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God's Bankers -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bank savings book
The Right Side -- Acts 24:1-27 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: things with two sides but only one of them is usable, such as a dinner plate, an umbr
Jesus Is The Head And We Are The Body -- Ephesians 5:21-31 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a nail, a golf club, and a match
Listen To Jesus -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Many voices compete for our attention. We must listen primarily to Christ.
Compassion -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a nurse's ID badge (borrowed from a nurse)
Life Is Like A Seed -- Titus 3:4-7 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some seeds, preferably vegetable or flower
Do Not Open! -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: The value of patience.
A Candle With Two Wicks -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a candle with the wick exposed at both ends
Troubled Carrie And Clear Connie -- 1 Peter 3:15-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: two jars of water, one clear and one filled with particles
Stay Close To The Vine -- John 15:1-8 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some ivy in a pot
The Greatest Secret Ever Told -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for Christmas)
The World Needs Salt -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: The church intercedes on behalf of God for the salvation of the world.
Sharing With Others -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an item of canned food that might be given to a food pantry
Sleeping In Church -- Acts 20:8-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: nodding - have the children practice nodding
Sing A Song To Each Other -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some sentences with which you greet the children, reading them to a melody which you
Bad Apples -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Separation of the good and bad.
A Dog Named Sport -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an invisible dog named Sport
In Training -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a whistle and a leash
Call In The Clowns! -- Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some horns, drums, and other party items
God's Stamp Of Approval -- 1 Peter 2:19-25 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a rubber stamp that reads "Paid"
Do You Believe What He Said? -- John 14:23-29 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some nut cups, some wet cotton for each cup, and a package of dry lima beans
What Taxes Do -- Romans 13:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a street sign, some school books, and a fascimile of a food stamp voucher
Happiness -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Happiness comes from a life emptied and humble before God and not from a life full a
Reuben, The Rooster With A Reminder -- Matthew 26:34 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Chosen By God -- Acts 21:27-22:29 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: straws of different lengths for drawing straws; have more straws than children

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They Cooked The Books -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The new expression of what has been happening in some of the top business corporations of America we
Proper 17 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Jeremiah 15:15-21 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
Moses, who was raised in the palace of the Pharaoh, has had to flee Egypt, because it has become kno
The Easter Season -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
Easter is the old English adaptation of the pagan name, "Eastre," which was the name of a Teutonic g
We Are Witnesses -- Luke 24:44 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
As we examined the Great Commissions in Matthew and Mark, we noted how each version matches the styl
Selah -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Question: In the book of Psalms in the Bible, what does the word Selah mean?
Wise Men's Red Hats -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A visitor to a certain town noticed many homes had Christmas nativity scenes in front of them.
Feeding The 5,000 -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself.
Third Sunday after Epiphany -- Isaiah 9:1-4 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
Isaiah 9:1-4 is the first part of the lesson that is the stated Old Testament text for a Sunday on C
Give To God -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Let's take an informal, random survey. How many of you like paying taxes? No one?
Music, Off Key -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
One Sunday morning, at a neighborhood church, the choir was singing way off key.
The Wise And The Foolish -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
1. Text
On A New Year's Day -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
This passage was spoken by the King of England in World War II several times on the British radio br
He Really Squeezed Them -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A side show at the traveling circus which came to town featured a guy who squeezed a lemon very hard
Proper 10 -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 25:19--34 (C)
Abstract Or Concrete -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A man had said he adored children and would do whatever he could for them.
Those Two Cents -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It was during the 1950s and the young couple came to their pastor for premarital counseling.
Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
This particular text, which tells of the institution of the Jewish Passover feast, is to mark the be
The Resurrection Of Our Lord -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18, Jeremiah 31:1-6 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Easter Day - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 10:34--43 (C, E); Acts 10:34, 37--43 (RC)
That Is How I Send You -- John 20:21-23 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
In my third year at seminary, as I was doing my morning devotions and Bible reading, I came to John
Some Good Things Take Time -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
About the middle of the nineteenth century, a noted English traveler, Lord Sandys, was served a fine
Without One Flea -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Another little girl was singing at church, "Just as I am, without one flea."
Walking On Water -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he d
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany -- Micah 6:1-8 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2004
The important thing to remember about this text from Micah is that it represents a court case betwee
Take Up Your Cross -- Matthew 10:38-39 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
We come to one of those hard sayings of Jesus about discipleship, "Take up your cross." In chapter 2
My Precinct -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
When they were giving out flu shots one year, a poor lady had tried to get hers at the Red Cross bui

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

God's Grammar -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- John Jamison -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
In the last reading from Paul's letter to the church at Galatia, he addressed the ongoing feud in th
The Backside Of The Mountain -- Matthew 13:24-30, John 14:1-7 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young person who died following a prolonged battle with cancer
He Was A Good Man -- Mark 5:1-9 -- William E. Labarr, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a gifted and blessed manHe Was A Good Man
Allowing Your Sainthood To Surface -- Revelation 21 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
Today we celebrate All Saints -- historically a major festival in the church year -- celebrated inte
Sowing Eternal Seeds -- Isaiah 55:10-13 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2006
Who among us has not been stunned by the splendor of a summer sunset, the sparkling spring waters of
Standing Tall In The Lord -- Philippians 3:17--4:1 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
History records the expression, Athanasius contra mundum -- Athanasius against the world.
New Covenant -- New Testament -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- John W. Clarke -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2006
Our reading today from the prophet Jeremiah is one in which the Hebrew people, not knowing what else
The Colors of Christmas: Six Sermons and Object Lessons for Advent and Christmas -- H. Michael Nehls -- 2006
Christmas 1 Children's Message Gold
The Demon Had Its Way -- Mark 5:1-9 -- William E. Labarr, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For one with a troubled lifeThe Demon Had Its Way
What Outsiders Can Teach Us -- Luke 7:1-10 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
Those of us ministers actively engaged in congregational worship don't get many opportunities to vis
Priceless -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
The Island of Rodriguez in the Pacific Ocean, not that far from Zanzibar, has mainly managed to stay
Lifting Up The Lowly -- Luke 1:52-53 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a sixteen-year-old girlLifting Up The Lowly
What Shall We Become? -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Tom M. Garrison -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Almost thirty years ago a play titled, Mourning Pictures, opened off-Broadway.
Church Potluck -- Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- John Jamison -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2006
It was the pastor's first Sunday at the church.
Nearer To God Than Me -- Philippians 4:10-14 -- Charles Cammarata, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a model ChristianNearer To God Than Me
An Unexpected Journey -- Psalm 121 -- Lawrence A. Craig, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a fourteen-year-oldAn Unexpected Journey
Dead, Deified, Or Different? -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- All Saints Day - A -- 2006
Blest are the lowly; they shall inherit the land.
Shine, Moses, Shine -- Exodus 34:29-35 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2006
Have you ever had a "mountaintop" experience?
Minding The Store Of Our Lives -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
A man lived in an old stone cottage that was badly in need of repair.
Calamity And Hope -- Joel 2:23-32 -- John W. Clarke -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2006
The little book of Joel has a big part to play in the overall story of the Hebrew Scripture.
Those We Have Hurt Will Be Healed -- 1 Corinthians 15:17-22 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr., Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a sexual abuserThose We Have Hurt Will Be Healed
Compassion Can Do More Than You May Think -- Luke 7:11-17 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2006
A teacher was fond of asking students in his counseling classes this question: "What can you know ab
The Easter Era -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - C -- 2006
Most of us probably enjoy taking part in Easter rituals both here at church and at home.
Sleep, Child, In Peace -- John 11:28-36 -- William E. Labarr, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young girl whose death involved drugs
Mary's Magnificat -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Tom M. Garrison -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Christmas songs have a way of staying with us from childhood.

Spirituality

Stories

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Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Parenthood
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A mother's righteousness is her beauty in its best light.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Evangelism
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Spiritual truth is conveyed with the Holy Spirit's help to anyone willing to listen.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Just as the fluid in the eye keeps the dirt out of the eyes, so the constant cleansing presence of
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Methods, plans, and human efforts are futile without the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Fred's Team -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Constance Berg -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2001
Every day newspapers, magazines, and radio stations report how "bad" things are getting.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Stress -- Good And Bad
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
There is no stare like a mother's stare.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Progress Slow progress is always better than no progress at all.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Gossip
A Defining Moment -- 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- Constance Berg -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2001
Sue went with her three most trusted friends on a retreat.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Patience "Since God is eternal and I am immortal, I can wait." (J. B. Chapman)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"A mother's heart is the precious porcelain of human clay."
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Evangelism
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God's Spirit turns chickens into lions.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"If a person is filled with the Holy Spirit, his witness will not be optional or mandatory -- it wil
Doing Something - For God -- Colossians 3:1-4 -- Constance Berg -- Easter Day - A -- 2001
"Honey, I want to do something for God. What should I do?"
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Success
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Motherhood holds the keys to the soul.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Association
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Government
From Chaos To Harmony -- Genesis 1:1-2:4a -- Constance Berg -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2001
The children - aged nine through thirteen - were milling around waiting for the old school bell that
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Peace
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A mother's love is never afraid of giving too much.

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Proper 6 -- Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19, Romans 5:1-8 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2004
HymnsWe Are Dancing Sarah's Circle (NCH501)
More Than You Can Count -- Revelation 7:9-17, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2004
HymnsArise, Your Light Is Come (NCH164, PH411)
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
HymnsO Come, O Come, Emmanuel (UM211, PH9, LBW34, CBH172, NCH116)
Mother/Family -- John 13:31-35 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe gather as the family of God to worship.
God Walks With Us Through Darkness -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 105:1-4)
Storms -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship We worship God, whose creation is good.
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
HymnsGreat Is Thy Faithfulness (NCH423, PH276, UM140)
What Are You Looking At? -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 47)
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, Psalm 22, John 18:1-19:42 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Good Friday - A -- 2004
HymnsDeep Were His Wounds And Red (PH78)
All Saints' Sunday -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Psalm 34:1-10, 22, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
HymnsCrown Him With Many Crowns (NCH301, UM327, CBH116, PH151)
New Year/New Beginnings -- Isaiah 43:15-21, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipThere are times for new beginnings,And for renewing ministries.
God Has Sent Me Before You -- Genesis 45:1-5, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Deuteronomy 26:1-11, John 6:25-35 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipThanksgiving - a day or an attitude?
Proper 8 -- Genesis 22:1-14, Psalm 13, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2004
Proper 8Ordinary Time 13Pentecost 6Genesis 22:1-14 Psalm 13
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Joel 2:12-13Theme: It's Not Too Late
First Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
The Lenten Season
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
HymnsHoly Spirit, Truth Divine (CBH 508, UM465)
Open Hands -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipAn open hand, bestowing the bounty of creation.
God Remembers The People -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Things Of First Importance -- Mark 12:28-34, Hosea 6:1-6 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship
Proper 9 -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Psalm 45:10-17, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2004
Hymns
The Light Still Shines -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 42:6-7)
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
HymnsThe God Of Abraham Praise (NCH24, UM116, PH488)
The God With A History -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
Call To WorshipOne: God spoke to Moses from the burning bush.

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John Jamison
Object: This message includes a hand motion you will teach the children. To make the motion, just raise your two hands up about shoulder high, with your palms facing away from you. It looks like something you would to tell someone to stop moving. When you show the children the motion, ask them to do it with you to help them remember it better.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent! This story is a short one, so let’s get started!

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Tom Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
For June 29, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
Robert Frost is famous, if for nothing else, for his poem “The Road Not Taken.” In it he reflects:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 and Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20
Martin Luther once wrote of God’s power. He said, “But the power of God cannot be so determined and measured, for it is uncircumscribed and immeasurable, beyond and above all that is or may be. On the other hand, it must be essentially present at all places, even in the tiniest tree leaf.”  Luther is contemplating the incredible, awesome glory and power of God.

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
Kenny walked past the open church doors and paused at the corner to look back the unusual sight. He shrugged and headed into the neighborhood coffee shop. “Can I have a black coffee please?”

“Sure, hon.” Marge put a cup in front of him and filled it with coffee. “How are things today?”

“You know what they say- ‘same old, same old.’” Kenny pointed in the direction he had just walked. “I thought that church down the street was closed.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
I recently read a harrowing trilogy of books by Dave Pelzer. As a child, Dave Pelzer was extremely seriously abused by his mother, and the books are accounts of his experiences and his subsequent life.

When he was around twelve, Dave Pelzer was taken away from his mother and his family, out of his abusive situation and into care. He tells how he used to wake each day unable to believe that today he wouldn't get hurt, that he was free to be himself without fear of terrifying reprisals and bizarre punishment.

SermonStudio

Robert G. Beckstrand
I keep the LORD always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices,
my body also rests secure.
For you do not give me up to Sheol ...
You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
-- Psalm 16:8-10a, 11

Theme: Intimations of immortality

Outline
1-4 -- The marks of the believer: God is the source of his well-being.
Constance Berg
Roberta's mother looked like she was going to have a heart attack as she listened. Others present at the wedding rehearsal looked shocked at what the pastor was saying to the couple. "... I want you to be forewarned that I am going to talk about slavery and being obedient to another." Roberta was quiet. Serge looked worried. They had known Pastor Gallante their whole lives. What was he up to?
Schuyler Rhodes
It's one thing to talk the talk. Everyone knows people who are good at rhetoric. From coworkers to politicians to preachers and back again most people have heard so much talk that few are listening anymore. Indeed, the cultural landscape in which so many people are planted is one cacophonous wall of noise. Nothing but talk.
Stan Purdum
One of the most popular television shows ever was M*A*S*H, which ran for eleven seasons, from 1972-1983. If you didn't see it when it was originally on network television, you've probably seen it in reruns on cable stations. The show was about life in a mobile Army surgical hospital during the Korean War, and the reoccurring characters included the surgeons. One of those surgeons, named Charles Emerson Winchester III, was a pompous, upper-class doctor from Boston who had been drafted into the medical corps.
Stephen M. Crotts
Try this experiment. Turn your radio on. Now dial it to your favorite station. Next, turn the dial just a wee bit more, so that you're still getting the signal, but a lot of static is coming through also.

What's the point? Just as a radio dial must be committed 100 percent to the station to do its job, so must we commit ourselves to Jesus Christ. Yet many of us try to have it both ways. We want to tune into God, yet we also want the world. We want to walk in truth, yet we do not want to discourage temptation entirely. So we get both the music and static.

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