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Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Faith Stretching Exercises -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- David Coffin -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
It is the second week into the Lenten season.
Transformation -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Oscar Wilde penned a powerful story about behaviors and definitions and justice called The Pictu
Remembering our spiritual roots -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
The Second Sunday in Lent was typically devoted to the theme of “remembering” [Remiscere].
Seeing the world through Abraham's eyes -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Scott Camp told of a university student who was working on a doctorate investigating the social cult
Not finished with us -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2003
I know this is going to give my age away but I still remember seeing an elderly man in the 1960s wea
On the other side of the wilderness -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 25:1-10 -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2003
I teach two classes titled "Introduction to Preaching." The syllabus created by the department requi
Believing the unbelievable -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2000
If baptism is where we begin our Lenten journey, the next step of that journey is surely faith.
Believe it possible, then go ahead -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1994
It was her first experience out after dark.

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Faith Stretching Exercises -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- David Coffin -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
It is the second week into the Lenten season.
Transformation -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Oscar Wilde penned a powerful story about behaviors and definitions and justice called The Pictu

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Called to the Cross -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For February 28, 2021:
Much more than a promise -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For February 25, 2018:
Unprovable Hope -- Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
In this week’s lectionary epistle passage, Paul characterizes Abraham’s attitude toward God’s cov
Faithfulness And Righteousness On The Campaign Trail -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
It was rather startling to find discussions on theology in the headlines last week.
Take Up Whose Cross? -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- George L. Murphy -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

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Called to the Cross -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For February 28, 2021:

Devotional

SermonStudio

Lent 2 -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Lent 2 (2024) -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 2 (2021) -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 2 (2018) -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Genesis 17:1-7 15-16
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 2 (2015) -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 2 (2012) -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
Angelo Siciliano was a 97-pound weakling from Brooklyn... -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
The story is true. Angelo Siciliano was a 97-pound weakling from Brooklyn.
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16... -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
Names are a big deal... -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
Names are a big deal in Christianity.
I remember when the boxer... -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
I remember when the boxer, Cassius Clay, converted to Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali.
Covenant is not a word... -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
Covenant is not a word we hear in our everyday conversation.

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Sermon Illustrations for Lent 2 (2024) -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 2 (2021) -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
Called to the Cross -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For February 28, 2021:

The Immediate Word

Called to the Cross -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For February 28, 2021:
Much more than a promise -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For February 25, 2018:
Unprovable Hope -- Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
In this week’s lectionary epistle passage, Paul characterizes Abraham’s attitude toward God’s cov
Faithfulness And Righteousness On The Campaign Trail -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
It was rather startling to find discussions on theology in the headlines last week.
Take Up Whose Cross? -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- George L. Murphy -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Called to the Cross -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For February 28, 2021:
Much more than a promise -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For February 25, 2018:
Unprovable Hope -- Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
In this week’s lectionary epistle passage, Paul characterizes Abraham’s attitude toward God’s cov
Faithfulness And Righteousness On The Campaign Trail -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
It was rather startling to find discussions on theology in the headlines last week.
Take Up Whose Cross? -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- George L. Murphy -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

Free Access

Called to the Cross -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For February 28, 2021:

SermonStudio

Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Revised Common Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 Romans 4:13-25 Mark 8:31-38
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2001
We come in this passage to the Priestly version of God's promise to Abraham of a son.
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 (C)
Christ calls us to take up our cross and follow him -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The road to God's kingdom is the way of obedience, suffering and death, th
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
According to the priestly school, this is another account of
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Mark 9:2-9 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
The Sunday received its title - Reminiscere - from verse 5 of the Twenty-fifth Psalm, "Remember, O L
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Mark 9:2-9 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
The Sunday received its title - Reminiscere - from verse 5 of the Twenty-fifth Psalm, "Remember, O L
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
Seasonal Theme

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Called to the Cross -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For February 28, 2021:
Much more than a promise -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For February 25, 2018:
Unprovable Hope -- Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
In this week’s lectionary epistle passage, Paul characterizes Abraham’s attitude toward God’s cov
Faithfulness And Righteousness On The Campaign Trail -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
It was rather startling to find discussions on theology in the headlines last week.
Take Up Whose Cross? -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- George L. Murphy -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

Free Access

Called to the Cross -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For February 28, 2021:

SermonStudio

An Incredible Blessing -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- David H. Webb -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
When I was in the second grade, I won a Bible storybook by selling magazines.
The Divine Deal ... -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Ken Lentz -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
The priest challenged the rabbi at lunch: "Rabbi Cohen, when are you going to eat a piece of this de
A Funeral For "I Can'ts" -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Ron Lavin -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
A Funeral For "I Can'ts"
A New Name -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
What names did people call you as you were growing up?
Wonderful Story -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
There's a great story being used in business circles to define the buzz-word "paradigm." It seems a
Have We Kept Our Contract With God? -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Richard E. Gribble -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
One day a man went to his son's room and knocked on the door: "John, wake up, it is time for you to

The Village Shepherd

The Covenant -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
The Gentleman's Agreement is

Stories

StoryShare

Peter's Painful Memories -- Mark 8:31-38, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25 -- David O. Bales, John Fitzgerald -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Contents “Peter’s Painful Memories” by David O. Bales
How You Play The Game -- Mark 8:31-38, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Frank Ramirez, Keith Hewitt -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Contents "How You Play The Game" by Frank Ramirez
The Danger Of Denying The Inevitable -- Mark 8:31-38, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Lamar Massingill, Peter Andrew Smith -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Contents"The Danger of Denying the Inevitable" by Lamar Massingill
Reunion -- Mark 8:31-38, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Psalm 22:23-31 -- David O. Bales, Larry Winebrenner, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Reunion" by David O. Bales

SermonStudio

Hearing The Promise -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1993
Rhea Lawson was 49 when it happened. Her last child would

Worship

The Immediate Word

Called to the Cross -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For February 28, 2021:
Much more than a promise -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For February 25, 2018:
Unprovable Hope -- Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
In this week’s lectionary epistle passage, Paul characterizes Abraham’s attitude toward God’s cov
Faithfulness And Righteousness On The Campaign Trail -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
It was rather startling to find discussions on theology in the headlines last week.
Take Up Whose Cross? -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- George L. Murphy -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

Free Access

Called to the Cross -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For February 28, 2021:
God's covenant: a blessing and a promise -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Call To Worship

SermonStudio

Theme: Spell My Name With An "H" -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 22:23-24) One:
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipBased on the Genesis 17 passage. Leader:
God's Covenant With Abraham -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipCome, let us worship the God of Abraham and our God, too.
Name Change -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Psalm 22:23-31 -- B. David Hostetter -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPLet all who see God be joyful in heart and exult in the hallowed
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
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4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
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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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