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Romans 9:1-5

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wrestling with the Undeniable -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2023
This is really happening. No, really. This is really happening.
Blessed Assurance -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5 -- David Coffin -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2020
A recently widowed woman in her early seventies is returning to the church where she raised her chil
Abundance -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2014
The wise old preacher hobbled up to the pulpit and made an announcement to the congregation.
Making war, making change -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2011
It has happened more than once that I have been counseling a young couple who are planning to get ma
God in unexpected places -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- David Kalas -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Early in the cherished 1965 movie, The Sound of Music, we see the sisters at the
Making war, making change -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2002
It has happened more than once that I have been counseling a young couple who are planning to get ma
Kids eat free! -- Isaiah 55:1-5, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1999
We have become suspicious of the offer that demands our attention on the marquis outside the chain r
Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1996
The desert hardly looks like a place of abundance.
Wrestling -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
We all love stories of courage among those who wrestle with daunting difficulties in life and actual

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Wrestling with an Unseen Enemy -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15, Isaiah 55:1-5, Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2020
For August 2, 2020:
Wrestling With Hope -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from Genesis, a tenacious Jacob is tested by an all-night wrestlin
You Give Them Something To Eat -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2011
As August 3rd approaches, our government leaders are locked in a struggle over how to keep America f
It's Decision Time: God Or The World? -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Every day in our lives is a series of decisions.

CSSPlus

Change -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2011
I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. (v. 2)
Missed opportunities -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants,
The Apostle Paul -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
Good morning! (show them the letter) See this? This is a letter in an envelope.
A promise fulfilled -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
Good morning! Does anyone know what this is? (Show the
Sorrow -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
Saint Paul was very sad. When I am sad I like to be near a box
I'm telling the truth -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought a box of my favorite
The chosen people -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
Good morning, boys and girls. Today I want to talk about choice.

SermonStudio

Your Lifetime Teeth -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a baby tooth or a drawing of a baby tooth

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 13 / Pentecost 11 / OT 18 -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants....

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 (2023) -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2023
Genesis 32:22-31
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 (2020) -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2020
Genesis 32:22-31
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 (2014) -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove, Scott A. Bryte, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2014
Genesis 32:22-31
Though anti-Semitism has... -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2014
Though anti-Semitism has been on the wane in recent years in America, a 2011 poll by the anti-Defama
The term "Protestant"... -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2014
The term "Protestant" was first used at the Second Diet of Speyer on April 20, 1529.
NULL -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2011
Genesis 32:22-31
NULL -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2011
Despite the apostle Paul's conversion to Christianity he did not abandon the heart and essence of hi
NULL -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Craig Kelly -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2011
Anti-Semitism is nothing new.
Mel Gibson's film, The Passion... -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Mel Gibson's film, The Passion of the Christ, attracted a great deal of
Last week we talked about... -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Last week we talked about the amazing "Terra Cotta Army," the rows and rows of life-
Fred shared with his study... -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Fred shared with his study group an email he had received from an acquaintance. The
The pastor sat in the... -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
The pastor sat in the living room of the grieving parents. Just a few hours ago, their son,
Genesis 32:22-31 We... -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Genesis 32:22-31
Having just written the most... -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2002
Having just written the most glorious affirmation of faith, Paul stopped writing, in the midst of hi
Johnny was adopted into a... -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2002
Johnny was adopted into a family of two brothers and one sister, of whom he was the youngest.
Kidnapped in Pakistan, a news... -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2002
Kidnapped in Pakistan, a news reporter has been unheard of for days.
Chosen-ness does not lead... -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2002
Chosen-ness does not lead automatically to arrogance, but without vigilance it can slide into it.
Mary was 82 when she... -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1999
Mary was 82 when she was diagnosed with cancer.
A number of years ago... -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1999
A number of years ago a young man studying at Yale University was notified by attorneys that a rich
Oskar Schindler in the movie... -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1999
Oskar Schindler in the movie Schindler's List decried the fact that even though he had saved
A Hebrew man encountered a... -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1996
A Hebrew man encountered a friend of his as he was on his way to temple.

The Immediate Word

Wrestling with an Unseen Enemy -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15, Isaiah 55:1-5, Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2020
For August 2, 2020:
Wrestling With Hope -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from Genesis, a tenacious Jacob is tested by an all-night wrestlin
You Give Them Something To Eat -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2011
As August 3rd approaches, our government leaders are locked in a struggle over how to keep America f
It's Decision Time: God Or The World? -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Every day in our lives is a series of decisions.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Wrestling with an Unseen Enemy -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15, Isaiah 55:1-5, Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2020
For August 2, 2020:
Wrestling With Hope -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from Genesis, a tenacious Jacob is tested by an all-night wrestlin
You Give Them Something To Eat -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2011
As August 3rd approaches, our government leaders are locked in a struggle over how to keep America f
It's Decision Time: God Or The World? -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Every day in our lives is a series of decisions.

SermonStudio

Proper 13 / Pentecost 11 / Ordinary Time 18 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayWhen we wrestle with God, the encounter changes us.
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 32:22--31 (C)
Proper 13, Pentecost 11, Ordinary Time 18 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 32:22-31 (C)
God provides for our needs, if we but trust him -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 32:22--31 (C)
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Genesis 32:22-31 (C)
Proper 14 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:22-33 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Wrestling with an Unseen Enemy -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15, Isaiah 55:1-5, Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2020
For August 2, 2020:
Wrestling With Hope -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from Genesis, a tenacious Jacob is tested by an all-night wrestlin
You Give Them Something To Eat -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2011
As August 3rd approaches, our government leaders are locked in a struggle over how to keep America f
It's Decision Time: God Or The World? -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Every day in our lives is a series of decisions.

SermonStudio

Righting Wrong -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Larry Lange -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
To Jim it seemed like an opportunity to right decades of wrongs.
Families In Christ -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
Aren't families fun, at times?
The Pain Of Caring -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Tom M. Garrison -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2001
Amazing statements have a powerful way of burning themselves into our memories.

The Village Shepherd

What Use Is A Silver Spoon? -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
When I was younger I used to envy those who appeared to have been born with silver spoons in the

Stories

StoryShare

Rules Fer Wrasslin' -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Frank Ramirez, John Fitzgerald -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2014
Contents"Rules fer Wrasslin' " by Frank Ramirez
Leap Of Faith -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Craig Kelly -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2011
Contents"Leap of Faith" by Peter Andrew Smith
Not A Cup But A Cow -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Frank Ramirez, Argile Smith -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Not a Cup but a Cow" by Frank Ramirez
Those Who Seek Refuge -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
Contents What's Up This Week

Worship

The Immediate Word

Wrestling with an Unseen Enemy -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15, Isaiah 55:1-5, Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2020
For August 2, 2020:
Wrestling With Hope -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from Genesis, a tenacious Jacob is tested by an all-night wrestlin
You Give Them Something To Eat -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2011
As August 3rd approaches, our government leaders are locked in a struggle over how to keep America f
It's Decision Time: God Or The World? -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Every day in our lives is a series of decisions.

SermonStudio

Proper 13/Pentecost 11/Ordinary Time 18 -- Matthew 14:13-21, Isaiah 55:1-5, Romans 9:1-5 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: We come to this place of worship,
Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Genesis 32:22-31Theme: Out Of Joint
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
HymnsBreak Now The Bread Of Life (NCH321, CBH360, UM599, PH329)
Proper 13 -- Romans 9:1-5 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2001
Theme: For Whom Are The Promises Of God?Call To Worship
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 32:22-31Theme: Bless Me?Call To Worship
PROPER 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
God's safe-keeping Spirit -- Exodus 14:19-31, Psalm 106, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Paul A. Laughlin -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1989
Exegetical note: Although Paul made the crossing of the Red Sea a type for Christian baptism (1 Cori
God's protective love -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 9:1-5 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
PROPER 14 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1986
Perhaps the unifying factor that all six of these texts have in common is that the human condition i
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.

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