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David E. Leininger

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Adult study

SermonStudio

God, The Father -- David E. Leininger -- 2008
"I believe in God, the Father...." Really?
God ... Almighty -- David E. Leininger -- 2008
"I believe in God, the Father almighty...." Do you now?
Maker Of Heaven And Earth -- David E. Leininger -- 2008
"I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth...." No surprise.
Jesus Christ ... Our Lord -- David E. Leininger -- 2008
"I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son,
Suffered ... Dead ... Buried -- David E. Leininger -- 2008
"I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son
He Descended Into Hell -- David E. Leininger -- 2008
"I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son
He Rose Again -- David E. Leininger -- 2008
"I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son
He Ascended -- David E. Leininger -- 2008
"I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son
He Shall Come To Judge -- David E. Leininger -- 2008
"I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son
The Holy Ghost -- David E. Leininger -- 2008
"I believe in the Holy Ghost...."
The Holy Catholic Church -- David E. Leininger -- 2008
We have stretched from the sublime, soaring through the heights of creation with almighty God; we ha
The Communion Of Saints -- David E. Leininger -- 2008
"I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church, the communion of Saints...." Those last two
The Forgiveness Of Sins -- David E. Leininger -- 2008
"I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of
The Resurrection Of The Body -- David E. Leininger -- 2008
"I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of
The Life Everlasting -- David E. Leininger -- 2008
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him s

Biblical Study

SermonStudio

No False Witness -- Deuteronomy 19:16-21 -- David E. Leininger -- 2007
If a malicious witness takes the stand to accuse a man of a crime, the two men involved in the di
No Covetousness -- Matthew 6:24-33 -- David E. Leininger -- 2007
No one can serve two masters.
No Stealing -- Exodus 22:1-4 -- David E. Leininger -- 2007
If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he must pay back five head of cat
No Adultery -- John 8:2-11 -- David E. Leininger -- 2007
At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he
No Murder -- Genesis 9:1-7 -- David E. Leininger -- 2007
Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill
Honoring Parents -- Mark 7:1-13 -- David E. Leininger -- 2007
The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jes
God's Name -- Matthew 5:33-37 -- David E. Leininger -- 2007
Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, "Do not break your oath, but keep
The Sabbath -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- David E. Leininger -- 2007
One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as his disciples walked along, they bega
No Idols! -- Isaiah 44:9-17 -- David E. Leininger -- 2007
All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless.
One God, Only One -- Matthew 19:16-22 -- David E. Leininger -- 2007
Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Clouded Vision -- Acts 1:1-11, Acts 16:16-34 -- David E. Leininger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C
There is an ancient apocryphal story about Jesus' arrival at the Pearly Gates following the As
Being A Neighbor In A World In Crisis -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C
After the horrors of the first half of the twentieth century, many of us hoped that the human race h
Struggling With Depression -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
It is a depressing world out there.
The Uses and Abuses of Power -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
We cannot read much in the newspaper or watch the evening news without encountering some reference t

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Clouded Vision -- Acts 1:1-11, Acts 16:16-34 -- David E. Leininger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C
There is an ancient apocryphal story about Jesus' arrival at the Pearly Gates following the As
Being A Neighbor In A World In Crisis -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C
After the horrors of the first half of the twentieth century, many of us hoped that the human race h
Struggling With Depression -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
It is a depressing world out there.
The Uses and Abuses of Power -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
We cannot read much in the newspaper or watch the evening news without encountering some reference t

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Clouded Vision -- Acts 1:1-11, Acts 16:16-34 -- David E. Leininger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C
There is an ancient apocryphal story about Jesus' arrival at the Pearly Gates following the As
Being A Neighbor In A World In Crisis -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C
After the horrors of the first half of the twentieth century, many of us hoped that the human race h
Struggling With Depression -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
It is a depressing world out there.
The Uses and Abuses of Power -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
We cannot read much in the newspaper or watch the evening news without encountering some reference t

Sermon

SermonStudio

Christmas Construction -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Ancient Babylon is the setting for our text.
Do You Hear What I Hear? -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- David E. Leininger -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Years ago, a wise teacher of preachers advised us to prepare our sermons with the Bible in one hand

The Immediate Word

Clouded Vision -- Acts 1:1-11, Acts 16:16-34 -- David E. Leininger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C
There is an ancient apocryphal story about Jesus' arrival at the Pearly Gates following the As
Being A Neighbor In A World In Crisis -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C
After the horrors of the first half of the twentieth century, many of us hoped that the human race h
Struggling With Depression -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
It is a depressing world out there.
The Uses and Abuses of Power -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
We cannot read much in the newspaper or watch the evening news without encountering some reference t

Stories

StoryShare

Where Have All The Good Samaritans Gone? -- Luke 10:25-37, Colossians 1:1-14, Amos 7:7-17, Psalm 82 -- Rick McCracken-Bennett, David E. Leininger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2022
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
Follow The Star -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Psalm 29 -- David E. Leininger, David O. Bales, Terry Cain, Rick McCracken-Bennett, Frank R. Fisher -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2022
Note: This installment was originally published in 2007.Contents

SermonStudio

Repressive Religion -- Luke 13:10-17 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2009
I wish it were not so, but it is. Religion can be horribly repressive sometimes.
The Legacy Of Jesus -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- David E. Leininger -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2009
A certain widow expected to inherit all her late husband's wealth.
Eyes Up! -- Luke 21:25-36 -- David E. Leininger -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
A bit of a contrast, isn't it? The sweet strains of "Away In A Manger" followed by "...
When God Overdoes It -- Lamentations 1:1-6 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2009
A couple of years ago, a fascinating book by Mitch Albom hit the bestseller lists, Tuesdays with
Choosing A God -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
For sheer drama, there is little in fact or fiction that can surpass the stories of Elijah in 1 King
The Speed Bump On The Road To Bethlehem -- Luke 3:1-6 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
In the movie Life Or Something Like It,1 every day at the corner of Fourth and Sanders in dow
A Faith That Matters Between Sundays -- Romans 3:19-28 -- David E. Leininger -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2009
On October 31, 1571, an Augustinian monk by the name of Martin Luther marched up to the castle churc
Year-Round Christmas -- 1 Kings 17:1-24 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2009
"When elephants fight, the grass suffers." So goes an old African proverb.1 The elephants in questio
Ready Or Not, Here He Comes! -- Luke 3:7-18 -- David E. Leininger -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
John is an amazing character, isn't he? Not what we would expect as we come up to Christmas.
The Forgiveness Business -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2009
It's a wonderful story. At least, it is to me. Others might not like it so well.
The News From Nazareth -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- David E. Leininger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
"Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer...." We hear a lot about old Rudy these days.
Our Family Inheritance -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2009
We speak of being "baptized into Christ." Baptized ... wanna fight? Let's talk about baptism.
The Trouble With Stables -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- David E. Leininger -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2009
What do you know about stables? They are not pretty places. The light is not that good.
Lust -- Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2009
Remember the furor that arose a few years ago when Jimmy Carter was interviewed by Playboy ma
Silly Goose -- Colossians 3:12-17 -- David E. Leininger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2009
Great words -- as succinct a description as can be found anywhere of what we are called to be and do
Greed -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2009
Scripture offers a wealth (if I may use that term) of material about greed, about the love of money
The Good Samaritan -- Luke 10:25-37 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2009
This is a familiar story.
God's Picture -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
An old story has it that a little boy was feeling very lonesome for his father.
A Tale Of Two Sisters -- Luke 10:38-42 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2009
With a title like "A Tale Of Two Sisters," this should open with something like, "It was the best of
The Gospel By Starlight -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2009
"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?
God's Plans -- Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 -- David E. Leininger -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2009
Martin Luther considered Psalm 118 his favorite. He wrote, "This is the psalm that I love ...
Washed Clean -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- David E. Leininger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2009
You may have seen the movie that came out several years ago called O Brother, Where Art Thou?
The Judas Gene -- John 18:1--19:42 -- David E. Leininger -- Good Friday - C -- 2009
Why did Judas do it? Was it the money, the thirty pieces of silver?

Worship

The Immediate Word

Clouded Vision -- Acts 1:1-11, Acts 16:16-34 -- David E. Leininger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C
There is an ancient apocryphal story about Jesus' arrival at the Pearly Gates following the As
Being A Neighbor In A World In Crisis -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C
After the horrors of the first half of the twentieth century, many of us hoped that the human race h
Struggling With Depression -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
It is a depressing world out there.
The Uses and Abuses of Power -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
We cannot read much in the newspaper or watch the evening news without encountering some reference t
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 4
32 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christmas!
24 – Sermons
100+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
Merry Christmas! The midwinter festival has come, and it calls for parties, feasting and drinking and dancing and the exchange of gifts. Like all people in the northern hemisphere, we need light in the dark days of winter. The only problem with all of this is that the pressure to be joyful can send us spiraling in the exact opposite of mind sets.
Christmas shops are not just for Christmas anymore. These stores that specialize in everything yuletide-ish do business year round and can be found everywhere. I have seen them in an outlet mall near Washington, D.C., nestled in a small village in the mountains of North Carolina and adorning the white sand beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is born! A bright light has come into our world, so let us thank and praise God for his gift to us of Jesus, the Messiah.

Invitation to Confession:

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, make us worthy to worship at your crib.

Lord, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, may we remember you in today's excitement.

Christ, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, be born in our hearts today.

Lord, have mercy

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
A Story to Live By: "
Christmas Stories: "Christmas Presence" by Janice Hammerquist
"Silver In His Soul"
"www.ChristmasHouse" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: Great Prayer of Thanksgiving for Christmas Eve by Thom M. Shuman


What's Up on Christmas Eve

Lamar Massingill
John E. Sumwalt
Contents
"Taking His Joy unto Ourselves" by Lamar Massingill
"God Acted that We Might Act" by Lamar Massingill
"The Hopes and Fears of All the Years" by John Sumwalt
"God with Us" by Peter Andrew Smith


* * * * * * * *


Taking His Joy unto Ourselves
Lamar Massingill
Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)

Christmas would be incomplete without recognizing Incarnate Love's first fruit, which is joy. Johann Sebastian Bach recognized it when he, as an act of worship, composed "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring."

SermonStudio

John R. Brokhoff
THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Isaiah 9:2--7 (C, RC); Isaiah 9:2--4, 6--7 (E)
Mark Wm. Radecke
Year after year, we are drawn to this night: This night with its carols, its candlelight, its communion, and the combined fragrance of pine, poinsettia and perfume. (Is that Passion or Poison you're wearing? Or maybe it's Polo!) The gentle poetry of Luke's story draws us, too.

Why is it that we are so drawn to this night, I wonder? There are, I suppose, as many answers as there are people in this room.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
It's not an easy life, I'll tell you that. I work my small farm during the day, but that doesn't bring in enough money. I have a family to support, taxes to pay -- oy, don't get me started on taxes -- so I need more than my farm brings in. I do the only other thing I know how to do. I hire myself out for the night shift watching other people's sheep. Tending sheep would not be my first choice, you understand. First, I have to stay awake all night. Then, there's counting the sheep to make sure one or two haven't wandered off. Thieves are always a problem.
Timothy J. Smith
There is a special feeling from being in church on Christmas Eve. For many of us it feels like coming home for Christmas. We come to hear the familiar story of Mary and Joseph making their way to the little town of Bethlehem. We hear once again of Baby Jesus born in stable. Soon after an unexpected encounter with angels, the shepherds head to the manger to see Jesus for themselves. Children have creatively acted out this story for generations complete with the wise men offering their gifts. Living Nativities complete with live animals are portrayed in church parking lots in many communities.
Frank Luchsinger
"The grace of God has appeared ... training us ... to await our blessed hope" (Titus 2:11-13), and oh, how we have waited! The air is filled with anticipation, the Holy Night has come. We each wait for different things: the lighting of candles, the singing of carols, loved ones returning home, feasting, and forgetting ferment, for the Prince of Peace is coming. We wait for delight in the eyes of someone we love as he or she opens that special gift. We wait in awe in the hope that one star's strong light lingers still and will lead us home to him who redeems us.
John B. Jamison
He stood on the steps and waved. He nodded to those cheering to him from below, and took a deep breath as if to soak up their praise.
Susan R. Andrews
At the risk of putting you to sleep, I'd like to ask each one of you to close your eyes. Right now, for just a minute. Please close your eyes. And now imagine with me. Imagine that you are holding a newborn baby. Imagine how this baby feels - skin touching skin, curves touching curves - harmonious heartbeats as life surges between you. Imagine the smell - the earthy sweetness of breath and body perfuming the air. Imagine the sound - the silent melody of sighing, stretching, settling. Right now, for just a minute, let your imagination go. Feel the baby. Smell the baby. Hear the baby.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Gathering
P: Born into this world,
C: born into our lives,
P: God made flesh.
C: O Emmanuel, we praise you now and forever. Amen.

Hymn Of Praise
O Come, All Ye Faithful or Jesus, What A Wonderful Child

Gospel Procession
Have the children (dressed as Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds) process and then read the gospel from the center of the congregation.

Intercessory Prayers
After each petition:
L: O God of love,
C: be born in us today.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Sing A New Song To The Lord (PH216)
Angels From The Realms Of Glory (UM220, PH22, NCH126)
Born In The Night (PH30, NCH152)
Once In Royal David's City (PH49, UM250, NCH145)
The First Nowell (PH56, UM245, CBH199, NCH139)
On This Day Earth Shall Ring (UM248, PH46, CBH192)
What Child Is This? (UM219, PH53, CBH215, NCH148)
Silent Night (PH60, UM229, CBH193, PH134)
The Friendly Beasts (UM227, NCH138)
That Boy--Child Of Mary (PH55, UM241)
Frank Ramirez
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 9:2-7)

One: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light -

All: Those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them light has shone.

Women: You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.

Men: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders -

CSSPlus

Merry Christmas, boys and girls. (Show one of your signs). Do any of you know what this sign means? (Let them answer.) That's right, it means (provide answer). (Show another sign and ask what it means. Let them answer.) Very good. Signs are very important aren't they? They give us direction. They tell us what to do and what not to do. The Bible gives many signs also.

You all know the story about the shepherds on Christmas Eve. The shepherds were in the field watching their sheep. Suddenly an angel appeared to them. The Bible says that the shepherds
Leah Thompson
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all… (v. 11)

Good morning, boys and girls! How are you today? (allow answers) Who can tell me what today is? (allow answers) That's right -- it's finally here! Today is Christmas [Eve]! We have spent the whole season of Advent preparing for right now. The long preparation is finally over. Christmas is here!

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