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2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Parents and Children -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2018
In one of the “Peanuts” cartoons, Charlie Brown sits in his father’s barber shop and describes his r
Shattered dreams and reviving hopes -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2015
A Jewish boy in Europe grew up with a profound sense of admiration for his father.
For the sake of the king -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- David Kalas -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2012
In our Old Testament passage this week, we read the poignant story of Absalom's rebellion and defeat
Parenting -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2000
Two of the important issues facing our society today are the matters of the family (see our column f
No love like this -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1997
We come to the core of the unraveling of David's reign.
What goes around comes around! -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1994
The story of Absalom and his disastrous revolt is one of the great narratives of the Old Testament.
Maker of heaven and earth -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, Psalm 130 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Okay, sooner or later, and more likely sooner than later, if you engage in the homiletical

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Holding our breath -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Psalm 130 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2018
The University Of Gratitude -- Psalm 34:1-8, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2015
This week’s alternate psalm text, Psalm 34:1-8, encapsulates what might be called an attitude of gra
Loving Wisely -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, Psalm 130 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary text from the Hebrew scriptures brings us David's heart-wrenching lament over
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
Living With Anger -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Psalm 130 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
The furor surrounding Mel Gibson and his outburst toward a police officer has been a major item in t

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 14 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, Psalm 130 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2008
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 14 | OT 19 (2021) -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:34, 41-51 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2021
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 14 | OT 19 (2018) -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:34, 41-51 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bob Ove, Ron Love -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2018
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 and Psalm 130
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 14 | OT 19 (2015) -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:34, 41-51 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bob Ove -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2015
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 14 | OT 19 (2012) -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:34, 41-51 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2012
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33
An elderly lady had been waiting to pull into a parking place... -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Ron Love -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2012
An elderly lady had been waiting to pull into a parking place.
The story of David's remarkable compassion toward his rebellious son... -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2012
The story of David's remarkable compassion toward his rebellious son Absalom is a love that seems to
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 14 | OT 19 (2009) -- John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- Leah Thompson, Carlos Wilton, David O. Bales, Dennis A. Becker, Mary S. Lautensleger, Timothy Smith -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2009
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33
Grief remains one of the... -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2009
Grief remains one of the few things that has the power to silence us.
When the telephone rang just... -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2009
When the telephone rang just after three o’clock in the morning Carl knew it was bad news.
Brad was no good, or... -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2009
Brad was no good, or so thought most of the townsfolk.
The apple may not fall... -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1997
The apple may not fall so very far from the tree, but sometimes it drops with such impact that the t
A man had a son... -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1994
A man had a son who from birth had been strong-willed and rebellious.
David was a great military... -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1994
David was a great military leader, and by and large, a great king.
There's an old Hasidic Jewish... -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
There's an old Hasidic Jewish story about a rabbi who's walking through his village late
Anne returned to her hometown... -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Anne returned to her hometown for the first time in years; something she vowed she
In this season of the... -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
In this season of the church, the loving father named David reminds us that God as our

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Sermon Illustrations for Proper 14 | OT 19 (2021) -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:34, 41-51 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2021
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33

The Immediate Word

Holding our breath -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Psalm 130 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2018
The University Of Gratitude -- Psalm 34:1-8, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2015
This week’s alternate psalm text, Psalm 34:1-8, encapsulates what might be called an attitude of gra
Loving Wisely -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, Psalm 130 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary text from the Hebrew scriptures brings us David's heart-wrenching lament over
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
Living With Anger -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Psalm 130 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
The furor surrounding Mel Gibson and his outburst toward a police officer has been a major item in t

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Holding our breath -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Psalm 130 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2018
The University Of Gratitude -- Psalm 34:1-8, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2015
This week’s alternate psalm text, Psalm 34:1-8, encapsulates what might be called an attitude of gra
Loving Wisely -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, Psalm 130 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary text from the Hebrew scriptures brings us David's heart-wrenching lament over
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
Living With Anger -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Psalm 130 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
The furor surrounding Mel Gibson and his outburst toward a police officer has been a major item in t

SermonStudio

Proper 14 / Pentecost 11 / Ordinary Time 19 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayUnited in the grace of Christ. Collect of the Day
Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2005
Revised Common 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 Ephesians 4:25--5:2
Proper 14 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2001
"It's a long story." That familiar saying could be applied to our text for the morning, because the
Jesus is the Bread from heaven that truly satisfies us -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Jesus is the Bread from heaven that truly satisfies us.
Proper 14 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1993
David's rebellious son, Absalom, sought to gain the kingship
Proper 14 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1990
The theological clue contained in this part of the church year continues to be kerygmatic, informing
Proper 14 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1990
The theological clue contained in this part of the church year continues to be kerygmatic, informing
Proper 14, Pentecost 12, Ordinary Time 19 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Seasonal Theme

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Holding our breath -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Psalm 130 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2018
The University Of Gratitude -- Psalm 34:1-8, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2015
This week’s alternate psalm text, Psalm 34:1-8, encapsulates what might be called an attitude of gra
Loving Wisely -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, Psalm 130 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary text from the Hebrew scriptures brings us David's heart-wrenching lament over
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
Living With Anger -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Psalm 130 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
The furor surrounding Mel Gibson and his outburst toward a police officer has been a major item in t

SermonStudio

When Necks Break -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2008
What is the point of war? Even wars of old?
Eating In The Echoing Hall -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Stan Purdum -- 2005
Eating In The Echoing Hall
Before It's Too Late -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2002
Actress Melanie Griffith candidly writes of her painful experiences while growing up.
How To Treat Your Enemies -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1999
Did you hear about the man who went into the preaching ministry, worked for seven years, then resign
Absalom, Absalom -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Sue Anne Steffey Morrow -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1993
I was unprepared for the effect the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial would have on me.

The Village Shepherd

Sins Of The Fathers -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
The relationship between fathers and sons can be difficult. The relationship between famous

Stories

StoryShare

With Malice Towards None and Kindness Towards Your Enemy -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2, Psalm 130, 1 Kings 19:4-8, Psalm 34:1-8, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2018
Contents
The Final Robert -- John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, Psalm 130 -- David O. Bales, Keith Hewitt -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Final Robert" by David O. Bales
A Fist And A Kiss -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Psalm 130 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Contents
The Finest Bread -- John 6:35, 41-51, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Psalm 130 -- Frank R. Fisher, Constance Berg, James E. Sargent -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "The Bread of Life"

Worship

The Immediate Word

Holding our breath -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Psalm 130 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2018
The University Of Gratitude -- Psalm 34:1-8, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2015
This week’s alternate psalm text, Psalm 34:1-8, encapsulates what might be called an attitude of gra
Loving Wisely -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, Psalm 130 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary text from the Hebrew scriptures brings us David's heart-wrenching lament over
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
Living With Anger -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Psalm 130 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
The furor surrounding Mel Gibson and his outburst toward a police officer has been a major item in t

SermonStudio

Theme: Why Couldn't It Have Been Me? -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2002
First Lesson: 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33
Instead Of You -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Proper 14 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
PROPER 14 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, Psalm 130 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPAwait God's presence and hope in God's word as if you were
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
Elena Delhagen
Quantisha Mason-Doll
For May 12, 2024:
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
Elena Delhagen
Quantisha Mason-Doll
For May 12, 2024:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A sheet large enough for your children to stand around it. A dozen or so golf balls, or other small unbreakable balls. If you have a large number of children you could use two sheets to make room, or just ask for volunteers to play the game.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent! But we’re not starting with the story today. I have something else I would like you to try. (Lay the sheet on the floor and put the balls in the middle of it.)
John Jamison
Object: A piece of clothing that a superhero might wear. I used a simple cape made from a sheet, but you could also use a belt, a ring, or anything else your favorite superhero might wear.

* * *

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
Over the Christmas season, I saw a picture of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes with his wife Brittany and their two young children. Like many people, the Mahomes’ took their kids to see Santa Claus. Patrick, Brittany, and Santa are all smiles, however, two-year-old daughter Sterling and one-year-old Bronze looked just like thousands of other kids, scared, and wanting to be somewhere else. It reminded me of how alike people are.
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
Frank Ramirez
Bill Thomas
Acts 1:1-11
As I write this, world events have inspired any number of Christians in my area to speculate that these are clear signs of the end. By the time you read this those great events will be history, but don’t worry, stuff is happening as you read this that is causing some to speculate those current events are clear signs of the end.
Frank Ramirez
Today’s scriptures call upon us to listen carefully — to Jesus, through his words in the New Testament, and to the Spirit helping us to interpret that word and speaking directly in our hearts. And sometimes God is also speaking to us in the created universe. But make sure it is God we are listening to, and not ourselves.

Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
Mark Ellingsen
The lessons for this Festival of Ascension all testify to the heavenly power and cosmic presence of Christ. 

Acts 1:1-11

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
…God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his son. (v. 11b)

Have you ever experienced the presence of God? Have you felt, seen, heard, smelled, tasted or known in some way that the Creator was near?

My colleague Becky Ardell Downs, pastor of John Knox Presbyterian Church in Houston, tells of a time forty years ago when she was attending the funeral of her uncle in the Chicago suburbs. He had died of multiple sclerosis at a relatively young age.
Frank Ramirez
When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. (Acts 1:9)

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. (Luke 24:50-51)

Defying gravity! What a concept? Is there anyone here who has not dreamt at one time or another that you were actually flying? Or floating? Or in some way defying gravity?

SermonStudio

John Jamison
Have you ever come across a piece of scripture that you really just didn’t know what to do with? Everything you read before it makes sense, and everything after it, but that one passage just sits there staring at you, almost defying you to understand why it is there and what it means.
Stan Purdum
Both Psalms 47 and 93 (the alternative psalm for this day) are enthronement psalms, praise hymns celebrating God's rule over the nations. They were most likely used on festal occasions when Israel again declared that God was its king.

While Psalm 47 was for Israel's celebration, verses 1-2 call all the nations of earth to recognize God as their monarch as well. Verses 3-4, however, return to the specific relationship between God and Israel.

David H. Webb
Today is Ascension Sunday.

Today we commemorate the day when Jesus bid farewell to his followers and friends and ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father.

In some ways it's an anxious day. "How will we go on without him?" they surely whispered among themselves. "How can we possibly maintain the strength and perspective -- the motivation to live according to his teachings and promises? How can we live with determination and purpose if he is not here to sustain us?"

John T. Ball
One of the blessings of God is the gift of writing, of putting our thoughts and observations on clay tablets or jars, on parchment, or on paper. Scholars are not certain when humans first began to write. Many think it happened in Samaria, the civilization between the Tigris and Euphrates, now modern-day Iraq. It may have happened about 3000 B.C.E. Nor is there a consensus on how writing was first used. It may have come from Shamans using it to pass on their skills and secrets. Or writing could have originated as a means to inventory the goods of merchants.
Mark J. Molldrem
Mark -- warlike

Shirley -- bright meadow

Jennifer -- fair lady

Jeffrey -- God's peace

Jesus -- God saves

What's in a name? Ever since God gave Adam the privilege of naming all the creatures, humankind has had a fascination with names. Names are important. Parents take great care when they select a name for their baby. They know the name will be with this new person for a lifetime and will identify him or her to other people.
Jerry L. Schmalenberger
It simply was unthinkable that the appearances of Jesus should grow fewer and fewer after Easter until they finally 'petered out' and melted away. That would have effectively weakened the faith of all people who had seen him. There had to come a day of dividing -- when Jesus of earth became Christ of heaven.
Richard E. Gribble
Many years ago one of the most popular shows on weekly television was Mission Impossible. Each episode of the show opened in a similar way. The head of the Impossible Missions Force, or IMF for short, would be found alone in some isolated office, home, or similar space. He would find a large manilla envelope, generally hidden in a desk drawer or possibly in a safe. Inside the envelope he would find materials that described the next mission of his IMF team. There would be lots of printed material, photographs of the principal people involved, and often maps to show various locations.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Sandy wasn't very good at prayer. Privately he thought it was probably a waste of time, although when things went really wrong he always found himself praying. He wasn't sure that God ever heard his prayers.

Special Occasion

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