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Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Turning Point -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
There is an ancient legend first told by Christians living in the catacombs under the streets of Rom
The Lord Changes You -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
Hanging around the Lord changes you.
God of the ages -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Psalm 27 -- David Kalas -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
Note: This installment by David Kalas is from 2004.
A tragic turn -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35, Psalm 27 -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
For several years of our married life, my wife and I had jobs working with very different
Jesus is the sign of the times -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2001
In our consumer culture, advertising plays an extremely vital role.
Sacrificial love -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 1998
The sacrificial love of God is the dominant theme for today's texts, providing a focal point for all
God of the ages -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- David Kalas -- Second Sunday in Lent - C
What is the relationship between the past, the present, and the future?

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Turning Point -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
There is an ancient legend first told by Christians living in the catacombs under the streets of Rom

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Are You Chicken? -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Tom Willadsen -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
For March 16, 2025:
God Calls Back -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
For March 13, 2022:
In God We (Sometimes) Trust -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 17, 2019:
Primary Fears -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
In this week’s gospel text, a group of Pharisees warn Jesus that he needs to leave the area in order
Citizens Of Heaven -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
A clear theme emerges from the lectionary texts for the Second Sunday in Lent -- how we deal with ou
Are You Afraid Of The Dark? -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - C
The good news is -- God is always with us even in our darkest hour.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Lent 2 -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.

Drama

SermonStudio

As Many As The Stars? -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Psalm 27 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
I love the movie Oh, God! Some may take issue with its theology, but George Burns as God is i

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Lent 2 (2025) -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 2 (2022) -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
Genesis 15:1-12,17-18
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 2 (2019) -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 2 (2016) -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, R. Robert Cueni -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 2 (2013) -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2012
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
NULL -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2012
Jeremiah Denton, a Navy pilot who was held captive in the Hanoi Hilton during the Vietnam War, under
NULL -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2012
The American Dream seems to be in shambles today.
Management and life-planning guru... -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
Management and life-planning guru, Stephen Covey, wrote a book several years ago
Count the stars, if you... -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
"Count the stars, if you are able," was the Lord's challenge to Abram. Abram, of course,
Laurie Beth gave her life... -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
Laurie Beth gave her life to Christ when she was seventeen years old. She asked Jesus to
I've had big enemies and... -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
I've had big enemies and small ones. Some threatened me with violence. A few wanted
I am always intrigued by... -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 1995
I am always intrigued by the parts of scripture which are left out of the lectionary.
Faith can accomplish many experiences... -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 1995
Faith can accomplish many experiences in our personal lives, but faith cannot count.
Whate'er we leave to God... -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 1995
Whate'er we leave to God, God does,and blesses us;
Almost every day we hear... -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 1995
Almost every day we hear things that are hard to believe.
Entering a crowded restaurant with... -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Second Sunday in Lent - C
Entering a crowded restaurant with a friend, film star Gregory Peck found no table available.
High in the Rocky Mountains... -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Second Sunday in Lent - C
High in the Rocky Mountains, there is a place of great geographical significance -- a location marke
We can identify with Abraham's... -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Second Sunday in Lent - C
We can identify with Abraham's doubting that God would fulfill his promises.
A farmer I know lives... -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Second Sunday in Lent - C
A farmer I know lives on a "Centennial Farm," which means that it has been in her family for more th
In his book, U.S... -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Second Sunday in Lent - C
In his book, U.S.

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Sermon Illustrations for Lent 2 (2025) -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18

The Immediate Word

God Calls Back -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
For March 13, 2022:
In God We (Sometimes) Trust -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 17, 2019:
Primary Fears -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
In this week’s gospel text, a group of Pharisees warn Jesus that he needs to leave the area in order
Citizens Of Heaven -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
A clear theme emerges from the lectionary texts for the Second Sunday in Lent -- how we deal with ou

Liturgy

The Immediate Word

Are You Chicken? -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Tom Willadsen -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
For March 16, 2025:

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Are You Chicken? -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Tom Willadsen -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
For March 16, 2025:
God Calls Back -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
For March 13, 2022:
In God We (Sometimes) Trust -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 17, 2019:
Primary Fears -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
In this week’s gospel text, a group of Pharisees warn Jesus that he needs to leave the area in order
Citizens Of Heaven -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
A clear theme emerges from the lectionary texts for the Second Sunday in Lent -- how we deal with ou
Are You Afraid Of The Dark? -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - C
The good news is -- God is always with us even in our darkest hour.

SermonStudio

Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
The preacher who confronts the three stated texts for this Sunday once again faces the confusing sit
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lent 2 -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35 -- Perry H. Biddle, Jr. -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 1988
Comments on the Lessons
Lent 2 -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 9:28-36 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 1985
The LessonsGenesis 15:1-12, 17-18 (C, RC)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Are You Chicken? -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Tom Willadsen -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
For March 16, 2025:
God Calls Back -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
For March 13, 2022:
In God We (Sometimes) Trust -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 17, 2019:
Primary Fears -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
In this week’s gospel text, a group of Pharisees warn Jesus that he needs to leave the area in order
Citizens Of Heaven -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
A clear theme emerges from the lectionary texts for the Second Sunday in Lent -- how we deal with ou
Are You Afraid Of The Dark? -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - C
The good news is -- God is always with us even in our darkest hour.

SermonStudio

A Resume Of Righteousness -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- David Kalas -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
Statues don't perspire. The characters portrayed in stained-glass windows don't blink.
Abraham Believed God -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
If you've traveled with small children in a car, you've probably heard this conversation more than o
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
The Promise Of A Son -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
A son was a symbol of the strength of the inheritance.
The Problem With A Promise -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Barbara Brokhoff -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 1991
You have all made promises; and kept them, but some you have broken.

Stories

StoryShare

Founded on a Dream -- Luke 13:31-35, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Psalm 27 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
Contents “Founded on a Dream” by C. David McKirachan
Living Our Beliefs -- Luke 13:31-35, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Psalm 27 -- Keith Wagner -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
Contents "Living Our Beliefs" by Keith Wagner
Chasing Buzzards -- Luke 13:31-35, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Psalm 27 -- C. David Mckirachan, Richard A. Jensen -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Contents"Chasing Buzzards" by C. David McKirachan
As Clear As The Milky Way -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Scott Dalgarno, Argile Smith, Richard A. Jensen -- Second Sunday in Lent - C
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "As Clear As The Milky Way" by Scott Delgarno

SermonStudio

Beyond Belief -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, "Do not be afraid, Abram, I am
Flash-in-the-pan Christians -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Back in the good old days of the dotconomy, people were making money hand over fist in what Alan Gre

Worship

The Immediate Word

Are You Chicken? -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Tom Willadsen -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
For March 16, 2025:
God Calls Back -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
For March 13, 2022:
In God We (Sometimes) Trust -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 17, 2019:
Primary Fears -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
In this week’s gospel text, a group of Pharisees warn Jesus that he needs to leave the area in order
Citizens Of Heaven -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
A clear theme emerges from the lectionary texts for the Second Sunday in Lent -- how we deal with ou
Are You Afraid Of The Dark? -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - C
The good news is -- God is always with us even in our darkest hour.

SermonStudio

Lent 2 -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
You shall pass judgment on yourself. That is the hardest thing of all ...
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18Theme: Just In Case You Forget ...
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Theme: Abram Put His Trust In The LordCall To Worship
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18Theme: What Will You Give Me?
Faith in God's covenant -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:22-35 -- Heth H. Corl -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 1976
First Lesson: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18Theme: Faith is belief in God's covenant promise
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 13 | OT 18 | Pentecost 8
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 14 | OT 19 | Pentecost 9
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 15 | OT 20 | Pentecost 10
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For August 17, 2025:
  • When Good News Is Bad News by Dean Feldmeyer based on Acts 2:1-21. Charles Darwin believed that the two most significant achievements in human history were the development of language and the harnessing of fire. Today we apply both, language and the symbol of fire, to our understanding of the gospel.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Isaiah 5:1-7
David Coffin
When does the status quo no longer seem to be working? In her book, The Last Flight Julie Clark begins with the seemingly flawlessly choreographed life of Claire Cook, the wife of a wealthy politician at the peak of this political dynasty. Despite the elegant surroundings of the Manhattan townhouse, staff of ten servants, life behind closed doors is different. Her husband Rory has a hot temper, and is abusive. There is also the memory of the mysterious death of his first wife.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
How long? Will the hearts of the prophets ever turn back—those who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart? (Jeremiah 23:26)

You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? (Luke 12:56)

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A fire extinguisher.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! Let’s get started. But I need to warn you that this is a really strange story. At least the things that Jesus says sound really strange. But let’s see if we can figure out what the story is really all about.

(Show the fire extinguisher.)  This is a little reminder that sometimes it is really hard to follow Jesus and do what he wants us to do!

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said that life would not be easy for Christians, but calls us to stand up for our beliefs. In our worship today let us acknowledge and explore the difficulties of standing as a Christian in today's society.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we find it easier to go with the flow than to stand against other people.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we feel overwhelmed by the number of people who ignore you.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
(See Advent 4, Cycle A, and Advent 1, Cycle B, for alternative approaches.)

William E. Keeney
49"I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! 51Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! 52From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; 53they will be divided:
father against son
and son against father,
mother against daughter
and daughter against mother,
mother-in-law against her
Elizabeth Achtemeier
This passage is famously known as Isaiah's "Song of the Vineyard." It begins with the prophet singing, in what we would describe as troubadour-fashion, a love song about his dod, his friend, the beloved. Everyone is interested in a love affair, of course, and so the song is intended to capture the interest of Isaiah's listeners.
Clayton A. Lord Jr.
What can faith do? It can part a raging sea and allow a nation to walk through. What can faith do? It can knock down the walls of a fortified city so that God can prove a point. What can faith do? It can single out a woman who follows God's lead and protect her from certain death. Today many people are into "reality" television shows where individuals are put to extreme tests. We watch them because we like to see others battle against great odds and come out victorious.

Special Occasion

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