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The Sponge -- Colossians 3:1-4 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for Easter)
Never Divided -- Jude 19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a piece of fence
Good Guys And Bad Guys -- Jude 4 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bandana to tie around your neck and face
God's House Is Special -- John 2:13-22 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some items that appear to be for sale with prices marked on them
You Have To Change The Inside -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-24 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a ballpoint pen out of ink, several empty pens that the cartridge can be put into, an
Now What Do We Do? -- John 2:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Objects: some wine and some water in containers, to show the children
Bringing People To God -- Acts 3:1-16 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a digital camera and things that go together: letters, numbers, salt and pepper shake
Parable Of The Crabby Grass -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Encouragement to be wheat rather than tares.
Lord Of Light And Life -- 1 Corinthians 15:19-28 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for Easter)Object: two buckets of water
Your Roots -- Colossians 2:6-15 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: several plants at various stages of growth with their roots exposed
Imitating The Good -- 3 John 11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: two drums and two drum sticks
Telltale Fingernails -- Matthew 6:24-34 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some fingernail clippings or any sign of some nervous habit
Make A Friend For Jesus -- Mark 6:7-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a big walking stick
You Shall See Great Things -- John 1:43-51 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an airplane model - the earliest model available - and a moon rocket
Happy Birthday, Church! -- Acts 2:1-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a big electric fan, with the sound increased by use of a microphone (if a fan is not
Dirty-hearted People -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Growth takes place only in fertile, receptive people.
Saying "Yes" To Jesus -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a red floor tile, a white floor tile, and a gray floor tile (you may use three of any

Christian

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What One Man Can Do -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The Roman Catholic monk, Polemicus, dared to oppose gladiatorial death in the Coliseum of Rome.
Ring Those Bells! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It was springtime in 1799, when Napoleon laid siege on the city of Feldkirk, Austria.
Two Sons -- Matthew 21:28-32 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
1. Text
The Fool Who Signed His Name -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Years ago, Reverend Henry Ward Beecher said he received a letter of criticism, and the last page had
Accountability -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
"What kind of a place would this place be,If everyone in it were just like me?"
Three Men And A Savior -- Matthew 27:15-26 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Three men. Perhaps they were boyhood friends all their lives. Perhaps they hooked up as adults.
Christmas Eve Day -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
Our Christmas celebrations are associated with light.
Proper 21 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 17:1--7 (C)
Brotherhood -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
I sought my soul, my soul I could not see.I sought my God, my God eluded me.
The Secret of Preaching Without a Net -- William H. Shepherd -- 2004
Prepare like crazy, so that you areoverprepared.
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
THE LESSONS
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, Matthew 5:38-48 -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
THE LESSONS
A True Christian -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In the Armenian-Turkish War in Europe early in the twentieth century, an Armenian nurse discovered o
A Forrest Gump Story -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Saint Peter saw Forrest Gump, a familiar name in the movies, at the entrance to Heaven.
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Good Friday - A -- 2004
For centuries, the Christian Church has regarded this fourth Servant Song in Second Isaiah as a prop
That Bag Of Cookies -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The other day a businessman reported to an airport, purchased his ticket, and was checked through ca
That Special Day -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
As a man was leaving for his office on a wintry day, his wife hinted, "Tomorrow is a special day, yo
What's Missing? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The newspaper reported that a new post office was built in a certain town, and the day was set for i
Another Mystery Story -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A night watchman heard that his boss was going away on a long trip.
Nativity -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Jeff Wedge -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way.
The Four Levels Of Life -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
1.The level of instinct.2.The level of duty.
How Did You Play The Game? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
When the last great Scorer comesTo write against your name;
Any Last Words? -- Mark 15:34, 39, Luke 23:46 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Famous last words. You can tell a lot about a person by his last words.
Christmas Day -- Isaiah 52:7-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
"My way is hid from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God" (Isaiah 40:27).
Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 (C)

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Smell Of Bread -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2006
One of the most popular television shows ever was M*A*S*H, which ran for eleven seasons, from
A Multitude Of Thoughts -- Psalm 139:1-18 -- Stan Purdum, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a faithful manA Multitude Of Thoughts
Fade To Black -- James 1:10-11 -- Wayne Brouwer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
A thought pieceFade To BlackJames 1:10-11
Testing Time -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
To live the Christian life is to be tested.
The Gospel Is Unchained ... -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2006
I went to the store to buy a new pair of blue jeans.
Incarnation In Nashville -- Isaiah 9:5-7 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to Mary.
A True, Modern Parable -- Romans 7:21--8:2 -- Charles L. Koester, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a 44-year-old man who was the pastor's best friend
We're On Our Way, Baby -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:3 -- John T. Ball -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2006
Today is the Sunday when we celebrate the Transfiguration of Jesus, a moment in his ministry when up
My Earlier Life -- Galatians 1:11-24 -- John Jamison -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2006
You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism.
By The Sweat Of His Brow -- Genesis 3:19 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a working man who died from diabetes
A Puzzling Parable With A Sharp Point -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
A young boy used to describe foods like spinach by saying, "I hate it." His wise mother responded, "
Washing In Old Jordan -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2006
I know a man who has a severe back injury and lives with constant pain.
Passages -- Stan Purdum, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an elderly, faithful womanPassages
Restless Realism -- James 4:9 -- Wayne Brouwer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
A thought pieceRestless RealismJames 4:9
No Intimidation -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Boldness is necessary to accomplish ministry, especially that which is prophetic and points to judgm
Itchy Ears -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2006
As usual, the epistle is a little more graphic than we can quite grasp.
Behind The Brocade -- Isaiah 9:2b, 5-7 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.
Teacher Wit A Pen -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 4 -- Lawrence H. Craig, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a 57-year-old who died shortly after the birth of her first grandson
Shoots Of Tomorrow -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
In the parable of The Giving Tree, a young boy would gather his favorite tree's leaves on mil
Welcome, Rich And Poor -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2006
Can you name some disillusioned people you've met in life?
The Sign Of God -- Amos 7:7-17 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2006
Most of us have wrestled with questions like these at one time or another:
Dancing Through Life -- Ecclesiastes 3:4 -- Lawrence H. Craig, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a native of Scotland who loved dancing
More Time -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Who can speak of "justice" in any long-standing and helpful way?
Flying Coach To Nirvana -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2006
A good friend of mine, Bob Frederickson, is writing a travel book called Flying Coach To Nirvana.
Last Piece Of The Puzzle -- Mark 13:24-37, Isaiah 64:1-9 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2006
Advent is the time of waiting, of wishing, and of wanting an intervention.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Cleansing Feet; Cleansing Soul -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Constance Berg -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2000
Matthew and Mary Beth were at a trade show.
Put Your Net On The Other Side -- John 21:1-19 -- Constance Berg -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
When Beth was a teenager, she lived on the streets.
Who Am I? -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Constance Berg -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2000
Who am I,That I should haveYour coming revealed to me?I am poor,
The Bread Of Life -- Luke 22:14--23:56, Luke 23:1-49 -- Constance Berg -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2000
Belinda and Karen were on the altar guild the day before Palm Sunday.
Sheep Crossing -- John 10:22-30 -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Chuck laughed as he told the story. He had been on a trip to the Netherlands on business.
Twelve-Year-Old Wisdom -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2000
Twelve years on earth isn't much time. Many people who live today reach eighty years of age.
A Fire Of Change -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Constance Berg -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2000
The Panorama Fire in Southern California burned out of control.
Love One Another: Love Jacob -- John 13:31-35 -- Constance Berg -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Jacob can be so annoying. He talks loudly during Sunday School.
We Are God's Temple -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2000
Karny runs. She runs marathons. She runs races. She runs for fun.
Terry's Taxi -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2000
Terry is a taxi driver in Dallas, Texas.
Sabbath At Mt. Carmel -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2000
The cabins at Mt. Carmel Bible Retreat are small.
Newspaper Prayers -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2000
I was at a Bible study on prayer when the leader handed each of us a section of the newspaper.
Success -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2000
She didn't want to go to the reunion.
Merle's Treasure -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2000
Merle Kvamme called three times before I could return her call the next day.
Jesus, The Messiah; Jesus, The Crisis -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2000
Cecilia knew she was having trouble with her pregnancy when the doctor called and asked her and her
The Business Of Healing -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2000
The temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed but every city still had a synagogue.
A Place Of Honor -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2000
Stan's grandfather started a machine repair business that became successful: it had a steady stream
The Cost Of The Kingdom -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2000
"Brooke, are you aware of the demands that will be placed on you? Can you handle them?
The Wedding Ring -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2000
I was in great pain.
Too Old To Work? -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2000
Carol was too old to be out of work and too young to be on Social Security.
Prison -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2000
We lived only about six miles from church, but we had to pass a maximum security prison on our way.
Discipleship -- 1999
Mother Teresa of India said, "Unless life is lived for others, it is not worthwhile." That is the ca
Alert -- 1999
The Dow Chemical Company in Pittsburg, California, had a leak of chlorine gas when a gasket broke in
Insights -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
The classes never did turn out as I would have liked.
Penance -- 1999
In Bavaria the Christians observe in November a day called Bustag (a day of penance).

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

The Coming King -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
Proper 10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (from Psalm 78:23-29)
Proper 11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipWomen: God of time, the moments are yours.
Last Sunday After The Epiphany -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipRight: The Light has been shining.
A New Covenant -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Create pure hearts in us, O God,
The Power Of Faith In The Risen Christ -- Acts 3:12-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: O God, answer us when we pray.
Transfiguration Sunday -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2002
First Lesson: 2 Kings 2:1-12 Theme: The Lord's Spirit Stays With Us
Proper 12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Proverbs 9:1-6)
Proper 13 -- Ephesians 6:10-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Ephesians 6:10-18)
Holy Trinity Sunday -- Frank Ramirez -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 6:1-8)
When We Lose Patience -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
The Blessedness Of Unity -- Acts 4:32-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Who Will Go? -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2002
The Holy TrinityFirst Lesson: Isaiah 6:1-8Theme: Who Will Go?
Proper 16 -- Ephesians 6:10-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Ephesians 6:10-18)
Proper 5 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Lamentations 3:19-26)
The Ten Commandments -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: The law of the Lord is perfect; it gives new strength.
God Has No Favorites -- Acts 10:34-43 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Easter Day - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
The Call To Leadership -- 1 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: The Lord is greatPeople: and is to be highly praised.
Proper 14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 119:105-112)
Proper 6 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 123)
God's Covenant With Abraham -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipCome, let us worship the God of Abraham and our God, too.
Hope For The Future -- Samuel 23:1-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
A New Covenant -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on John 3:3-17)
Proper 7 -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Ephesians 1:3-14)

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 23 | OT 28 | Pentecost 18
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 24 | OT 29 | Pentecost 19
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 25 | OT 30 | Pentecost 20
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – 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
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For November 2, 2025:
Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For November 2, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message involves roleplay. You will need a chair for Zach to stand on, unless it is ok for him to stand on a front pew. For the best fun, you will also want to have an adult volunteer play the role of Jesus and walk in when it is time. Whether he is in costume is up to you.

* * *
John Jamison
Object: You will need one or more pictures of people recognized as saints. You may find some pictures by Googling “public domain pictures of saints” and printing images from the results.

* * *

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4 and Psalm 119:137-144
Walter Elwell in the Shaw Pocket Bible Handbook notes of righteousness that it is, “Right standing, specifically before God. Among the Greeks, righteousness was an ethical virtue. Among the Hebrews it was a legal concept; the righteous man was the one who got the verdict of acceptability when tried at the bar of God’s justice.” God is a righteous God, even when is people are not righteous.
Frank Ramirez
One of the features of synagogue worship is the Shema. The Hebrew word is “Hear!” and is the opening for Deuteronomy 6:4-5, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” God’s people are commanded to “hear” these words. They come from the Lord. And these three scriptures invite us to hear God and each other, something that is lacking in our society today.
Wayne Brouwer
Fred Craddock tells of a vacation encounter in the Smokey Mountains of eastern Tennessee years ago that moved him deeply. He and his wife took supper one evening in a place called the Black Bear Inn. One side of the building was all glass, open to a magnificent mountain view. Glad to be alone, the Craddocks were a bit annoyed when an elderly man ambled over and struck up a nosey conversation: “Are you on vacation?” “Where are you from?” “What do you do?”
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 and Psalm 149

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, but your commandments are my delight. Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live. (vv. 143-144)

When I was an associate pastor in Janesville, Wisconsin one of my responsibilities was to give a lecture on spirituality once a month at a drug treatment facility. The students who attended were persons who had been convicted of drunk driving and were required to attend the class as a condition of their sentence. Attendance was always good.
Frank Ramirez
Call them the good old days. Call it the Golden Age. It’s not unusual for people to look back in their youth, or to the youth of their country, as somehow more perfect, honorable, or simpler. C.S. Lewis was always skeptical about claims that chocolate was better in one’s youth. It wasn’t better. Our taste buds were stronger and more receptive.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
The Roman Catholic Church's canonisation of Edith Stein some years ago, fuelled considerable controversy. Edith Stein was born and bred into a Jewish family, becoming a Roman Catholic Christian at the age of 31. She was also a leading German intellectual in the early thirties, during the run-up to World War 2, although she gave up that career in order to become a Carmelite nun. But she didn't deny her Jewish roots, for in 1933 she petitioned the Pope, Pious XI to write an encyclical in defence of the Jews.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus didn't reject anyone, even those who were liars and cheats. By a simple act of friendship Jesus turned Zaccheus' life around. In our worship today let us consider friendship and all that it means.


Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, there are some people I don't like.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, there are some people I reject.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, there are some people I keep out of my circle of friends.
Lord, have mercy.


Reading:

SermonStudio

Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
The world offers many blessings, but none of these things will save us: only the blessing of God in Jesus Christ can do that.

Old Testament Lesson
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18
Daniel's Apocalyptic Dream
Perry H. Biddle, Jr.
Comments on the Lessons
John W. Clarke
This chapter of Luke brings us ever closer to the end of Jesus' public ministry. Jesus enters Jericho, just fifteen miles or so from the holy city of Jerusalem. It is here that Jesus transforms the life of Zacchaeus, the tax collector. This is one of the few stories that is peculiar to Luke and is a wonderful human-interest story. The fact that Zacchaeus is willing to climb a tree to see Jesus is a clear indication that he really wanted to see and meet the carpenter from Nazareth. His eagerness to see Jesus is rewarded in a very special way.
Scott A. Bryte
Then he looked up at his disciples and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.
Mark Ellingson
This is a story written for people who had been or were about to be persecuted, if not enslaved. (The book of Daniel was probably written in the mid-second century B.C. during a period of Seleucid [Syrian] domination in Palestine.) It tells them and us how their ancestors had once faced a similar slavery under the oppression of the Babylonians centuries earlier. The implication was that if these ancestors could endure and overcome such bondage, so could they and so can we.
Gary L. Carver
Ulysses S. Grant fought many significant battles as commander of the Union forces in the War Between the States. He also served as President of the United States where he probably engaged in as many battles as he did while he was a general. Toward the end of his life he fought his toughest battle -- with cancer and death.

Special Occasion

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