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The Right Side -- Acts 24:1-27 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: things with two sides but only one of them is usable, such as a dinner plate, an umbr
Compassion -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a nurse's ID badge (borrowed from a nurse)
Jesus Is The Head And We Are The Body -- Ephesians 5:21-31 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a nail, a golf club, and a match
Listen To Jesus -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Many voices compete for our attention. We must listen primarily to Christ.
Life Is Like A Seed -- Titus 3:4-7 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some seeds, preferably vegetable or flower
Hermon, The Camel Who Was Humbled -- Matthew 19:24 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Warning! -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a warning device, like a siren or buzzer
A Candle With Two Wicks -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a candle with the wick exposed at both ends
Stay Close To The Vine -- John 15:1-8 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some ivy in a pot
Sharing With Others -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an item of canned food that might be given to a food pantry
The Greatest Secret Ever Told -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for Christmas)
The World Needs Salt -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: The church intercedes on behalf of God for the salvation of the world.
Sleeping In Church -- Acts 20:8-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: nodding - have the children practice nodding
A Dog Named Sport -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an invisible dog named Sport
Sing A Song To Each Other -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some sentences with which you greet the children, reading them to a melody which you
Bad Apples -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Separation of the good and bad.
In Training -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a whistle and a leash
Troubled Carrie And Clear Connie -- 1 Peter 3:15-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: two jars of water, one clear and one filled with particles
Call In The Clowns! -- Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some horns, drums, and other party items
Do You Believe What He Said? -- John 14:23-29 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some nut cups, some wet cotton for each cup, and a package of dry lima beans
Reuben, The Rooster With A Reminder -- Matthew 26:34 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
What Taxes Do -- Romans 13:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a street sign, some school books, and a fascimile of a food stamp voucher
Happiness -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Happiness comes from a life emptied and humble before God and not from a life full a
Chosen By God -- Acts 21:27-22:29 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: straws of different lengths for drawing straws; have more straws than children
Jesus The Healer -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some chicken noodle soup

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SermonStudio

God Knows -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
David, the famous sculpture by Michelangelo, is now located in a museum in Florence, Italy.
They Cooked The Books -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The new expression of what has been happening in some of the top business corporations of America we
Feeding The 5,000 -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself.
Third Sunday after Epiphany -- Isaiah 9:1-4 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
Isaiah 9:1-4 is the first part of the lesson that is the stated Old Testament text for a Sunday on C
We Are Witnesses -- Luke 24:44 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
As we examined the Great Commissions in Matthew and Mark, we noted how each version matches the styl
Selah -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Question: In the book of Psalms in the Bible, what does the word Selah mean?
Wedding Banquet -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Wise Men's Red Hats -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A visitor to a certain town noticed many homes had Christmas nativity scenes in front of them.
Proper 9 -- Genesis 24:34-38, Romans 7:15-25a -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2004
Proper 9 (C, E)14th Sunday In Ordinary Time (RC)Seventh Sunday After Pentecost
Give To God -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Let's take an informal, random survey. How many of you like paying taxes? No one?
On A New Year's Day -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
This passage was spoken by the King of England in World War II several times on the British radio br
He Really Squeezed Them -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A side show at the traveling circus which came to town featured a guy who squeezed a lemon very hard
My Precinct -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
When they were giving out flu shots one year, a poor lady had tried to get hers at the Red Cross bui
The Resurrection Of Our Lord -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18, Jeremiah 31:1-6 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Easter Day - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 10:34--43 (C, E); Acts 10:34, 37--43 (RC)
Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
This particular text, which tells of the institution of the Jewish Passover feast, is to mark the be
Abstract Or Concrete -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A man had said he adored children and would do whatever he could for them.
Those Two Cents -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It was during the 1950s and the young couple came to their pastor for premarital counseling.
Walking On Water -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he d
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany -- Micah 6:1-8 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2004
The important thing to remember about this text from Micah is that it represents a court case betwee
That Is How I Send You -- John 20:21-23 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
In my third year at seminary, as I was doing my morning devotions and Bible reading, I came to John
Some Good Things Take Time -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
About the middle of the nineteenth century, a noted English traveler, Lord Sandys, was served a fine
The Wise And The Foolish -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Without One Flea -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Another little girl was singing at church, "Just as I am, without one flea."
Proper 10 -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 25:19--34 (C)
Take Up Your Cross -- Matthew 10:38-39 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
We come to one of those hard sayings of Jesus about discipleship, "Take up your cross." In chapter 2

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Total Living In Christ -- Deuteronomy 8:11-20 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
In Lutheran churches and many other denominations across the world, today is the celebration of Chri
True Beauty -- Romans 8:31-39 -- Charles Cammarata, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a well-loved, elderly womanTrue Beauty
Our Dwelling Place In All Generations -- Psalm 90 -- Joe Barone, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a person with little discernible religious belief
The Journey Of Life -- Luke 24:13-35, Psalm 122 -- Tom O. Miller, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a person without church affiliationThe Journey Of Life
Advent: An Irrational Sense Of Peace -- Philippians 4:4-7 -- John T. Ball -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
We are always touched by newspaper or media stories of people who have come through some terrible ex
Carrying The Burdens Of Others -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2006
There was a man named Sundar, a convert to Christianity who decided to go to India to be a missionar
Isaiah -- The Prophet Of Gloom And Glory -- Isaiah 65:17-25 -- John W. Clarke -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2006
Of all the writing prophets of Israel, Isaiah stands out above them all.
More Than Meets The Eye -- Job 38-41 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a daring characterMore Than Meets The Eye
What Happens When You're Not Prepared For What Happens -- Luke 8:26-39 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
How do you handle what happens when you're not prepared for what happens?
Fruit With Feet -- Acts 9:1-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
There has rarely been a transformation from sinner to saint as dramatic as that of Paul, former pers
All Life Is A Gift -- Mark 10:13-16 -- William E. Labarr, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For hours-old twin girlsAll Life Is A Gift
Our Task: Acceptance And Challenge -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Tom M. Garrison -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
What do our children need of us really, as adults, as parents, and as the community of faith called
Be Real -- Colossians 1:15-28 -- John Jamison -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2006
The old story is told about two painters; two artists.
The True Source Of Thanksgiving -- Matthew 25 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
It has been said that you cannot know where you are going until you know where you have come from.
Tough Guy No Longer -- Luke 2:8-20, Psalm 121 -- Charles Cammarata, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a hard-working, family-oriented personTough Guy No Longer
A Family Member -- 2 Corinthians 4:16--5:1, Isaiah 40:28-31 -- William E. Labarr, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a family memberA Family Member
Advent: Jesus, The Suffering Savior -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- John T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
This is our final Sunday in Advent.
Sharing God's Love -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
There once was a king who ruled over a vast empire, but alas, he was rather old and thus decided tha
Preaching God's Reformation -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- John W. Clarke -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2006
On this Reformation Sunday, it is useful to look back in time and remember one of the most important
Speechless, But Not Embarrassed -- Matthew 25:31-33 -- Richard F. Bansemer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a resident philosopherSpeechless, But Not Embarrassed
Reactions To Rejection -- Luke 9:51-62 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2006
Jesus knew what rejection felt like.
God's Call For All -- Acts 9:35-43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
A church in Pennsylvania reported the death of one of their members recently.
The Sacrifice Of Love -- Psalm 23 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a grandmother in comparison to a young girl's death
What Gift Do You Bring? -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
I remember watching a football game between Kansas State and Ohio State.
Claiming Our New Life In Christ -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- John Jamison -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2006
I heard a story about a man who decided that he wanted to live a good life.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A mother's righteousness is her beauty in its best light.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Spiritual truth is conveyed with the Holy Spirit's help to anyone willing to listen.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Evangelism
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Just as the fluid in the eye keeps the dirt out of the eyes, so the constant cleansing presence of
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Paul Lewis suggested that mothers ought to take photos of the children doing things right -- daily c
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Stress -- Good And Bad
A Defining Moment -- 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- Constance Berg -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2001
Sue went with her three most trusted friends on a retreat.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Progress Slow progress is always better than no progress at all.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
There is no stare like a mother's stare.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Patience "Since God is eternal and I am immortal, I can wait." (J. B. Chapman)
Fred's Team -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Constance Berg -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2001
Every day newspapers, magazines, and radio stations report how "bad" things are getting.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Gossip
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"A mother's heart is the precious porcelain of human clay."
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God's Spirit turns chickens into lions.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Evangelism
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Methods, plans, and human efforts are futile without the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Success
From Chaos To Harmony -- Genesis 1:1-2:4a -- Constance Berg -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2001
The children - aged nine through thirteen - were milling around waiting for the old school bell that
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Association
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Motherhood holds the keys to the soul.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Peace
Doing Something - For God -- Colossians 3:1-4 -- Constance Berg -- Easter Day - A -- 2001
"Honey, I want to do something for God. What should I do?"
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Government
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A mother's love is never afraid of giving too much.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit is our defense attorney.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Stewardship -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe have indeed been blessed by God.
Eighth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:8-16a, Psalm 131, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2004
HymnsJesus, Priceless Treasure (LBW457, 458, PH365, CBH595, NCH480, UM532)
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
HymnsO Come, O Come, Emmanuel (UM211, PH9, LBW34, CBH172, NCH116)
Mother/Family -- John 13:31-35 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe gather as the family of God to worship.
God Walks With Us Through Darkness -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 105:1-4)
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)
What Are You Looking At? -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 47)
Storms -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship We worship God, whose creation is good.
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2004
HymnsArise, Your Light Is Come (NCH164, PH411)
All Saints' Sunday -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Psalm 34:1-10, 22, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
HymnsCrown Him With Many Crowns (NCH301, UM327, CBH116, PH151)
New Year/New Beginnings -- Isaiah 43:15-21, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipThere are times for new beginnings,And for renewing ministries.
God Has Sent Me Before You -- Genesis 45:1-5, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Proper 8 -- Genesis 22:1-14, Psalm 13, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2004
Proper 8Ordinary Time 13Pentecost 6Genesis 22:1-14 Psalm 13
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Joel 2:12-13Theme: It's Not Too Late
Deuteronomy 26:1-11, John 6:25-35 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipThanksgiving - a day or an attitude?
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, Psalm 22, John 18:1-19:42 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Good Friday - A -- 2004
HymnsDeep Were His Wounds And Red (PH78)
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
HymnsHoly Spirit, Truth Divine (CBH 508, UM465)
Open Hands -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipAn open hand, bestowing the bounty of creation.
God Remembers The People -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Proper 9 -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Psalm 45:10-17, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2004
Hymns
The Light Still Shines -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 42:6-7)
Things Of First Importance -- Mark 12:28-34, Hosea 6:1-6 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship
First Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
The Lenten Season
The God With A History -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
Call To WorshipOne: God spoke to Moses from the burning bush.
Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Psalm 65, Luke 17:11-19 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2004
HymnsWe Plow The Fields And Scatter (CBH96, PH560)

Worship Service

Youth Resources

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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
Elena Delhagen
Quantisha Mason-Doll
For May 12, 2024:
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
Elena Delhagen
Quantisha Mason-Doll
For May 12, 2024:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A sheet large enough for your children to stand around it. A dozen or so golf balls, or other small unbreakable balls. If you have a large number of children you could use two sheets to make room, or just ask for volunteers to play the game.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent! But we’re not starting with the story today. I have something else I would like you to try. (Lay the sheet on the floor and put the balls in the middle of it.)
John Jamison
Object: A piece of clothing that a superhero might wear. I used a simple cape made from a sheet, but you could also use a belt, a ring, or anything else your favorite superhero might wear.

* * *

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
Over the Christmas season, I saw a picture of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes with his wife Brittany and their two young children. Like many people, the Mahomes’ took their kids to see Santa Claus. Patrick, Brittany, and Santa are all smiles, however, two-year-old daughter Sterling and one-year-old Bronze looked just like thousands of other kids, scared, and wanting to be somewhere else. It reminded me of how alike people are.
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
Frank Ramirez
Bill Thomas
Acts 1:1-11
As I write this, world events have inspired any number of Christians in my area to speculate that these are clear signs of the end. By the time you read this those great events will be history, but don’t worry, stuff is happening as you read this that is causing some to speculate those current events are clear signs of the end.
Frank Ramirez
Today’s scriptures call upon us to listen carefully — to Jesus, through his words in the New Testament, and to the Spirit helping us to interpret that word and speaking directly in our hearts. And sometimes God is also speaking to us in the created universe. But make sure it is God we are listening to, and not ourselves.

Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
Mark Ellingsen
The lessons for this Festival of Ascension all testify to the heavenly power and cosmic presence of Christ. 

Acts 1:1-11

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
…God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his son. (v. 11b)

Have you ever experienced the presence of God? Have you felt, seen, heard, smelled, tasted or known in some way that the Creator was near?

My colleague Becky Ardell Downs, pastor of John Knox Presbyterian Church in Houston, tells of a time forty years ago when she was attending the funeral of her uncle in the Chicago suburbs. He had died of multiple sclerosis at a relatively young age.
Frank Ramirez
When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. (Acts 1:9)

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. (Luke 24:50-51)

Defying gravity! What a concept? Is there anyone here who has not dreamt at one time or another that you were actually flying? Or floating? Or in some way defying gravity?

SermonStudio

John Jamison
Have you ever come across a piece of scripture that you really just didn’t know what to do with? Everything you read before it makes sense, and everything after it, but that one passage just sits there staring at you, almost defying you to understand why it is there and what it means.
Stan Purdum
Both Psalms 47 and 93 (the alternative psalm for this day) are enthronement psalms, praise hymns celebrating God's rule over the nations. They were most likely used on festal occasions when Israel again declared that God was its king.

While Psalm 47 was for Israel's celebration, verses 1-2 call all the nations of earth to recognize God as their monarch as well. Verses 3-4, however, return to the specific relationship between God and Israel.

David H. Webb
Today is Ascension Sunday.

Today we commemorate the day when Jesus bid farewell to his followers and friends and ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father.

In some ways it's an anxious day. "How will we go on without him?" they surely whispered among themselves. "How can we possibly maintain the strength and perspective -- the motivation to live according to his teachings and promises? How can we live with determination and purpose if he is not here to sustain us?"

John T. Ball
One of the blessings of God is the gift of writing, of putting our thoughts and observations on clay tablets or jars, on parchment, or on paper. Scholars are not certain when humans first began to write. Many think it happened in Samaria, the civilization between the Tigris and Euphrates, now modern-day Iraq. It may have happened about 3000 B.C.E. Nor is there a consensus on how writing was first used. It may have come from Shamans using it to pass on their skills and secrets. Or writing could have originated as a means to inventory the goods of merchants.
Mark J. Molldrem
Mark -- warlike

Shirley -- bright meadow

Jennifer -- fair lady

Jeffrey -- God's peace

Jesus -- God saves

What's in a name? Ever since God gave Adam the privilege of naming all the creatures, humankind has had a fascination with names. Names are important. Parents take great care when they select a name for their baby. They know the name will be with this new person for a lifetime and will identify him or her to other people.
Jerry L. Schmalenberger
It simply was unthinkable that the appearances of Jesus should grow fewer and fewer after Easter until they finally 'petered out' and melted away. That would have effectively weakened the faith of all people who had seen him. There had to come a day of dividing -- when Jesus of earth became Christ of heaven.
Richard E. Gribble
Many years ago one of the most popular shows on weekly television was Mission Impossible. Each episode of the show opened in a similar way. The head of the Impossible Missions Force, or IMF for short, would be found alone in some isolated office, home, or similar space. He would find a large manilla envelope, generally hidden in a desk drawer or possibly in a safe. Inside the envelope he would find materials that described the next mission of his IMF team. There would be lots of printed material, photographs of the principal people involved, and often maps to show various locations.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Sandy wasn't very good at prayer. Privately he thought it was probably a waste of time, although when things went really wrong he always found himself praying. He wasn't sure that God ever heard his prayers.

Special Occasion

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