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Ephesians 2:1-10

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

When Good News is Inexplicable -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- David Kalas -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
I spent a couple of days recently in a hospital room with a two-year-old grandson.
Rescue or Ruin? -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
It seems obvious if we had a choice, we would choose rescue over ruin. Right?
Bumps in the Road -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- David Coffin -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Moving into another state with different levels of road maintenance can result in some unexpected di
Choosing our path -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
When I started reading the passages for this week, I could not help but remember the Robert Frost
The cross in the desert -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- David Kalas -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
An older church member might see my title and take issue with it.
Lifting in Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2003
I bet we have all preached one of those sermons that questions the discipline of "giving up" somethi
Seeking aid -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2000
Like the stereotypical North American man, Bob is hesitant to stop and ask for directions.
Lift high the cross -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1997
SERMON FOR LENT 4Lift high the crossBy Durwood L. Buchheim
From death to life! -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1994
One of the moral dilemmas that has to be dealt with in these days when human organs are being transp

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Why Did It Have To Be Snakes? -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 14, 2021:
Snakes On The Plane -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 11, 2018:
Alive Together With Christ -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Paul lays out for the Ephesians in this week’s lectionary passage a chilling distillation of the dea
Le Monde Noir? -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
The ongoing strife in Syria has been a bracing reminder to the world of just how inhumane we can be
The Risk Of Being A Peacemaker -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," Jesus tells us in the Beatit
Lights Over Baghdad -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

CSSPlus

Patched by Jesus -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you remember when you were born?
It's a gift! -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning! I want you to see this pay stub that I brought
Saved! -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
I brought some rope with me this morning to help me tell a
A seat in heaven -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I want to ask you a very special question.

Free Access

A seat in heaven -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I want to ask you a very special question.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Lent 4 -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Numbers 21:4-9

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2024) -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Numbers 21:4-9
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2021) -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Numbers 21:4-9
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2018) -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Numbers 21:4-9
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2015) -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Mark Ellingsen, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Numbers 21:4-9
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2012) -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Numbers 21:4-9
Former president of Princeton Theological Seminary... -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Former president of Princeton Theological Seminary John Mackay's favorite New Testament book was Pau
We celebrated Christmas sometime back... -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Craig Kelly -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
We celebrated Christmas sometime back, and of course, one of the common sights at Christmas is the t
Numbers 21:4-9br... -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
Numbers 21:4-9
In March 2008, the mayor... -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
In March 2008, the mayor of a village in southwest France threatened residents with severe punishmen
A family planned a weekend... -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
A family planned a weekend in a large city.
Jake Cress is a master... -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
Jake Cress is a master craftsman who handcrafts furniture of very unusual styles.
God's free grace unleashes new... -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2003
God's free grace unleashes new possibilities in the lives of grateful people.
Paul writes to the Ephesians... -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2003
Paul writes to the Ephesians that "in the past you were spiritually dead because of your disobedienc
One of my son's housemates... -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2003
One of my son's housemates at college is an artist.
Even the behavior of a... -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2003
Even the behavior of a common thief can illustrate the unexpected generosity with which God gifts us
The primitive Christian church faced... -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2000
The primitive Christian church faced its first great crisis when it split into two divisions.
we are by nature children... -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2000
"... we are by nature children of wrath," Paul writes (v. 3).
I saw a cartoon where... -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2000
I saw a cartoon where one character said, "Look here.

StoryShare

Where Have You Gone Joe DiMaggio? -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were de

The Immediate Word

Why Did It Have To Be Snakes? -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 14, 2021:
Snakes On The Plane -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 11, 2018:
Alive Together With Christ -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Paul lays out for the Ephesians in this week’s lectionary passage a chilling distillation of the dea
Le Monde Noir? -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
The ongoing strife in Syria has been a bracing reminder to the world of just how inhumane we can be
The Risk Of Being A Peacemaker -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," Jesus tells us in the Beatit

Free Access

Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2021) -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Numbers 21:4-9

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Why Did It Have To Be Snakes? -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 14, 2021:
Snakes On The Plane -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 11, 2018:
Alive Together With Christ -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Paul lays out for the Ephesians in this week’s lectionary passage a chilling distillation of the dea
Le Monde Noir? -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
The ongoing strife in Syria has been a bracing reminder to the world of just how inhumane we can be
The Risk Of Being A Peacemaker -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," Jesus tells us in the Beatit
Lights Over Baghdad -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

SermonStudio

Lent 4 -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day
Fourth Sunday in Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Theme For The Day We look to the cross of Jesus for salvation.
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Numbers 21:4-9 (C)
We are saved by grace through faith -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: We are saved by grace through faith.
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
The people of Israel are fed up with the hardships of
Fourth Sunday of Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- George M. Bass -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
Under the classic plan of the church year, the Fourth Sunday in Lent brought the second section of L
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Fourth Sunday In LentRevised CommonNumbers 21:4-9Ephesians 2:1-10

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Why Did It Have To Be Snakes? -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 14, 2021:
Snakes On The Plane -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 11, 2018:
Alive Together With Christ -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Paul lays out for the Ephesians in this week’s lectionary passage a chilling distillation of the dea
Le Monde Noir? -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
The ongoing strife in Syria has been a bracing reminder to the world of just how inhumane we can be
The Risk Of Being A Peacemaker -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," Jesus tells us in the Beatit
Lights Over Baghdad -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

SermonStudio

It's About Grace -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Nancy Kraft -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
When Bill Clinton was running for president, there was a phrase that drove his political campaign.
A Gift For A Friend -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Stanley C. Sneeringer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a church member who died following a lengthy illness
Goodness -- A Way Of Life -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- John T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Traditionally, the letter to the Ephesians was thought to be another one of Paul's New Testament wri
So Great A Love -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Lent 4Ephesians 2:1-10So Great A Love
The First Article: God Gave Me My Eyes And Ears -- Genesis 1:26-27, Ephesians 2:1-10 -- James A. Lucas -- 2000
The Apostles' Creed -- the first article
Amazing Grace -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- John A. Stroman -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Keith Miller, a well-known author and Episcopal churchman, arrived in Bloomington, Illinois, for a s
As Is -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
Once upon a long time ago, a friend of mine owned a yellow Datsun.
The Multiple Uses Of Grace -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Kenneth Cauthen -- 1993
You may have made use of a household oil having the brand name "3 in 1." It claims to clean, oil, an

The Village Shepherd

Dead In Sin? -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
In the last sixty years the concept of war has dramatically changed.

Stories

StoryShare

Where Have You Gone Joe DiMaggio? -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were de
Raised Up -- John 3:14-21, Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Contents “Raised Up” by Peter Andrew Smith
The Royal Hostage -- John 3:14-21, Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Sandra Herrmann, Keith Wagner -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Contents "Changing Our Focus" by Keith Wagner
A Place Of Healing And Hope -- John 3:14-21, Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Frank Ramirez, Lamar Massingill -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Contents"A Place of Healing and Hope" by Frank Ramirez
The Darkness -- John 3:14-21, Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Keith Hewitt, Larry Winebrenner, Sandra Herrmann -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Darkness" by Keith Hewitt
We Still Love You, Daddy -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Charles Cammarata, Paul Lintern, Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Contents What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

The Salvation Sedan -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
The Salvation Sedan
Life's Purpose -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Holly was washing the dishes, listening to her favorite gospel quartet on tape, when two men pulled
The Gifts Are Unrelated -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Paul Lintern -- 1993
Lydia loved to give things away -- crafts, baked goods, items

Worship

The Immediate Word

Why Did It Have To Be Snakes? -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 14, 2021:
Snakes On The Plane -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 11, 2018:
Alive Together With Christ -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Paul lays out for the Ephesians in this week’s lectionary passage a chilling distillation of the dea
Le Monde Noir? -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
The ongoing strife in Syria has been a bracing reminder to the world of just how inhumane we can be
The Risk Of Being A Peacemaker -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," Jesus tells us in the Beatit
Lights Over Baghdad -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

SermonStudio

Fourth Sunday in Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipThis is what Jesus was born for. Leader:
Fourth Sunday in Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
First Lesson: Numbers 21:4-9 Theme: I Will Pray For You Call To Worship
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- James R. Wilson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- B. David Hostetter -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPDo not avoid the light of God but expose yourself to it. Come to
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For December 21, 2025:

SermonStudio

Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson
Pastor: Advent God: We praise and thank you for the word of promise spoken long ago by your prophet Isaiah; as he bore the good news of the birth of Immanuel–so may we be bearers of the good news that Immanuel comes to be with us. God of love:

Cong: Hear our prayer.
Dallas A. Brauninger
1. Text

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this
way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.18 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.19 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the
James Evans
(See Advent 1, Cycle B, and Proper 15/Pentecost 13/Ordinary Time 20, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)

The recurring phrase, "let your face shine" (vv. 3, 7, 19), offers an interesting opportunity to reflect on the meaning of God's presence in our world. This reflection takes on a particular significance during the Advent season.

Richard A. Jensen
Our Matthew text for this week comes from the first chapter of Matthew. Matthew's telling of the Jesus' story is certainly unique. Matthew tells of the early years of our Savior stressing that his name is Jesus and Emmanuel; that wise sages from the East attend his birth; that Joseph and Mary escape to Egypt because of Herod's wrath. No other Gospel includes these realities.
Mark Wm. Radecke
In the Jewish tradition there is a liturgy and accompanying song called "Dayenu." Dayenu is a Hebrew word which can be translated several ways. It can mean: "It would have been enough," or "we would have been grateful and content," or "our need would have been satisfied."

Part of the Dayenu is a responsive reading that goes like this:

O God, if thy only act of kindness was to deliver us from the bondage of Egypt, Dayenu! -- It would have been enough.
Stephen M. Crotts
Some years ago I was in a London theater watching a Harold Pinter play. The drama was not very good really. I was getting bored. Then right in the middle of the play the theater manager walked on stage, excused himself, and made an announcement. The actors stared. The audience looked shocked. Me? I thought it was all part of the play. Such interruptions are rare in a theater. But nonetheless, the stage manager felt that it was necessary this time. His announcement was nothing trivial like, "Some owner has left his car lights on." Nor was it a terrifying message like, "Fire! Fire!
Timothy J. Smith
It is easy to get so caught up in the sentimentality and nostalgia of Christmas that we neglect the true reason we celebrate. We receive Christmas cards portraying a cute infant Jesus lying in a manger filled with straw. The Baby Jesus is pictured in the center with Mary and Joseph on one side, the shepherds and Magi on the other. We know this scene: animals are in the background, in the distance angels can be seen hovering, as a star shines brightly overhead. However, there is more to Advent and Christmas than celebrating the birth of a baby.
William B. Kincaid, III
If we cannot relate to Joseph and appreciate his situation, then our lives are simple, easy lives indeed. Now, by relating to Joseph or understanding what he endured, I don't mean to suggest that we all either have been engaged or married to someone impregnated by the Holy Spirit. Even in our frantic search for ways to explain how such a thing might have happened, we probably didn't think of blaming the Holy Spirit!
R. Glen Miles
"The Lord himself will give you a sign" is the way Isaiah begins his recitation of the promise containing all promises. Isaiah is talking to Ahaz. Ahaz is the king who is stuck in a political mess. It looks like Assyria is about to invade some of the countries neighboring Judah. Isaiah is recommending that the king refuse to sign on with these other countries and their armies and trust only in Yahweh, the Lord of all. Today's reading is a reminder of the promise of God to be with Ahaz and his people, no matter what happens, no matter who invades.
John T. Ball
Religion is a mutual relationship. We pledge loyalty and devotion to God and God blesses us. This is how Moses worked it out with Yahweh and his people who had recently escaped from Egyptian captivity. If the Israelites prove loyal to this mysterious Sinai god, then God would bless them with prosperity and well being. Those who deal with many gods are no different. Even though they have gods for various concerns, they still expect blessings and security in exchange for loyalty.
Susan R. Andrews
According to tradition, Joseph was the strong, silent type - an older carpenter who willingly submitted to impotent fatherhood - a second--string player in the drama of God's human birth. But according to scripture, none of this is true. All that is actually recorded in the Bible is that Joseph was a dreamer - a righteous man who transformed the meaning of righteousness by taking seriously his dreams.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (UM211, PH9, LBW34, CBH172, NCH116)
The God Of Abraham Praise (UM116, PH488, NCH24)
O Hear Our Cry, O Lord (PH206)
Hail To The Lord's Anointed (UM203)
Blessed Be The God Of Israel (UM209)
Emmanuel, Emmanuel (UM204)
People Look East (PH12, UM202)
Savior Of The Nations, Come (LBW28, CBH178, PH14, UM214)
The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy (CBH202)
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (PH1, 2,UM196, NCH122)

Anthem

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Just before the first Christmas, an angel appeared to Joseph to tell him that Jesus would also be called "Emmanuel", meaning "God With Us." Let us listen to the guidance of the angels today as we prepare to receive God With Us once again.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, fill me with the awe of Christmas.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with the mystery of Christmas.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with Emmanuel -- God with us.
Lord, have mercy.

StoryShare

Argile Smith
C. David Mckirachan
Scott Dalgarno
Stan Purdum
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Samantha" by Argile Smith
"I'm Pregnant" by C. David McKirachan
"You'd Better Watch out..." by C. David McKirachan
"Terribly Vulnerable to Joy" by Scott Dalgarno
"The Great Christmas-Tree Battle" by Stan Purdum


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Over the years, I grow more cynical about Christmas and just about everything that goes along with it. I have not become a scrooge, although the advancing years have made me more careful with my pennies. It is not that I cannot be moved by the lights, the music, and the fellowship of the holidays. I have not become an insensitive, unfeeling clod. My problem is that the language and the images and the music seem to have fallen short in expressing what must have been the feelings of the real human beings going through the events recounted in this story.

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What an exciting day this is! Today is the day before Christmas and tonight is Christmas Eve! People have different ways of doing things. Some people open their presents on Christmas Eve. How many of you do that? (Let them answer.) Others open their presents on Christmas Day. Which of you will open your presents tomorrow? (Let them answer.) Some open gifts on other days. Would any of you like to share another time when you open presents? (Give them the opportunity to answer.)

Why do you suppose we open gifts at this time of the year? (Let them answer.)

Special Occasion

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