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David Kalas

David Kalas is pastor of First United Methodist Church in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia and Union Theological Seminary of Virginia. David has been a contributing writer for Emphasis Preaching Journal and has authored several books.
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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

We Wish You a Merry Baptism? -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- David Kalas -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2025
In the logic of the church year, we have spent four weeks anticipating the coming of the Lord, follo
An Unromantic View -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2025
Valentine’s Day isn’t likely a prominent part of our liturgical calendar, and it doesn’t factor into
Do-Re-Mi Salvation -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- David Kalas -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
The charming and familiar song from “The Sound of Music” recognizes that reading begins with A-B-C a
Under Attack -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- David Kalas -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2024
I asked the folks in my congregation once whether they struggled with sin.
Consider the Source -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- David Kalas -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2024
I was a young man and fairly new to the ministry.
Blameless and Upright, But... -- Mark 10:2-16, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Job 1:1; 2:1-10 -- David Kalas -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2024
I heard a sad story today about a pastor whose church essentially had to close as a result of a scan
How Much I Love You -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- David Kalas -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2024
Young children are often fascinated by the effort to quantify love.
Lectionary With A View -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10 -- David Kalas -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2024
Not many things are quite as common — and, for that matter, quite as predictable — as the sunrise an
Hear Ye -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2024
Church announcements are an uphill battle. We print them in bulletins and newsletters.
When Good News is Inexplicable -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- David Kalas -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
I spent a couple of days recently in a hospital room with a two-year-old grandson.
Our Three Course Meal -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- David Kalas -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2024
Perhaps your family, like mine, has certain traditional meals throughout the year.
The God of Fruition -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- David Kalas -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
In the sometimes-tiresome debate over science and scripture with respect to creation, it’s easy to b
Listening for a Motif -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- David Kalas -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2024
In preaching about a certain passage once, I freely made reference to the Trinity.
Have a Heart -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- David Kalas -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2024
Some years ago, a few of my kids and I embarked on a little exercise.
Jesus in the Middle -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2023
The medieval proverb declared that “all roads lead to Rome.” For a thousand years or so, Rome was t
What the Choir Needs to Hear -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2023
We have an idiom in our day that was born in the church but has worked its way into the broader cult
Rendezvous With God -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11 -- David Kalas -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
A colleague of mine and I decided to meet one day for lunch.
A Love Relationship, More or Less -- John 18:1--19:42, Hebrews 10:16-25, Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- David Kalas -- Good Friday - A -- 2023
I have lived long enough to discover the truth of this principle time and again.
Living Toward a Destination -- John 14:1-14, Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10 -- David Kalas -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Every day, multiple times a day, we are on our way somewhere.
What He Has to Say for Himself -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20 -- David Kalas -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2023
For so many Christians, including likely most of the people in our pews this Sunday, there are a han
Things That Need Fixing -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- David Kalas -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2023
Perhaps you have a list of things at home that need to be fixed, either when you get the time and op
When Nothing Else Can Help -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- David Kalas -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2023
When I was a little boy, my dad would sometimes sing me to sleep at night, and he would usually sing
All Rise -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- David Kalas -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2023
I was summoned for jury duty recently.

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Under Attack -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- David Kalas -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2024
I asked the folks in my congregation once whether they struggled with sin.
Listening for a Motif -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- David Kalas -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2024
In preaching about a certain passage once, I freely made reference to the Trinity.

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Place Of Prayer -- Acts 16:16-34 -- David Kalas -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
"Where is the place of prayer?" they asked. "We're looking for the place of prayer."
Prelude To A Sacrament -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- David Kalas -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2009
We have a table before us.
The Man Who Wasn't There -- Acts 16:9-15 -- David Kalas -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
I've never had a vision -- at least not of the sort that Paul had.
Heisman In The Hudson -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- David Kalas -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
In December of every year, the Downtown Athletic Club in New York City awards the coveted Heisman Tr
Trumpet Medley -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- David Kalas -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2009
Listen to the sound of the trumpet. What do you hear?
Anatomy Of A Testimony -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- David Kalas -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
You see a man busily writing. His face reveals the intensity of his focus.
A Resume Of Righteousness -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- David Kalas -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
Statues don't perspire. The characters portrayed in stained-glass windows don't blink.
RSVP -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- David Kalas -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
When you and I send out invitations to events we are hosting, we typically include at the bottom of
Joshua's New Diet -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- David Kalas -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
What do you or your family pray at mealtime?
Profile Of A Savior -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- David Kalas -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2009
In the century and a half that cameras have been around, photographers have done us the great favor
That's Why We Call It Good -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- David Kalas -- Good Friday - C -- 2009
At the end of the day, God saw that it was good.
The Gospel According To Pronouns -- Acts 10:34-43 -- David Kalas -- Easter Day - C -- 2009
The gospel of Jesus Christ is personal.
A Tale Of Two Peters -- Acts 5:27-32 -- David Kalas -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
When the curtain opens on Scene Two, we see a familiar scene.
God All Along -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) -- David Kalas -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
See him as he travels along the road to Damascus: the intensity in his eyes, the purposefulness of h
The Good Works We Leave Behind -- Acts 9:36-43 -- David Kalas -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
It's a poignant scene: the gathering place of mourners.
Look Who's Talking -- Acts 11:1-18 -- David Kalas -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
Professional sports has no statistic for measuring talking.
A Stupid Question -- Acts 1:1-11 -- David Kalas -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2009
Generous teachers sometimes assure their students that there is no such thing as a stupid question.
A Match Made In Heaven -- Genesis 29:15-28 -- David Kalas -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2007
One of the great privileges of being a parish pastor is the opportunity to officiate at weddings.
A Blessing In Disguise -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- David Kalas -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
I wonder how many of us here are named after someone.
Do You See What I See? -- Exodus 14:19-31 -- David Kalas -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2007
In 1956, director/producer Cecil B.
Sentimental Slaves -- Exodus 16:2-15 -- David Kalas -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2007
Let me ask you to do a little remembering today.
The Proof Is In The Pudding -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- David Kalas -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2007
It is an incongruous scene: a multitude in the desert.
Appointment With Thunder -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- David Kalas -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2007
If you're like me, then you've spent your whole life in the church.

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The Man Who Wasn't There -- Acts 16:9-15 -- David Kalas -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
I've never had a vision -- at least not of the sort that Paul had.
The Gospel According To Pronouns -- Acts 10:34-43 -- David Kalas -- Easter Day - C -- 2009
The gospel of Jesus Christ is personal.
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Lent 5
20 – Sermons
170+ – Illustrations / Stories
26 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
20 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Passion/Palm Sunday
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Maundy Thursday
15 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
11 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Good Friday
20 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

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Isaiah 50:4-9
A magician makes a magic trick more impressive by making things more difficult on themselves. S/he will be blindfolded or have their hands tied behind their back. They’ll have a volunteer from the audience sign their name to a card, so they’ll know it’s really the one. All of these obstacles make a successful trick that much more impressive.
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Where is God now? This week is often used as Palm Sunday in some congregations, for others it is Sunday of Passion. Reading the text or its longer version is an option then saying, “Amen” is one idea. The John 18-19:41 version is read on Good Friday. This Sunday is an opportunity to uplift what Luke contributes to this passion narrative. For Luke despite, all the chaos and confusion which is occurring, Jesus’ ministry continues. He heals the man whose ear was cut off. He counsels the weeping daughters of Jerusalem. He prays for those who crucify him.

StoryShare

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Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself. . . (vv. 5-7)

C.S. Lewis (1898-1963) was world famous during his lifetime, respected, adored, even treated with awe by his legions of admirers. However, he didn’t look upon himself as anything special. Indeed, his friends were frustrated by his lack of protective coloration, his openness to being taken advantage of, and his lack of care when it came to protecting his privacy and his finances.

SermonStudio

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My friends, as we gather this Sunday to recall the passing of the weeks of Lent and move ourselves into the holiest of weeks in the Christian calendar, there is no better passage for us to reflect upon. Many scholars believe this passage from the letter to the church in Philippi may have been an ancient, early Christian hymn unfolding the stages of Christ’s whole being ― from being in the form of God, to becoming human, to surrendering to humiliation and death, and then to ascension back into heaven. Much of Christian theology rests in these verses.
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(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Liturgy Of The Passion, Cycles A and B for alternative approaches; see also Easter 5, Cycle A, for an alternative approach to vv. 1-5, 15-16.)

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(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Liturgy Of The Palms, Cycle A; see also The Resurrection Of Our Lord/Easter Day, Years A, B, and C for vv. 1-2, 14-24.)

This psalm, titled "A Song Of Victory," has rich associations in Christian liturgy. Portions of it occur in all three lectionary cycles for Palm Sunday (Liturgy Of The Palms), as well as in all three cycles for Easter Day.

The reason for the Palm Sunday connection is plain to see: "Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord" (v. 19).
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One would be hard pressed to find a historical event with so many ramifications equal to these words from Saint Luke's Gospel. In fact, for the devout Christian there is no other! It is a moment when the universe seems to come to a standstill and the angels watch in troubled awe.

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Palm Sunday or Passion Sunday as it is now called in some churches is certainly one of the greatest festivals of the Christian Year. However, for many years, I wondered just what this day really does signify in terms of the everyday life of a Christian. Is it simply a reminder that fickle human beings can shout ''Hosanna'' one day, and then a few days later, those same people cry, ''Crucify him''? Certainly that is a part of the Holy Week story.
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Dear friends in Christ, grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and his Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

The journey has finally come to its illogical conclusion. After three years of teaching and preaching and helping and healing, Jesus tonight arrives in the city of Jerusalem, and there he is met by the screaming crowds. We've still a week to go in the season of Lent, but tonight marks the beginning of the end for Jesus.
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There is no use in worrying needlessly. Some things you absolutely cannot change. And some things are too ridiculous for us to be concerned about. A Peanuts column shows Charlie Brown saying, "I couldn't sleep last night. I kept worrying about school, and about life, and about everything." Snoopy, the dog, walks away thinking, "I didn't sleep well either. All night long I kept worrying that the moon was going to fall on my head."

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Call to Worship:

Jesus refused to answer Pilate or any of his accusers, even through he knew they would make him suffer. In our worship today, we consider why our integrity is so important that we might even be prepared to suffer for it.


Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, when I'm tempted to lie to save my own skin,
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Jesus, when I'm tempted to lie save other people's feelings,
Christ, have mercy.

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