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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)
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 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)
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 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)
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 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)
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 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)
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 19 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 14:19-31 (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)

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Praying With The Preacher -- Colossians 1:1-14 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2003
Sharlon and I returned recently from a brief trip to Tuscumbia, Alabama, where we served from 1978-1
The Justice Of God -- Lamentations 1:1-6 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2003
During the dark and sullen of days of the Great Depression in New York City there was one man who br
Not Just Any Body, Christ's Body -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- Robert S. Crilley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2003
Let me offer you a hypothetical situation.
Falling Into Faith -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Woody Allen once quipped, "If there is a God, he is the ultimate under-achiever." This statement is
O Perfect Love! (Where Are You?) -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2003
Click here for
Celebrating The Lord's Day -- Luke 1:46b-55 -- David M. Oliver -- 2003
Opening SentenceLuke 1:46-48, The Message
Epiphany: The Joy Of Fulfillment -- Luke 4:14-21 -- J. Ellsworth Kalas, David Kalas -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2003
I've read some books where it seemed the author had no purpose in writing.
The One Or One Of Many -- Colossians 1:15-28 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2003
It is the year 50 A.D. Two individuals run into each other on the street corner.
Make The Most Of Your Life -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2003
Once there was a wise king who died.
What The Church Should Be Doing Until The Second Coming -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2003
In folklore and literature there are many famous deadlines.
Celebrating The Lord's Day -- Luke 2:15 -- David M. Oliver -- 2003
Opening SentenceLuke 2:15
Epiphany: The Tragedy Of Rejection -- Luke 4:21-30 -- J. Ellsworth Kalas, David Kalas -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2003
In the church, most of us think of Epiphany simply as a season on the church calendar, and sometimes
Calendars And Checkbooks -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2003
In seeking to create that teachable moment, the motivational speaker presented to his gathered stude
A Personal Commitment To God -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
One morning at a missionary church deep in the rain forest of South America, the Sunday worship serv
Whom Christ Commended -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
A new soldier, having just completed jump school at Fort Benning, Georgia, stood proudly at attentio
The Festival Of The Holy Nativity -- David M. Oliver -- 2003
Prelude Organ SuggestionsJoy To The World -- arr. Petker
From Empty Nets To Full Lives -- Luke 5:1-11 -- J. Ellsworth Kalas, David Kalas -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2003
It's funny what experiences and phrases will stay with you from childhood.
The Reason For The Rules -- Colossians 3:1-11 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2003
When I was eleven years old I was a baseball player. Well, not really.
God Provides The Path To Life -- Joel 2:23-32 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2003
Today people throughout the world refer to the Hawaiian islands as "paradise." Visitors come to enjo
Grace Encounters -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2003
Several years ago at one of the Lausanne Missions Conferences, something remarkable was decided.
At The Corner Of Church And Main -- Luke 6:17-26 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
Once there was a great intersection in the ancient city of Bethlehem.
Sustained By A Hope Unfulfilled -- Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2003
In his newest book, The Good Life, Peter Gomes tells of the two times he invited Billy Graham to spe
God Knows What God Is Doing -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2003
There is an apocryphal story told that after completing his masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, the famous I
Incident At A Table -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2003
Many of the great events of history have taken place at tables.
Saints In Shorts -- Luke 6:27-38 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2003
Seven years ago, our family moved from southern Virginia to northeast Wisconsin.

Spirituality

Stories

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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
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.
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
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
Prayer 8 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Master Craftsman And Innovator:
Prayer 9 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Lord Of Life:
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
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
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
Prayer 10 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear God, By Whatever Name You Are Known:
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
The Temptations of Jesus -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Wayne H. Keller -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
The Community GathersInvitation to the Celebration
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
Prayer 11 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Watchful And Caring Mother-Father God:
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
Nicodemus and Jesus -- John 3:1-17 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
The Community GathersInvitation to the Celebration
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
Prayer 12 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Loving, Merciful God:
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
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
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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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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