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How Special You Are! -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a brand--new dress, suit, or some very special piece of clothing
Let God's Light Shine -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a light bulb, washable black paint, a small paintbrush, and a bucket of water to wash
Better Than A Million--Dollar Policy -- Matthew 9:35-10:7 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a life insurance policy
God Became Human -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To teach the incarnation.
A Great Partnership -- Philippians 1:3-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: salt and pepper shakers
Joining The Team -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some baseball team caps - all of them with the same letter team logo
Paul Shipwrecked -- Acts 27:1-28:16 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some broken boards and a torn piece of canvas
Friends And Favors -- Philemon 8-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Eric Eraser -- Luke 9:18-24 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a well--worn rubber eraser
Homework Is A Duty -- Luke 17:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some homework papers
Children All Are We -- John 3:1-17 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: What it means to be born again.
Time Is Running Out -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a new bar of soap and a very used bar of soap
Do The Dishes? -- 1 Peter 4:13-19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: dirty dishes
The Funnel Of God -- John 16:12-15 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a funnel
You're A Teacher -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To help the children see themselves as teachers of the Gospel.
The Armor Of God -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a football uniform with all the equipment
The Ladder And The Sponge -- Matthew 27:45-49 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a picture of a ladder and a sponge
Paul Meets A Celebrity -- Acts 25:23 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Special -- Philemon 7-17 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some ordinary coins and some collector's coins
Learning To Forgive A Lot -- Luke 7:36-50 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a small bag of potatoes and a twenty--pound bag of potatoes
Warning! -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a warning device, like a siren or buzzer
Do Not Open! -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: The value of patience.
A House Is Not A Home -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Life does not consist of bread alone.
Believing In Jesus -- 1 Corinthians 1:22-25 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a carpenter's sawhorse
Hermon, The Camel Who Was Humbled -- Matthew 19:24 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none

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SermonStudio

Most Madly In Love? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It was reported that a famous football star, class of 2002, had fallen in love with a beautiful girl
Count The Cost -- Luke 14:25-32 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
We see half-finished projects all the time.
Christ The King -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
THE LESSONS
Give Them Christ -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In a letter from the publicity office of Tennessee Ernie Ford, shortly before he passed to eternal l
The Vale Of Paradise -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Mrs.
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Isaiah 51:1-6 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
With this text, there now occurs a long gap of time in the biblical history of Israel.
The Urgency Of Our Mission -- Mark 16:9-20 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
The ending of Mark has posed interesting problems for Bible scholars and students throughout the age
Seed Investments -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Dr.
Spirit's Coming -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Jeff Wedge -- 2004
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.
Second Sunday after Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2004
This is the second of the Servant Songs found in the prophecies of Second Isaiah, from the sixth cen
Wicked Tenants -- Matthew 21:33-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Whose Birthday? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It was gift unwrapping time on Christmas morning, and Grandma asked her little granddaughter if she
Proper 8 -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 22:1--14 (C)
Old Age -- Browning -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Robert Browning wrote:Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be!
Giving Up, In Lent -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
During Lent, a certain man and his wife decided to give up drinking.
Mother's Driving -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A school teacher was discussing highway safety and advised the children that once they started cross
Support Your Local Church -- Matthew 17:24-27 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
This chapter will prove that fishing is the sport officially endorsed by Jesus the Son of God.
Corpus Christi Roman Catholic -- Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, John 6:51-58 -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 8:2--3, 14--16
God Bless America -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A late nineteenth century Jewish immigrant, from western Siberia to the U.S., was the universally we
There's A Man On The Cross -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
When the Chicago Temple United Methodist Church was built, they placed on top of it one of the highe
The Easter Season -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
Easter is the old English adaptation of the pagan name, "Eastre," which was the name of a Teutonic g
God Knows -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
David, the famous sculpture by Michelangelo, is now located in a museum in Florence, Italy.
They Cooked The Books -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The new expression of what has been happening in some of the top business corporations of America we
Proper 17 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Jeremiah 15:15-21 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
Moses, who was raised in the palace of the Pharaoh, has had to flee Egypt, because it has become kno
We Are Witnesses -- Luke 24:44 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
As we examined the Great Commissions in Matthew and Mark, we noted how each version matches the styl

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

A Lifetime Of One Day -- Romans 8:38-39 -- Victor A. Myers, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a day-old, premature infant girlA Lifetime Of One Day
Like A Tree Planted -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
You have probably never thought seriously about tiptoeing through the treetops, but there is a place
Triumphing Over Obstacles -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Rabbi Moshe took a trip to a strange land. He took with him a donkey, a rooster, and a lamp.
Song Sung Blue -- Lamentations 1:1-6 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2006
Some records are made to be broken -- like Olympic speed skating; Cal Ripkin, Jr.'s, most consecutiv
Call To Oneness -- John 17:20-26 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
When, dear God, shall Christians all be one? It is a first-century inquiry.
Gateway To Grace -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
When you visit a church camp you're aware that you're separated from civilization.
The Radiating Reformation -- John 8:31-36, Romans 3:19-28 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
The assigned lesson reading from Romans for this festival worship includes these comments by Saint P
The Colors of Christmas: Six Sermons and Object Lessons for Advent and Christmas -- H. Michael Nehls -- 2006
Advent 4 Children's Message Blue
Psalm 46 And Reformation Today -- Psalm 46 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
Chaos breaking into life, from creation to now -- today's psalmody was Psalm 46.
The Colors of Christmas: Six Sermons and Object Lessons for Advent and Christmas -- H. Michael Nehls -- 2006
Christmas Eve/Day Children's Message White
Hidden Treasure -- Colossians 1:1-14 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For someone who lived in fearHidden Treasure
First Things First -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Gary L. Carver -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
No moment in the life of a parent is more awesome than when a child leaves home for the first time a
The Difference Between Knowing And Doing -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- John Jamison -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
It is difficult to be the church. What we have been asked to do here is not easy.
Come To Me -- Matthew 11:28, 2 Corinthians 12:9 -- Dr. Frank Efird, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a fourteen-year-old cancer victim, shortly before her confirmation
We Weep For Our Children -- John 8:12, Psalm 13 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young man at ChristmasWe Weep For Our Children
The Possible Dream -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2006
Sibling rivalry. It's the pits. It has been around as long as there have been siblings around.
Building God's Kingdom: The Christian Challenge -- Romans 10:8b-13 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
On December 26, 2004, the greatest natural disaster experienced in the world in over a century struc
Letters From A Loving Prophet -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- John W. Clarke -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2006
Jeremiah was the last of the great prophets to minister to the Hebrew people during the days of thei
A New Continuing -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- David R. Cartwright -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2006
That first Pentecost was a grand and glorious day. It was a new beginning.
Past, Present, Future -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
We have a great history as a nation, but many of us are content with the pious stories we learned as
Allowing Your Sainthood To Surface -- Revelation 21 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
Today we celebrate All Saints -- historically a major festival in the church year -- celebrated inte
The Colors of Christmas: Six Sermons and Object Lessons for Advent and Christmas -- H. Michael Nehls -- 2006
Christmas 1 Children's Message Gold
A Lost Soul Returns Home -- Titus 2 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a man struggling with alcohol and AIDS
Repentance Is Relationship! -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Gary L. Carver -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Repentance is relationship.
God's Grammar -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- John Jamison -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
In the last reading from Paul's letter to the church at Galatia, he addressed the ongoing feud in th

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God's Spirit wants to empower you for service -- Today!
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
One of the jobs of the Holy Spirit is to prick the conscience of ethics and morals of people.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Alcohol
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Gossip
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Stewardship
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A mother's love is the steadfast devotion to her children.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit was not given to you to make you rich, famous, or spectacular, but to equip you for
"Jesus Is Not In A Shed, Mom!" -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2001
I - along with other parents around the world - have learned so much about faith from the casual com
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Eternal
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Obedience
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Christian mothers realize that faith is the belief that we are loved by God.
A Random Act Of Kindness -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Constance Berg -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
In his book A Time to Fish and A Time to Dry Nets (1996: Lakewood Publishing Co.), author Alv
Reformed Thinking -- John 8:31-36 -- Constance Berg -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Tom doesn't like black people.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A Christian can be defined as someone who sets his goals, commits himself, then pursues his goals wi
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Creativity
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Love
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Paul Lewis suggested that mothers ought to take photos of the children doing things right -- daily c
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness unto the Lord is more than a thought ... it is a lifestyle.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Spiritual truth is conveyed with the Holy Spirit's help to anyone willing to listen.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Problems "The man who has no problems is out of the game." (Elbert Hubbard)
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Gossip
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Stress And Pain
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Mothers put the music in our hearts.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Just as the fluid in the eye keeps the dirt out of the eyes, so the constant cleansing presence of
Bitterness Will Get You Nowhere -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2001
Some people cannot communicate unless they are complaining. It's irritating, isn't it?

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Rejoice And Be Merry! -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 117)
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
HymnsAwake My Soul, Stretch Every Nerve (NCH491, CBH609)
No Fair -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
HymnsHail To The Lord's Anointed (LBW87, CBH185, NCH104, UM203)
Songs Of The Season/Advent -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Micah 5:2-5a -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come ready to receive what God shall give.
Will We Let Little Children Lead Us? -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 11:6)
Hospitality -- Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship
First Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
HymnsSleepers Wake (PH17, UM720, LBW31)
Proper 4 -- Genesis 6:19-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
HymnsMy Hope Is Built On Nothing Less (UM368, PH379, NCH403, CBH343)
At The Crossroads -- Genesis 28:10-91a, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (from Genesis 28:16-17)
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
HymnsLord Jesus, Think On Me (LBW309, PH301, CBH526)
Spirit Of Truth -- John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipCome, Holy Spirit, come!Come with wind and fire!
Here Is Your God -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 35:3-4)
Living Stones -- 1 Peter 2:4-6, Matthew 16:13-20 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
HymnsLo, How A Rose E'er Blooming (UM216, PH48, CBH211, NCH127)
Proper 5 -- Genesis 12:1-9, Psalm 33:1-12, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2004
HymnsMy Hope Is Built On Nothing Less (UM368, PH379, NCH403, CBH343)
The Deceiver Deceive -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 105:8-11)
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, Psalm 119:33-40, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2004
HymnsO Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High (LBW88, PH83, NCH209, UM267)
Spiritual Gifts/One Body -- 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come here as people of many talents;
What A Sign! -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 7:11 and 14)
Losing Equals Living -- Mark 8:31-35, Proverbs 1:20-33 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come - to praise God for life.
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 35:1-10, Psalm 146:5-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
HymnsLo, How A Rose E'er Blooming (UM216, PH48, NCH211, NCH127)
Proper 6 -- Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19, Romans 5:1-8 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2004
HymnsWe Are Dancing Sarah's Circle (NCH501)
Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Genesis 32:22-31Theme: Out Of Joint
Eighth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:8-16a, Psalm 131, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2004
HymnsJesus, Priceless Treasure (LBW457, 458, PH365, CBH595, NCH480, UM532)

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 20 | OT 25 | Pentecost 15
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Proper 22 | OT 27 | Pentecost 17
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For September 21, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
Well, it’s autumn, and by now the seeds we planted in the spring either took root and produced or else the weather, pests, rabbits, or our own laziness conspired to make this year’s garden less than a success. But at one point we had to get started and actually plant seeds for the future.

Jeremiah is looking back from the perspective of our spiritual well-being and laments than our spiritual harvest has all been for naught. He wonders if it is now too late for a recovery. Is there no healing, no balm in Gilead, to apply to our wounds?
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 and Psalm 79:1-9
In the spring as farmers and gardeners prepare to plant we are looking at a summer of possibilities. Hard work, to be sure, but also potential. What will happen? What will this season be like? At summer’s end there will be no more questions. We’ll know. Maybe it was a great season, and we have canned or frozen many vegetables. Maybe the farmers have brought in a bumper crop and they got a good price besides.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message will be based on a game you will play. See the note below.

NOTE: Ask three or more adults to come up and play the role of Simon for your group. Tell them to all speak at once, asking the children to do different things. The goal is to create a nice bit of confusion for the children to experience.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great!

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Hey!” Annie waved at the woman standing next to the open doorway. “Can you come here?”

The woman made her way past the other nursing home residents and stood next to Annie’s wheelchair.

“What can I do for you?”

“You look familiar.” Annie squinted at her. “Do I know your name?”

“I’m Brenda.” The woman pointed at her name tag. “I work in the kitchen and sometimes help serve the meals when they are ready.”

“That’s right. I think we’ve met before.” Annie tapped her lips with her finger. “You have the nice smile.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said, “Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much.” In our worship today let us remember the little things in our lives and ask God to help us to be utterly faithful in them.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we pretend that little sins don't matter.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we imagine that you don't notice little sins.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
This poignant prayer of lament and community grief gives expression to what it feels like to suffer as a person of faith. If we believe we are truly part of God's community, then the destruction of that community -- as was the case with Israel in 587 B.C. -- becomes a time for doubt, anger, and confusion. Furthermore, if we believe we are individual members of that community, our personal suffering also creates an opportunity for a crisis of faith: "Why didn't God protect me?" Of course, it does not take a national catastrophe to raise those sorts of questions.
Kirk R. Webster
If feedback is the breakfast of champions, perhaps we would do well to examine some of our prayer habits. If you have ever heard someone use The Just Really Prayer, you know exactly what problem we are talking about.

That prayer goes something like this, "Lord, we just really thank you for this day. We come before you and just really pray for mercy. We offer ourselves to you and just really ask that your will be done in our lives. Amen." I'm thankful this particular Just Really prayer was mercifully short, unlike the next example, The Good Guilt-Based Prayer.
John W. Wurster
Another season has come and gone. Promises that were made have not been fulfilled. Good intentions haven't yielded any tangible results. Dreams have not come true. High hopes have proven to be only wishful thinking. Nothing has really changed; nothing has really improved. The time keeps moving along, but we seem stuck in the same ruts. Old routines remain, prejudices persist, dullness and anxiety continue to be constant companions. Lingering in the air is that nagging sense that things aren't quite right, not as they could be, not as they should be.
R. Robert Cueni
In the scripture lesson for today Jesus tells a perplexing parable about a thoroughly dishonest employee who was praised for his dishonesty. In this story Jesus not only seems comfortable suggesting that it is acceptable to compromise with moral failings, but our Lord appears to commend his disciples to "go and do likewise." For centuries, preachers, commentators, and scholars have struggled to make sense of this outrageous tale.

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