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Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Do You Want to Be Made Well? Make it Happen! -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 5:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
The church is a work in progress — and we are expected to be a critical part of that church’s work.
The Great Things God's Love Does -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, John 5:1-9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
The great things God’s love does.
Coming and Going -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- David Kalas -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
Perhaps on this holiday weekend, which culturally marks the beginning of summer, it is right for us
Entrance points into new life -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- David Coffin -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
By this time, Resurrection of Our Lord Sunday is way behind in the rearview mirror of many people’s
Home -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Last year Phil Phillips won the American Idol competition based in part on his powerful rendi
The road ahead -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, Psalm 67 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
When the Danish novelist, George Brandes, was a young man, he looked up to Henrik Ibsen.
Guess who's at the door -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, Psalm 67 -- David Kalas -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
It's a picture of God that we see again and again throughout the pages of scripture.
Help us! -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2001
In the movie The Deep End of the Ocean, there is a toddler who is "lost" in a hotel lobby.
Life in the Spirit -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1998
The focus in the first and third lessons for today is on the Holy Spirit, who guides and directs the
The man who wasn't there -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1995
In his history of the early church Luke gives prominence to dreams and visions in order to underline
Utopia -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Recent years have seen a resurgence of participation in public discussions of books.

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Why Does Jesus Ask, "Do You Want To Be Healed?" -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, John 5:1-9, Psalm 67 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Tom Willadsen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
For May 25, 2025:
Life In The Big City -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, John 5:1-9, Psalm 67 -- Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
For May 22, 2022:
Everybody In the Pool! -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67, John 5:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 26, 2019:
Love, Love Is The Answer -- John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29, Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
In the primary gospel text selected by the lectionary for this week, Jesus prepares his disciples fo
Do We Really Want To Be Made Well? -- John 5:1-9, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
In the alternate gospel text (John 5:1-9) for this Sunday, Jesus heals a man "who had been ill for 3
Word Keepers Needed -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67 -- Thom M. Shuman, Teresa L. Major -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Jesus tells his disciples in this Sunday's gospel reading that "those who love me will keep my word"

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Light -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Leah Thompson -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
"And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be the
Dreams and visions -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Good morning, boys and girls.
He writes his name on you -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Do you see this? This is where we baptize people. Raise your
In the book -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Good morning! I know none of you are old enough to vote, but
No church here -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
(Folding hands) say: "Here is the church"

Devotional

SermonStudio

Easter 6 -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
... and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

Drama

SermonStudio

Some Day, My Prince Will Come .. -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, Psalm 67 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
As I perused the readings for Easter 6, I was struck by their focus on the future glory of God -- an

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Easter 6 (2025) -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
Acts 16:9-15
Sermon Illustrations for Easter 6 (2022) -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
Acts 16:9-15
Sermon Illustrations for Easter 6 (2019) -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
Acts 16:9-15
Sermon illustrations for Easter 6 (2016) -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, R. Robert Cueni, Mark Ellingsen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
Acts 16:9-15
Sermon illustrations for Easter 6 (2013) -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Acts 16:9-15
NULL -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Bob Ove -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The Holy City, Jerusalem, can signify where all of God's people will live.
NULL -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The writer of Revelation has a vision of Jerusalem that does not necessarily coincide with the reali
Acts 16:9-15 Lydia... -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
Acts 16:9-15
This brings me to the... -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
"This brings me to the other sense of glory -- glory as brightness, splendour, luminosity.
In the movie, Insomnia, Al... -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
In the movie, Insomnia, Al Pacino's character, detective Will Dormer, gets sent
Hank has been a truck... -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
Hank has been a truck driver for many years. During that time, he has traveled all over
Ask people, What special tree... -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
Ask people, "What special tree was located in the Garden of Eden?" Most will reply that
All the action and vitality... -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2001
All the action and vitality of the scenes described in the book are a far cry from the cold and drea
Ron was close to death... -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2001
Ron was close to death. His bone cancer had spread rapidly.
The splendor of the vision... -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2001
The splendor of the vision of the holy city, the New Jerusalem, stands in sharp contrast to all that
In the Garden of Eden... -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1998
In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve are forbidden from eating of the tree of life.
Pearls were the most precious... -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1998
Pearls were the most precious jewels in the ancient world.
Ten years ago I worked... -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1998
Ten years ago I worked at a telecatalogue center.
Liars shall not enter the... -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1998
Liars shall not enter the new Jerusalem.
According to this passage, here... -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1995
According to this passage, here are some things in this life we can take lightly: *The Lamb (and

The Immediate Word

Life In The Big City -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, John 5:1-9, Psalm 67 -- Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
For May 22, 2022:
Everybody In the Pool! -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67, John 5:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 26, 2019:
Love, Love Is The Answer -- John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29, Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
In the primary gospel text selected by the lectionary for this week, Jesus prepares his disciples fo
Do We Really Want To Be Made Well? -- John 5:1-9, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
In the alternate gospel text (John 5:1-9) for this Sunday, Jesus heals a man "who had been ill for 3

StoryShare

The World to Come -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Psalm 67 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
Contents “The World to Come” by John Sumwalt

Liturgy

The Immediate Word

Why Does Jesus Ask, "Do You Want To Be Healed?" -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, John 5:1-9, Psalm 67 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Tom Willadsen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
For May 25, 2025:

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Why Does Jesus Ask, "Do You Want To Be Healed?" -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, John 5:1-9, Psalm 67 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Tom Willadsen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
For May 25, 2025:
Life In The Big City -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, John 5:1-9, Psalm 67 -- Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
For May 22, 2022:
Everybody In the Pool! -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67, John 5:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 26, 2019:
Love, Love Is The Answer -- John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29, Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
In the primary gospel text selected by the lectionary for this week, Jesus prepares his disciples fo
Do We Really Want To Be Made Well? -- John 5:1-9, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
In the alternate gospel text (John 5:1-9) for this Sunday, Jesus heals a man "who had been ill for 3
Word Keepers Needed -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67 -- Thom M. Shuman, Teresa L. Major -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Jesus tells his disciples in this Sunday's gospel reading that "those who love me will keep my word"

SermonStudio

Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Carlos Wilton -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeThe resurrected Christ becomes a physical presence in the world again.
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 16:9-15 (C)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Why Does Jesus Ask, "Do You Want To Be Healed?" -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, John 5:1-9, Psalm 67 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Tom Willadsen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
For May 25, 2025:
Life In The Big City -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, John 5:1-9, Psalm 67 -- Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
For May 22, 2022:
Everybody In the Pool! -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67, John 5:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 26, 2019:
Love, Love Is The Answer -- John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29, Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
In the primary gospel text selected by the lectionary for this week, Jesus prepares his disciples fo
Do We Really Want To Be Made Well? -- John 5:1-9, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
In the alternate gospel text (John 5:1-9) for this Sunday, Jesus heals a man "who had been ill for 3
Word Keepers Needed -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67 -- Thom M. Shuman, Teresa L. Major -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Jesus tells his disciples in this Sunday's gospel reading that "those who love me will keep my word"

SermonStudio

The Mountain Top -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Bonnie Bates -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2021
I love to hike and there is nothing more amazing to me than to climb to the top of a mountain trail
A Glimpse Of Glory -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
(Sing the first verse and chorus of "The Battle Hymn Of The Republic.")
Jesus, The Light Of The World -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
In the beginning when the Great Spirit created all that exists, he gave great gifts to all the anima
No Temple -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
The long-running television medical series, ER, seems on the surface to be just another "real
Red Light, Green Light -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Only in a farming community would it happen ...
If You Hate To Wait, Try This -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Henry F. Woodruff -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
I am certain someone dreamed up the idea long before I encountered it in its tubular steel reality,

The Village Shepherd

There's Something About Water -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Janice B. Scott -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
There's something about water.

Stories

StoryShare

The World to Come -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Psalm 67 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
Contents “The World to Come” by John Sumwalt
A Sense Of History -- John 14:23-29, Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Psalm 67 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
Contents "A Sense of History" by Keith Hewitt
House Guests -- John 14:23-29, Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Psalm 67 -- C. David Mckirachan, Peter Andrew Smith -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Contents"House Guests" by C. David McKirachan
The Great Starvation Experiment -- John 14:23-29, Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Psalm 67 -- Frank Ramirez, Larry Winebrenner -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
The Inexplicable Molly -- John 14:23-29, Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Psalm 67 -- Scott Dalgarno, Argile Smith, David O. Bales, John S. Smylie -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Share

Worship

The Immediate Word

Why Does Jesus Ask, "Do You Want To Be Healed?" -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, John 5:1-9, Psalm 67 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Tom Willadsen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
For May 25, 2025:
Life In The Big City -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, John 5:1-9, Psalm 67 -- Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
For May 22, 2022:
Everybody In the Pool! -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67, John 5:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 26, 2019:
Love, Love Is The Answer -- John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29, Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
In the primary gospel text selected by the lectionary for this week, Jesus prepares his disciples fo
Do We Really Want To Be Made Well? -- John 5:1-9, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
In the alternate gospel text (John 5:1-9) for this Sunday, Jesus heals a man "who had been ill for 3
Word Keepers Needed -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67 -- Thom M. Shuman, Teresa L. Major -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Jesus tells his disciples in this Sunday's gospel reading that "those who love me will keep my word"

SermonStudio

Easter 6 -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, Psalm 67 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
The Easter story is about the triumph of creativity.
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5Theme: Game Over
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Theme: God's Call To Preach The Good NewsCall To Worship
Sixth Sunday of Easter -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15 -- James R. Wilson -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
First Lesson: Acts 16:9-15 Theme: Salvation for all who believe
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)

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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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