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Hebrews 11:29--12:2

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Jesus versus family values -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2022
Note: This installment was originally published in 2007.
Marathon -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
The Desert Fathers told of a father and a son who were traveling together.
Welcoming stress -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2016
In this week’s gospel passage Jesus says, “What stress I am under!” How often do we make this claim,
Created to be God's people -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- David Coffin -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
A congregation has started a new ministry to work with younger children.
Sober reflections -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
My memories of my great-grandmother Bolt are very vague.
Hall of fame game -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- David Kalas -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
Every major professional sport has a hall of fame. So do a lot of more obscure sports.
Tuning the fourth turning -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2001
People often think more highly of themselves than their behavior in fact reflects.
Judgment -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 1998
These are hard texts and no responsible exegete can make them easy.

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Holy Heart Burn -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19, Jeremiah 23:23-29, Psalm 82 -- Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2022
For August 14, 2022:
Seeing the Signs, Taking the Steps -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
For August 18, 2019:
Eeny, Meeny, Miney, Moe -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2016
In this week’s gospel passage, Jesus rails that he has not come to bring peace but rather division -
Sour Grapes -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
In this week’s lectionary passage from the book of Isaiah, the prophet laments the strained rela
Pick Your Witnesses -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, the author of Hebrews takes us on a mini-tour of the Old
Signs Of The Times -- Luke 12:49-56, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
In the Gospel lesson for this Sunday (Luke 12:49-56), Jesus chides the disciples for focusing on imm
Hero Time -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
Athletes and sports in general are always hot topics in American culture -- and even more so during

CSSPlus

True heroes -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
"For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the p
My heroes -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak,
Sin tangles us up -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
I need a volunteer today. (Select your helper.) I am going to tie you up, okay?
Staying focused -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
Good morning! I brought this board with me today to see how
Run the race -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
Good morning!

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 15 / Pentecost 13 / Ordinary Time 20 -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2009
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2022) -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2022
Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2019) -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
Isaiah 5:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2016) -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, R. Robert Cueni, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2016
Isaiah 5:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2013) -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Scott A. Bryte, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
Isaiah 5:1-7
We underestimate the power... -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
We underestimate the power of faith.
The Green Lantern, Superman... -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
The Green Lantern, Superman, Wonder Woman, the Incredible Hulk, Spiderman, Captain America -- superh
NULL -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
During the Underground Railroad, people would hide runaway slaves in their homes.
NULL -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
I visited Israel as a tourist several years ago.
NULL -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
IllustrationsIsaiah 5:1-7
The writer of Hebrews frames... -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
The writer of Hebrews frames pictures of people who lived by faith. He mounts those
If a life is so... -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
If a life is so richly rewarded when one walks by faith -- why is it so rarely seen? I have
My recent reading included the... -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
My recent reading included the story of the skilled carpenter who is asked to build a
Today's scripture from Hebrews is... -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
Today's scripture from Hebrews is one of the purple passages in the Bible. The great roll
I like to collect congregational... -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2001
I like to collect congregational history books.
As we become aware of... -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2001
As we become aware of the cloud of witnesses surrounding us, we should draw encouragement from them
Ten-year-old Taylor Touchstone... -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2001
Ten-year-old Taylor Touchstone survived four days alone in the waters of Turtle Swamp, Florida, swim
When this passage talks about... -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2001
When this passage talks about keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, I am reminded of open water swimming.
After describing many glorious deeds... -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 1998
After describing many glorious deeds performed by spiritual heroes of the past, the author of Hebrew
Heroes come in many shapes... -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 1998
Heroes come in many shapes, sizes, and colors.

The Immediate Word

Holy Heart Burn -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19, Jeremiah 23:23-29, Psalm 82 -- Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2022
For August 14, 2022:
Seeing the Signs, Taking the Steps -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
For August 18, 2019:
Eeny, Meeny, Miney, Moe -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2016
In this week’s gospel passage, Jesus rails that he has not come to bring peace but rather division -
Sour Grapes -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
In this week’s lectionary passage from the book of Isaiah, the prophet laments the strained rela
Pick Your Witnesses -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, the author of Hebrews takes us on a mini-tour of the Old
Signs Of The Times -- Luke 12:49-56, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
In the Gospel lesson for this Sunday (Luke 12:49-56), Jesus chides the disciples for focusing on imm

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Holy Heart Burn -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19, Jeremiah 23:23-29, Psalm 82 -- Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2022
For August 14, 2022:
Seeing the Signs, Taking the Steps -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
For August 18, 2019:
Eeny, Meeny, Miney, Moe -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2016
In this week’s gospel passage, Jesus rails that he has not come to bring peace but rather division -
Sour Grapes -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
In this week’s lectionary passage from the book of Isaiah, the prophet laments the strained rela
Pick Your Witnesses -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, the author of Hebrews takes us on a mini-tour of the Old
Signs Of The Times -- Luke 12:49-56, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
In the Gospel lesson for this Sunday (Luke 12:49-56), Jesus chides the disciples for focusing on imm
Hero Time -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
Athletes and sports in general are always hot topics in American culture -- and even more so during

SermonStudio

Proper 15 -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 5:1-7 (C)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Holy Heart Burn -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19, Jeremiah 23:23-29, Psalm 82 -- Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2022
For August 14, 2022:
Seeing the Signs, Taking the Steps -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
For August 18, 2019:
Eeny, Meeny, Miney, Moe -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2016
In this week’s gospel passage, Jesus rails that he has not come to bring peace but rather division -
Sour Grapes -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
In this week’s lectionary passage from the book of Isaiah, the prophet laments the strained rela
Pick Your Witnesses -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, the author of Hebrews takes us on a mini-tour of the Old
Signs Of The Times -- Luke 12:49-56, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
In the Gospel lesson for this Sunday (Luke 12:49-56), Jesus chides the disciples for focusing on imm
Hero Time -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
Athletes and sports in general are always hot topics in American culture -- and even more so during

SermonStudio

Running With Perseverance -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2009
United Methodist Bishop, Robert Schnase, tells of his hobby as a "serious runner." He reports that p
Unlocking The Power Of God -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2006
What can faith do? It can part a raging sea and allow a nation to walk through. What can faith do?
Look To Jesus -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2003
I never shall forget the time when I first donned the colors of the Purple and Gold.
No Pain, No Gain -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Kirk R. Webster -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2000
In his colorful commentary on Hebrews, Thomas Long paints a picture of the historical setting surrou

The Village Shepherd

Hang On In There -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
Although I love reading, I've never been a great lover of biographies.

Stories

StoryShare

A Cloud of Witnesses -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
Contents “A Cloud of Witnesses” by Peter Andrew Smith
What More Could I Have Done? -- Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Sandra Herrmann, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2016
Contents "What More Could I Have Done?" by Sandra Herrmann
The Song Of The Vineyard -- Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Keith Hewitt, John Fitzgerald -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
Contents"The Song of the Vineyard" by Keith Hewitt
The Parable And The Prophet -- Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Sandra Herrmann, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
Contents"The Parable and the Prophet" by Sandra Herrmann
Donnie's Plant -- Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Stan Purdum, Gregory L. Tolle, David E. Leininger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Donnie's Plant" by Stan Purdum
Faith Like A Lion -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
And what more should I say?

SermonStudio

Running With The Holy -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2006
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every
The Fat Factor -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2003
Camryn Manheim is an actor, best known for her role as the no-nonsense, take-no-prisoners, Eleanor F
The Faithful Harlot -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 1994
What's a bad girl like you doing in a list like this?
Proper 15 -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- John Steward -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
In Plato's Symposium there is an allegory that imagines the beginning of human beings.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Holy Heart Burn -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19, Jeremiah 23:23-29, Psalm 82 -- Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2022
For August 14, 2022:
Seeing the Signs, Taking the Steps -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
For August 18, 2019:
Eeny, Meeny, Miney, Moe -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2016
In this week’s gospel passage, Jesus rails that he has not come to bring peace but rather division -
Sour Grapes -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
In this week’s lectionary passage from the book of Isaiah, the prophet laments the strained rela
Pick Your Witnesses -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, the author of Hebrews takes us on a mini-tour of the Old
Signs Of The Times -- Luke 12:49-56, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
In the Gospel lesson for this Sunday (Luke 12:49-56), Jesus chides the disciples for focusing on imm
Hero Time -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
Athletes and sports in general are always hot topics in American culture -- and even more so during

SermonStudio

Proper 15 / Ordinary Time 20 / Pentecost 10 -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2009
Zoos are no longer in people's good graces. Religion faces the same problem.
Proper 15/Ordinary Time 20 -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Hebrews 11:29--12:2Theme: Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus
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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?”

CSSPlus

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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