19:23-27, Romans 5:1-11 -- Joe Barone -- 1995
This task is literally a real test of faith.

The Village Shepherd

Not Family Feuds But Peace! -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
I'm always surprised when I hear of families which appear to be at war with one another, althoug

Stories

StoryShare

Finding Hope -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
John sighed and looked out the classroom window. He had no idea what he was going to do.
Getting It Done -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, Psalm 95 -- C. David Mckirachan -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
Contents"Getting It Done" by C. David McKirachan* * * * * * *
Hope Does Not Disappoint -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-17, Romans 5:1-11, Psalm 95 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Keith Hewitt -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
Contents "Hope Does not Disappoint" by Peter Andrew Smith
Testing One, Two, Three... -- John 4:5-42, Romans 5:1-11, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95 -- Keith Hewitt, Timothy Smith -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
Water Sign -- John 4:5-42, Romans 5:1-11, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
Contents What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

The Faith Of Rachel Bella Calof -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Constance Berg -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
This passage fits the life of Rachel Bella Kahn Calof.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Tapping Into Unlimited (Living) Water -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Elena Delhagen -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For March 12, 2023:
Ignored at the Well -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 15, 2020:
Affordable Living Water -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Health care reform is a hot topic in Washington these days, with the Republican Congress and the Tru
Water, Water, Everywhere? -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
All the action in this week’s Old Testament and gospel texts is centered around access to water.
Assurance But Not Insurance -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42, Psalm 95 -- Ron Love, Roger Lovette, Mary Austin -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
This week's lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures describes the intense frustration of the I
As Common As A Samaritan Woman With Five Husbands -- John 4:5-42, Romans 5:1-11, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Sometimes the most amazing things in life are right in front of your face.
Where Can You Go From The Top? -- John 4:5-42, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- George L. Murphy -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
For the Third Sunday in Lent, February 27, the gospel is John 4:5-42.

SermonStudio

Lent 3 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: We come, our souls thirsting for God,
Lent 3 -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, Psalm 95 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Gathering
Massah And Meribah -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, Psalm 95, John 4:5-42 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
HymnsI Hunger And I Thirst (CBH474)
Third Sunday In Lent -- Romans 5:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: Our Hope -- Reconciliation With GodCall To Worship
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 17:1-7Theme: With Us Or Not?Call To Worship
THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT -- Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- B. David Hostetter -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
Hardening hearts and testing God -- Exodus 17:3-7, Romans 5:1-11, Psalm 95, John 4:5-26 -- Paul A. Laughlin -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1989
Exegetical note: It is interesting that the only reference to this incident in the Old Testament (Ps
LENT 3 -- Psalm 95, Exodus 17:3-7, Romans 5:1-11 -- Norman A. Beck -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1986
Since the texts selected for the next two Sundays (Lent 3 and Lent 4 of Series A) have Common and Ro
UPCOMING WEEKS
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For December 21, 2025:

SermonStudio

Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson
Pastor: Advent God: We praise and thank you for the word of promise spoken long ago by your prophet Isaiah; as he bore the good news of the birth of Immanuel–so may we be bearers of the good news that Immanuel comes to be with us. God of love:

Cong: Hear our prayer.
Dallas A. Brauninger
1. Text

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this
way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.18 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.19 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the
James Evans
(See Advent 1, Cycle B, and Proper 15/Pentecost 13/Ordinary Time 20, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)

The recurring phrase, "let your face shine" (vv. 3, 7, 19), offers an interesting opportunity to reflect on the meaning of God's presence in our world. This reflection takes on a particular significance during the Advent season.

Richard A. Jensen
Our Matthew text for this week comes from the first chapter of Matthew. Matthew's telling of the Jesus' story is certainly unique. Matthew tells of the early years of our Savior stressing that his name is Jesus and Emmanuel; that wise sages from the East attend his birth; that Joseph and Mary escape to Egypt because of Herod's wrath. No other Gospel includes these realities.
Mark Wm. Radecke
In the Jewish tradition there is a liturgy and accompanying song called "Dayenu." Dayenu is a Hebrew word which can be translated several ways. It can mean: "It would have been enough," or "we would have been grateful and content," or "our need would have been satisfied."

Part of the Dayenu is a responsive reading that goes like this:

O God, if thy only act of kindness was to deliver us from the bondage of Egypt, Dayenu! -- It would have been enough.
Stephen M. Crotts
Some years ago I was in a London theater watching a Harold Pinter play. The drama was not very good really. I was getting bored. Then right in the middle of the play the theater manager walked on stage, excused himself, and made an announcement. The actors stared. The audience looked shocked. Me? I thought it was all part of the play. Such interruptions are rare in a theater. But nonetheless, the stage manager felt that it was necessary this time. His announcement was nothing trivial like, "Some owner has left his car lights on." Nor was it a terrifying message like, "Fire! Fire!
Timothy J. Smith
It is easy to get so caught up in the sentimentality and nostalgia of Christmas that we neglect the true reason we celebrate. We receive Christmas cards portraying a cute infant Jesus lying in a manger filled with straw. The Baby Jesus is pictured in the center with Mary and Joseph on one side, the shepherds and Magi on the other. We know this scene: animals are in the background, in the distance angels can be seen hovering, as a star shines brightly overhead. However, there is more to Advent and Christmas than celebrating the birth of a baby.
William B. Kincaid, III
If we cannot relate to Joseph and appreciate his situation, then our lives are simple, easy lives indeed. Now, by relating to Joseph or understanding what he endured, I don't mean to suggest that we all either have been engaged or married to someone impregnated by the Holy Spirit. Even in our frantic search for ways to explain how such a thing might have happened, we probably didn't think of blaming the Holy Spirit!
R. Glen Miles
"The Lord himself will give you a sign" is the way Isaiah begins his recitation of the promise containing all promises. Isaiah is talking to Ahaz. Ahaz is the king who is stuck in a political mess. It looks like Assyria is about to invade some of the countries neighboring Judah. Isaiah is recommending that the king refuse to sign on with these other countries and their armies and trust only in Yahweh, the Lord of all. Today's reading is a reminder of the promise of God to be with Ahaz and his people, no matter what happens, no matter who invades.
John T. Ball
Religion is a mutual relationship. We pledge loyalty and devotion to God and God blesses us. This is how Moses worked it out with Yahweh and his people who had recently escaped from Egyptian captivity. If the Israelites prove loyal to this mysterious Sinai god, then God would bless them with prosperity and well being. Those who deal with many gods are no different. Even though they have gods for various concerns, they still expect blessings and security in exchange for loyalty.
Susan R. Andrews
According to tradition, Joseph was the strong, silent type - an older carpenter who willingly submitted to impotent fatherhood - a second--string player in the drama of God's human birth. But according to scripture, none of this is true. All that is actually recorded in the Bible is that Joseph was a dreamer - a righteous man who transformed the meaning of righteousness by taking seriously his dreams.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (UM211, PH9, LBW34, CBH172, NCH116)
The God Of Abraham Praise (UM116, PH488, NCH24)
O Hear Our Cry, O Lord (PH206)
Hail To The Lord's Anointed (UM203)
Blessed Be The God Of Israel (UM209)
Emmanuel, Emmanuel (UM204)
People Look East (PH12, UM202)
Savior Of The Nations, Come (LBW28, CBH178, PH14, UM214)
The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy (CBH202)
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (PH1, 2,UM196, NCH122)

Anthem

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:
Just before the first Christmas, an angel appeared to Joseph to tell him that Jesus would also be called "Emmanuel", meaning "God With Us." Let us listen to the guidance of the angels today as we prepare to receive God With Us once again.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, fill me with the awe of Christmas.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with the mystery of Christmas.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with Emmanuel -- God with us.
Lord, have mercy.

StoryShare

Argile Smith
C. David Mckirachan
Scott Dalgarno
Stan Purdum
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Samantha" by Argile Smith
"I'm Pregnant" by C. David McKirachan
"You'd Better Watch out..." by C. David McKirachan
"Terribly Vulnerable to Joy" by Scott Dalgarno
"The Great Christmas-Tree Battle" by Stan Purdum


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Over the years, I grow more cynical about Christmas and just about everything that goes along with it. I have not become a scrooge, although the advancing years have made me more careful with my pennies. It is not that I cannot be moved by the lights, the music, and the fellowship of the holidays. I have not become an insensitive, unfeeling clod. My problem is that the language and the images and the music seem to have fallen short in expressing what must have been the feelings of the real human beings going through the events recounted in this story.

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What an exciting day this is! Today is the day before Christmas and tonight is Christmas Eve! People have different ways of doing things. Some people open their presents on Christmas Eve. How many of you do that? (Let them answer.) Others open their presents on Christmas Day. Which of you will open your presents tomorrow? (Let them answer.) Some open gifts on other days. Would any of you like to share another time when you open presents? (Give them the opportunity to answer.)

Why do you suppose we open gifts at this time of the year? (Let them answer.)

Special Occasion

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