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Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

How God Lovingly Showers His Gifts On Us and Gives Us Fresh Starts -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2024
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
Vulnerability Responses -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- David Coffin -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2021
It could happen in any given community for a variety of reasons.
Turn of Fortune -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2018
In 1954, Marcelle Maurtette wrote a play called Anastasia.
The good voice of poverty -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2015
In my times of great energy and passionate success, I never think about death. I was born to live!
Who was, who is, and who is to come -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- David Kalas -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
I have been leading several dozen folks from my congregation through a year-long, cover-to-cover rea
Acts of consecration -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2006
While one of our daughters was serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ghana, she was
Little things count -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2000
As our universe becomes larger (ala the Hubble telescope), our interests can become smaller.
Godly women -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1997
The Bible, we know, is mostly about men.
Beyond compare -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- David Kalas -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Much of the rest of our culture is unapologetic about sacrifice.

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

What We Keep For Ourselves -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127, 1 Kings 17:8-16, Psalm 146 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2024
For November 10, 2024:
Our Super Powers -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44, Psalm 24, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B, All Saints Day - B -- 2021
For November 7, 2021:
Living Beyond Fear -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2018
What Does The Widow Want Us To Know? -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2015
The lectionary gospel reading for Proper 27 features the familiar story of the poor widow and her ti
What Would You Do? -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Oftentimes one sees crosses placed along side the highway denoting the place where a tragic death oc

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 27 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2008
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | OT 32 (2024) -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2024
Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | OT 32 (2021) -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2021
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | OT 32 (2018) -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Bob Ove, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2018
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | OT 32 (2015) -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Bob Ove, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2015
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | OT 32 (2012) -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
NULL -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
Ted Geisel of Springfield, Massachusetts, wanted to be a writer.
NULL -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
The whole story of Ruth is full of surprises. The surprising loyalty to a mother-in-law.
Security is a good thing... -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2006
Security is a good thing (no doubt about it!). A certain group of steelworkers discovered
Scientists have long been fascinated... -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2006
Scientists have long been fascinated by the factors which cause one person to be attracted
Cathy had pretty much given... -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2006
Cathy had pretty much given up on the idea that she would meet "Mr. Right" and live
If you were to ask... -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2006
If you were to ask young people what two things are the most important, they'd probably
Everybody wants some claim to... -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Everybody wants some claim to fame.
When performing a motor skill... -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
When performing a motor skill, like thrashing grain in the barn, what is more important to the task:
Boaz and Ruth would have... -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Boaz and Ruth would have liked Marion McQuade.
Imagine overhearing this conversation:br... -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Imagine overhearing this conversation:

The Immediate Word

What We Keep For Ourselves -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127, 1 Kings 17:8-16, Psalm 146 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2024
For November 10, 2024:
Our Super Powers -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44, Psalm 24, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B, All Saints Day - B -- 2021
For November 7, 2021:
Living Beyond Fear -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2018
What Does The Widow Want Us To Know? -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2015
The lectionary gospel reading for Proper 27 features the familiar story of the poor widow and her ti
What Would You Do? -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Oftentimes one sees crosses placed along side the highway denoting the place where a tragic death oc

Preaching

The Immediate Word

What We Keep For Ourselves -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127, 1 Kings 17:8-16, Psalm 146 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2024
For November 10, 2024:
Our Super Powers -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44, Psalm 24, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B, All Saints Day - B -- 2021
For November 7, 2021:
Living Beyond Fear -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2018
What Does The Widow Want Us To Know? -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2015
The lectionary gospel reading for Proper 27 features the familiar story of the poor widow and her ti
What Would You Do? -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Oftentimes one sees crosses placed along side the highway denoting the place where a tragic death oc

SermonStudio

Proper 27 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 32 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayDistributing our Lord's treasures.
Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127, 1 Kings 17:8-16, Psalm 146 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2005
Theme For The Day Jesus encourages proportionate giving.
Proper 27 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2001
Our text for the morning sets us immediately into the middle of a family drama.
Proper 27 (C, E) -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 (C)
Security -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Security.
Proper 27 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1993
With the guidance of Naomi, Ruth gets Boaz as a husband. She
Proper 27 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1990
The end of the Pentecost cycle/season is rapidly approaching; the calendar - church and secular - te
Proper 27 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1990
The end of the Pentecost cycle/season is rapidly approaching; the calendar - church and secular - te
Proper 27, Pentecost 25, Ordinary Time 32 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Seasonal Theme

Sermon

The Immediate Word

What We Keep For Ourselves -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127, 1 Kings 17:8-16, Psalm 146 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2024
For November 10, 2024:
Our Super Powers -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44, Psalm 24, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B, All Saints Day - B -- 2021
For November 7, 2021:
Living Beyond Fear -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2018
What Does The Widow Want Us To Know? -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2015
The lectionary gospel reading for Proper 27 features the familiar story of the poor widow and her ti
What Would You Do? -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Oftentimes one sees crosses placed along side the highway denoting the place where a tragic death oc

SermonStudio

From Emptiness To Fullness -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Robert A. Hausman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2008
Today, we learn from two women. The first is the woman we met last week, Ruth.
Risking Relationships That Redeem -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- 2005
Fried green tomatoes were the house specialty at the Whistle Stop Cafe in Alabama during the 1930s.
The Threshing Floor -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2002
We so casually go to the supermarket and pick up a loaf of bread.
Expanding The Boundaries -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- John A. Stroman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1999
The Book of Ruth is a family story. It is an old story, possibly over three thousand years old.
From Rejection To Redemption -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1996
Gloria Steinem has written a book titled Marilyn.
God's Way Of Doing Things -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- John P. Rossing -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1993
I know a couple who have on their wall a framed piece of needlework that someone gave them for a wed

The Village Shepherd

Risking Relationships That Redeem -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2005
Note: This sermon fills a slot that is not currently filled by The Village Shepherd.

Free Access

The Threshing Floor -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2002
We so casually go to the supermarket and pick up a loaf of bread.

Stories

StoryShare

Blessings Of Unconventional Marriage -- Mark 12:38-44, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Psalm 127 -- David O. Bales -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2018
Contents “Blessings Of Unconventional Marriage” by David O. Bales
Forgive And Forget -- Mark 12:38-44, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Psalm 127 -- Keith Wagner -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2015
Contents "Forgive and Forget" by Keith Wagner
A New Birth -- Mark 12:38-44, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Psalm 127 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
Contents"A New Birth" by Peter Andrew Smith
Friedensstadt -- Mark 12:38-44, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Psalm 127 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Friedensstadt" by Keith Hewitt

Worship

The Immediate Word

What We Keep For Ourselves -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127, 1 Kings 17:8-16, Psalm 146 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2024
For November 10, 2024:
Our Super Powers -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44, Psalm 24, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B, All Saints Day - B -- 2021
For November 7, 2021:
Living Beyond Fear -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2018
What Does The Widow Want Us To Know? -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2015
The lectionary gospel reading for Proper 27 features the familiar story of the poor widow and her ti
What Would You Do? -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Oftentimes one sees crosses placed along side the highway denoting the place where a tragic death oc

SermonStudio

Theme: Life Beyond The Dead -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Proper 27 | OT 32 Worship Resources -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2002
First Lesson: Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17Theme: Happy Ending
Strategy -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Proper 27 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who have been redeemed by the Lord come now for worship!

Free Access

Proper 27 | OT 32 Worship Resources -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2002
First Lesson: Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17Theme: Happy Ending
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
31 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
34 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
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Advent 4
36 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
19 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
3 – Pastor's Devotions
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Christmas!
27 – Sermons
100+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
3 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For December 15, 2024:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Coffin
How many frustrated preachers have wished in the back of their minds that they could begin a sermon with John the Baptist’s words, “You brood of vipers!” (37). Before anyone jumps the gun on this, consider the end of Luke 3, “he [King Herod] shut up John in prison (3:20). In anxious times, weighing one’s words carefully when emotions run rampant, and tempers are short is good wisdom. John’s desired outcome was for people of faith to bear advent fruit, not simply fly off the handle at their poor judgement.
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Zephaniah 3:14-20
In this season of hope with Christmas looming, there is still a lot of despair. Rising prices putting pressure on the American family have led 78% of our families to live paycheck to paycheck (as per a 2023 Payroll.org survey). Of course, the Christmas Season is often a time of gloom and regret for some of us. In response, based on this lesson's word of assurance, Martin Luther comments on God's love:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (v. 16)

Sometime in the spring of 1951, my parents, Leonard and Bernice Sumwalt, stood before the congregation of the Loyd Evangelical United Brethren Church and made a promise that had a profound effect on my life. Our pastor at that time, Miss Sarah Mower, said to them:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: Two shirts and two sandwiches or little bags of chips or cookies.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent!

SermonStudio

Mary Austin
On this third Sunday of Advent, we hear again from Paul’s letter to the believers at Philippi. Many scholars believe that he wrote this letter from prison, perhaps even during his last prison term in Rome, before his death, but we don’t know for sure. It’s clear that he wrote from a prison cell somewhere, and that he wrote about his deeply held idea of cultivating joy in all things.
Derl G. Keefer
Moline, Illinois, September, 1977 was the place and date for a special gift that Terry Schafer purchased for her policeman husband, David. It was a pre-Christmas gift. She had a fear that it might be too expensive, but nothing was too good for her husband! She loved him with all of her heart and wanted this to be special.
James Evans
(See Proper 28/Pentecost 26/Ordinary Time 33, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)

The theme of joy is highlighted in this reading from the prophet Isaiah, which is why the text is frequently employed during Advent. The poet sings, "With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation" (v. 3) and "Shout aloud and sing for joy ... for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel" (v. 6). The key to joy is those closing words in verse 6, in which the prophet celebrates the presence of God in the midst of the worshiping community.

Steven E. Albertin
I recently saw a survey conducted by the Muzak Holiday Channel concerning the most popular Christmas songs played at this time of the year. They are 1) "The Christmas Song," 2) "White Christmas," 3) "Winter Wonderland," and 4) "Silver Bells." It is interesting to note that they are all secular songs that focus on the "warm fuzzies" and sentimental feelings of the season. There are no Christian or religious songs here.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

John the Baptist called people to turn to God for help and support. In our worship today let us follow his advice and turn to our Lord.

Invitation to Confession:

 Lord Jesus, we are sorry for the times we turn away from you.

Lord, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, we are sorry for the times when we ignore you.

Christ, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, turn your face upon us, that we may turn again to you.

Lord, have mercy.

 Reading:

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