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Zephaniah 3:14-20

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Rightful Place -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- David Kalas -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
My wife, who thrives on organization, has a motto: “A place for everything, and everything in its pl
It's judgment day -- rejoice! -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
Messages of God’s judgment can be hard to hear, and feel at odds with the fast-approaching celebrati
Peace -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
The theme that winds through the three passages for this week is that of peace.
Songs of joy -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
A colleague of mine once decried the way that people in his congregation wished to sing
Last night -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
The Canadian film Last Night presents an understated approach to global apocalypse.
Finding peace -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Luke 3:7-18 -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
There are plenty of circumstances in which to feel anxious today.
Rejoicing Sunday -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 1997
The third Sunday in Advent is officially called "Gaudete Sunday," which means "Rejoicing Sunday." Jo
Salvation -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-13, Luke 3:7-18 -- Third Sunday of Advent - A
It is natural to expect that people will always couch any talk about salvation in terms of their own
The Presence in Our Midst -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-13 -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
There are those who seem to be forever looking for God's coming.
The full gospel -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-9, Luke 3:7-18 -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
There wasn't much sophistication about the preaching of John the Baptist.

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Joice Again! -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
For December 16, 2018:
Dreaming Of A Green Christmas -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
In this week’s gospel text, John the Baptist asks a penetrating question: “Who warned you to flee fr
Who's On Your List? -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
In this week's lectionary gospel text, John the Baptist calls us to prepare for the coming of the "o
Something To Get Excited About -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
Zephaniah's exhortation to rejoice and exult in God's salvation gives us something to rejoice in.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Advent 3 -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
... The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst....-- Zephaniah 3:15

Drama

SermonStudio

Restoration Rules! -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-9, Luke 3:7-18, Psalm 85 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Thespian Theological Thoughts

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Advent 3 (2018) -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- Bill Thomas, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 3 (2015) -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- Bill Thomas, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, R. Robert Cueni, Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
Zephaniah 3:14-20
There are at least a couple surprises... -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Bob Ove -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
There are at least a couple surprises in this lesson.
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 3 (2012) -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
Zephaniah 3:14-20
What would it sound like to hear God sing? -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
What would it sound like to hear God sing?
Rabbi Harold Kushner tells of... -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Rabbi Harold Kushner tells of his yearly experience, looking out at a full synagogue on
Frank and Judy inherited the... -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Frank and Judy inherited the family farm when Frank's father retired. For the first few
It was obvious to everyone... -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
It was obvious to everyone that Mike did not want to attend the company Christmas
This question isn't for partygoers... -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
This question isn't for partygoers. It's for church folks. Why aren't we having fun? "Have
Houses vary in size... -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Houses vary in size.
Stephen W. Hawkins, the brilliant... -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
Stephen W.
How can we grasp the... -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
How can we grasp the sheer joy of the day of the Lord?
It was two weeks to... -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
It was two weeks to the end of the school year when three seniors decided to tempt fate and skip sch
One of the basic principles... -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
One of the basic principles of science is known as the Second Law of Thermodynamics.
The drum is probably the... -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
The drum is probably the musical instrument most like the human heart.
The novelist Thomas Wolfe authored... -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
The novelist Thomas Wolfe authored a book titled You Can't Go Home Again.
It was October in Paris... -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
It was October in Paris in the year 1822.
During World War II a... -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
During World War II a Jewish girl escaped from Warsaw and hid in a cave.
With the exception of a... -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
With the exception of a falling sensation many child development scholars believe all fears are lear
Think for a moment on... -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Think for a moment on eyes at Christmas, eyes giving off all manner of expression.
When two football teams are... -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
When two football teams are battling for victory in a close contest, most fans get pulled into the m
It is different to get... -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
It is different to get excited about celebrating a promise in a day when promises are cheap.

The Immediate Word

Joice Again! -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
For December 16, 2018:
Dreaming Of A Green Christmas -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
In this week’s gospel text, John the Baptist asks a penetrating question: “Who warned you to flee fr
Who's On Your List? -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
In this week's lectionary gospel text, John the Baptist calls us to prepare for the coming of the "o

Prayer

SermonStudio

THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6, Philippians 4:4-13, Luke 3:7-18 -- B. David Hostetter -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Joice Again! -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
For December 16, 2018:
Dreaming Of A Green Christmas -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
In this week’s gospel text, John the Baptist asks a penetrating question: “Who warned you to flee fr
Who's On Your List? -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
In this week's lectionary gospel text, John the Baptist calls us to prepare for the coming of the "o
Something To Get Excited About -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
Zephaniah's exhortation to rejoice and exult in God's salvation gives us something to rejoice in.

SermonStudio

Third Sunday Of Advent -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Third Sunday In Advent -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Third Sunday In Advent -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-13, Luke 3:7-18 -- George M. Bass -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Advent 3 -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-13, Luke 3:7-18 -- Perry H. Biddle, Jr. -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 1988
Comments on the Lessons

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Joice Again! -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
For December 16, 2018:
Dreaming Of A Green Christmas -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
In this week’s gospel text, John the Baptist asks a penetrating question: “Who warned you to flee fr
Who's On Your List? -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
In this week's lectionary gospel text, John the Baptist calls us to prepare for the coming of the "o
Something To Get Excited About -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
Zephaniah's exhortation to rejoice and exult in God's salvation gives us something to rejoice in.

SermonStudio

Hope Again! -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
Charles Swindoll wrote a book titled Hope Again, with the subtitle "When Life Hurts and Dream
An Invitation To Joy -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Stan Freberg has written a musical farce parodying the commercialization of the Advent season, appro
Why Rejoice? -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
I recently saw a survey conducted by the Muzak Holiday Channel concerning the most popular Christmas
A Song Of Promise -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
In 1967 Shastokovitch, the Russian composer, wrote a symphony titled October.
The Awakening -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Robert G. Tuttle -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 1988
Zephaniah is saying to the Children of Israel, "Things will not always be as they are.
His Coming is to be Welcomed, Not Feared -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- James H. Bailey -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 1985
One of the main objectives of the Moody Institute of Religion and Science is to relate science and t

Free Access

An Invitation To Joy -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Stan Freberg has written a musical farce parodying the commercialization of the Advent season, appro

The Village Shepherd

The Day Of The Lord -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
In the "Manchester
God's Open Secret -- Forgiveness -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
One of the most difficult concepts in Christianity seems to be that of forgiveness.
All Will Be Well, But Is It Instant Gratification? -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
Now that we're well into December, you need to leave home at daybreak if you want to spot a parking

Stories

StoryShare

Finding Your Way -- Luke 3:7-18, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Peter Andrew Smith, C. David Mckirachan -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
Contents "Finding Your Way" by Peter Andrew Smith
No More War On Christmas -- Luke 3:7-18, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- John E. Sumwalt, Keith Hewitt -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
Contents"No More War on Christmas" by John Sumwalt
Guilty! -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
Contents StoryShare Archives
Rejoice In The Lord -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Rick McCracken-Bennett, Frank R. Fisher, Christina Seibel, Timothy F. Merrill -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
ContentsWhat's Up This Week

SermonStudio

The Holy Land Experience -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
No one in their right mind would want to visit the Holy Land now.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Joice Again! -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
For December 16, 2018:
Dreaming Of A Green Christmas -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
In this week’s gospel text, John the Baptist asks a penetrating question: “Who warned you to flee fr
Who's On Your List? -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
In this week's lectionary gospel text, John the Baptist calls us to prepare for the coming of the "o
Something To Get Excited About -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
Zephaniah's exhortation to rejoice and exult in God's salvation gives us something to rejoice in.

SermonStudio

Advent 3 -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
The truth, Dumbledore sighed. It is a beautiful and terrible thing and
Third Sunday In Advent -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
Third Sunday In AdventFor Zephaniah 3:14-20
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Zephaniah 3:14-20Theme: Even So!
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Theme: The Time Is ComingCall To Worship
The Advent-ure Of Peace -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Zephaniah 3:14-20 Theme: The Advent-ure Of Peace Call To Worship
Third Sunday of Advent -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- James R. Wilson -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 1997
First Lesson: Zephaniah 3:14-20Theme: The Blessing of the Lord

Free Access

The Advent-ure Of Peace -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Zephaniah 3:14-20 Theme: The Advent-ure Of Peace
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New & Featured This Week

CSSPlus

John Jamison
After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
George Reed
Bethany Peerbolte
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
The sense of urgency and immediacy conveyed in this week’s readings is somewhat akin to the mad dash Midwesterners make to grocery stores in advance of snowstorms. Instead of buying eggs and milk, God’s people are called to sense the Kairos moments of God. Jonah, fresh from the beach, walks about Nineveh preaching God’s impending judgement. In 1 Corinthians, Paul reminds his readers that the time is growing short — perhaps not as short as Donald Trump’s tenure as president, but still short. Mark impresses upon us that the time for Christ’s mission has been fulfilled.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
Recently, British researchers discovered that 42 percent of the church-goers in that country fall asleep during the sermon. The numbers may be astounding, but the habit is as old as Eutychus’s fatal nap in Acts 20.

Even the great eighteenth-century evangelist John Wesley noticed that a number of people in his congregation were fast asleep. Without a warning, he suddenly broke his train of homiletic thought, and yelled out at the top of his voice, “FIRE! FIRE!”
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
On New Year’s Day, 1929, Georgia Tech played University of California in the Rose Bowl. In that game a man named Roy Riegels recovered a fumble for California, but became confused, however, and ran 65 yards in the wrong direction. One of his teammates outran him and tackled him at their own one-yard line. Cal attempted to punt on the next play, but Tech blocked the kick and scored a safety.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Frank Ramirez
Contents
“Yes, God Speaks to Us Directly” by John Sumwalt
“Not Getting Any Credit” by Frank Ramirez


Yes, God Speaks to Us Directly
by John Sumwalt
Psalm 62:5-12

“On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.” (v. 7)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott

One of the interesting features about this story of the calling of the first disciples, is that they all immediately left everything to follow Jesus. It was as though they instinctively knew where they would find Life with a capital L.

Donovan Duckling is instinctively tied to his mother's apron strings. When the time is right, will he have a strong enough desire to cut those ties? Read on...

SermonStudio

Constance Berg
The prophet Jonah was commanded by God to go to Nineveh; Joel Fil‡rtiga was inspired to go to Paraguay. Jonah knew the journey and its destination would not be kind; Paraguay has not been kind to Joel Fil‡rtiga. Jonah obeyed God's call and went to Nineveh, even though he knew he it would be difficult; Joel Fil‡rtiga obeyed God's call and went to Paraguay, and his life would never be the same.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
Once upon a time, a diamond was born. He was nothing striking, but rather rough, like the rest of his family. He lived in the darkness and was very content to do just that. As a young diamond he heard tales of how some of his ancestors had left the darkness to a place of light, but that didn't concern him. One day he began to hear noise in the distance, and it came progressively closer. It was the sound of machinery with men talking and often yelling over the roar of the equipment. As time progressed, an opening was made in the cave where he lived.
James R. Wilson
Call To Worship
Leader: Let the redeemed of the Lord gather this day for worship!
People: We were once condemned by our sins and now we know the mercy of God.
Leader: God sent the prophets to call us back into God's will.
People: And God is true and faithful to all who hear and obey the Holy Word.
Leader: Let us proclaim the righteousness of the Lord for all the world to hear!
All: Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Collect

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