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His Name Is John -- Luke 1:57-67 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a baptismal certificate and a birth certificate
Say One Thing And Do Another -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: The difference between saying and doing.
Prissy Plant -- John 9:1-41 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an attractive artificial plant
How To Settle An Argument -- Acts 15:22a -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Getting Untwisted -- Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a necklace or chain or some string that easily twists and untwists
Hosanna! -- Matthew 21:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Be A Good Thermometer -- 2 Thessalonians 1:9-12 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a thermometer
They Recognized Him -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To teach that we need God's assistance to truly see.
Watch Out! He's Coming! -- Mark 13:33-37 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: the pose of someone on a sheep--keeping watch, with binoculars
It Isn't Fair -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Acceptance of the inequities in life.
The Doctor For Sin -- Matthew 9:9-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a thermometer, a heating pad, and a bad cough
Sticking Up For God -- Acts 13:8 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Where Is God? -- Galatians 2:20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a walnut or any nut that has an outer shell that comes off easily
Railroad Crossing -- Revelation 21:6a -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a railroad crossing sign
People Who Are Like Popcorn -- 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bowl or bag of popcorn
Erasers Are For Mistakes -- John 20:19-31 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: After the resurrection, pronouncing forgiveness on others is the first responsibilit
Happy Easter! -- Mark 16:1-8 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a gravestone marker (or a picture of one)
How Many Times? -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: There is no limit to forgiveness.
Combination Locks And Freedom -- John 8:31-36 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a combination lock
God's Hero -- Acts 11:27-12:3a -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a sword
God Can Even Use Garbage -- Galatians 1:11-24 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some sacks of garbage and some clip clothespins
He Cares For Our Hurts -- Revelation 7:9-1 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a box of tissues
Standing Ovation -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a standing round of applause (use a sign that reads "Give a standing round of applaus
Do Not Be Afraid -- John 20:1-18 or Matthew 28:1-10 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Easter transformation: The disciples and the women went from the fear of an empty to
Signs Of The Kingdom -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some signs that note only one mile from your town like "Boston, 1 Mile" and a sign th

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A Bright Question -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
What kind of lights were used on Noah's Ark?
That Sunday School Class Teacher -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
"Pastor," he had said, "I think I should be teaching that Sunday school class."
Pastor On Skates -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A wealthy woman entered Heaven, and Saint Peter produced a bicycle for her to ride on the golden str
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
Lesson 1: Acts 1:6--14 (C); Acts 1:12--14 (RC); Acts 1:(1--7) 8--14 (E)
All Saints' Sunday -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
Our text for the morning brings three burning questions about human existence into focus for us.
Pocketbook Protection -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A pastor preached a sermon on that text in Ephesians 6:13-18 (NRSV), where there is a listing of the
How The Hot Dog Got Its Name -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A little dog followed its owner to his bakery, and got inside the place.
Third Sunday in Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Israel is underway in this story, as the church is underway. Israel's story is our story.
The Sower -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Israel's Most Wanted -- Matthew 26:47-56 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
(Author's note: The format of this sermon is a role play, imitating America's Most Wanted.)
Weeds And Wheat -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Do You Know Him? -- Matthew 26:69-75 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me." Such is the rhyme we learned in
Highways To Happiness -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A self respect that bears an honest name;A mind content, a conscience free from blame:
Wahlstrom's Wonder -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Some yeas ago, a man by the name of Wahlstrom made a machine that got news media attention.
First Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
We sometimes wonder what the world is coming to these days, and when we look at present conditions,
A Lesson In Mediocrity -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A man had a bushel of early apples, the kind that spoil easily.
Proper 17 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 3:1-15 (C)
A $10,000 Reward! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Some years ago in Los Angeles, California, a Brinks armored truck used to transport money dropped a
That Wedding Ring -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The wedding party had proceeded down the center aisle of Epworth United Methodist Church, Lima, Ohio
Patience, Dear! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Husband shouting at wife: "For the last time, are you ready to go?"
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 9:1--4 (C); Isaiah 8:23-9:3 (RC)
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
It is somewhat of a mystery as to why this one text from Judges is inserted into the lectionary at t
The Meaning Of Advent -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
Advent, a season of four Sundays, opens the church year.
Poor/Rich Boy -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The late Albert Schweitzer was a famous medical missionary to Africa, as well as a musician and theo
Humility -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A French monk bemoaned the fact that his monastic order was not as famous as the Jesuits for their s

Sacrament

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SermonStudio

Death Saddens Us -- John 3:16, Psalm 90 -- Mark Ellingsen, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an elderly shut-inDeath Saddens Us
Cured Cripples And Crabby Critics -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
Have you ever been crippled by something that happened to you?
The Kindness Of Strangers -- 1 Kings 17:8-24 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2006
In 1994, a 37-year-old man by the name of Mike McIntyre decided to confront his fears and the shaky
Building A Victorious Life -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2006
J.
It All Begins With Prayer -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
Imagine you only have a short time to prepare your successor in ministry.
A Real Test Of Faith -- Romans 3:21-26; 5:1-11, Isaiah 53:2-6, Job 19:23-27 -- Joe Barone, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a Christian suicideA Real Test Of Faith
A Gift For A Friend -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Stanley C. Sneeringer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a church member who died following a lengthy illness
The Good News Of Christ -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2006
Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news....
Jesus Rewards The Just -- Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Imagine picking up the Sunday paper, opening it and reading in giant letters, Jesus Christ Will R
You Can't Undo Appomattox -- So Let's Get On With It! -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
There are some things that once begun, cannot be undone.
The Prodigal Father -- Romans 8:14-17 -- John Jamison -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2006
It wasn't their first fight. Like most fathers and sons they had their disagreements.
A Simple But Profound Faith -- Matthew 11:25-30, 2 Timothy 2:8-13 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a quiet, faithful personA Simple But Profound Faith
God's Promises, Promises! -- John 14:2-3 -- John R. Brokhoff, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
A funeral meditationGod's Promises, Promises!
Only The Lonely -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
There are three words I hope you will take home from church today.
When Desire Goes Bad -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
Nathan, a boy I read about recently, is seven years old.
Back To The Future -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Gary L. Carver -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2006
The experience in the ninth chapter of Luke is called "The Transfiguration Experience of our Lord Je
Developing A Glad Attitude -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2006
It always amazes me when I read about a sports figure who decides to hold out for more money.
The God Of Infinite Reach -- Psalm 139 -- Phil Barnhart, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a warm, compassionate personThe God Of Infinite Reach
Do You Hear What I Hear? -- Luke 2:20 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a hearing-impaired personDo You Hear What I Hear?
When Arlington National Cemetery Is Full -- 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2006
The honored dead from our fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq have created a problem for Arlington Nati
Boast Of That! -- Romans 5:1-5 -- John Jamison -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2006
He had been looking forward to Sunday afternoon all week.
Faithful To The End -- John 14:1-6 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a good and caring manFaithful To The End
The Wonder Of Immortality -- 1 Thessalonians 4, Revelation 21 -- W. Norman Macfarlane, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
A sermon on death preached at a regular Sunday service
Counting The Cost Of Discipleship -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2006
The best thing to say to a pastor after you hear a sermon that moves you is not, "That was a good se
As Seen From The Solitary Broom Tree -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
I'm not sure when the term "burn out" ceased being only a description of what happened to a campfire

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Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"God could not be everywhere, and so He made mothers." (Jewish proverb)
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Caution
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness "Holiness apart from Christlikeness is hollowness." (E. Stanley Jones)
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Faith
The Love Of Being A Christian -- John 1:29-42 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2001
Bob Bohn was serving in Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Saigon, Vietnam, in 1971.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Effective service to God is accomplished through a holiness lifestyle.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Trials "Afflictions color your life, but you choose the color." (John Maxwell)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
I believe that the angels speak in soft tones when they speak the name of "Mother."
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The distinctives of holiness include: a separation from sin, a dedication to God, a call to service.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children." (William Makepeace Thackeray
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Celebrate
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holy Spirit
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Family Love
A Time To Rest, A Time For Renewal -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2001
Stan needed rest, but there was no letting up.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Service to God cannot be offered in a dirty container.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Triumph
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Smiles break out when mother comes.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Pardon is not enough; we want sanctification.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The sweetest face in all the world to me, Set in a frame of shining golden hair, With eyes whose la
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Change
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Homemaker
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Fasting
An Open Letter To Congressional Delegation And The U.S. Secretary Of Agriculture -- Micah 6:1-8 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2001
Dear Sirs:

Thanksgiving Day

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Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2003
Theme: Tell The Good News Of What The Lord Has DoneCall To Worship
Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2003
First Lesson: Exodus 34:29-35 Theme: Moses Speaks With The Lord
Proper 22 -- Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2003
Theme: Sin Causes SufferingCall To Worship
Celebrating The Lord's Day -- Luke 1:46b-55 -- David M. Oliver -- 2003
Opening SentenceLuke 1:46-48, The Message
Second Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2003
Theme: God Does Not Forsake His PeopleCall To Worship
Holy Trinity -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2003
Theme: In Praise Of WisdomCall To Worship
Proper 23 -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2003
Theme: Beware Of False ProphetsCall To Worship
Third Sunday After Epiphany -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Joy Of The Lord Is Your StrengthCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday After Epiphany -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Call Of JeremiahCall To Worship
Christmas Eve/Day -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2003
Theme: The Kingdom ComesCall To WorshipLeader: A Child is born to us!
The New Covenant -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
First Lesson: Jeremiah 31:27-34 Theme: The New CovenantCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2003
Theme: Who Will Be The Lord's Messenger?Call To Worship
First Sunday After Christmas/The Holy Family -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2003
Theme: The Boy SamuelCall To WorshipLeader: Praise the Lord, all peoples.
Teach With All Patience -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
Second Lesson: 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5Theme: Teach With All Patience
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Lord Searches The HeartCall To Worship
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2003
Theme: The Lord Has Saved His PeopleCall To Worship
God Hears Our Prayers -- Luke 18:1-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
Gospel Lesson: Luke 18:1-8Theme: God Hears Our PrayersCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2003
Theme: Joseph Reconciled With His BrothersCall To Worship
Litany For Advent And Christmas Candle Lighting -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2003
LitanyFirst Sunday Of Advent(Light the first candle)
Proper 25 -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Lord Is Among UsCall To Worship
Eighth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 55:10-13, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, Luke 6:39-49 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Word Of The Lord Lasts ForeverCall To Worship
Do You Hear What I Hear? -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 2003
ContentsWorship BulletinChristmas ProgramLeader's Helps
Proper 26 -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2003
Theme: Why Doesn't God Intervene Now?Call To Worship
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
Theme: The Suffering ServantCall To Worship
Christmas Wonder -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2003
ContentsIntroductionFirst Sunday Of Advent: New Friends

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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Elena Delhagen
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Quantisha Mason-Doll
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For May 5, 2024:
  • Longing for Belonging by Dean Feldmeyer — “A deep sense of love and belonging is an irreducible need of all people. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love and be loved and to belong.” — Brene Brown
  • Second Thoughts: Is Blood Thicker Than Water? by Elena Delhagen based on 1 John 5:1-6 and Acts 10:44-48.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
It was a dark and stormy night. Lightning flashed and thunder crashed. Suddenly, Kimberly, our middle daughter, was standing next to our bed, sobbing in fear. My wife held and comforted her for a few minutes, and then I led her back to the room she shared with her older sister Kristyn. I tucked her tightly into the sandwich of her sheets and blankets, snugging things up for extra safety.
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Acts 10:44-48

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: Pieces you might use, like dice, a spinner, a ball, or any other “unusual” things you might find. I used a beanbag, a shoe, and a piece of paper.

* * *

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (v. 12-13)

You have heard the saying “We are not called to be successful; we are called to be faithful.” Jesus’ invitation to “follow me” is an invitation to faithfulness. That might be described by the old-fashioned word “fidelity.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Do you love anyone enough to offer them your last Rolo? According to the advert, Rolos are so incredibly delicious that nobody could be that selfless. Those who consider offering their last Rolo to someone they love, snatch it back at the last moment and keep it for themselves.

Or you might of course, love Terry's chocolate orange, and feel it's something which would be good to share. But at the last moment, like cuddly Dawn French, you'd say, "No, it's mine, not Terry's, it's all mine!"

SermonStudio

Schuyler Rhodes
Anyone who has made a long road trip with children singing "99 Bottles Of Beer On The Wall" can support the notion of "singing a new song." Children love the repetition of singing the same song over and over. Parents or youth group leaders who have been in this situation can identify with the need to sing a new song.
Nancy Kraft
Are you in love with God? In 1 John, the author has a lot to say about the love of God and the way that love changes our lives. We love because God first loved us. God's love fills us to overflowing so that it flows through us to other people. Annie Dillard said that we catch grace like a man filling a cup underneath a waterfall.1 That's the way we receive God's love. But there can be a problem for us when we put a lid on our cups and the water can't get inside. We're closing our hearts off to the love of God.

Harry N. Huxhold
A remarkable feature of Dwight D. Eisenhower's memoirs is the composure with which he greeted crises. He titled his autobiography At Ease, an appropriate description for not only his retirement, but the manner in which he appeared to be on top of life. Colleagues, of course, could recall how excited he could get in revealing his impatience with mediocrity and the failures of the people in his command. However, what was impressive was the way he took control in the European theater in World War II with no fear for his own life and great confidence in the Allied offensive.
E. Carver Mcgriff
Charles Wesley began one of the Methodist Church's favorite hymns with this line: "Come Holy Ghost, Our Hearts Inspire." Of course, tradition now uses the alternate term, "Holy Spirit." Wesley called it the "fountain of life and love." And so it is. Once we experience the Holy Spirit, we know it is exactly that: the source of life and love. The giving of that Spirit into the lives of us all is the point of this passage.

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