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Carlos Wilton

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

The Comfort Zone -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, George L. Murphy, Chris Ewing, Carlos Wilton, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 4, 2005)
Marketing The Messiah -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- Chris Ewing, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 11, 2005)
Stealing Christmas? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton, George Reed, Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 18, 2005)
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Ephesians 3:1-12, John 1:1-18 -- Carter Shelley, George L. Murphy, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton, Larry Hard -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2003
(Originally published for January 5, 2003)
The Two Towers And The Prince Of Peace And Light -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Charles Cammarata -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for December 29, 2002)
The Message On A Postcard -- Luke 1:68-79 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Named, Claimed, And Unashamed -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
Dear Fellow Pastor,
Netting A Dream -- Luke 5:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Psalm 138 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
A Working Faith -- Luke 13:1-9, Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Psalm 63:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
Many of our everyday religious words are notoriously difficult to define, which suggests that we oft
Who's To Blame? -- Luke 23:13-25 -- Carlos Wilton -- Passion Sunday - C
Passion Sunday again raises the questions about why Jesus had to die and who was to blame.
Ananias, Meet Your Brother -- Acts 9:1-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
Dear Fellow Preacher:
The Message On A Postcard -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
December 5, 2004Second Sunday in Advent / Cycle A
God Plays No Favorites -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Carlos Wilton -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that no preacher should go long without saying something
The Keeper -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,Serious proposals for radical change in the U.S. Social Security
Awakenings -- John 11:1-45, Romans 8:6-11, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A
Crime and punishment are in the news.
Well-Known Christians -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Looking Skyward -- Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - A
Ascension Day is not observed by many North Americans.
Striving -- Genesis 32:22-31, Isaiah 55:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
News of the nomination of Judge John Roberts for a seat on the Supreme Court has filled the news thi
A Good-Enough Marriage -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
December 19, 2004Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cycle A
The Prophet's Prescription -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers
My Big Fat Greek Religion -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Lights Over Baghdad -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
"shock And Awe" -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Carlos Wilton -- Easter Day - B
Dear Preacher,
"who's Your Daddy?" -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Carlos Wilton -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
How Would Jesus Campaign? -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- All Saints Day - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,

Illustration

The Immediate Word

The Good Fight -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Carlos Wilton, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2007
We find so few people who are able to declare that they have fought the good fight for the sake of t
A Lucky Marriage -- Luke 10:25-37, Colossians 1:1-14, Amos 7:7-17, Psalm 82 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2007
This past Saturday -- 7/7/07 -- was an especially busy day for those in the wedding
The Sure Thing -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2007
Understanding this difficult parable requires our people to follow along with Jesus as he turns a so
Border Crossing -- Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43, Jeremiah 23:1-6, Luke 1:68-79 -- Carlos Wilton, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2007
Carlos Wilton writes on the Colossians 1:13 text, "He has rescued us from the power of darkness and
The Risk Of Being A Peacemaker -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," Jesus tells us in the Beatit
The Comfort Zone -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, George L. Murphy, Chris Ewing, Carlos Wilton, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 4, 2005)
Marketing The Messiah -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- Chris Ewing, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 11, 2005)
Stealing Christmas? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton, George Reed, Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 18, 2005)
Home For The Holidays? -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Julia Ross Strope -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published November 27, 2005)
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Ephesians 3:1-12, John 1:1-18 -- Carter Shelley, George L. Murphy, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton, Larry Hard -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2003
(Originally published for January 5, 2003)
The Two Towers And The Prince Of Peace And Light -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Charles Cammarata -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for December 29, 2002)
"did You Call?" -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
"prepare Him Room" -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Striving -- Genesis 32:22-31, Isaiah 55:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
News of the nomination of Judge John Roberts for a seat on the Supreme Court has filled the news thi
Null -- 1 Kings 2 10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
A Good-Enough Marriage -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
December 19, 2004Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cycle A
What Kindness Teaches -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13-18 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
When Jesus Says "no" -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
In Giving, We Receive -- 1 Kings 17:8-16, Mark 12:38-44 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Message On A Postcard -- Luke 1:68-79 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Named, Claimed, And Unashamed -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
Dear Fellow Pastor,
Netting A Dream -- Luke 5:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Psalm 138 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
A Working Faith -- Luke 13:1-9, Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Psalm 63:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
Many of our everyday religious words are notoriously difficult to define, which suggests that we oft
Who's To Blame? -- Luke 23:13-25 -- Carlos Wilton -- Passion Sunday - C
Passion Sunday again raises the questions about why Jesus had to die and who was to blame.
Ananias, Meet Your Brother -- Acts 9:1-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
Dear Fellow Preacher:

Preaching

SermonStudio

Resurrection Of Our Lord / Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18 -- Carlos Wilton -- Easter Day - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 13 / Pentecost 11 / Ordinary Time 18 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayWhen we wrestle with God, the encounter changes us.
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 14 / Ordinary Time 19 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayFaith always involves an element of risk.
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayJesus Christ is Lord of the commonplace.
Proper 15 / Pentecost 13 / Ordinary Time 20 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 17 / Pentecost 15 / Ordinary Time 22 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayJesus Christ promises us abundance, as a flowing river.
Proper 19 / Pentecost 17 / Ordinary Time 24 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2010
Theme For the DayIt is not for us to judge the hearts of others.
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayJesus Christ is the cornerstone. First Lesson
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / Ordinary Time 26 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayChrist calls us to be faithful in deeds as well as words.
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 22 / Pentecost 20 / Ordinary Time 27 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 23 / Pentecost 21 / Ordinary Time 28 -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayThe only antidote to idolatry is proper worship.
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Carlos Wilton -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayJesus is willing to help us bear the burden of worry.
Proper 24 / Pentecost 22 / Ordinary Time 29 -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
First Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 26 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayRole-models are important to us in our life of faith.
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 27 / Pentecost 25 / Ordinary Time 32 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 28 / Pentecost 26 / Ordinary Time 33 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayTalents are meant to be used.Old Testament Lesson
Nativity Of The Lord -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Carlos Wilton -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Christ The King / Proper 29 -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Carlos Wilton -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayAt its deepest level, God's judgment is all about love.

Sermon

The Immediate Word

The Comfort Zone -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, George L. Murphy, Chris Ewing, Carlos Wilton, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 4, 2005)
Marketing The Messiah -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- Chris Ewing, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 11, 2005)
Stealing Christmas? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton, George Reed, Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 18, 2005)
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Ephesians 3:1-12, John 1:1-18 -- Carter Shelley, George L. Murphy, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton, Larry Hard -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2003
(Originally published for January 5, 2003)
The Two Towers And The Prince Of Peace And Light -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Charles Cammarata -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for December 29, 2002)
The Message On A Postcard -- Luke 1:68-79 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Named, Claimed, And Unashamed -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
Dear Fellow Pastor,
Netting A Dream -- Luke 5:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Psalm 138 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
A Working Faith -- Luke 13:1-9, Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Psalm 63:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
Many of our everyday religious words are notoriously difficult to define, which suggests that we oft
Who's To Blame? -- Luke 23:13-25 -- Carlos Wilton -- Passion Sunday - C
Passion Sunday again raises the questions about why Jesus had to die and who was to blame.
Ananias, Meet Your Brother -- Acts 9:1-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
Dear Fellow Preacher:
The Message On A Postcard -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
December 5, 2004Second Sunday in Advent / Cycle A
God Plays No Favorites -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Carlos Wilton -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that no preacher should go long without saying something
The Keeper -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,Serious proposals for radical change in the U.S. Social Security
Awakenings -- John 11:1-45, Romans 8:6-11, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A
Crime and punishment are in the news.
Well-Known Christians -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Looking Skyward -- Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - A
Ascension Day is not observed by many North Americans.
Striving -- Genesis 32:22-31, Isaiah 55:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
News of the nomination of Judge John Roberts for a seat on the Supreme Court has filled the news thi
A Good-Enough Marriage -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
December 19, 2004Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cycle A
The Prophet's Prescription -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers
My Big Fat Greek Religion -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Lights Over Baghdad -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
"shock And Awe" -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Carlos Wilton -- Easter Day - B
Dear Preacher,
"who's Your Daddy?" -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Carlos Wilton -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
How Would Jesus Campaign? -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- All Saints Day - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,

Stories

Worship

The Immediate Word

The Comfort Zone -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, George L. Murphy, Chris Ewing, Carlos Wilton, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 4, 2005)
Marketing The Messiah -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- Chris Ewing, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 11, 2005)
Stealing Christmas? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton, George Reed, Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 18, 2005)
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Ephesians 3:1-12, John 1:1-18 -- Carter Shelley, George L. Murphy, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton, Larry Hard -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2003
(Originally published for January 5, 2003)
The Two Towers And The Prince Of Peace And Light -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Charles Cammarata -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for December 29, 2002)
The Message On A Postcard -- Luke 1:68-79 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Named, Claimed, And Unashamed -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
Dear Fellow Pastor,
Netting A Dream -- Luke 5:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Psalm 138 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
A Working Faith -- Luke 13:1-9, Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Psalm 63:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
Many of our everyday religious words are notoriously difficult to define, which suggests that we oft
Who's To Blame? -- Luke 23:13-25 -- Carlos Wilton -- Passion Sunday - C
Passion Sunday again raises the questions about why Jesus had to die and who was to blame.
Ananias, Meet Your Brother -- Acts 9:1-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
Dear Fellow Preacher:
The Message On A Postcard -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
December 5, 2004Second Sunday in Advent / Cycle A
God Plays No Favorites -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Carlos Wilton -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that no preacher should go long without saying something
The Keeper -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,Serious proposals for radical change in the U.S. Social Security
Awakenings -- John 11:1-45, Romans 8:6-11, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A
Crime and punishment are in the news.
Well-Known Christians -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Looking Skyward -- Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - A
Ascension Day is not observed by many North Americans.
Striving -- Genesis 32:22-31, Isaiah 55:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
News of the nomination of Judge John Roberts for a seat on the Supreme Court has filled the news thi
A Good-Enough Marriage -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
December 19, 2004Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cycle A
The Prophet's Prescription -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers
My Big Fat Greek Religion -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Lights Over Baghdad -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
"shock And Awe" -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Carlos Wilton -- Easter Day - B
Dear Preacher,
"who's Your Daddy?" -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Carlos Wilton -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
How Would Jesus Campaign? -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- All Saints Day - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Lent 2
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John Jamison
Object: A rock about the size of a tennis ball, baseball, or even a softball.

* * *

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

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
George Reed
Mary Austin
For March 30, 2025:

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
Paul reread the parable again and sighed. Why had he agreed to lead the Bible study this week? When Pastor Luke asked him, he had been all excited and enthusiastic. He knew the parable of the prodigal son inside and out having read commentaries and stories about it before. He had actually preached a sermon on the passage when Pastor Luke was away and received great feedback from the congregation.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Joshua 5:9-12
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Joshua 9:5-12

SermonStudio

Bonnie Bates
It is a well-known cliché that “God never gives us more than we can handle”, but I have sometimes found that not to be so. When my youngest brother died of brain cancer at age five, it was more than I could handle. When my first husband was emotionally and physically abusive, it was more than I could handle. When my second husband and I lost our twin sons at birth, it was more than I could handle. The COVID pandemic was more than we could handle. Wars and violence are often more than we can handle. Homelessness, poverty, grief, and loss are often more than we can handle.
John N. Brittain
I suppose we are all a little bit nervous about the prospect of a sermon on a Bible story as familiar and sometimes as overworked as the Parable of the Prodigal Son. "What can I possibly say that hasn't been said before?" And I know what's going through your minds: "Are we going to be subjected to the same old sermon yet another time?" Confronting a familiar Bible passage like this mid-Lent really serves to address the discipline of reading Scripture as part of our devotional life, particularly passages that are very familiar.
Charles D. Reeb
A. A. Milne, the creator of Winnie the Pooh, wrote a simple, yet telling poem in his work, Now We Are Six:

When I was One, I had just begun.
When I was Two, I was nearly new.
When I was Three, I was hardly Me.
When I was Four, I was not much more.
When I was Five, I was just alive.
But now I am Six, I'm as clever as ever.
So I think I'll be six now for ever and ever.1

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to worship:

 While the Prodigal Son was still far off, his father saw him, ran to him, put his arms around him and kissed him. In our worship today, let us turn to God so that he may run to us, put his arms around and kiss us.

Invitation to confession:

 Jesus, for the times when we run away from you,

Lord, have mercy.

 Jesus, for the times when we have wasted our inheritance on dissolute living,

Christ, have mercy.

 Jesus, when we return to you,

Lord, have mercy.

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