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Reformation Sunday - B

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Children's Activity

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The truth will make you free -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - B
Teachers or Parents: Reformation Sunday provides us a wonderful
The truth -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - B
Teachers or Parents: The fable of the chicken-eagle is an
The truth makes us free -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - B
Teachers: For this activity you will need sticky labels, or

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Tradition reworked -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- David Coffin -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2015
It finally has happened!
Restoration -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1997
All three of the lessons for this day conclude cycles that have been developing for the last four we
A necessary mid-course correction -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1994
About the author Michael L.

Children's sermon

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The gift of God -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Reformation Sunday - B
Good morning! I'm sure all of you have gone to a birthday
The truth will make you free -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - B
Good morning! Today is Reformation Sunday. What does the
We "fall short ..." -- Romans 3:19-28 (L) -- Reformation Sunday - B
I have a problem. There is a door that needs to be kept
The truth -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - B
Good morning! I brought a picture of an eagle with me today
A gift from God -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Reformation Sunday - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought something with me this
The truth sets you free -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have ever

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Reformation Day (2015) -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Ron Love, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2015
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Sermon Illustrations for Reformation Day (2012) -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Ron Love, Bob Ove, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
Jeremiah 31:31-34
NULL -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
On Valentine's Day romantics old or young have the opportunity to declare their love.
NULL -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Bob Ove -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
Don't we really want that new contract!
NULL -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
John was furious! "Jane, how could you have done this?" Jane was mortified.
NULL -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Ron Love -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
Alecia Beth Moore, whose stage name is Pink, wrote an essay on her admiration for the singing talent
NULL -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
The heart of the Reformation message is that righteousness/salvation is not something we achieve by
NULL -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
Martin Luther was a troubled Augustinian monk trying to gain the assurance of his personal salvation
NULL -- John 8:31-36 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr.
NULL -- John 8:31-36 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
"Please give me your attention," the flight attendant announced.
NULL -- John 8:31-36 -- Bob Ove -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
Abraham was not perfect. He had his ups and downs!
NULL -- John 8:31-36 -- Ron Love -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
Hans Rosling, 63, is trained in statistics and medicine.
Jesus himself is our Truth... -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1997
Jesus himself is our Truth.
A Wall Street Journal... -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1997
A Wall Street Journal cartoon has an eager salesman standing by a computer, saying to an over
Men of Science Never Talk... -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1997
"Men of Science Never Talk That Way" screamed the editorial headlines in the New York Times i
Free! That is what we... -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1997
Free!
Max Beckmann, German painter, created... -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1997
Max Beckmann, German painter, created a fascinating picture of life that has no vision of a center o
In the 1600s there was... -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1997
In the 1600s there was a philosopher by the name of Blaise Pascal.
When Jesus enters the life... -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1997
When Jesus enters the life of blind Bartimaeus, he is sitting on the side of the road.
When your dog looks at... -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1997
When your dog looks at the door, with tail wagging, it is clear that it is expecting someone to take
The gift of justification (being... -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1997
The gift of justification (being made right with God) is equivalent to having a death sentence commu
The difference between Law and... -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1997
The difference between Law and Grace is continually misunderstood.
After a while many biblical... -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1997
After a while many biblical and theological words become used so much that the sharpness is taken fr
It's the law! No one... -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1997
It's the law! No one seems to be getting as much bad press as police officers, not even attorneys!
There are some events in... -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1997
There are some events in life that are unrepeatable and linger fondly in the human memory for a life

Preaching

SermonStudio

Reformation Day -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayFreedom! Collect of the Day
The Church is renewed -- Romans 3:19-28, Jeremiah 31:31-34, John 8:31-36 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The Church is renewed as it opens itself to the transforming power of the gospel
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- George M. Bass -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1990
Virtually all Lutheran calendars and lectionaries make provision for the celebration of Reformation
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- George M. Bass -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1990
Virtually all Lutheran calendars and lectionaries make provision for the celebration of Reformation
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Reformation Sunday - B
Theme For The Day

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Dangers of Being Religious -- John 8:31-36 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2011
Jeff Foxworthy has made a career of telling redneck jokes.
God Begins Anew -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Robert A. Hausman -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2008
In some ways the Old Testament lesson today (Jeremiah 31:31-34) may seem rather strange for Reformat
Ollie, Ollie, All In Free! -- John 8:31-36 -- Steven Molin -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2008
It is probably not theologically advisable to begin a sermon with a complaint, but I am going to def
Admitting The Real Truth -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Patrick J. Rooney -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2008
It does seem a bit unfair, putting me in the same category as Hitler, Stalin, or some of our more re
Write To The Heart -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2005
A four-year-old girl was at the pediatrician's office for a checkup.
Looking In All The Wrong Places -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2005
Author's Note: a fun way to animate this sermon might be to play sections of the several hit
Why God Has No Grandchildren -- John 8:31-36 -- Stan Purdum -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2005
Children of pastors have their share of strange experiences.
Covenant Of The Heart; Sacred Signature -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2002
Marriage is a covenant.
Heart Transplant -- John 8:31-36 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2002
Imagine the scene: you are in the doctor's office, an array of EKGs, echocardiograms, and other test
Sweet Surrender -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2002
John Bradshaw tells a parable about a prisoner in a dark cave.1 The man was sentenced to die.
Telling the Truth -- John 8:31-36 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1999
You catch your child with his hand in the cookie jar just after you have told him, "Hands off!" But
Liberating Truth -- John 8:31-36 -- William G. Carter -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1996
During the 1960s, Sherwood Schwartz wrote and produced a number of hit television shows.
Winners -- Losers -- John 8:31-36 -- Thomas Peterson -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1990
The world is filled with winners and losers. Jesus knew all about being a winner.
Renewal of the New -- Jeremiah 31:31-32 -- John R. Brokhoff, Robert W. Stackel -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1990
"What's new?" is the question we often ask of a person whom we haven't seen for some time.
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- George Paul Mocko -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1987
That Reformation Theme of How You Can't Find God in Head, Heart, or Hands: Something Jeremiah, Paul

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Why God has no grandchildren -- John 8:31-36 -- Stan Purdum -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2006
Children of pastors have their share of strange experiences. As a teenager, I went one day

Stories

StoryShare

The Flower -- John 8:31-36, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46 -- Keith Hewitt, Peter Andrew Smith, C. David Mckirachan -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
Contents"The Flower" by Keith Hewitt
Mistaken Identity -- John 8:31-36, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46 -- Argile Smith, John E. Sumwalt, C. David Mckirachan -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Mistaken Identity" by Argile Smith

SermonStudio

Where Would We Be Without...? -- Romans 3:19-28 -- David E. Leininger -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2008
"For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law" (v. 28).
Seeing With New Eyes -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Constance Berg -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1999
Rudy looked around. He couldn't believe it. It had finally ended. He was free.

Worship

SermonStudio

How Good It Is To Live As One -- Psalm 133 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2008
1. How good it is to live as one In unity and love,
Theme: Never Been There -- Never Done That -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Revelation 2:3-5) One:
A New Covenant -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
I Will Be Your God -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
the Protestant Reformation -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1990
Suggestion:
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 -

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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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