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Showing 4501 to 4525 of 5000 results

4501. Christmas 2

Psalm 147:1-20, Jeremiah 30:1--31:40, Ephesians 1:1-14, John 1:1-18

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

OLD TESTAMENT TEXTS The Old Testament texts for the Second Sunday After Christmas are a celebration of God's salvation. Jeremiah 31:7-14 proclaims a new salvation to a remnant that will survive Israel's exile from the land at the hands of the Babylonians, while Psalm 147:12-20 is a celebration of God's power to save Israel. Jeremiah 31:7-14 - "Salvation as Radical Reversal" Setting. Jeremiah 31:7-14 consists of two distinct oracles. Jeremiah 31:7-9 is an oracle of salvation addressed to Israel, or more ...

4502. Easter 2

John 20:24-31, John 20:19-23, 1 Peter 1:1-12, Acts 2:14-41, Psalm 16:1-11

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

TEXTS FROM ACTS AND PSALMS In the weeks of Easter, readings from Acts replace the normal Old Testament lessons. Several of the Acts readings are closely related to one another. Thus, in the sections on "Setting" and "Structure" for the text from Acts, information is given that is relevant for this Sunday's reading from Acts, as well as the next two Sundays. The material will be given only in this chapter. Readers will be reminded in the subsequent two weeks to refer back to this information. A portion of ...

4503. Easter 3

Psalm 116:1-19, Acts 2:14-41, 1 Peter 1:13-2:3, Luke 24:13-35

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

TEXTS FROM ACTS AND PSALMS In bringing these readings together, the lectionary focuses our attention on making our vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people. The psalm meditates on fulfilling such a vow as an act of thanksgiving for all God's bountiful provisions for us, and the account from Acts shows us certain penitent persons at Pentecost publicly professing repentance and being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ in reaction to Peter's proclamation, "God has made him both Lord and Christ, ...

4504. Easter 6

Psalm 66:1-20, Acts 17:16-34, 1 Peter 3:8-22, John 14:15-31

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

TEXTS FROM ACTS AND PSALMS If there is logic to the selection or combination of these texts, it is not readily discernible, even by stretching one's imagination. The sermon-speech by Paul in Acts works out a kind of "crisis-theology," which insists that necessary changes are currently demanded by the work of God in Jesus Christ. The psalm is a profound expression of piety, filled with vivid imagery and recalling the goodness of God both to Israel and to the psalmist. Acts 17:22-31 - "The Changing of the ...

4505. Easter Vigil

Genesis 1:1-2:3, Romans 6:1-14, Matthew 28:1-10

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

OLD TESTAMENT TEXTS The Old Testament lessons for the Easter Vigil represent a wide sweep of texts that explore the mighty acts of God as both savior and creator. The central text for the Easter Vigil is the account of Israel's salvation at the Reed Sea in Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21. The actions of God in our world—from creation to the full realization of a distant future salvation—are all viewed in light of the reality of Israel's salvation at the sea. This event will also be our lens as we read through ...

4506. Epiphany 2

Psalm 40:1-17, Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-34, John 1:35-42

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

OLD TESTAMENT TEXTS As the Gospel lesson for this week indicates, the baptism of Jesus remains the point of focus, and thus the theme of commissioning continues to play a central role in this Second Sunday After Epiphany. The continuity of theme in the Gospels is also carried through in the Old Testament lessons, because Isaiah 49:1-7 is the second of the Servant Songs. Both Isaiah 49:1-7 and Psalm 40:1-11 explore what it means to be commissioned as the people of God. Isaiah 49:1-7 outlines the character ...

4507. Lent 3

Jn 4:5-42 · Rom 5:1-11 · Ex 17:1-7 · Ps 95

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

OLD TESTAMENT TEXTS The central theme of the Old Testament texts can be stated as a question: Is the Lord in our midst or not? The central motif that is used to answer the question in Exodus 17:1-7 is the miraculous gift of water in the wilderness. This motif links the Old Testament lesson and the gospel text for this Sunday. Psalm 95 provides commentary on the wilderness story from a somewhat different direction. As we will see, the account of Israel's testing God in the wilderness is not a negative story ...

4508. Lent 4

Jn 9:1-41 · Eph 5:8-14 · Ps 23 · 1 Sam 16:1-13

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

OLD TESTAMENT TEXTS The Old Testament texts explore what it means to be anointed by God. I Samuel 16:1-13 is the account of the anointing of David by Samuel and Psalm 23 is a prayer song in which the worshiper who has experienced threatening events also experiences the security of God through anointing. I Samuel 16:1-13 highlights the risks that accompany the anointing of God, while Psalm 23 outlines the unique security that God offers each of us. 1 Samuel 16:1-13 - "The Risk of Anointing" Setting. I ...

4509. Proper 8

Matthew 10:1-42, Romans 6:15-23, Psalm 13:1-6, Genesis 22:1-19

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

OLD TESTAMENT TEXTS The Old Testament texts for this Sunday are about divine testing. Genesis 22:1-14 is the story of how God tested Abraham in commanding the sacrifice of Isaac, while Psalm 13 is a lament that provides liturgical language for how we approach God during times of testing. Genesis 22:1-14 - "To Fear God Is to See God" Setting. The story of Genesis 22 is sinister. God's command for Abraham to sacrifice Isaac in the opening verse is outrageous, and, even though the narrative progresses to a ...

4510. Proper 13

Psalm 17:1-15, Romans 9:1-29, Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-32

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

OLD TESTAMENT TEXTS Genesis 32:22-31 is the account of Jacob's fight with God at the Jabbok River, while Psalm 17:1-9, 15 is a psalm of lament that ends with words of confidence. Genesis 32:22-31 - "A Story of Transformation" Setting. An interpretation of Jacob's struggle with God at the Jabbok River requires that we look briefly at the larger context of the Jacob cycle and return to a topic that was introduced in the opening lesson on the Jacob cycle—namely, the power of names in the shaping of the ...

4511. Proper 14

Genesis 37:1-11, Matthew 14:22-36, Romans 9:30--10:21, Psalm 105:1-45

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

OLD TESTAMENT TEXTS The Old Testament texts explore the power of God in history. Genesis 37 introduces the story of Joseph and Psalm 105 reviews Israel's entire history of salvation. Genesis 37:1-4, 12-36 - "The Power of Oppression" Setting. The Old Testament lessons for the next two Sundays come from the story of Joseph. The story of Joseph in Genesis 37-50 provides a hinge between the preceding ancestral stories of Abraham and Sarah-Hagar, Isaac and Rebekah, and Jacob and Rachel-Leah Genesis 12-36), and ...

4512. Proper 24

Exodus 33:12-23, Matthew 22:15-22, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Psalm 99:1-9

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

OLD TESTAMENT TEXTS Exodus 33:12-23 is an extended petition of Moses for God to accompany Israel on their wilderness travels. Psalm 99 is a song of praise that celebrates the power of God. Exodus 33:12-23 - "The Power of Petition: Part 2" Setting. See the commentary from last week for an overview of the three-part structure of Exodus 19-34, which is (1) revelation and covenant Exodus 19-31), (2) the breaking of covenant and threat of destruction Exodus 32 -33), and (3) covenant renewal (Exodus 34). The ...

4513. Proper 25

Deuteronomy 34:1-12, Matthew 22:34-40, Matthew 22:41-46, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16, Psalm 90:1-17

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

OLD TESTAMENT TEXTS Deuteronomy 34:1-12 is the account of Moses' death on Mount Nebo, his burial by God, and the passing on of his leadership to Joshua. Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 is a prayer ascribed to Moses. The lectionary does not include v. 13, but it is included here since it introduces the prayer ascribed to Moses. Deuteronomy 34:1-12 - "Standing Tiptoe on Mount Nebo" Setting. Deuteronomy 34 is the account of Moses' death. The chapter consists of careful to graps location in Moab and includes a reference ...

4514. Transfiguration

Psalm 2:1-12, Matthew 17:1-13, 2 Peter 1:12-21, Exodus 24:1-18

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

OLD TESTAMENT TEXTS This Sunday is a celebration of the Transfiguration. The Old Testament texts provide two perspectives on the presence of God in our midst. Exodus 24:12-18 describes the descent of God in the form of fire to the top of Mount Sinai in order to be with the people of God in worship, while Psalm 2:6-11 celebrates the messianic rule of God throughout this world. Taken together these texts provide commentary on the Transfiguration. (Note that Psalm 2:6-11 is the alternate reading, which is ...

4515. Take On Something for Lent

Matthew 4:1-11

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

An increasing number of responsible pet owners have now “micro-chipped” their dogs and cats. A small “chip” is injected under the skin and when a special scanner is run over the chip, the creature’s whole history is made available—-pet’s name, owner’s name, home address, home phone, vet’s name, vet’s phone, medications taken. It’s all there. Most animal shelters now have these scanners. When a lost or wandering animal is brought in, “scanning” is the first procedure. Often the “lost” is “found,” ...

4516. Commentary for Matthew 4: 1-11

Matthew 4:1-11

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

Can you believe how early Ash Wednesday was this year? Early February and the first Sunday of Lent? You are right to wonder. An Easter this early is more than a once in a lifetime event. It’s a once-in-a century event. The earliest Easter can fall is 22 March, which occurs only once every two centuries. A 23 March Easter is a once-a-century event . . .the next one is 2160. We are as unaccustomed to this early a Lenten season as we are accustomed to the temptations story beginning our Lenten journey. In ...

4517. Do You Have It?

Ephesians 4:17--5:21

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

Lent is one of the primary seasons of the Christian calendar. But this year that phrase "primary season" has a different meaning. Lent may be a primary season of prayer and fasting, repentance and introspection in a theological context. But in 2008 this is "primary season," which means something very different in a political context. No matter how apolitical you may be, it has been impossible to avoid the 2008 "primary season." The pious pronouncements of the endless parade of political pundits can become ...

4518. Do You Have It

Ephesians 4:17--5:21

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

The epistle text for this week draws distinctions in belief and behavior that are as different as night and day, light and dark. Our lectionary reading, part of a larger discussion that begins in Ephesians 4:17 and does not conclude until 5:20, focuses on how disciples are "to walk" in this world. Both the being and the behavior of those transformed by Christ are discernibly different from the rest of the world--as different as "light" and "darkness." As baptized people, argues the Ephesians text, the ...

4519. Changed Lives: Judas

Matthew 26:14-16

Sermon

King Duncan

Author Sheila Walsh tells of putting on a show with her three-year-old son, Christian. Christian wanted to act out Jesus riding a donkey into Jerusalem. He declared that he would be Jesus, and Sheila would play the part of Hosanna. Who was Hosanna? Sheila asked. Why, the donkey, of course! Why else would the crowds yell “Hosanna!” when Jesus rode through the streets? Sheila asked herself whether the crowds understood the word “Hosanna!” any better than her three-year-old did, for just a week later these ...

4520. Matthew 21:1-11 - Roll Out the Green Carpet

Matthew 21:1-11

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

Palm Sunday at last! And thank God for John, even though our reading comes from Matthew. But if it weren’t for John’s gospel (John 12:13), we wouldn’t know that palm branches were used for the celebration that welcomes Jesus into Jerusalem. In Matthew’s gospel this is Jesus’ first time in the holy city, the official center of Jewish life and faith. In fact this “new to Jerusalem” theme explains much of the Palm Sunday/Passion Week tensions as described by Matthew. In Matthew’s gospel Jesus’ Galilean ...

4521. Roll out the Green Carpet

Matthew 21:1-11

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

Before every “feast day” on the calendar—-Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, etc—-the local newspaper runs a reminder to its readers: Don’t include your pets in your over-indulgence! For Thanksgiving and Christmas the cautions are against letting Fido chow down on rich turkey skin, ham fat, giblets, gravies, and other greasy goodies. Your vet will tell you that there is always a huge spike in pets needing treatment for painful pancreatitis as a result of gobbling down all those rich human handouts. The ...

4522. A Turning Point for Nixon

Matthew 21:1-11

Illustration

Brett Blair

A number of years ago, Newsweek magazine carried the story of the memorial service held for Hubert Humphrey, former vice-president of the United States. Hundreds of people came from all over the world to say good-bye to their old friend and colleague. But one person who came was shunned and ignored by virtually everyone there. Nobody would look at him much less speak to him. That person was former president Richard Nixon. Not long before, he had gone through the shame and infamy of Watergate. He was back ...

4523. Help!

Romans 7:7-25

Children's Sermon

Tim Carpenter

Exegetical Aim: Jesus Christ rescues us from our sinful selves. Props: Some candy, a soda, a piece of cake, a tray, and two adult volunteers. Lesson: I’m glad to see you. Today I want to talk to you about . . . Have one of the volunteers come inside the church at precisely this point carrying a tray with the items on it. Stare at the person as he/she places the tray down and says, “Would you all please watch this for me. I have to go over there.” Sure, I’ll watch it for you. The volunteer then walks out ...

4524. Hope in the Citadel of Atheism

John 20:1-18

Illustration

Gary Thomas

Then Vice President George Bush represented the U.S. at the funeral of former Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. Bush was deeply moved by a silent protest carried out by Brezhnev's widow. She stood motionless by the coffin until seconds before it was closed. Then, just as the soldiers touched the lid, Brezhnev's wife performed an act of great courage and hope, a gesture that must surely rank as one of the most profound acts of civil disobedience ever committed: She reached down and made the sign of the cross ...

4525. Changed Lives - Simon Peter (Maundy Thursday)

John 13:1-17

Sermon

King Duncan

Master story-teller Dr. Fred Craddock tells about something that happened many years ago while he was driving cross‑country. He had stopped at a small diner somewhere in the South to refresh himself with an early breakfast and some coffee. He had been driving through the night and now it was getting close to dawn. And he was sleepy. As he waited for his breakfast order to come, Craddock spied a black man who had just come in and had sat down on a stool up by the lunch counter. The diner’s manager then ...

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Showing 4501 to 4525 of 5000 results

4501. Christmas 2

Psalm 147:1-20, Jeremiah 30:1--31:40, Ephesians 1:1-14, John 1:1-18

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

4502. Easter 2

John 20:24-31, John 20:19-23, 1 Peter 1:1-12, Acts 2:14-41, Psalm 16:1-11

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

4503. Easter 3

Psalm 116:1-19, Acts 2:14-41, 1 Peter 1:13-2:3, Luke 24:13-35

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

4504. Easter 6

Psalm 66:1-20, Acts 17:16-34, 1 Peter 3:8-22, John 14:15-31

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

4505. Easter Vigil

Genesis 1:1-2:3, Romans 6:1-14, Matthew 28:1-10

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

4506. Epiphany 2

Psalm 40:1-17, Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-34, John 1:35-42

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

4507. Lent 3

Jn 4:5-42 · Rom 5:1-11 · Ex 17:1-7 · Ps 95

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

4508. Lent 4

Jn 9:1-41 · Eph 5:8-14 · Ps 23 · 1 Sam 16:1-13

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

4509. Proper 8

Matthew 10:1-42, Romans 6:15-23, Psalm 13:1-6, Genesis 22:1-19

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

4510. Proper 13

Psalm 17:1-15, Romans 9:1-29, Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-32

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

4511. Proper 14

Genesis 37:1-11, Matthew 14:22-36, Romans 9:30--10:21, Psalm 105:1-45

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

4512. Proper 24

Exodus 33:12-23, Matthew 22:15-22, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Psalm 99:1-9

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

4513. Proper 25

Deuteronomy 34:1-12, Matthew 22:34-40, Matthew 22:41-46, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16, Psalm 90:1-17

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

4514. Transfiguration

Psalm 2:1-12, Matthew 17:1-13, 2 Peter 1:12-21, Exodus 24:1-18

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

4515. Take On Something for Lent

Matthew 4:1-11

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

4516. Commentary for Matthew 4: 1-11

Matthew 4:1-11

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

4517. Do You Have It?

Ephesians 4:17--5:21

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

4518. Do You Have It

Ephesians 4:17--5:21

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

4519. Changed Lives: Judas

Matthew 26:14-16

Sermon

King Duncan

4520. Matthew 21:1-11 - Roll Out the Green Carpet

Matthew 21:1-11

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

4521. Roll out the Green Carpet

Matthew 21:1-11

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

4522. A Turning Point for Nixon

Matthew 21:1-11

Illustration

Brett Blair

4523. Help!

Romans 7:7-25

Children's Sermon

Tim Carpenter

4524. Hope in the Citadel of Atheism

John 20:1-18

Illustration

Gary Thomas

4525. Changed Lives - Simon Peter (Maundy Thursday)

John 13:1-17

Sermon

King Duncan

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