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Christ The King -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 26 -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
There is much material that is unique to Matthew in the final chapters of his Gospel.
Proper 8 -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 1998
Lesson 1: Genesis 22:1-14 (C)
Proper 14 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 (C)
Corpus Christi -- Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, John 6:51-58 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16
Advent 1 -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
As we indicated in the Preface we have chosen to arrange the chapters of this work in their Matthean
Proper 9 -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 (C)
Proper 15 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 45:1-15 (C)
The Resurrection Of Our Lord (Easter Day) -- Acts 10:34-43 or Jeremiah 31:1-6, John 20:1-18 or Matthew 28:1-10 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Easter Day - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 10:34-43 (C, E); Acts 10:34, 37-43 (RC)
Proper 27, Proper 28 -- Matthew 25:1-13, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
We have chosen to discuss two texts together in one chapter.
Illuminating God's Message To The World -- Matthew 5:13-16 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1998
Images of salt and light hold center stage in this short pericope at the outset of the Sermon on the
The Day Of Thanksgiving -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 8:7-18 (C)
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 1:8--2:10 (C)
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:14a, 22-32 (C, E)
Christ The King; Proper 29 -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
We come to the end of the Church Year.
Caring For The Gifts Of God -- Matthew 21:33-43 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1998
"Listen to another parable.
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 17 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 3:1-15 (C)
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Resurrection Of The Lord -- Matthew 28:1-10 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Resurrection is the heart and climax of Matthew's story.
Perseverance Brings Us Home -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 1998
Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king
The Holy Trinity -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 1:1--2:4a (C); Genesis 1:1--2:3 (E)
Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-4, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 12:1-4 (C)
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:42-47 (C); Acts 2:14, 36-41 (RC)
The Holy Trinity -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The closing verses of Matthew's Gospel include the Trinitarian formula in the call to go to all the

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Awake To Glory -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- J. Ellsworth Kalas, David Kalas -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2003
Today we celebrate one of the most neglected passages in the Bible.
Costly Extravagance -- John 12:1-8 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
"Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" Well, it'
Completing The Master's Work -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2003
Classical music provides some significant examples of great musical compositions that were never fin
The Regenerating Power Of A Little One -- Micah 5:2-5a -- Steven E. Albertin -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Regardless of the size of a town, it is important for the residents to have a sense of civic pride.
Fan The Flame -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2003
You may have noticed that I read earlier from the King James Version of the Bible and not the New In
You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet! -- John 16:12-15 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2003
Before Christopher Columbus, the Spanish flag bore the motto, "No More Beyond." Spain was a mighty e
God's Sneak Attack -- Luke 2:1-20 -- David Kalas -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2003
I think I was eight years old the first time I got to be in a Christmas pageant.
Salvation At The Skull -- Luke 23:1-49 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2003
I remember pulling into a gas station once when I was sixteen years old and just learning to drive i
Strength Through Diversity -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2003
A wealthy businessman decided to take a walk and eat his lunch at the same time.
Sainthood Means Overcoming Obstacles -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- All Saints Day - C -- 2003
In 1989 an 8.2 magnitude earthquake flattened much of the state of Armenia and killed over 30,000 pe
Half-truths And Almost Bible -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2003
The first time that I noticed the book Salvation on Sand Mountain was when I was leaving the Andover
Making Friends With Money -- Luke 16:9 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
A magazine cartoon showed a scene of yesteryear as two men watched a wealthy man ride by in his eleg
Calling A Halt To The Angel Craze -- Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2002
Some stout claims are made in today's lesson.
The Power Of Confession -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2002
A man wrote to Dear Abby admitting an affair with another woman that cost him dearly.
Together, But Not Enmeshed -- John 15:1-8 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Jesus describes the community gathered in his name -- and that would be all of us -- using the image
Maximum Marriage -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2002
A fifth grade teacher asked the children in her art class to draw pictures of what they want to be w
Christianity As A Materialistic Religion -- Matthew 25:21 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
Archbishop William Temple of the Church of England has become famous for his oft--quoted statement t
Stop The Offerings! -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Good Friday - B -- 2002
Go with me to the year 1968, to the basement of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Silver Spri
The Achilles' Heel Of The Church -- James 5:13-20 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2002
Have you ever noticed how prevalent is the number 3 in religious history?
Before It's Too Late -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2002
Actress Melanie Griffith candidly writes of her painful experiences while growing up.
A Tireless And Timeless Image -- John 10:11-18 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Images are highly influential.
Our Hope For Years To Come -- John 1:1-18 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2002
On January 1, 2001, our world marked the beginning of a new millennium in human history.
No Salt In The City? -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2002
Last fall the phone rang in my study.
Squeezing Camels Through The Eye Of A Needle -- Luke 18:25 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
America is awash in money - big money.
What A Resume! -- 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2002
If you were to visit the Library of Congress and look up Jesus of Nazareth in the card catalog of au

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My Dad, Marlie -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Patricia Gallagher Marchant -- Easter Day - B
For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our
A Tire Of A Different Dimension -- Psalm 26 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kay Boone Stewart -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wave
Christmas 1 -- Colossians 3:12-17 -- John Steward -- The Nativity of our Lord - C
A farmer was being questioned by a lawyer during a trial concerning an accident on a highway.
Christ The King -- Luke 23:33-43 -- John Steward -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C
In Toledo, Spain, there is an old cathedral.
Convincing Proof -- Acts 1:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Margaret Nyland-brown -- Ascension of the Lord - B
I was born in 1970. My brother, Randy, was five years older than I. He died on February 28, 1982.
My Beloved -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- John E. Sumwalt, Judie M. Jacobson -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
Beth and David are a young couple in my congregation who have a wonderful relationship and a tremend
Lent 1 -- Romans 10:8b-13 -- John Steward -- First Sunday in Lent - C
In a Danish village there was a Lutheran Church where each Sunday the people would walk into the chu
Ronny's Gift -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, Rebecca Henderleiter -- Ash Wednesday - B
In recovery circles, many tight-knit relationships are formed.
Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha -- Mark 7:24-37 -- John E. Sumwalt, Allan Mccauley, As Told To Rebecca Henderleiter -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, "Ephphatha," that is, "Be opened." And immedia
Lent 2 -- Luke 13:31-35 -- John Steward -- Second Sunday in Lent - C
In a small Swiss town there was a cathedral. It was called the Mountain Valley Cathedral.
What Is God Saying? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- John E. Sumwalt, Susan D. Jamison -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
In May of 1996, I attended an event at Kirkridge, located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.
Easter In September -- Psalm 19 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
The call came from the doctor that Dad had only a short time to live.
Lent 3 -- Luke 13:1-9 -- John Steward -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
Most people think of AIDS as being transmitted sexually or through intravenous drug use.
Our Family In Heaven -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- John E. Sumwalt, Jeff Veenhuis -- All Saints Day - B
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "See, the home of God is among mortals.
What Dreams Have Come -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
After my father died, in September of 1998, I had several vivid dreams that felt very much like his
Lent 4 -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- John Steward -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Walter Elias was born in the city; now his parents had just moved to the country.
Cameron's Story -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Todd Chrisler, John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
I met Todd and Dawn at wedding reception in the fall of 1999.
A Heavenly Voice -- Psalm 84 -- John E. Sumwalt, Rosmarie Trapp -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
When I was growing up, in our large family which performed all over Europe and the U.S., I was the r
Lent 5 -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- John Steward -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
There was a Scotsman whose wife became ill. At first it did not seem like anything serious.
To Bind Up The Broken Hearted -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Roy H. Nelson -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good ne
That Which Comes From Heaven -- John 6:24-35 -- John E. Sumwalt, Janet Angel -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, "He gave them bread from heaven to
Passion/Palm Sunday -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- John Steward -- Passion Sunday - C
Several years ago I had the occasion to meet A.C. Lyles. A.C.
A Safe Place To Tell Visions -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, John E. Sumwalt -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Late on Maundy Thursday evening, in the year 2000, as I lay in bed, meditating on the format of this
Do Not Let The Sun Go Down On Your Anger -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- John E. Sumwalt, Marjorie K. Evans -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger ...
Day Of Pentecost -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- John Steward -- Day of Pentecost - C
Four centuries ago there was an incident that can serve as an example of the power of fear.

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Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 12:1-14Theme: TogetherCall To Worship
Corpus Christi -- Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, John 6:51-58 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1998
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16Theme: By God's DesignCall To Worship
Serving Two Masters with Anxiety -- Matthew 6:24-34 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration
Reproving Another Who Sins -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1998
Remembering Whose We AreInvitation to the Celebration
First Sunday After Christmas (Holy Family) -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 63:7-9Theme: Saving PresenceCall To Worship
Prayer 9 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Lord Of Life:
Proper 19 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 14:19-31Theme: TrustCall To Worship
Easter (Resurrection Of Our Lord) -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Easter Day - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Acts 10:34-43Theme: The Whole StoryCall To Worship
The Last Hours of Jesus' Life and his Burial -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Good Friday - A -- 1998
Print these statements at the beginning of the order of worship: We are here to discover the meaning
Forgiveness and the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1998
Remembering Whose We AreInvitation to the Celebration
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Jeremiah 31:7-14Theme: Like A Watered GardenCall To Worship
Prayer 10 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear God, By Whatever Name You Are Known:
Proper 20 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 16:2-15Theme: ProvideCall To Worship
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Acts 2:14a, 22-32Theme: But God IsCall To Worship
The Temptations of Jesus -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Wayne H. Keller -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
The Community GathersInvitation to the Celebration
The Laborers in the Vineyard -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1998
Remembering Whose We AreInvitation to the Celebration
Christmas Eve/Day -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 9:2-7 Theme: See The LightCall To Worship
Prayer 11 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Watchful And Caring Mother-Father God:
Proper 21 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 17:1-7 Theme: Are You Here, God?Call To Worship
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Acts 2:14, 36-41Theme: The Promise Is For YouCall To Worship
Nicodemus and Jesus -- John 3:1-17 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
The Community GathersInvitation to the Celebration
Jesus and the Woman of Samaria -- John 4:5-42 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
The Community GathersInvitation to the Celebration
The Authority of Jesus Questioned -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1998
Remembering Whose We AreInvitation to the Celebration
Prayer 12 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Loving, Merciful God:
Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20Theme: Ten Commandments

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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.

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