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2 Corinthians 12:2-10

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The Tragic Agnostic -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13, Psalm 48 -- David Kalas -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2021
Note: This installment was originally published July 9, 2006.
Essence of Worship -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- David Coffin -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2018
A family is getting ready to send their second child off to the area state University this autumn.
Victory in spite of -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2015
Each one of this week's scriptures can be viewed as victory as God's will is done, yet these stories
Home -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
One day in l748, the hymn writer Charles Wesley was in a dark and somber frame of mind.
Polarities -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2000
Your writers were not good students of physics, and consequently we both marvel at the power of ele
Just us ordinary folks -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1997
This text is the conclusion of a lengthy narrative which began in 1 Samuel 16.
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1994
About the author

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Power and the Ever-widening Spiral -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2018
To Choose Weakness -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2015
Paul has a bracing message for us in this week’s epistle lesson -- one that seems just as appr
The Court Of Public Opinion -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary scripture texts all feature the twin themes of power and weakness.
The Giving Back Awards -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Carter Shelley, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
The recent announcements by two of America's richest men, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, that they w
A Prescription for Olive Oil -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Our lead article in this issue of The Immediate Word makes connections between the Gospel lec

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Weak and strong -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you think you are pretty strong?
Power comes from God -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Good morning! I brought this ________ with me today. What is
Our weakness; God's strength -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
I have always admired men and women who can lift heavy
Strength from God -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sak

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 9 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13, Psalm 48 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2008
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10

Drama

SermonStudio

A Thorn -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-6 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersJessica: a sick singer who wants to make a career singing

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 9 | OT 14 (2021) -- 2 Samuel 5:1-15, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2021
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 9 | OT 14 (2018) -- 2 Samuel 5:1-15, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2018
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 and Psalm 48
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 9 | OT 14 (2015) -- 2 Samuel 5:1-15, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2015
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 9 | OT 14 (2012) -- 2 Samuel 5:1-15, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
2 Samuel 5:1-15, 9-10
When you think big about a task bigger than yourself... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
When you think big about a task bigger than yourself, like Paul felt about his ministry, then it get
One of the ruling bodies in France was called the Estates General... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Ron Love -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
One of the ruling bodies in France was called the Estates General.
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10... -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2009
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
There was a time in... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2009
There was a time in the Battle of Britain when things looked dark indeed for the British people.
Two years after Dr. King’s... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2009
Two years after Dr.
In high school, Doug was... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2009
In high school, Doug was the one most often picked on by the macho-type boys.
Nobody knows for certain exactly... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2000
Nobody knows for certain exactly what the Apostle Paul's "thorn in the flesh" actually was, although
The more serious a person... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2000
The more serious a person is about life, the greater the need for diversion.
At 21 years of age... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2000
At 21 years of age Bruce could see no need for God. He had it all figured out.
Don had been successful growing... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2000
Don had been successful growing up. He had become good at most everything he tried.
Before we buy a product... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1997
Before we buy a product, we like to know if it has been tested to do what it is supposed to do.
Glenn Miller wrote many beautiful... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1997
Glenn Miller wrote many beautiful pieces of music during the Second World War.
Saint Paul's famous struggle with... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1997
Saint Paul's famous struggle with his "thorn" in his flesh is a wonderful reminder that we must leav
To be a Christian in... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1994
To be a Christian in Egypt means to be acquainted with suffering.
Does suffering serve some purpose... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1994
Does suffering serve some purpose?
A man was attending a... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1994
A man was attending a meeting at a country club he had joined only a few days earlier.

StoryShare

We Are Spiritual Bodies -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Ezekiel 2:1-5 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2021
Contents“We Are Spiritual Bodies” by John Sumwalt

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Sermon Illustrations for Proper 9 | OT 14 (2021) -- 2 Samuel 5:1-15, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2021
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10

The Immediate Word

Power and the Ever-widening Spiral -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2018
To Choose Weakness -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2015
Paul has a bracing message for us in this week’s epistle lesson -- one that seems just as appr
The Court Of Public Opinion -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary scripture texts all feature the twin themes of power and weakness.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Power and the Ever-widening Spiral -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2018
To Choose Weakness -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2015
Paul has a bracing message for us in this week’s epistle lesson -- one that seems just as appr
The Court Of Public Opinion -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary scripture texts all feature the twin themes of power and weakness.
The Giving Back Awards -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Carter Shelley, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
The recent announcements by two of America's richest men, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, that they w
A Prescription for Olive Oil -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Our lead article in this issue of The Immediate Word makes connections between the Gospel lec

SermonStudio

Proper 9 / Pentecost 6 / Ordinary Time 14 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayGod and His people get in the trenches.
Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 or Ezekiel 2:1-5, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2005
Revised Common 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 or Ezekiel 2:1-5 2 Corinthians 12:2-10
Proper 9 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 (C)
God gives us the authority to bring in his kingdom through our strengths and our weaknesses -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: God gives us the authority to bring in his kingdom through our strengths and our
Proper 9 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1993
David becomes king of all Israel. For 71/2 years he ruled the
Proper 9 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1990
Usually by this Sunday in the northern hemisphere, the church finds itself approaching mid-summer, w
Proper 9 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1990
Usually by this Sunday in the northern hemisphere, the church finds itself approaching mid-summer, w
Proper 9, Pentecost 7, Ordinary Time 14 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Seasonal Theme

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Power and the Ever-widening Spiral -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2018
To Choose Weakness -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2015
Paul has a bracing message for us in this week’s epistle lesson -- one that seems just as appr
The Court Of Public Opinion -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary scripture texts all feature the twin themes of power and weakness.
The Giving Back Awards -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Carter Shelley, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
The recent announcements by two of America's richest men, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, that they w
A Prescription for Olive Oil -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Our lead article in this issue of The Immediate Word makes connections between the Gospel lec

SermonStudio

The Vision Of God -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2008
Chapter 10 of 2 Corinthians begins a sharp divide with the nine chapters that have preceded it, a br
The Paradoxical Power Of Weakness -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2005
There are people who speak to us more powerfully out of their weakness than out of their strength.
Grace In The Midst Of Unanswered Prayer -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2002
No one ever really prepares you for your first theological bull session.

The Village Shepherd

Whenever I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
I recently heard a Christian testimony.

Stories

StoryShare

We Are Spiritual Bodies -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Ezekiel 2:1-5 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2021
Contents“We Are Spiritual Bodies” by John Sumwalt
Serving Light -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Psalm 48 -- David O. Bales, John Fitzgerald -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2018
Contents “Serving Light” by David O. Bales
The Shepherd King -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Psalm 48 -- John Fitzgerald -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2015
Contents "The Shepherd King" by John Fitzgerald
How The Mighty Have Fallen -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Psalm 48 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
Contents"How the Mighty Have Fallen" by Frank Ramirez
The Third Heaven -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Psalm 48 -- David O. Bales, Peter Andrew Smith, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Third Heaven" by David O. Bales
A Gift Named Dyslexia -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Constance Berg, Steven E. Burt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Contents What's Up This Week

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Blessed To Be A Blessing -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1999
Mark had loved helping out ever since he was young.
Caught Up Into Paradise -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lee E. Meissner -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
And I know that such a person -- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows --

Worship

The Immediate Word

Power and the Ever-widening Spiral -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2018
To Choose Weakness -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2015
Paul has a bracing message for us in this week’s epistle lesson -- one that seems just as appr
The Court Of Public Opinion -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary scripture texts all feature the twin themes of power and weakness.
The Giving Back Awards -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Carter Shelley, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
The recent announcements by two of America's richest men, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, that they w
A Prescription for Olive Oil -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Our lead article in this issue of The Immediate Word makes connections between the Gospel lec

SermonStudio

Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13, Psalm 48 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipA bit of encouragement to start a worship time. Leader:
A Reason -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship Leader: Is it possible that human weaknesses are for a reason?
Proper 9 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let us give praise and honor to the Lord God Almighty!
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New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
In the sometimes-tiresome debate over science and scripture with respect to creation, it’s easy to become distracted. While the argument typically requires a focus on the how, we may lose sight of the what. And so, for just a moment, let me invite us to think for a moment about what God created.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Acts 8:26-40
As a local church pastor, I was often asked if I would baptize a child whose family were not members of the church. Some churches rebelled against this, but I remember this scripture — the hunger for understanding and inclusion of the Eunuch and Philp’s response — to teach and share and baptize in the name of our God. How could we turn anyone away from the rite of baptism?

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Dad, I think you worked a miracle.” Rolf slowly walked around the tree. “After that windstorm, I assumed this tree was as good as gone.”

“We just needed to give the branches time to heal and come back,” Michael replied.

 “I know, but so many of them were battered and broken I figured that it couldn’t recover. Now though it looks just like it did before the storm.” Rolf paused. “Do you think it will bear any fruit this summer?”

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John Jamison
Object: A live plant that produces fruit, and a broken branch from that plant. I used a tomato plant from a local greenhouse. Ideally, find a plant with blossoms or small fruit already growing. If you use a different kind of fruit-producing plant, just change the script to fit.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent!

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Elena Delhagen
Dean Feldmeyer
Quantisha Mason-Doll
For April 28, 2024:
  • On The Way To Gaza by Chris Keating based on Acts 8:26-40. On the way to Gaza, Philip discovers the startling ways the Spirit of God moves across borders, boundaries, customs, and traditions.
  • Second Thoughts: Abiding by Katy Stenta based on John 15:1-8.
  • Sermon illustrations by Mary Austin, Tom Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is the vine, we are the branches. In our service today, let us absorb from the vine all the nourishment we need.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes our branches become cut off from the vine.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes our branches are withered.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we fail to produce good fruit.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
We will meet Psalm 22 in its entirety on Good Friday, but here the lectionary designates just verses 23-31. The lectionary psalms generally illuminate the week's First Lesson, which in this case is about the covenant initiated by God with Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 17. The nine verses from this psalm, while not inappropriate, nonetheless leave us looking for an obvious connection with the First Lesson.

John S. Smylie
I think some people are natural-born gardeners. Our Lord grew up in a society that was familiar with agriculture. The images that he used to explain the ways of his Father in heaven are familiar to his audience. Growing up, my closest experience to agriculture was living in, "the Garden State." Most people, when they pass through New Jersey, are surprised to see that expression on the license plates of vehicles registered in New Jersey. Most folks traveling through New Jersey experience the megalopolis, the corridor between New York City and Washington DC.
Ron Lavin
A pastor in Indiana went to visit an 87-year-old man named Ermil, who was a hospital patient. A member of his church told the pastor about this old man who was an acquaintance. "He's not a believer, but he is really in need," the church member said. "I met him at the county home for the elderly. He's a lonely old man with no family and no money."

Paul E. Robinson
"Love is a many splendored thing...." Or so we heard Don Cornwall and the Four Aces sing time and again. Of course you or I might have other words to describe love, depending on our situation.

Love. "I love you." "I love to play golf." "I just love pistachio lush!" "It's tough to love some people." "Jesus loves me, this I know."

Love.

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