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Made For Something Good -- Ephesians 2:4-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: something handcrafted, like a dress, a piece of woodworking, or some pottery
God-given Talent -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Talents and gifts are from God and are to be used in service to the church.
Jesus The Healer -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some chicken noodle soup
Fresh Starts -- Titus 3:4-7 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a check with your name written on it and a gift that you received from someone who lo
Happiness Is Finding The Lost -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a coin
Straight A's - Forever! -- 1 Peter 1:3-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a grade card or grade printout with all A's
Jesus Is Our Map -- John 14:1-7 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a map with the location of some surprises for the children.
Really Living! -- Romans 14:7-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a beach ball and a grave marker (stone) possibly made out of cardboard and painted gr
A Great Light -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To convey the images of darkness (sin) and light (Gospel of Christ) and that the chu
When Is Jesus Coming Back? -- Matthew 24:37-44 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an egg timer, a clock, and a television schedule
Making Money On God -- Acts 19:25b-26 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Growing In Love -- Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a measuring tape
Get Ready -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Being a Christian takes preparation.
Strange Fishing -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a badminton net
Such A Good Time -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bag of popcorn or peanuts
A Real Champion -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a big piece of cardboard with the words "Round 15" on it and some boxing gloves
It Costs To Follow Jesus -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bank statement
Share Your Life -- James 4:7-12 (13-5:6) -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: two buckets of water, some powdered household cleaner like Spic And Span, and some di
A Light Bulb And God -- John 13:31-35 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a light bulb inside of a light globe
Every Letter Is Important -- Romans 12:1-8 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a computer keyboard
Jesus Was A Teacher -- John 1:29-42 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To talk about Jesus as a Teacher.
Jars Of Bad Candy -- Matthew 22:15-21 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a jar full of candy
Working Together -- Acts 18:1-3 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Safe With The Spirit -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a large manila envelope
Trick Or Treat -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Good leadership seeks to help people not burden them to point of despair. Key

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SermonStudio

An Irish Story -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Pat and Brigette dated a long time ...
Hillbilly Humor -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A man was sitting in front of a typical village in the southeastern Ohio hills, when some guys drove
The Lord's Supper -- Matthew 26:17-30 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
In all of the Gospels, the story of Jesus' last week, especially his last night, makes up the bulk o
God Uses Written Prayers Also -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In the late 1940s, Reverend Peter Marshall, the well-known pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyteria
Three Philosophies Of Life In The Story Of The Good Samaritan -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
1.What's yours is mine; I'll take it! -- the thief
The Faithful And The Unfaithful -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Proper 19 -- Exodus 14:19-31 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2004
The exodus from slavery in Egypt and the deliverance of the Israelites from the pursuing troops of P
The Greater Miracle -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
When we read the stories from the early part of Jesus' ministry, we begin to understand why his life
Stab Us Awake -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Robert Louis Stevenson, a sufferer himself, wrote:If I have faltered more or less
Proper 11 -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 28:10--19a (C)
A Christian Is -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A mind through which Christ thinks,A heart through which Christ loves,
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
In the church, we speak often of "salvation." But what do we mean by that term?
The Demon--Possessed Girl -- Matthew 15:21-28 -- Jeff Wedge -- 2004
Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon.
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:14a, 22--32 (C, E)
Needs And Wants -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
After I had preached a sermon on the difference between "needs and wants," on our way home from chur
On Saying Thanks -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A boy's imagination knows few limits.
Hit It With The Hammer -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Devere Allen used to tell this story.
Betrayal -- Mark 14:17-21, 43-45 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
When you look at the last night of Jesus, consider that he experienced every negative event a human
Gratitude At Sing Sing -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
One of the classic stories of prison ministry pertains to the loving service given by Kathryn Lawes,
True Brotherhood -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A young black man was carrying two suitcases on a wintry day in New York City.
The Sheep And The Goats -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
1. Text
Proper 20 -- Exodus 16:2-15 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
"Give us this day our daily bread." This text from Exodus forms the background of that petition in t
You Make The Call -- Mark 5:1-20 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
The old-timers probably knew the story of the demoniac in detail. Let's call him Caliphys.
Strangers? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A young married woman had been quarreling with her mother-in-law, to the extent that the elderly one
Proper 12 -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 29:15--28 (C)

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SermonStudio

Sowing And Reaping -- Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16 -- John Jamison -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2006
These words certainly sound like a threat, don't they? You will reap what you sow!
A Living Sacrifice -- Romans 12:1-12 -- Lawrence Ruegg, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a seventy-year-old womanA Living Sacrifice
God Will Prevail -- John 6:40 -- Mark Ellingsen, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a family manGod Will Prevail
Reward Or Responsibility? -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
Then Jesus said to the disciples, "There was a wealthy person who had a manager of his possession
Advent: The Call To Holiness -- 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 -- John T. Ball -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Anytime we center on First Thessalonians in our devotional reading or in a study group or read a pas
Be Reconciled -- To Christ And Others -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
The train clanked and rattled down the tracks one lazy summer afternoon as I traveled from Kyoto to
Living The Vision -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- John W. Clarke -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2006
In most congregational settings, the name Habakkuk does not bring people to their feet.
The Real Thing -- Romans 8:37-39 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a shabby, unpolished characterThe Real Thing
The Extravagance Of Love -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
If there was anything Jesus despised, it was stinginess, especially the holding back of oneself.
Who? -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
My guess is that unless you're a fan of Elizabethan theater you've never heard of Robert Greene (156
God Wants Her Back Home -- Mark 5:21-23, 35-42 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a child who died at the hand of her mother
Bethlehem: Where Extremes Meet -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Tom M. Garrison -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
Every year at this particular season, I am amazed all over again at the impact that the old, old sto
Something To Whistle About -- Colossians 1:1-14 -- John Jamison -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2006
It was back in the days when the railroad was the most common mode of transportation.
True Beauty -- Romans 8:31-39 -- Charles Cammarata, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a well-loved, elderly womanTrue Beauty
Our Dwelling Place In All Generations -- Psalm 90 -- Joe Barone, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a person with little discernible religious belief
Total Living In Christ -- Deuteronomy 8:11-20 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
In Lutheran churches and many other denominations across the world, today is the celebration of Chri
Advent: A Wider Context -- Philippians 1:3-11 -- John T. Ball -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
The congregation at the Macedonian city of Philippi was the first church established by Paul in Euro
All Is New In Christ -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Running as fast as his feet would carry him, Androclus raced into the forest.
Building The Temple Of God -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- John W. Clarke -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2006
Haggai is what has been labeled as the first of the restoration prophets, and he has no recorded his
Advent: An Irrational Sense Of Peace -- Philippians 4:4-7 -- John T. Ball -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
We are always touched by newspaper or media stories of people who have come through some terrible ex
Carrying The Burdens Of Others -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2006
There was a man named Sundar, a convert to Christianity who decided to go to India to be a missionar
Isaiah -- The Prophet Of Gloom And Glory -- Isaiah 65:17-25 -- John W. Clarke -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2006
Of all the writing prophets of Israel, Isaiah stands out above them all.
More Than Meets The Eye -- Job 38-41 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a daring characterMore Than Meets The Eye
What Happens When You're Not Prepared For What Happens -- Luke 8:26-39 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
How do you handle what happens when you're not prepared for what happens?
Fruit With Feet -- Acts 9:1-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
There has rarely been a transformation from sinner to saint as dramatic as that of Paul, former pers

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

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.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Do not pray for more of the Holy Spirit, for He does not come as puzzle, but as a whole picture.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Persistence Persistence transforms vision into reality.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Mother is really a four-letter word -- LOVE.
Doubt - A Difficult Thing To Overcome -- 1 Peter 1:3-9 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Doubt, especially self--doubt, is difficult to overcome. Sometimes it is impossible.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Age
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Grace
So Unnecessary! -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Some things are beyond understanding - especially when a loss of life is preventable.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Excellence
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness begins in God.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Suffering
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
There is no joy like the joy that a mother puts in the heart of her children.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Sympathy "Sympathy is your pain in my heart." (Anonymous child)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Everything else may pass away, but not a mother's love.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit's passion is to glorify Jesus as Lord.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Politics "Nothing is politically right which is morally wrong." (Daniel O'Connell)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A wise mother teaches her children to seek God first.
Unrecognized Faith -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Constance Berg -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Pastor Jim and his wife Ida were shaking hands with people as they came to church.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Assurance
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Gratitude
Grace Upon Grace -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2001
Laura Fischer is growing up to be a lovely young lady. She is an example of grace and perseverance.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Excuses
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness behavior conforms to the character of Christ.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Teamwork

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SermonStudio

Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Psalm 65, Luke 17:11-19 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2004
HymnsWe Plow The Fields And Scatter (CBH96, PH560)
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.
Transfiguration/Fully Awake -- Luke 9:28-36, Exodus 34:29-35 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe would be fully awake to the glory of God.
Credit Where Credit Is Due -- Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, John 6:51-58 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2004
Call To Worship
The Holy Trinity -- 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Genesis 1:1-2:4a, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2004
HymnsSois la Semilla (You Are The Seed) (NCH528, MH583)
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, Psalm 95, John 4:5-42 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
HymnsI Hunger And I Thirst (CBH474)
Bitter Herbs, Sweet Remembrance -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 149:1-4)
Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Exodus 14:19-31
Unity In Christ -- Ephesians 4:1-6, 15-16 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship
We Can't See This Enough -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, Matthew 28:1-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Acts 10:39-40)
Christmas Eve/Day -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Psalm 96, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Beverly S. Bailey -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
HymnsO Sing A New Song To The Lord (PH216)
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
HymnsGod Of The Prophets (NCH358)Gentle Shepherd (CBH352)
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, Psalm 130, John 11:1-45 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
HymnsLet It Breathe On Me (NCH288)
What Is It? -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
Call To WorshipOne: What is this?
Willingly -- Luke 9:51-62 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipOur Savior consistently sounds the call: "Follow me!"
Who Is That Preaching? -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Acts 2:32)
First Sunday After Christmas -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
HymnsO For A Thousand Tongues To Sing (CBH110, NCH42, UM57)
Maundy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2004
HymnsI Love The Lord, Who Heard My Cry (PH362, NCH511)
Rocky Water -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16)
The Paths To Calvary -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: Seven personalities from Jesus' last weeks speak of their encounters with him as
The Promise Is For All -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Acts 2:39)
Advent/Opportunity -- Luke 3:7-18, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipThere was one who came to prepare the way.
Sunday Of The Passion -- Matthew 26:14--27:66, Matthew 21:1-11, Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2004
HymnsAt The Name Of Jesus (PH148, UM168, CBH342)
Ten Words -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 19:7-10)

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In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
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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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