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Proper 9 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 (C)
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 (C)
Healing A Deaf-Mute -- Mark 7:31-37 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1999
Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in th
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Kings 2:1-12 (C)
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 20:1-17 (C, RC, E)
Healing A Blind Beggar -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1999
They came to Jericho.
Healing A Withered Hand -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1999
One sabbath he was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Numbers 21:4-9 (C)
Stilling A Storm -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1999
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." And leavi
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 31:31-34 (C, RC, E)
Healing An Issue Of Blood -- Healing The Ruler's Daughter -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1999
When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and h
Maundy Thursday/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
First Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
The Nativity Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Second Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 40:1-11 (C, E); Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 (RC)
Sunday Of The Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 14:1--15:47, Mark 15:1-39 (40-47) -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 50:4-9a (C); Isaiah 50:4-7 (RC)
Third Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Ezekiel 37:1-14 (C)
Fourth Sunday In Advent -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 10 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 (C)
All Saints Sunday -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- All Saints Day - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 25:6-9 (C)
Proper 11 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 7:1-14a (C)
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 1:1-11 (C, RC, E)
Proper 12 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 11:1-15 (C)
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 (C, E); Joel 2:12-18 (RC)

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Not Just Any Body, Christ's Body -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- Robert S. Crilley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2003
Let me offer you a hypothetical situation.
O Perfect Love! (Where Are You?) -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2003
Click here for
Celebrating The Lord's Day -- Luke 1:46b-55 -- David M. Oliver -- 2003
Opening SentenceLuke 1:46-48, The Message
Epiphany: The Joy Of Fulfillment -- Luke 4:14-21 -- J. Ellsworth Kalas, David Kalas -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2003
I've read some books where it seemed the author had no purpose in writing.
The One Or One Of Many -- Colossians 1:15-28 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2003
It is the year 50 A.D. Two individuals run into each other on the street corner.
Calendars And Checkbooks -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2003
In seeking to create that teachable moment, the motivational speaker presented to his gathered stude
Make The Most Of Your Life -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2003
Once there was a wise king who died.
What The Church Should Be Doing Until The Second Coming -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2003
In folklore and literature there are many famous deadlines.
Celebrating The Lord's Day -- Luke 2:15 -- David M. Oliver -- 2003
Opening SentenceLuke 2:15
Epiphany: The Tragedy Of Rejection -- Luke 4:21-30 -- J. Ellsworth Kalas, David Kalas -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2003
In the church, most of us think of Epiphany simply as a season on the church calendar, and sometimes
The Reason For The Rules -- Colossians 3:1-11 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2003
When I was eleven years old I was a baseball player. Well, not really.
A Personal Commitment To God -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
One morning at a missionary church deep in the rain forest of South America, the Sunday worship serv
Whom Christ Commended -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
A new soldier, having just completed jump school at Fort Benning, Georgia, stood proudly at attentio
The Festival Of The Holy Nativity -- David M. Oliver -- 2003
Prelude Organ SuggestionsJoy To The World -- arr. Petker
From Empty Nets To Full Lives -- Luke 5:1-11 -- J. Ellsworth Kalas, David Kalas -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2003
It's funny what experiences and phrases will stay with you from childhood.
Sustained By A Hope Unfulfilled -- Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2003
In his newest book, The Good Life, Peter Gomes tells of the two times he invited Billy Graham to spe
God Provides The Path To Life -- Joel 2:23-32 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2003
Today people throughout the world refer to the Hawaiian islands as "paradise." Visitors come to enjo
Grace Encounters -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2003
Several years ago at one of the Lausanne Missions Conferences, something remarkable was decided.
At The Corner Of Church And Main -- Luke 6:17-26 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
Once there was a great intersection in the ancient city of Bethlehem.
Saints In Shorts -- Luke 6:27-38 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2003
Seven years ago, our family moved from southern Virginia to northeast Wisconsin.
Look To Jesus -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2003
I never shall forget the time when I first donned the colors of the Purple and Gold.
God Knows What God Is Doing -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2003
There is an apocryphal story told that after completing his masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, the famous I
Incident At A Table -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2003
Many of the great events of history have taken place at tables.
Whether You'll Weather The Weather -- Luke 6:39-49 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2003
Every so often, toward the end of a hot, still, muggy day here in the Midwest, we'll have a televisi
In Betwixt And Between -- Hebrews 12:18-29 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
It was a calm and lazy summer evening, almost dark.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Excess Baggage -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In the last century, a tourist from America paid a visit to a famous Polish rabbi named Hofetz Chaim
Reckon -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"Man of La Mancha" is the musical adaptation of Miguel de Cervantes' novel, Don Quixote, written bet
Expectations -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
A farmer was walking through his fields one day when he tripped over a one-gallon glass jug in his p
Repent -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
A member of the Episcopal Church approached her priest and said, "Father, my dog died this morning a
Failure -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Mrs.
Resurrection -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In 1908, near La Chapelle-aux-Saints, France, a human body was discovered in a cave.
Fear -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"As night goes round the earth there are hundreds of thousands who should be sleeping, lying awake f
Seeds -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
A group of ministers and a salesmen's organization were holding conventions in the same hotel.
He who has ears to hear, let him hear. -- Luke 8:8 -- Larry D. Powell -- 1984
There is an old "preacher story" about the traveling evangelist who had a flair for the dramatic.
A THEOLOGY OF A STORM -- Larry D. Powell -- 1984
There was an elderly lady in the little hamlet where I grew up who lived just across the back yard f
IN QUEST OF A TREASURE -- Larry D. Powell -- 1984
The Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon's obsession with discovering the fountain of eternal youth led hi
IN PRAISE OF DOERS -- Larry D. Powell -- 1984
Following morning worship one Sunday, some good lady, whose name I do not know, handed me a newspape
Loving -- Larry D. Powell -- 1984
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging
PARABLE OF THE THREE CANDLES -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
Three children carried their candles home from church.
PARABLE OF THE ELEVATOR AND THE STAIRWAY -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
"I don't mind going to work," said Jane, "but climbing those five flights of stairs to the office ge
PARABLE OF THE WEIGHT OF HAPPINESS -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
"Let's get weighed and have our fortunes told," said Jean.
PARABLE OF THE INDIAN CHIEFS -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
Said the great red one, "I am a mighty chief, and I want my son to follow in my footsteps and rule a
PARABLE OF STRINGED MUSIC AND SOUL WHISPERS -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
There is a sense of finenessIn music of the strings
PARABLE OF TWO CAKES -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
The first homemaker placed her cake in the oven and went about her duties.
PARABLE OF GRANTING YOUR WISHES -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
The old philosopher in a homespun setting was talking to his three nephews.
PARABLE OF THE ROAD SIGNS -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
They were heading down the highway of life and the story of where they were going was written on the
PARABLE OF THE CORRECTION FLUID -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
"What is the little blue bottle? Ink?" the lady asked the secretary.
PARABLE OF THE HAND -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
"What did you do?" inquired the boss of his secretary, who was grimacing with pain.
EBENEEZER: The Satisfied Pig -- Luke 15:11-32 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
Have you ever felt greedy?
JASON: One of God's Signs -- Exodus 8:2 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
How many children like to keep the promises that they make?

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Second Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 11:1-10Theme: From Jesse's StumpCall To Worship
Parable of the Soils -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1998
Celebrating The Presence Of God
Proper 4 -- Genesis 6:11-12; 7:24; 8:14-19, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 6:11-12; 7:24; 8:14-19Theme: Arks Of Faith
Prayer 33 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear God Of Gods:
Visit of the Magi to Jesus -- Matthew 2:1-12 (3:13-17) -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration
Prayer 2 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Wise And Purposeful One:
Proper 12 -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 29:15-28Theme: ApprenticeCall To Worship
Third Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 35:1-10Theme: Set Aside SighingCall To Worship
Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1998
Celebrating The Presence Of GodInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 5 -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 12:1-9Theme: Go, Come, Be A BlessingCall To Worship
Prayer 34 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Almighty And All-Loving One:
The Lamb of God and the Calling of Several Disciples -- John 1:29-42 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration
Prayer 3 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Mysterious Presence:
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 32:22-31Theme: Bless Me?Call To Worship
Fourth Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 7:10-16Theme: A SignCall To Worship
Parables of the Mustard Seed, the Yeast, Hidden Treasure, Pearl of Great Price, the Fishing Net -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1998
Celebrating The Presence Of GodInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 6 -- Genesis 18:1-15, Romans 5:1-8, Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 18:1-15Theme: HospitableCall To Worship
Prayer 35 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Infinitely Patient One:
Jesus Begins His Ministry and Calls Some Disciples -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration
Prayer 4 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Caring God:
Proper 14 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28Theme: Peace At Home First
All Saints' Sunday -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- All Saints Day - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Revelation 7:9-17Theme: Salvation. Amen.Call To Worship
Feeding the Five Thousand -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1998
Celebrating The Presence Of GodInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 21:8-21Theme: Even If ... God Is Present
Prayer 36 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Master Communicator:

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
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Ascension of the Lord
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160+ – Illustrations / Stories
19 – Children's Sermons / Resources
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25 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
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130+ – Illustrations / Stories
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2 – Pastor's Devotions
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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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