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IS FREE JUST LOOSE? -- Galatians 4:21-5:1a -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Object:a wristwatch or a pocket watch on a chain.
GOD'S THICK SYRUP -- Titus 3:4-7 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Object:some very thick syrup that you would use on waffles or pancakes.
The Last Is First -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a circle of children holding hands
Filled Up With God -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a large glass of water and a clear straw
Parts Working Smoothly -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-21, 26-27 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: automobile parts (an be borrowed from car dealer)
You Can't Hide The Light -- John 1:1-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a box with a hole in one end and a blanket that will shut out the light attached to t
Gordon Glove And Henry Hand -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a glove on a stick
The Sealed Secret -- Colossians 1:21-28 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a large envelope with a wax seal
Rest -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: In Christ there is rest from weariness.
A Man With A Hard Name To Remember -- Acts 1:12-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: symbol of Jude
Jesus Helps Us See Better -- Hebrews 12:18-24 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pair of eyeglasses
Bill And Bert Bell -- Romans 8:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: two bells, only one of them having a clapper
The Welcome Mat -- 3 John 5 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a welcome mat
The Day The Winds Came -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Wesley T. Runk
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have ever been caught in a big wind?
When A Child ... -- 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a coloring book, a novel, a toy car, a set of car keys
Gum! -- Luke 24:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for use at Easter)
A Paper Bag Is Worth A Lot -- Matthew 8:1-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a paper bag and a bunch of fruit - a dozen apples or oranges or anything that a child
A Big Problem -- Luke 12:49-53 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a blackboard, some chalk, and a division problem
Jesus Our Parachute -- Colossians 1:13-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a parachute (tie some strings to a handkerchief and attach a weight)
Be Nice -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To teach the children courtesy and hospitality.
A Second Choice -- Acts 1:21-26 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: symbol of Matthias
A Time For Giving -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for Christmas)
The Key Ring That Unites Us -- Romans 6:2b-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a round key ring with a lot of keys and one large key
Be A Believer -- 2 John 9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pitcher of water, some cups, and some cooking oil
Just The Right Time -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some ears of corn

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SermonStudio

A Strong Man -- Mark 3:20-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
1. Text
Time Travel -- Mark 1:12-15 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
The Spirit hurled Jesus into the desert.
Is It Time To Modernize The Gospel? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Are the teachings of Jesus relevant to every age or do they need updating for
The Christian And False Besmirchment -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Christians should be extraordinarily careful not to judge others on flimsy and
It's Time To Quit -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Many or all of us have some things over which we need to get control.
Have You Hugged Your God Today? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: What does it mean to love God and do we?
Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2005
Theme For The DayGod's call requires a receptive listener.
The Miracle Seed -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2005
1. Text
The Aliens Are Puzzled -- John 10:11-16 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
The aliens didn't come to conquer the earth. They came just to survive.
The Day That God Changed His Mind -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How do we account for the differences in the biblical teachings about God?
We Need To Talk -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: It is necessary for Christians to sit down together and discuss controversial
Religion That Will Scare You To Death -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Is there still fear associated with some religion and should there be?
Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Jonah 3:1-5, 10 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Mark 1:14-20
Bread To Eat -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2005
1. Text
Burying The Seeds -- John 12:20-33 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
She sat on the ground and watched the grass grow. The long green stalks were not good to eat.
Touch Me, Turn Me On, And Burn Me Down -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: What part do, and should, emotions play in our faith experiences?
If You Can't Say Something Nice ... -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Constructive criticism is necessary and helpful, and we need to learn how to g
Drive-Thru-Window Church -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: For some churches and for some church members, a quick and convenient Sunday m
Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Deuteronomy 18:15-20 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Mark 1:21-28
Eat The Bread -- John 6:51-58 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
1. Text
The Bread Of Heaven -- Acts 1:1-11 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
"This could be kind of embarrassing!" she thought as she looked at the computer screen and read the
Becoming A Tricky Old Dog -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: It is never too late for us to grow and change.
Let Me Tell You How To Vote -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Should our Christian faith dictate how we should cast our votes?
Life's Most Pressing Question -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: From all that Jesus said, it may be that nothing is as important as how we tre
Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 -- Isaiah 30:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Isaiah 40:21-31 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 Mark 1:29-39

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Forward March -- Joshua 3:7-17 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2007
It was truly a day of new beginnings as the people prepared to make the long-anticipated entry into
Captive Free! -- Romans 7:15-25a -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2007
Have you ever felt "trapped between a rock and a hard place"?
Those Who Most Need A Blessing -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2007
Can a child pass up a tasty marshmallow? A researcher who wanted to know set up an experiment.
By Whose Standards? -- 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 -- John N. Brittain -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2007
As the current century dawned, Time magazine placed Einstein on the front cover as the Person
A Truly Universal Operating System -- Romans 14:1-12 -- Larry Lange -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2007
Once upon a time, in a garage in the ancient city of Rome, a man developed a computer operating syst
Dreaming Joseph -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way.
Political Pardon -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2007
My parents were married in the wave of weddings that followed World War II.
A Question Of Loyalty -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2007
Lookout Mountain is a popular tourist destination located in the northwest corner of Georgia, just s
Getting Off The Merry-Go-Round -- Romans 8:1-11 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2007
Have you ever been stuck on a playground merry-go-round? You know how it goes.
Scaring The Church, So It Will Be The Church -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2007
Sometimes when we read a passage of scripture, we may need to pay careful attention to who in the te
All About Me? -- Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31) -- John N. Brittain -- 2007
Since we all know that one of life's cardinal rules in the twenty-first century is that "it's all ab
God's Doing -- Philippians 1:21-30 -- Larry Lange -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2007
Don had not worked like a dog for nothing.
Now I See -- John 9:1-41 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth.
Why Is God Unfair? -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2007
One of my favorite courses to teach is "Introduction to Biblical Literature." It is a 200-level cour
Reversal And Victory -- Judges 4:1-7 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
"When God is going to do something wonderful," author Anne Lamott claims, "God always starts with a
Children Of The Heavenly Father -- Romans 8:12-25 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2007
Some consider it a secret. Others consider it almost a badge of honor.
Becoming Good Trees -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2007
Most pastors have seen the damage caused when a purple-faced preacher has sought to scare a person i
With Our Own Eyes -- 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- John N. Brittain -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2007
Leslie D.
Just A Crazy Story -- Philippians 2:1-13 -- Larry Lange -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2007
Zack had seen the movie.
Healing Tears -- John 11:1-45 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
When we came up out of the tomb of Lazarus, the other half of our touring group, who were waiting th
A Career In The Kingdom -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2007
When Sadie and Bessie, the famed "Delany Sisters," were in the early years of their second centuries
A Vision Of Hope -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2007
Difficult times not only try a person's soul but frequently force a person to step up to a new chall
How Jesus' Friendship Makes Your Burdens Light -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2007
Jesus was teaching about the kind of authority he has.
God's Weather Report -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2007
In the 1985 movie, Witness, Harrison Ford plays a tough Philadelphia detective who uncovers c
Dust And Ashes Wednesday -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- David O. Bales -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
The Passion of the Christ, is a helpful movie to consider for Ash Wednesday and Lent.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Is It Too Late? -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2001
Courtney worried for her daughter.
Candlelight At Advent -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
The church year is dictated not by a fiscal or chronological calendar, but a religious calendar that
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Leadership
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Church Growth
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Being a friend of God is the essence of holiness.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A mother's praise has outstanding effects upon children.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Worship "Worship is not performance -- it is participation." (Robert Webber)
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Giving
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
In this cold and lifeless world no one has so deep and strong a love except that which is found in a
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Service
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Ego
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Spirit-filled prayer is the best safeguard against backsliding.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The philosopher, Immanuel Kant, said that the dove might consider air resistance a problem, somethin
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Mother's Day
Doing The Right Thing -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2001
Len and Jeanne are the epitome of "good parents" according to their four sons, who keep in close con
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
We may not be able to direct the wind of the Spirit, but we can adjust the sails to catch the wind.
The Debate Over Paying Social Security -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2001
A group of farmers refused to pay taxes.
The Viking Bachelor -- Romans 15:4-13 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
In 1948 there lived a group of bachelors in the small Minnesota town of Viking.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Leadership
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Commitment
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The carnal person is overcome by the world, while the holy person overcomes the world through the po
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A mother's prayers will help diminish a child's cares.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Worship
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Glory
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"A man never sees all that his mother has been to him until it's too late to let her know that he se

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Theme: What I Want -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 34:18-19)
A Basic Service Of Anointing -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
(Share a time of visitation and prayer as previously outlined.
Come, Ye Thankful People -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Hymns And Readings For Thanksgiving
First Sunday in Advent -- 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipBased on 1 John 4:7-21. Leader: Love -- what is love?
NULL -- Malachi 3:10 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.
Theme: It Don't Get No Better -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 45:6-7)
Other Services Of Anointing -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
In Times Of Emergency
Celebrate The Trinity -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Hymns And Readings For Trinity Sunday
First Sunday in Advent -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.)Date: _________________________
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17, Psalm 98 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
NULL -- Matthew 2:11 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed dow
Theme: Wisdom. Real. -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 125:1-5) One:
Historic Anointing Services -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
From An 1887 Church Manual
In Search Of Love -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Hymn Service Of Words On Love For Valentine's Day Or Family Day
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19, Psalm 1 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipFrom Psalm 1:1-3 (The Message)Leader:
NULL -- Matthew 5:7 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "Blessed are the merciful,
Theme: Embarrassed Enough To Finally Listen? -- Proverbs 1:20-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 19:1-2, 7-9, 14) One:
A Hymn For Anointing -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
To the tune Hyfrydol ("Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus")
The Way To The Manger -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Hymns And Choral Readings For Christmas Eve
Come Into The Ark -- Genesis 6:11-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
Call To WorshipCome into the ark, it's raining outside.
Ancient Ruins Rebuilt -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 58:10-11)
Connectedness -- Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:17-23 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe worship the Christ who promises to be with us always.
Proper 15 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Psalm 133, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
HymnsO Christ, The Healer, We Have Come (NCH175, CBH379, UM265, PH380)
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2004
HymnsChild Of Blessing, Child Of Promise (PH498, UM611, NCH325, CBH620)

Worship Service

Youth Resources

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Ascension of the Lord
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Elena Delhagen
For May 19, 2024:
  • Dry Bones or Dancing Bones by Dean Feldmeyer based on Ezekiel 37:1-14. “Hope means to keep living amid desperation and to keep humming in the darkness.”  Henri J.M. Nouwen

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Coffin
Pentecost accents the belief that the Christian church is a Spirit movement, not another world institution. Imagine a pastor who is on the denomination committee for examining pastoral candidates that are on various points along their journey toward ordination either before, during or just after completion of seminary/Bible college training. All the pastoral candidates are excited about their future of making a positive change and impression on the churches they serve.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bill Thomas
Acts 2:1-21
Martin Luther viewed Pentecost as a day of celebration, as on a sermon in the topic he noted “it was on this present Pentecost Day that the joyful blessed and lovely kingdom of Christ was established, a kingdom filled with joy, courage, and certainty.”  Complete Sermons, Vol.6, p.152) Awareness of the Holy Spirit is a big part of the joy and certainty Pentecost brings.  John Wesley, then, offers a timely warning about how not to lose a sense of the Spirit and the joy and confidence this insight offers.  He wrote:

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“I’m not sure why we’re doing this,” Ollie muttered to himself as he took his place on the bandstand. He unpacked his guitar and played a few chords to make sure that it was in tune. “The acoustics are better in the church building.”

“They may be,” Todd said raising his voice over the sounds of the busy park. “Going to be a noisy afternoon from the sounds of it.”

“Huh?” Ollie looked over at his smiling friend. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to say that out loud.”

“You’re just saying what we’re all thinking, isn’t he Wendy?’

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: Today’s message will include a role-play. You will need one child to play the role of the shepherd and the rest of the children will be the people from town. I usually pick an outgoing child for my shepherd so they will act out a bit. Encourage everyone to have fun and ham it up a bit.

* * *

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
As I recall, there was a mighty, rushing wind at the last Bank Holiday weekend. It didn't herald the coming of God quite as much as the coming of a mighty, rushing rain, and for many unfortunate people, substantial flooding. And it was accompanied by considerable power, for it uprooted and destroyed one of our laburnum trees.

SermonStudio

Mark Ellingsen
Theme of the Day
The Holy Spirit gets around. Historically the church has also commemorated its origins on this festival. In some traditions, confirmation is celebrated.

Collect of the Day
Petitions are offered that the Spirit come and transform the faithful to give them language to proclaim the word. The Holy Spirit, Justification (by Grace), Sanctification, and Evangelism are emphasized.

Psalm of the Day
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
* Hymn to God the creator; praise for God's providential interventions.
James Evans
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see The Day Of Pentecost, Cycle A, for an alternative approach.)

Elizabeth Achtemeier
On the previous Sundays of this Eastertide, we have heard the risen Christ tell his followers to remain in Jerusalem until he sends the Holy Spirit upon them. That will enable them to be his witnesses in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Having promised that, he ascended into heaven, to rule over all at the right hand of the Father. That promise was spoken during the forty days that the Lord was with the apostles and disciples after his resurrection.
Arthur H. Kolsti
Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord to the breath, prophesy mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live." I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.
-- Ezekiel 37:4-10
Ron Lavin
The Holy Spirit is called "your Advocate" in the New English Bible translation of John 15:26. Other translations may be helpful in understanding the meaning of the Holy Spirit. The King James Version uses the term "The Comforter." The Revised Standard Version and the New International Version use the term "The Counselor." The Phillips translation and the Barclay translation call the Holy Spirit "The Helper." I like the title "The Advocate" best of all. This term "The Adovcate" includes comforting, counseling, and helping.

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