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SermonStudio

Have You Considered The Price Tag? -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Stephen Covey, author of First Things First and The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Peopl
The Gordian Knot -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2002
A Man Possessed By An Evil Spirit
Eighth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
The Doorkeeper -- Mark 13:32-37 -- John R. Brokhoff -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
ContextContext Of Advent 1 In The Church Year
Ninth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Psalm 30:4--5, 12)
Purity In An Impure Age -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Someone has said that if sin were not in the vocabulary, it would have to be invented.
Preaching The Parables -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2002
In Mark we read that Jesus "did not speak to them without a parable" (Mark 4:34), while the Lectiona
Tenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Psalm 85)
Men And Women Of God -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
The late Henri Nouwen had a unique insight into the shepherding skills of a pastor, and in one of hi
The Good Shepherd -- John 10:11-18 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
John 10 is generally considered the "Good Shepherd" chapter in a manner similar to the way that Hebr
Our Work, Our Mission Field -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Tony Campolo tells the story of an English professor who suddenly quit his job.
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPLeader: Praise!
The True Vine -- John 15:1-8 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
A number of years ago, PBS presented a television series, The Great Search, which examined wo
Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPLeader: Hear us, God; answer us.
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPSpeaker 1: God loves the world.
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
A Strong Man -- Mark 3:20-35 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
"Why is this man so popular?" This question appeared on the cover of Time magazine beside a s
Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPLeader: God is so good!
Epiphany 1 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPMen: Praise the Lord.
The Miracle Seed -- Mark 4:26-34 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2002
Today's Gospel presents two parables for preaching.
Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP (Unison)
The Christian Alternative To Materialism -- 1 Timothy 6:6-9 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
In one sense, the Christian faith is the most materialistic of all the world's great religions.
Bread To Eat -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2002
"Oh, no, not for five Sundays!" a preacher may exclaim when he/she looks at the Gospel for Propers 1
What Do We Have To Offer? -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
A pastor was asked by a visitor to his church, "What do you have to offer?" The wise pastor answered
Christ The King -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2002
CALL TO WORSHIPLeader: God! We come to thank and enjoy You.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

What If The End Is Near? -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
Someone handed me a note at the door of the church building a few Sundays ago.
Don't Be A Turkey! -- Luke 17:11-19 -- 2004
There is little question that the commercially grown turkey is, pound for pound, one of nature's les
Call Waiting -- John 1:29-42 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2004
Chaim Potok was an intensely religious man; a Jew who explored the dimensions of faith in our lives.
Adam And Evie -- Genesis 2:15-17 -- 2004
(A story sermon with dialogical parts that can be read by a pastor and two or more church members.)
Worthy Of God -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Richard C. Brand -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
It seems fair to say that the saints of the Lord have always shown us what it is to be worthy of God
The Letter To Pergamum -- Revelation 2:12-17 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
You remember the famous story of Balaam and his talking ass?
Forgiveness And Reconciliation At Last! -- Genesis 45:1-15 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
It happened to a rural Lake County, South Dakota, Lutheran church in August of 2000.
Be Bold In The Spirit -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
Bear Love -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Bill Mosley -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
Do you remember everything your mother told you?
Temptation Of The Palms -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2004
God, The Venture Capitalist? -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
Epistemology is the study of knowledge. How does one know anything?
Valentines -- 1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:8a, 13 -- 2004
Back in February of 1848, Esther Howland, a student at Mount Holyoke Seminary for Females (now Mount
Kairos Commitments -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
One snowy day a few years ago, after I had declared the church a "nonessential" business and closed
Creative Management Of The Earth -- Genesis 2:4-9, 15 -- 2004
God created the earth and the earth was like a beautiful garden full of all of the good things neede
Further On Up The Road -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- Richard C. Brand -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
As best I can remember it, the comment came as part of a discussion about the media frenzy immediate
The Letter To Thyatira -- Revelation 2:18-29 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
Kurt Vonnegut is a famous author of surreal novels.
A Deliverer Is Born -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
The River Nile is the longest river in the world, snaking 4,160 miles from Burundi, Africa, to the M
Pentecost And Baptism -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
Loch Ness, Locusts, And Bread -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Bill Mosley -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
An atheist was spending a quiet day fishing on Loch Ness when suddenly his boat was attacked by the
The Gifted -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- William G. Carter -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
If you ask me, a sermon should say only one thing.
What Is Success? -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
Erma Bombeck wrote, "I can't remember the name of the man who spoke at my high school commencement,
One Nation, Under God -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- 2004
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it
Rejoicing In Reality -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2004
Our text says that Jesus "went up to the mountain" and, oh, what a beautiful mountain it is!
On Sharing Leadership -- Judges 4:1-10 -- 2004
Some of the most far--reaching and conspicuous changes that have occurred in our culture in recent y
The Day Of The Lord -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Richard C. Brand -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
For a man who claims that he does not know much about the coming day of the Lord, Paul has certainly

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Larry's Boat -- John 3:1-17 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
It wasn't as though Larry was a bad person -- he certainly was not.
Set Free -- John 4:5-42 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Ken grew up thinking he was no good at anything.
I Left My Heart In Philadelphia -- John 9:1-41 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
When Barbara and Charlie joined the church they spoke of it as being a homecoming.
Henry's New Life -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Henry hit bottom. Perhaps what made the situation worse was that he knew he hit bottom.
Love At The Library -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Timothy J. Smith -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 1998
On New Year's Day Jay had an opportunity to reflect on his life's journey.
Herman's Stand -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Passion Sunday - A -- 1998
Herman is a courageous Christian who is not afraid to take a stand even if others might perceive it
A Gift Is Only A Gift When It Is Shared -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
Beth cannot remember a time when she did not attend church, probably because she never had a choice.
Seventh Grade Sunday School Class -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1998
Hank and Charlene were gifted Sunday School teachers.
And Then There Was Eve -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1998
Eve was one of those kids who, no matter how hard anyone tried, no one could reach.
Alice's Hindsight -- Romans 8:26-39 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1998
Alice would be the first to admit that she was too young when she got married.
It's Not In The Bible -- Richard Stoll Armstrong -- 1996
"The Lord helps those who help themselves."That sounds all right to me.
Favor With God -- Luke 1:26-38, 47-55 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- 1996
Introduction
Out Of The Whirlwind -- Job 38:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1996
Frank Marshall had never felt so confused or helpless in his entire life.
One In Need Of Healing: Naaman's Story -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1996
We would all be well advised to be careful where and how we tell this story.
The Lord Willing ... -- Richard Stoll Armstrong -- 1996
"Do not boast about tomorrow;you don't know what it may bring."
A Wolf In Shepherd's Clothing -- John 10:11-18 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- 1996
Jason Drexler was good with sheep. He enjoyed caring for the sheep on his father's farm.
If I Live To Be A Hundred -- Psalm 30 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1996
Sam Duncan lay in the semi-darkness of his nursing home room performing the only two activities of w
The Aqueduct -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
Years ago there was an aqueduct that brought fresh water into the center of the village, all the way
A Child's Faith -- Richard Stoll Armstrong -- 1996
We're happy that our little grandson Grayenjoys the times he spends the night with us.
Sheep Without A Shepherd -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- 1996
Christ Community Church was without a pastor for the third time within four years. Dr.
A Prophet Without Honor -- Mark 6:1-13 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1996
There was once a young man who grew up in a small farming community.
Fearless Freddie -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Once upon a time there was a boy known as Fearless Freddie.
Anniversary -- Psalm 15 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- 1996
Harry and Herman had lived in the big brick house on the hill in Willow Bluff for almost half a cent
Dor's Vision -- Mark 9:2-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1996
As I lay in St. Luke's Hospital, being prepared for an aortagram, I felt quite apprehensive.
Afflicted -- Psalm 22:23-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
There was once a little boy whose most prized possession was a light blue cat's-eye crystal marble.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- John 10:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: The Good ShepherdCall To Worship
Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Community Of FaithCall To Worship
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: Prepare The WayCall To Worship
The Prodigal Son: "Sunrise Or Sunset?" -- Luke 15:11ff: -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
(Setting: man dressed in Middle Eastern attire.
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- John 9:1-41 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: Open Our Eyes That We May SeeCall To Worship
Proper 10 -- Romans 8:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
Theme: Life In The SpiritCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Psalm 23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 10 -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
Theme: Parable Of The SowerCall To Worship
All Saints Sunday -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- All Saints Day - A -- 2001
Theme: SalvationCall To Worship
Second Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2001
Theme: A Light To The NationsCall To Worship
Come Quickly, Lord Jesus! -- Revelation 1, 4, and 5 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
John The Baptist On The Isle Of Patmos
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Psalm 23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 18 -- Romans 13:8-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2001
Theme: Love One AnotherCall To Worship
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Psalm 40:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
The Elder Son: "The Coat Says It All" -- Luke 15:25ff -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
(Setting: man dressed in farming clothing, well-dressed, clean, wearing a jacket/vest/robe that is n
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: We Live When God's Spirit Is Within UsCall To Worship
Proper 10 -- Psalm 25 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
All Saints Sunday -- 1 John 3:1-3 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- All Saints Day - A -- 2001
Theme: Children Of GodCall To Worship
Second Sunday After Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2001
Theme: God Is FaithfulCall To Worship
It Was A Very Long Year -- Genesis 6-9 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Noah's Sojourn On The Ark
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 7:55-60 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: In The Face Of PersecutionCall To Worship
Proper 18 -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2001
Theme: Two Or Three TogetherCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: ImmanuelCall To Worship
The Father: "Not Your Typical Parent" -- Luke 15:20-24 -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
(Setting: man dressed in first century, Middle Eastern attire.
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Romans 8:6-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: The Spirit Is LifeCall To Worship

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Baptism of Our Lord
29 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
40 – Children's Sermons / Resources
25 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 2 | OT 2
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 3 | OT 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
Nazish Naseem
For February 1, 2026:
  • What the Lord Requires by Dean Feldmeyer. The world’s requirements are often complex and difficult. God’s requirements are simple and easy. Kinda.
  • Second Thoughts: Resisting The Storms of Winter by Chris Keating. Jesus does not offer a cheery optimism to those enduring the cold blasts of injustice. More than an insulating blanket of hope, the Beatitudes create communities of resistance.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the people how they could be blessed by God and experience God's kingdom. In our worship today let us explore the Sermon on the Mount.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm full of pride instead of being poor in spirit.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm overbearing and pushy, instead of being meek.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm not exactly pure in heart.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
Stories to Live By: "You Fool"/ "Us Who Are Being Saved"
Shining Moments: "A Comforting Dream" by Harold Klug
Good Stories: "Mercy, Mercy" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: "The Souper Bowl of Caring" by Jo Perry-Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

Sandra Herrmann
John Jamison
Contents
"Child Sacrifice" by Sandra Herrmann (Micah 6:1-8)
"Ka-Chang" by John B. Jamison (Matthew 5:1-12)


* * * * * * * *


Child Sacrifice
Sandra Herrmann
Micah 6:1-8

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles....
-- 1 Corinthians 1:23-24

Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Micah 6:1--8 (C, E, L)
John N. Brittain
The other day I stumbled onto a Discovery Channel show about underwater archaeology (not basket weaving). The archaeologist described the process of identifying the probable location of an underwater wreck site, the grueling work involved in beginning the process, and the same kind of methodical work that characterizes all scientific archaeology. But then her eyes twinkled as she described the joy of uncovering the first artifact, or recognizing a significant discovery. And that of course is what it is all about, the final product of discovery.
Tony S. Everett
Late one night, Pastor Bill was driving home after spending the past 23 hours in the hospital with his wife, celebrating the birth of their son. It had been a glorious day. His wife was peacefully resting. His extended family was ecstatic. His son was healthy. Surely God was in heaven and all was right with the world.

Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
When I'm teaching a class, and want to get a discussion going, I often begin with something that's called a sentence stem. I start a sentence and let the participants complete it. This morning, if I were to ask you to complete this sentence, what would you say? "Happy are those who...." What would you use to complete the thought?
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: Demands On God
Message: All these demands don't make sense, God. Lauds, KDM
R. Glen Miles
What does God want from us? The answer is simple, but it is not easy to put into practice. What God wants is you. What God wants is me. God wants our whole selves. The prophet Micah makes it fairly clear that ultimately God does not care too much about religion and the things that come with it. Religion isn't a bad enterprise. It is okay as a way of reminding us about what God wants, but in the long run being good at religion is not what God desires. What God requires is us. It is simple to understand but not necessarily the thing we would offer to God first.
John B. Jamison
It was a strange sound. Some said it was a kind of "clanging" sound, while others said it was more of a "ka-ching," or more accurately, a "ka-chang!" It sounded like the result of metal hitting metal, which is exactly what it was.

In the valley off to the west from the hillside is a steep cliff rising up the face of Mount Arbel. The face of the cliff is covered with hundreds of caves, with no good way to get to them without climbing straight up the cliff. That's why the Zealots liked them. They were safe.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Prayer Of Dedication/Gathering
P: Our Lord Jesus calls each of us to a life of justice, kindness, and humility. We pray that in this hour before us our defenses would fall and your love would be set free within us.
Father, Son, + and Holy Spirit, your mercy knows no end.
C: Amen.

Intercessory Prayers

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
We have a prejudice in favor of things complex. Not that we necessarily desire complexity, but somehow we trust it more. We figure that complexity is the prevailing reality in our world, and so we feel obliged to be in touch with it. We would love to hear that this thing or that is really quite simple, but doctors, politicians, futurists, ethicists, economists -- and even some preachers -- keep discouraging us. It's actually quite complicated, we are told, and there is no simple answer.
People tend to say in times of personal or community disaster, "God works in mysterious ways." The point they are making is that when we can't figure out any logical answer to a situation, it must be the work of God. It is one way of making sense out of an inexplicable event.
Schuyler Rhodes
In 1993 brothers Tom and David Gardner began a financial information service they named The Motley Fool. Dressed in their trademark court jester hats, the motley fools can be seen and heard offering their advice and warnings concerning the stock market on a variety of talk shows and financial news channels.

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have spent time around babies? (let them answer) Babies are so cute when they are happy but hard to please when they are upset. Babies can't talk, can they? (let them answer) So when they don't get what they want they cry. When they are hungry they cry. When they are sleepy they cry. When a stranger tries to hold them they cry. How do we know if babies are sick, hungry, or tired? (let them answer) Most of the time a baby's mom can figure out what's wrong even when we can't.
Teachers or Parents: Have the children sit on the floor and pretend that they are on a mountaintop and learning at Jesus' feet. Ask: "How is this classroom different from classrooms you have seen?" "How is it like them?" Read various portions of the "Sermon on the Mount" (Matthew 5-7) that they might understand (such as Matthew 7:7-11 -- prayer; 7:12 -- the Golden Rule; 7:15 -- being true). Be careful -- many parts of the Sermon on the Mount are difficult for children to understand and may lead to great misunderstanding and perhaps fear.

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