Login / Signup

Hebrews 4:12-16

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Security -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2021
When a young girl came home from Sunday school, her parents asked her about the lesson.
An Upside-Down World -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2018
Søren Kierkegaard once wrote of a strange break‑in at a large store in his native Denmark where the
Beyond consumerism -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2015
I know a mother who remembers an embarrassing moment that happened when she went with her daughter’s
Have I thought enough? -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- David Kalas -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
The award-winning 1968 movie A Man for All Seasons portrays a portion of the real-life story
Going public -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2006
Each of these texts sends us into a different sector of our lives and asks us to
Tell me all about it -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2003
I came home from school one day really feeling down. It had been a bad day.
Seeking and being sought -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1997
Some of us have been around long enough to remember a campaign launched by Campus Crusade for Christ
Running scared -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1994
Whether by the choice of the designers of the lectionary or by coincidence, fear is operative in eac
Hide and seek -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Hide and seek may be a child's game, but we adults spend a lot of time playing our own version of it

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Giving Things Up -- Mark 10:17-31, Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2018
Anger, Anguish, And Faith's Vanishing Act -- Mark 10:17-31, Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2015
Last Thursday it happened again -- another in a long line of violent outbursts, leaving multiple vic
Wealth: Boon Or Bane? -- Mark 10:17-31, Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Most people in our society look forward to retirement -- and one of the main attractions is the free
Can You Handle The Truth? -- Mark 10:17-31, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
The Forgiveness Heard Round The World -- Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
This week's The Immediate Word is written by Barbara Jurgensen.

CSSPlus

Bold or quiet? -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2006
Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may
Tried and true -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you know what a battery is? (let them answer) Very good!
Hold fast and don't let go! -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Good morning! I want to read to you a statement about what
Even little me! -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Today I brought a little, tiny seed to make a point. See
God is alive -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought some beautiful autumn

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 23 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2008
Job 23:1-9, 16-17

Drama

SermonStudio

The Hotel And Restaurant -- Hebrews 1:1-4, Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersPeter: the maitre d' hotel, middle-aged or older

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 (2021) -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2021
Job 23:1-9,16-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 (2018) -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Ron Love -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2018
Job 1:1; 2:1-10
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 (2015) -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2015
Job 23:1-9, 16-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 (2012) -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler, Cynthia E. Cowen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Job 23:1-9, 16-17
NULL -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
The history of swords is fascinating, spanning thousands of years and a multitude of cultures.
NULL -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Ron Love -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Great Britain's richest woman was American-born Eva Rausing.
NULL -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
If Jesus was tempted in every way such as we are, then he can understand our temptations.
NULL -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
As a church youth director, Ardi received lots of flyers in her mailbox.
Many commentators agree that Hebrews... -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2006
Many commentators agree that Hebrews is written to a tired congregation who grows
Marlo Thomas wrote The Right... -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2006
Marlo Thomas wrote The Right Words at the Right Time, that tells how one
The world breaks everyone, wrote... -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2006
"The world breaks everyone," wrote Ernest Hemingway in A Farewell To Arms,
I grew up in a... -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2003
I grew up in a household that contained many Bibles.
As a young adult, I... -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2003
As a young adult, I had my tonsils removed.
About two years ago, U.S... -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2003
About two years ago, U.S. Representative Floyd D. Spence from South Carolina died.
Research is being conducted in... -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2003
Research is being conducted in many places (Emory University in Atlanta, the Wadsworth Center of the
God's willingness to sympathize with... -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2000
God's willingness to sympathize with us in our weakness can teach us to do so on behalf of others.
It is not usual for... -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1997
It is not usual for soldiers to assess their commanding officers, but they nevertheless do so in the
There was a certain church... -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1997
There was a certain church member who was very pleased with how the pastor of his congregation preac
The late Peter Taylor Forsythe... -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1994
The late Peter Taylor Forsythe was called the Karl Barth of English Congregationalism.
By the time I was... -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1994
By the time I was eight or ten years old, my mother would send me to the nearby grocery store to get
Throughout the scriptures Christians are... -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1994
Throughout the scriptures Christians are warned about judging. The judgment of people can be wrong.
The student chaplain entered the... -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1994
The student chaplain entered the room with trepidation.

The Immediate Word

Giving Things Up -- Mark 10:17-31, Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2018
Anger, Anguish, And Faith's Vanishing Act -- Mark 10:17-31, Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2015
Last Thursday it happened again -- another in a long line of violent outbursts, leaving multiple vic
Wealth: Boon Or Bane? -- Mark 10:17-31, Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Most people in our society look forward to retirement -- and one of the main attractions is the free

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Giving Things Up -- Mark 10:17-31, Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2018
Anger, Anguish, And Faith's Vanishing Act -- Mark 10:17-31, Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2015
Last Thursday it happened again -- another in a long line of violent outbursts, leaving multiple vic
Wealth: Boon Or Bane? -- Mark 10:17-31, Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Most people in our society look forward to retirement -- and one of the main attractions is the free
Can You Handle The Truth? -- Mark 10:17-31, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
The Forgiveness Heard Round The World -- Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
This week's The Immediate Word is written by Barbara Jurgensen.

SermonStudio

Proper 23 / Pentecost 20 / Ordinary Time 28 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayTaking sin seriously. Collect of the Day
Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17 or Amos 5:6-7, 10-15, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Job 23:1-9, 16-17 or Amos 5:6-7, 10-15 Hebrews 4:12-16
Proper 23 (C, E) -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Job 23:1-9, 16-17 (C)
The difficulty of entering the kingdom of heaven when material things have a hold on you. -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The difficulty of entering the kingdom of heaven when material things have a hol
Proper 23 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1993
In Job 23, Job responds to Eliphaz, one of Job's supposed
Proper 23 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1990
It is critical, at this juncture of the church year, to remember that the lectionary and the church
Proper 23 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1990
It is critical, at this juncture of the church year, to remember that the lectionary and the church
Proper 23, Pentecost 21, Ordinary Time 28 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Seasonal Theme

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Giving Things Up -- Mark 10:17-31, Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2018
Anger, Anguish, And Faith's Vanishing Act -- Mark 10:17-31, Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2015
Last Thursday it happened again -- another in a long line of violent outbursts, leaving multiple vic
Wealth: Boon Or Bane? -- Mark 10:17-31, Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Most people in our society look forward to retirement -- and one of the main attractions is the free
Can You Handle The Truth? -- Mark 10:17-31, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
The Forgiveness Heard Round The World -- Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
This week's The Immediate Word is written by Barbara Jurgensen.

The Village Shepherd

Judgment Day -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
I was watching yet another television programme on near-death

SermonStudio

Praying In Boldness And Faith -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Patrick J. Rooney -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2008
It is the holiest of days.
Like A Child -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2005
Angela was still a pre-schooler the Christmas Grandpa Harvey got her the red Radio Flyer wagon, and
Laid Bare, Laid Out, And Laid Back -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2002
Today's sermon to the Hebrews hits close to home for us in contemporary America.

Stories

StoryShare

Peter's Everything -- Mark 10:17-31, Hebrews 4:12-16 -- David O. Bales -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2018
Contents "Peter’s Everything" by David O. Bales
God's Word Cuts Deep -- Mark 10:17-31, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Psalm 22:1-15 -- John Fitzgerald, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2015
Contents "God?s Word Cuts Deep" by John Fitzgerald
Threading The Needle -- Mark 10:17-31, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Contents"Threading the Needle" by Frank Ramirez
The Fire -- Mark 10:17-31, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Keith Hewitt, Larry Winebrenner, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Fire" by Keith Hewitt
A Triumph Of The Spirit -- Mark 10:17-31, Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Contents
Talking To God -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 26 -- Rick McCracken-Bennett, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
ContentsWhat's Up This Week

Worship

The Immediate Word

Giving Things Up -- Mark 10:17-31, Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2018
Anger, Anguish, And Faith's Vanishing Act -- Mark 10:17-31, Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2015
Last Thursday it happened again -- another in a long line of violent outbursts, leaving multiple vic
Wealth: Boon Or Bane? -- Mark 10:17-31, Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Most people in our society look forward to retirement -- and one of the main attractions is the free
Can You Handle The Truth? -- Mark 10:17-31, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
The Forgiveness Heard Round The World -- Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
This week's The Immediate Word is written by Barbara Jurgensen.

SermonStudio

Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2005
First Lesson: Job 23:1-9, 16-17 Theme: And Another Thing, Lord ...
Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Where On Earth Are You? -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: Where are you when we need you, God?
Proper 23 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
PROPER 23 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 22:1-15 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPBe satisfied with God's love when morning breaks and sing for joy

Free Access

Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2005
First Lesson: Job 23:1-9, 16-17 Theme: And Another Thing, Lord ...
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Signup for FREE!
(No credit card needed.)
Easter 4
28 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
23 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 5
33 – Sermons
140+ – Illustrations / Stories
34 – Children's Sermons / Resources
30 – Worship Resources
35 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 6
30 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
23 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Signup for FREE!
(No credit card needed.)

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.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL