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The Immediate Word

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Way Beyond The Blue -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Carlos Wilton, Barbara Jurgensen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Our worldview has changed dramatically throughout history.
Becoming One In A Divided World -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
When the Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost, it was a time of great unity.
Taking Vs. Receiving -- Matthew 6:24-34, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Isaiah 49:8-16a, Psalm 131 -- Scott Suskovic, Carlos Wilton -- 2008
Happiness in today's world is a very fickle thing.
Bad News, Good News In An Uncertain Life -- Matthew 7:21-29, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
Bad news is unavoidable.
Is There A Doctor In The House? -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 12:1-9, Psalm 33:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2008
Health is a very fashionable topic these days.
Illustrations For June 15, 2008 From Tiw -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7) -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2008
In this week's program, Protestant theologian Don Saliers observes that churches sometimes transm
Who's Hungry? -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2008
We are all too familiar with the commercials and TV spots depicting starving children halfway around
Baptism: A Matter Of Life And Death -- Matthew 3:13-17, Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2008
Sometimes faith is only welcome in certain circles, and even if it is welcome, it may only be allowe
A Christian Response To Fear -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Argile Smith -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2008
It has been said that fear is the opposite of faith.
It's Decision Time: God Or The World? -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Every day in our lives is a series of decisions.
Faith In A Sea Of Violence -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Violence is all around us.
A Little Child Shall Lead Them -- Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 3:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2008
One of the wonders of creation is the coexistence of opposites.
What Are You Looking For? -- John 1:29-42, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2008
The political process is heating up as America works to choose its next president.
Who Will You Follow? -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2008
Every four years, the people of the United States are called upon to make their voices heard and cho
The View From The Mountaintop -- Matthew 17:1-9, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2008
We have all had what we call "mountaintop" experiences in our lives -- times when we feel we have ov
You Will Be Like God -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Humanity as a whole has shown a tendency for desiring power, whether it is power to conquer a nation
A Super Lent? -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Many Christians see Lent as a time of lowliness, a time when we cast our eyes downward, recognizing
What The Church Can Teach The Nations -- Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Genesis 1:1--2:4a, Psalm 8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2008
Power can lead to great good or great evil, depending on who wields that power.
Our True Name -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George Reed, Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2008
(Originally published for December 28, 2008)
As Common As A Samaritan Woman With Five Husbands -- John 4:5-42, Romans 5:1-11, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Sometimes the most amazing things in life are right in front of your face.
Hey, Charlie Brown! -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2007
Barbara Jurgensen is writing on 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 this week: eternal comfort.
As Others See Us -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19, Isaiah 65:17-25, Psalm 98 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2007
It's easy to throw stones at distant targets.
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
Which Armor Will We Wear? -- Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122 -- Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
In Romans, Paul admonishes us to "lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light" (Ro
Illustrations For December 9, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Matthew 3:1-12, Romans 15:4-13, Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
The process of metamorphosis changes the whole being into something entirely new.

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Illustrations For June 15, 2008 From Tiw -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7) -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2008
In this week's program, Protestant theologian Don Saliers observes that churches sometimes transm
Who's Hungry? -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2008
We are all too familiar with the commercials and TV spots depicting starving children halfway around
Baptism: A Matter Of Life And Death -- Matthew 3:13-17, Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2008
Sometimes faith is only welcome in certain circles, and even if it is welcome, it may only be allowe
A Christian Response To Fear -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Argile Smith -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2008
It has been said that fear is the opposite of faith.
It's Decision Time: God Or The World? -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Every day in our lives is a series of decisions.
Faith In A Sea Of Violence -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Violence is all around us.
A Little Child Shall Lead Them -- Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 3:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2008
One of the wonders of creation is the coexistence of opposites.
What Are You Looking For? -- John 1:29-42, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2008
The political process is heating up as America works to choose its next president.
Who Will You Follow? -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2008
Every four years, the people of the United States are called upon to make their voices heard and cho
The View From The Mountaintop -- Matthew 17:1-9, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2008
We have all had what we call "mountaintop" experiences in our lives -- times when we feel we have ov
You Will Be Like God -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Humanity as a whole has shown a tendency for desiring power, whether it is power to conquer a nation
A Super Lent? -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Many Christians see Lent as a time of lowliness, a time when we cast our eyes downward, recognizing
What The Church Can Teach The Nations -- Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Genesis 1:1--2:4a, Psalm 8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2008
Power can lead to great good or great evil, depending on who wields that power.
Our True Name -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George Reed, Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2008
(Originally published for December 28, 2008)
As Common As A Samaritan Woman With Five Husbands -- John 4:5-42, Romans 5:1-11, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Sometimes the most amazing things in life are right in front of your face.
Hey, Charlie Brown! -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2007
Barbara Jurgensen is writing on 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 this week: eternal comfort.
As Others See Us -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19, Isaiah 65:17-25, Psalm 98 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2007
It's easy to throw stones at distant targets.
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
Which Armor Will We Wear? -- Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122 -- Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
In Romans, Paul admonishes us to "lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light" (Ro
Illustrations For December 9, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Matthew 3:1-12, Romans 15:4-13, Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
The process of metamorphosis changes the whole being into something entirely new.
An Unlikely Time -- Matthew 3:1-12, Romans 15:4-13, Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Advent is a time of waiting, of expectation. But what are we waiting for?
Same Old, Same Old -- Matthew 11:2-11, James 5:7-10, Isaiah 35:1-10, Psalm 146:5-10 -- Thom M. Shuman, Paul Bresnahan -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
So often in life, we are temped to "delegate" or "pass the buck." We don't want to do something, so
Illustrations For December 30, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Did you notice that on this first Sunday of Christmas-well, in reality the only Sunday of Chr
Free Sermon Illustrations For August 8, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 12:32-40, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2007
This week's text from the book of Hebrews speaks of Abraham and Sarah as people of strong faith, peo
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

Liturgy

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Becoming One In A Divided World -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
When the Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost, it was a time of great unity.
Taking Vs. Receiving -- Matthew 6:24-34, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Isaiah 49:8-16a, Psalm 131 -- Scott Suskovic, Carlos Wilton -- 2008
Happiness in today's world is a very fickle thing.
Bad News, Good News In An Uncertain Life -- Matthew 7:21-29, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
Bad news is unavoidable.
Is There A Doctor In The House? -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 12:1-9, Psalm 33:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2008
Health is a very fashionable topic these days.
Illustrations For June 15, 2008 From Tiw -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7) -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2008
In this week's program, Protestant theologian Don Saliers observes that churches sometimes transm
Who's Hungry? -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2008
We are all too familiar with the commercials and TV spots depicting starving children halfway around
Baptism: A Matter Of Life And Death -- Matthew 3:13-17, Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2008
Sometimes faith is only welcome in certain circles, and even if it is welcome, it may only be allowe
A Christian Response To Fear -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Argile Smith -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2008
It has been said that fear is the opposite of faith.
It's Decision Time: God Or The World? -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Every day in our lives is a series of decisions.
Faith In A Sea Of Violence -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Violence is all around us.
A Little Child Shall Lead Them -- Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 3:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2008
One of the wonders of creation is the coexistence of opposites.
What Are You Looking For? -- John 1:29-42, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2008
The political process is heating up as America works to choose its next president.
Who Will You Follow? -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2008
Every four years, the people of the United States are called upon to make their voices heard and cho
The View From The Mountaintop -- Matthew 17:1-9, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2008
We have all had what we call "mountaintop" experiences in our lives -- times when we feel we have ov
You Will Be Like God -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Humanity as a whole has shown a tendency for desiring power, whether it is power to conquer a nation
A Super Lent? -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Many Christians see Lent as a time of lowliness, a time when we cast our eyes downward, recognizing
What The Church Can Teach The Nations -- Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Genesis 1:1--2:4a, Psalm 8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2008
Power can lead to great good or great evil, depending on who wields that power.
Our True Name -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George Reed, Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2008
(Originally published for December 28, 2008)
As Common As A Samaritan Woman With Five Husbands -- John 4:5-42, Romans 5:1-11, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Sometimes the most amazing things in life are right in front of your face.
Hey, Charlie Brown! -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2007
Barbara Jurgensen is writing on 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 this week: eternal comfort.
As Others See Us -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19, Isaiah 65:17-25, Psalm 98 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2007
It's easy to throw stones at distant targets.
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
Which Armor Will We Wear? -- Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122 -- Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
In Romans, Paul admonishes us to "lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light" (Ro
Illustrations For December 9, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Matthew 3:1-12, Romans 15:4-13, Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
The process of metamorphosis changes the whole being into something entirely new.
An Unlikely Time -- Matthew 3:1-12, Romans 15:4-13, Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Advent is a time of waiting, of expectation. But what are we waiting for?

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Way Beyond The Blue -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Carlos Wilton, Barbara Jurgensen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Our worldview has changed dramatically throughout history.
Becoming One In A Divided World -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
When the Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost, it was a time of great unity.
Taking Vs. Receiving -- Matthew 6:24-34, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Isaiah 49:8-16a, Psalm 131 -- Scott Suskovic, Carlos Wilton -- 2008
Happiness in today's world is a very fickle thing.
Bad News, Good News In An Uncertain Life -- Matthew 7:21-29, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
Bad news is unavoidable.
Is There A Doctor In The House? -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 12:1-9, Psalm 33:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2008
Health is a very fashionable topic these days.
Illustrations For June 15, 2008 From Tiw -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7) -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2008
In this week's program, Protestant theologian Don Saliers observes that churches sometimes transm
Who's Hungry? -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2008
We are all too familiar with the commercials and TV spots depicting starving children halfway around
Baptism: A Matter Of Life And Death -- Matthew 3:13-17, Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2008
Sometimes faith is only welcome in certain circles, and even if it is welcome, it may only be allowe
A Christian Response To Fear -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Argile Smith -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2008
It has been said that fear is the opposite of faith.
It's Decision Time: God Or The World? -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Every day in our lives is a series of decisions.
Faith In A Sea Of Violence -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Violence is all around us.
A Little Child Shall Lead Them -- Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 3:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2008
One of the wonders of creation is the coexistence of opposites.
What Are You Looking For? -- John 1:29-42, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2008
The political process is heating up as America works to choose its next president.
Who Will You Follow? -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2008
Every four years, the people of the United States are called upon to make their voices heard and cho
The View From The Mountaintop -- Matthew 17:1-9, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2008
We have all had what we call "mountaintop" experiences in our lives -- times when we feel we have ov
You Will Be Like God -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Humanity as a whole has shown a tendency for desiring power, whether it is power to conquer a nation
A Super Lent? -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Many Christians see Lent as a time of lowliness, a time when we cast our eyes downward, recognizing
What The Church Can Teach The Nations -- Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Genesis 1:1--2:4a, Psalm 8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2008
Power can lead to great good or great evil, depending on who wields that power.
Our True Name -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George Reed, Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2008
(Originally published for December 28, 2008)
As Common As A Samaritan Woman With Five Husbands -- John 4:5-42, Romans 5:1-11, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Sometimes the most amazing things in life are right in front of your face.
Hey, Charlie Brown! -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2007
Barbara Jurgensen is writing on 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 this week: eternal comfort.
As Others See Us -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19, Isaiah 65:17-25, Psalm 98 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2007
It's easy to throw stones at distant targets.
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
Which Armor Will We Wear? -- Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122 -- Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
In Romans, Paul admonishes us to "lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light" (Ro
Illustrations For December 9, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Matthew 3:1-12, Romans 15:4-13, Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
The process of metamorphosis changes the whole being into something entirely new.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Way Beyond The Blue -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Carlos Wilton, Barbara Jurgensen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Our worldview has changed dramatically throughout history.
Becoming One In A Divided World -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
When the Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost, it was a time of great unity.
Taking Vs. Receiving -- Matthew 6:24-34, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Isaiah 49:8-16a, Psalm 131 -- Scott Suskovic, Carlos Wilton -- 2008
Happiness in today's world is a very fickle thing.
Bad News, Good News In An Uncertain Life -- Matthew 7:21-29, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
Bad news is unavoidable.
Is There A Doctor In The House? -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 12:1-9, Psalm 33:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2008
Health is a very fashionable topic these days.
Illustrations For June 15, 2008 From Tiw -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7) -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2008
In this week's program, Protestant theologian Don Saliers observes that churches sometimes transm
Who's Hungry? -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2008
We are all too familiar with the commercials and TV spots depicting starving children halfway around
Baptism: A Matter Of Life And Death -- Matthew 3:13-17, Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2008
Sometimes faith is only welcome in certain circles, and even if it is welcome, it may only be allowe
A Christian Response To Fear -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Argile Smith -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2008
It has been said that fear is the opposite of faith.
It's Decision Time: God Or The World? -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Every day in our lives is a series of decisions.
Faith In A Sea Of Violence -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Violence is all around us.
A Little Child Shall Lead Them -- Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 3:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2008
One of the wonders of creation is the coexistence of opposites.
What Are You Looking For? -- John 1:29-42, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2008
The political process is heating up as America works to choose its next president.
Who Will You Follow? -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2008
Every four years, the people of the United States are called upon to make their voices heard and cho
The View From The Mountaintop -- Matthew 17:1-9, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2008
We have all had what we call "mountaintop" experiences in our lives -- times when we feel we have ov
You Will Be Like God -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Humanity as a whole has shown a tendency for desiring power, whether it is power to conquer a nation
A Super Lent? -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Many Christians see Lent as a time of lowliness, a time when we cast our eyes downward, recognizing
What The Church Can Teach The Nations -- Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Genesis 1:1--2:4a, Psalm 8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2008
Power can lead to great good or great evil, depending on who wields that power.
Our True Name -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George Reed, Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2008
(Originally published for December 28, 2008)
As Common As A Samaritan Woman With Five Husbands -- John 4:5-42, Romans 5:1-11, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Sometimes the most amazing things in life are right in front of your face.
Hey, Charlie Brown! -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2007
Barbara Jurgensen is writing on 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 this week: eternal comfort.
As Others See Us -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19, Isaiah 65:17-25, Psalm 98 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2007
It's easy to throw stones at distant targets.
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
Which Armor Will We Wear? -- Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122 -- Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
In Romans, Paul admonishes us to "lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light" (Ro
Illustrations For December 9, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Matthew 3:1-12, Romans 15:4-13, Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
The process of metamorphosis changes the whole being into something entirely new.
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John Jamison
Object: This message is a role-play for your children and requires no additional objects.

Note: You can use this role-play with a large or very small group. You will want one child to play Thomas, one child to play Jesus, and the rest of the children to play the disciples. When I have had only had one or two children, I have “volunteered” an adult or two to help out.

* * *

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

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For April 27, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
Acts 5:27-32
The Acts of the Apostles begins with the Ascension of Jesus, and the arrival of the Holy Spirit who galvanizes them to begin the spread of the Good News of Jesus the Christ. It is not long, despite signs and wonders, that the apostles find themselves facing real opposition. Arrest and threats. However, in the leadup to this passage they ignore these threats and continue to share the Good News. The news about this comes to the religious leaders while they’re debating what to do about them.
Frank Ramirez
Sometimes movies end with the “Happily Ever After Moment.” Finally – Hooray! Sometimes movies begin with the “Happily Ever After Moment.” Roll Up Your Sleeves. The real fun is just beginning. 

Acts 5:27-32

StoryShare

Frank Ramirez
Every eye will see him…. (v. 7)

The speed of news is not quite instantaneous. There’s this traffic cop called the Speed of Light that strictly enforces that 186, 242 mile per second speed limit built into our universe. If there’s a way around that limitation it remains the stuff of speculation – out of this world speculation.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Thomas had never seen his friends so excited. Peter's eyes were shining, and he could hardly contain his impatience. John was always quieter than Peter, but even he seemed full of barely suppressed eagerness. They were both tugging at Thomas, while at the same time dancing round him.

Thomas reluctantly agreed to go to the cave with them, although he continued to think they were mad. "If there was nothing there last week, how can it have changed now?" he kept asking.

SermonStudio

Schuyler Rhodes
Anyone can throw a party. It's easy to jump up and down and shout loud "alleluias." Pay the DJ, set out the drinks and the buffet table, and that's about it. At first, it's a blast! Whirling bodies and pulsing rhythms fill the night. Laughter and clinking glasses seem like an endless and joyful dialogue. But, by midnight it all starts to get a little old. People get tired of shouting and dancing and head home because they have to work the next day. The DJ was only hired for a few hours and he, perhaps, has another gig at an after-hours club across town.
Richard E. Zajac
... Unless I see... I will not believe...

I must credit the Reverend R. Maurice Boyd for this talk. Many of its ideas stemmed from "Consequences of Candor," a chapter in his book Corridors of Light.1

__________
David Kalas
When the curtain opens on Scene Two, we see a familiar scene. It is the austere, official chamber where the Sanhedrin hold court. The room is cold and intimidating. It feels even more so when the first characters begin to arrive on stage.

These are the members of the Sanhedrin: the leaders in the land who form the ruling council for the Jews of first-century Palestine. They are a distinguished looking group. They are well-dressed, well-manicured, and well-to-do. Their faces betray the seriousness of the purpose for which they have gathered.
Henry F. Woodruff
No cavalry rode to the rescue; this time the savior was technology. Here is how it happened. Longing for more intimate communication between preacher and congregation, the church purchased and installed a wireless microphone system. With an FM receiver in place and wearing a lapel microphone, the preacher could get out from behind the pulpit or lecturn and roam about, even into the midst of the congregation.

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