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Romans 6:1b-11

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Reborn -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2023
Tony Campolo once told of a student who came to him in his office at Eastern Christian College.
Living Which Values? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21 -- David Coffin -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2020
An older pastor and his wife who serve in a remote hill area with sporadic cell phone reception driv
Living In Jesus Can Ease Our Anxieties -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2017
In accord with the overall theme of the Pentecost season, all the texts for this Sunday pertain to l
Facing trouble in God's care -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
Genesis 21:8-21
Family wounds and God's grace -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
In one of my former parishes, the wife of retired pastor led us in a Bible study of the book of Gene
Life after death -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- David Kalas -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2008
In the 1949 World War II movie, 12 O'Clock High, Gregory Peck plays Frank
The hardest job of all? -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2002
There are lots of hard jobs in the world, things that are tough to do, work that requires long years
God's kind of trouble -- Jeremiah 20:7-13, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1999
In our society being Christian does not in itself lead to rejection and persecution.
Family privilege -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
My daughters know the direct access code to my office phone.

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Creating a Sense of Injury -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2020
For June 21, 2020:
Do I Have To Invite Jesus Over For Thanksgiving? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2017
With our headlines full of news about violent attacks fueled by hatred and revenge -- both in
Baptized Into The Unthinkable -- Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39, Jeremiah 20:7-13, Genesis 21:8-21 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
The psalmist opens this week’s lectionary psalm (Psalm 86) with a plaintive plea: “Incline your e
What Kind Of Sword, Jesus? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2008
Many of us can quote the sayings of Jesus by heart.
Across The Generations -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
June 19 is one of those Sundays when many North Americans celebrate a secular holiday, Father's Day,

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New life in God -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2008
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be
Buried and raised with him -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
Hello, everybody! Welcome back!
Keep us free! -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
Good morning! I brought a picture to show you today. What is
Ouch! -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
Good morning! This morning I brought with me a box of
Newness of life -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A
Good morning, boys and girls. One thing about summer I love is
The power of "I'm sorry" -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
Good morning, boys and girls.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 7 / Pentecost 5 / OT 11 -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2007
Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound?-- Romans 6:1b

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Proper 7 | OT 12 | Pentecost 4 (2023) -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2023
Genesis 21:8-21
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 7 | OT 12 | Pentecost 3 (2020) -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21 -- M Adryael Tong, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2020
Genesis 21:8-21Shifting Perspectives
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 (2017) -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2017
Genesis 21:8-21
On April 14, 1902... -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Ron Love -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
On April 14, 1902, J.C. Penney opened his first Golden Rule store in Kemmerer, Wyoming.
Baptism makes living... -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
Baptism makes living the Christian life easy. Americans do not want to believe that.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 (2014) -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
Genesis 21:8-21
Most people who have ever... -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2008
Most people who have ever used an IBM personal computer (or one of its clones) know
What does Paul mean in... -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2008
What does Paul mean in our passage from the book of Romans when he says, "All of us
Early one Saturday morning, a... -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2008
Early one Saturday morning, a man heard thieves breaking into his home. He was
The City of Ottawa, a... -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2008
The City of Ottawa, a ship built to commemorate the birthday of Queen Victoria
Genesis 21:8-21 Hagar's... -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2008
Genesis 21:8-21Hagar's shoulders sagged from the burden.
In Jesus Christ, we are... -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2002
In Jesus Christ, we are dead to sin and alive to God. We can move beyond living in dishonesty.
Mike and Jerold, high school... -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2002
Mike and Jerold, high school seniors, went out to a movie on a Friday night.
The prodigal shook the rotten... -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2002
The prodigal shook the rotten apple peels and broken egg shells from his robe and said, "I have sinn
The authors of the old... -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2002
The authors of the "old hymns" took at face value the declarations of the Apostle Paul to the Romans
For about 22 years a... -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1999
For about 22 years a strange festival has been taking place in Bunol, Spain.
Jessie had been attending Church... -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1999
Jessie had been attending Church since she was eight days old.
Candlemakers Michael and Lynette Richards... -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1999
Candlemakers Michael and Lynette Richards of Iowa City, Iowa, give hope and help to homeless, disabl
Ted seemed like the rebel... -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1999
Ted seemed like the rebel of rebels.
It is said that Calvin... -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 1996
It is said that Calvin Coolidge was a man of few words.
I had no church relationship... -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 1996
I had no church relationship until the age of sixteen, except for those Sundays when my parents sent

The Immediate Word

Creating a Sense of Injury -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2020
For June 21, 2020:
Do I Have To Invite Jesus Over For Thanksgiving? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2017
With our headlines full of news about violent attacks fueled by hatred and revenge -- both in
Baptized Into The Unthinkable -- Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39, Jeremiah 20:7-13, Genesis 21:8-21 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
The psalmist opens this week’s lectionary psalm (Psalm 86) with a plaintive plea: “Incline your e
What Kind Of Sword, Jesus? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2008
Many of us can quote the sayings of Jesus by heart.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Creating a Sense of Injury -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2020
For June 21, 2020:
Do I Have To Invite Jesus Over For Thanksgiving? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2017
With our headlines full of news about violent attacks fueled by hatred and revenge -- both in
Baptized Into The Unthinkable -- Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39, Jeremiah 20:7-13, Genesis 21:8-21 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
The psalmist opens this week’s lectionary psalm (Psalm 86) with a plaintive plea: “Incline your e
What Kind Of Sword, Jesus? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2008
Many of us can quote the sayings of Jesus by heart.
Across The Generations -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
June 19 is one of those Sundays when many North Americans celebrate a secular holiday, Father's Day,

SermonStudio

Proper 7 / Pentecost 5 / Ordinary Time 12 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 21:8--21 (C)
Proper 7, Pentecost 5, Ordinary Time 12 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 21:8-21 (C)
Adversity one suffers in faithfulness to God -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 21:8--21 (C)
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Genesis 21:8-21 (C)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Creating a Sense of Injury -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2020
For June 21, 2020:
Do I Have To Invite Jesus Over For Thanksgiving? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2017
With our headlines full of news about violent attacks fueled by hatred and revenge -- both in
Baptized Into The Unthinkable -- Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39, Jeremiah 20:7-13, Genesis 21:8-21 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
The psalmist opens this week’s lectionary psalm (Psalm 86) with a plaintive plea: “Incline your e
What Kind Of Sword, Jesus? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2008
Many of us can quote the sayings of Jesus by heart.
Across The Generations -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
June 19 is one of those Sundays when many North Americans celebrate a secular holiday, Father's Day,

SermonStudio

Fido's Dilemma -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2007
Fido is in the dirt gnawing on a bone. It is dry, brittle, depleted of marrow and moisture.
Thank God, We're Already Dead -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
If you ever find yourself on the corner of 56th Street and Lexington Avenue in New York City, stop i
Buried, But Alive -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Baptism is a solemn, sincere, often serene, significant service of Christian worship.

The Village Shepherd

Freedom - If You Want It -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
George Thomas was a pastor in a small New England town.

Stories

StoryShare

Going Native -- Matthew 10:24-39, Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- C. David Mckirachan, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2017
Contents "Going Native" by C. David McKirachan
Not Easy To Let Go -- Matthew 10:24-39, Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Keith Wagner -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
Contents"Not Easy to Let Go" by Keith Wagner
Sin That Grace Abound? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- David O. Bales, Bryan Meadows, Keith Hewitt -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Sin that Grace Abound?" by David O. Bales
Secrets -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Secrets"

Worship

The Immediate Word

Creating a Sense of Injury -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2020
For June 21, 2020:
Do I Have To Invite Jesus Over For Thanksgiving? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2017
With our headlines full of news about violent attacks fueled by hatred and revenge -- both in
Baptized Into The Unthinkable -- Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39, Jeremiah 20:7-13, Genesis 21:8-21 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
The psalmist opens this week’s lectionary psalm (Psalm 86) with a plaintive plea: “Incline your e
What Kind Of Sword, Jesus? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2008
Many of us can quote the sayings of Jesus by heart.
Across The Generations -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
June 19 is one of those Sundays when many North Americans celebrate a secular holiday, Father's Day,

SermonStudio

Proper 7/Pentecost 5/Ordinary Time 12 -- Matthew 10:24-39, Jeremiah 20:7-13, Romans 6:1b-11 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: There is no one like you, God of Abraham and Sarah.
Desert Story -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 86:16-17)
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
HymnsGreat Is Thy Faithfulness (NCH423, PH276, UM140)
Proper 7 -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Theme: Alive To God In ChristCall To Worship
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 21:8-21Theme: Even If ... God Is Present
PROPER 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Epiphany 4 (OT 4)
28 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 5 (OT 5)
31 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 6 (OT 6)
32 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
35 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For February 16, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
Valentine’s Day isn’t likely a prominent part of our liturgical calendar, and it doesn’t factor into our lectionary assignments. Yet it is part of our culture and therefore on our people’s radar. There’s a better chance that they personally observe Valentine’s Day, after all, than Transfiguration Sunday or Christ the King Sunday.  
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
Jeremiah 17:5-10
John Wesley nicely describes our sinful condition implied in this text. He writes:

There is nothing so false and deceitful as the heart of man. It is deceitful in the apprehension of things, in the hopes and promises which it nourishes, in the assurances that it gives us. It is unsearchable by others, deceitful with reference to ourselves, and abominably wicked so that neither can a man know his own heart nor can any other know that of his neighbor's. (Commentary On the Bible, p.344)

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile, and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have died in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. (vv. 17-20)

Gertie Frye was my Sunday School teacher in the Beginners Class at the Loyd Evangelical United Brethren Church in 1954. Gertie was a small, humble, sweet, quiet woman who exuded a joy and warmth that drew children to her.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A mirror. Ideally, find a large mirror like you would put on the back of a door to use when dressing. Any mirror will do, but a large one that everyone can see easily will be more fun.

* * *

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.

SermonStudio

Gregory L. Tolle
If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have died in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. (vv. 17-19)

In the 1994 movie, The Shawshank Redemption, Tim Robbins plays Andy Dufresne, a young, hotshot banker in the 1940s. His life changes drastically when he is convicted for the murder of his wife and her secret lover and is sentenced to life imprisonment at Shawshank Prison.

James Evans
(See Proper 20/Pentecost 18/Ordinary Time 25, Cycle B for an alternative approach.)

The writer of Psalm 1 has created a timeless image of human existence as a tree. The image of a tree allows the poet to proclaim in graphic terms the effects of having, and not having, a viable relationship with God. The tree, as a durable life form, symbolizes well the significance and importance of seeking and living a faithful life.

Gary L. Carver
One of my all-time favorite television programs was M*A*S*H. In the early episodes, Frank Burns and Hot Lips Houlihan were an item. Often they were pitted against Trapper John and Hawkeye. In one such episode, Frank and Hot Lips had been trying to "do-in" Hawkeye but had failed. Hawkeye now had the upper hand, and Radar said, "Why don't you do to them what they were trying to do to you?" Hawkeye said, "Look at them! They're each just one-half of a person and when they come together, they barely make a whole person. They have enough troubles of their own."

Steven E. Albertin
It was the dirty secret. We were never supposed to talk about it openly. When it was discussed, it was in hushed whispers behind the closed doors of private homes. No, it had nothing to do with sex. It had to do with why my best friends would never eat meat on Fridays. It had to do with that strange ritual called the Rosary. It had to do with those strange women dressed in black and white who looked like penguins. I grew up in a small southeastern Wisconsin town in the 1950s where the majority of the population was either Lutheran or Roman Catholic.

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