Login / Signup

SermonStudio

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Adult study

African-American History

Bible Study

Biblical Studies

Biblical Study

Candlelighting service

Children's program

Children's Resources

Children's sermon

Christian

Christian Faith

Christian Life

Church Anniversary

Church Growth

Church Leaders

Church Programs

Death

Devotional

Drama

Easter

Faith Development

Fellowship

Funeral

Gathering Prayer

Healing

Home Blessing

Humor

Illustration

Inspirational

Intercession

Lent/Easter

Liturgy

Marriage Ceremony

Meditations

Memorial

Men's Day

Monologues

Mother's Day

Observance

Pageant

Pastoral Resources

Poems

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

Union With God And God's People -- John 15:1-8 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower.
Proper 26 (C, E) -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Ruth 1:1-18 (C)
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (C, RC, E)
Breaking Down The Barriers To Jesus -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1999
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life.
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)
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 40:21-31 (C)
Sharing With Others In Imitation Of Christ -- John 6:51-58 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1999
Jesus said, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven.
Proper 28 (C, E) -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Samuel 1:4-20 (C)
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Kings 5:1-14 (C); 2 Kings 5:1-15 (E)
Jesus: The Victor Over Evil -- Mark 3:20-35 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1999
The crowd came together again, so that they could not even eat.
Proper 4 (C, E) -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Samuel 3:1-20 (C)
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Awaiting The Kingdom Of God -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1999
He also said, "The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep
Proper 5 (C, E) -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, Mark 3:20-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Samuel 8:4-20 (11:14-15) (C)
Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Hosea 2:14-20, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, Mark 2:13-22 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1999
Lesson 1: Hosea 2:14-20 (C); Hosea 2:16-17, 21-22 (RC); Hosea 2:14-23 (E)
Healing A Demoniac -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1999
They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught.
Proper 6 (C, E) -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Samuel 15:34„16:13 (C)
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 60:1-6 (C, RC); Isaiah 60:1-6, 9 (E)
Healing Peter's Mother-In-Law -- Mark 1:29-31 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1999
As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
Proper 7 (C, E) -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23) 32-49 (C)
Good Friday -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Good Friday - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 52:13„53:12 (C, RC, E)
Healing A Leper -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1999
A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, "If you choose, you can make me clean.
Proper 8 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 (C)
First Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 9:8-17 (C, E); Genesis 9:8-15 (RC)
Healing A Paralytic -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Just Like That -- John 13:31-35 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
"Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another." Perhaps more than any other single ver
Actions Bring Consequences -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2003
Once upon a time an otter rushed before the king and cried out, "My lord, you are a king who loves j
Forgiveness -- Colossians 3:12-17 -- Robert S. Crilley -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2003
In his book What's So Amazing About Grace?
Smiling In The Dark -- Robert S. Crilley, Dallas A. Brauninger, Gary L. Carver -- 2003
There are those who give little of the much which they have -- and they give it for recognition and
The Living, Reliable Word -- Isaiah 55:10-13 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2003
(Holding up a Bible) This is the most important book ever written.
"Amen" -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2003
(Before preaching I reminded our congregation that - in some traditions - the preacher receives enco
Red Light, Green Light -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Only in a farming community would it happen ...
Praying Through -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
No doubt you have heard about the postal service's "Dead Letter Department." That's the place where
Moving In -- John 14:23-29 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Philip Yancey, the best-selling author, once holed up in a mountain cabin for two weeks during a Col
Be Compassionate As God Is Compassionate -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2003
Once upon a time there was a great teacher, a guru, who had many followers.
God's Benefactors -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Robert S. Crilley, Dallas A. Brauninger, Gary L. Carver -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2003
Once when I returned home for a quick visit with my parents, an old friend unexpectedly dropped by t
A Slave To Mistaken Notions -- Romans 8:14-17 -- Gary L. Carver -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2003
Sally is Johnny's older sister by two years. They are staying with their grandma for the summer.
Wounded Healers -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
I once watched a television show which scared the daylights out of me.
The Tantalizing "Come" -- Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
More than anything else, Edward wanted God to forgive Keith.
Worship Wars! -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2003
We pastors call it The Worship Wars.
Listening In -- John 17:20-26 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Sometimes I think it would be so much easier to be a disciple if Jesus walked among us in the flesh.
Compassion: Returning Home To God -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2003
During the reconstruction period following the great American Civil War, John Sommersby returned to
Celebrating The Lord's Day -- Micah 5:2-5a -- David M. Oliver -- 2003
Opening SentenceMicah 5:2, The Message
Praying With The Preacher -- Colossians 1:1-14 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2003
Sharlon and I returned recently from a brief trip to Tuscumbia, Alabama, where we served from 1978-1
One Heaven Of A Party -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Charles D. Reeb -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Moses saw that look in their eyes. He saw that glimmer of hope on their faces.
The Multitasking Church -- 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 -- Robert S. Crilley -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2003
For the next six Sundays we will be looking at passages from the concluding chapters of the First Le
The Process Of Love -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2003
In William Shakespeare's play, A Midsummer Night's Dream, the actors roam the stage looking for a sc
Epiphany: A Faith To Work Miracles -- John 2:1-11 -- J. Ellsworth Kalas, David Kalas -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2003
I consider it divine good fortune that we have a scripture lesson so early in the year which encoura
The Justice Of God -- Lamentations 1:1-6 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2003
During the dark and sullen of days of the Great Depression in New York City there was one man who br
Celebrating The Lord's Day -- Luke 1:46b-55 -- David M. Oliver -- 2003
Opening SentenceLuke 1:46-48, The Message

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Park -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Common words have an uncommon history. Take the word park, for example.
Branded -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Once upon a time, two brothers were convicted of stealing sheep.
Jesus' Resurrection -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Imagine how early man must have stared in wonder at an egg. It looked like a stone.
Catharsis -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
The scientific study of human anatomy is a very recent development.
Patience -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"Where is God's home?" asked the church school teacher of the children seated in front of her.
Breath -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"Closer is He than breathing, and nearer than hands and feet," wrote Alfred Lord Tennyson about God.
Labor Day -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In 1882, a member of the Executive Council of The American Federation of Labor proposed one day in t
Christopher -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In a kingdom long ago and fan away, near the middle of the third century, there was a giant of a man
Pause -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
When Leonardo da Vinci was painting the scene of Jesus' last supper, on a dining room wall in a cert
Consequences -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"Of course, God will forgive me; that's his business!" Those flippant words were written by the nine
Pillars of Hercules -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Pillars of Hercules was the name ancient Greeks gave to two rocks on either side of the Strait of Gi
Crazy -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
A little boy was confined to his house one rainy Sunday afternoon.
Poor -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven," said Jesus.
Cross -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Jesus transformed the cross from a revolting sight to a beloved symbol.
Possibilities -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"You are a promise, you are a possibility," sang the children in our Vacation Church School last sum
Death and Resurrection -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
A little boy went to a doctor for a throat checkup and noticed a religious medal hanging from the do
Prepare -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Long ago and far away there lived a court jester named Giacomo.
Defeat -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"In love's service, only the wounded can serve," wrote Thornton Wilder in a three-minute play inspir
Problem -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"I'm the head of my house," announced one recently-married husband to another.
Disappointment -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"Yes," said the old man, "I've had some terrible disappointments, but none stands out over the years
Procrastinate -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
When I was a boy, I met Connie Mack at old Shibe Park.
Esprit de corps -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
When Frank first went to college, the campus was unfamiliar to him.
Pure -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
When the English poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson was in old age, he asked his son, who was to be the exec
Esteem -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"Born to lose" were the words tattooed on the back of the young man's hand. Dr.
Rainbow -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
When people have been brought through the seriousness of a great illness and then reflect on their l

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

The Simple Shepherds -- And The Lamb Of God -- Isaiah 53:1-7, Luke 2:15-20 -- Thomas A. Pilgrim, Lisa Johnson Wrote The Beholders -- 1999
Christmas Eve Isaiah 53:1-7; Luke 2:15-20They Came Together In Bethlehem:
When Life Breaks Your Heart -- 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Calling Your Name? -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship Leader: Who is calling your name?
The Blotter -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
The Three Kings -- And The King Of Kings -- Isaiah 9:7, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Thomas A. Pilgrim, Lisa Johnson Wrote The Beholders -- 1999
First Sunday After Christmas Isaiah 9:7; Matthew 2:1-12
The Shadow You Cast -- Acts 5:12-16 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Listen To Their Voice -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
A Door Of Hope -- Hosea 2:14-20, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, Mark 2:13-22 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Prayer Is for Real! -- Matthew 6:5-13 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
On The Heart -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Sonrise -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Amazing Grace -- Joshua 2:1-15 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
The Lion's Paw -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship Leader: Who is your Goliath?
By A Perversion Of Justice -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, John 18:1-19:42 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Good Friday - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: He was wounded for our transgressions.
What's the Use of Worrying? -- Matthew 6:25-34 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Lion Friendship -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship Leader: By what qualities do we measure a friendship as strong as lions?
Never Again -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: When all seems hopeless, there God is.
The Gospel of the Second Chance -- Acts 15:36-41 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Kin -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 25:19-34Theme: Isaac and RebekahCall To Worship
First Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 2:1-5Theme: With JoyCall To Worship
Prayer 32 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Demanding But Understanding One:
Jesus Prays for his Disciples -- John 17:1-11 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
A Celebration Of ResurrectionInvitation to the Easter Celebration
Prayer 1 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Creator And Sustainer:
Proper 11 -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 28:10-19a Theme: Know ThisCall To Worship

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Signup for FREE!
(No credit card needed.)
Ascension of the Lord
25 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
19 – Children's Sermons / Resources
23 – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 7
27 – Sermons
130+ – Illustrations / Stories
20 – Children's Sermons / Resources
19 – Worship Resources
22 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Pentecost
33 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
23 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Signup for FREE!
(No credit card needed.)

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

Wildcard SSL