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Sermon Illustrations For Trinity Sunday (2023)

Illustration
Genesis 1:1--2:4
Richard Rogers, in 1965, wrote the lyrics to the song “Something Good” for the musical The Sound of Music. The lyrics include the lines, “Nothing comes from nothing. Nothing ever could.”  In the context of the song, it refers to doing something good in childhood that will bear fruit later. However, I thought of those lines again reading this familiar story.

Can something come from nothing?  Dr. Lawrence M. Krauss assets that it can. “Most of the energy in the universe resides in some mysterious, now inexplicable form permeating all of empty space. It’s not an understatement to say that the discovery has changed the playing field of modern cosmology. For one thing, this discovery has produced remarkable new support for the idea that our universe arose from precisely nothing.”

Dr. Krauss’ theory leads to the inevitable question, “Where did the energy in the universe that now resides in some inexplicable form come from?”  As much as some scientists try, it is difficult to argue something came from nothing. What that argument is unstainable is found in our text.  “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (1:1).  In this case, the songwriter trumps the scientist. Nothing can come from nothing. The something that exists comes from God.
Bill T.

* * *

Genesis 1:1-2--2:4a
John Wesley offers a thoughtful insight about this version of the creation account, one that can be connected to what we know of science’s perspective on the universe’s origins. He wrote:

The work of creation not only preceded gradually from one thing to another, but advanced gradually from that which was less excellent to that which was more so. (Commentary On the Bible, p.22)

In seeking to explain how the reference to plurality in God in the creation story (the Hebrew word for God Elohim is plural), Carl Henry has claimed that because human beings are always creatures in relationship, and we are made in the image of God, it follows that God must always be in relation to himself, and so must be Triune.  The need for God to be Triune in order for creation to make sense was posited in the ancient church by Calus Marius Victorinus.  For him, the Father is interior knowledge (possibility) and the Son is the activator of that creative potential of God.  The Spirit brings the two (potential and actuality, being and act) together to make creation possible (The Fathers of the Church, Vol.69, pp.22,173,266-267,315).  Or as we sing in an ancient hymn of this era:

Giver
Minister
Distributor
O Blessed Trinity.
  (Ibid., p.324)

Together they combine to make creation real.
Mark E.

* * *

Genesis 1:1-2:4a
This long passage of scripture recounts the creation of all that is. God’s hands and breath create all that is – the light, the day and the night, the stars in the heavens, everything that grows on and in the earth, all the animals which dwell on earth, swim in the sea and lakes, and fly in the sky. Then God creates human beings in God’s own likeness to shepherd and care for the earth, to be caretakers of all that is.

I wonder how God feels about the care we are offering to creation. With issues of the climate crisis, the annihilation of species of animals and birds, and the poor treatment we offer to our siblings on the planet, what kind of job are we doing as the caretakers of creation? Perhaps this Trinity Sunday, as we remember the actions of our loving Creator God, we might think about how and what we can do to care for the earth, all the creatures therein and our siblings created in God’s image. It’s not the new year, but we could make a new resolution to be the caretakers we believe God is calling us to be. What might change if we did that?
Bonnie B.

* * *

2 Corinthians 13:11-13
In the movie The Lion King, Simba, just before returning to the Pride land, meets Rafiki who takes him to a place where he is visited by the spirit of his father Mufasa.  In that meeting the spirit of Mufasa reminds him of who he is. He tells him, “Remember. Remember who you are.” 

As I read the conclusion of Paul’s second letter to the Christians in Corinth, I was struck how he reminded them to remember who they were. Prior to this passage, he challenged them to examine themselves to see if they were living in the faith. Then, as he concludes this letter, he shares with them practical things they can do, remembering who they are in Jesus Christ.

 “Remember who you are.” It is why people hang family portraits on the wall. It’s why they have family reunions in the summer.  It’s what parents talk to children about prior to their first date.  The Corinthian Christians were instructed what to do because of who and whose they were. The same applies to God’s people today. “Remember who you are.”
Bill T.

* * *

2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians is actually a packet containing pieces of several letters. In addition to something called the “difficult letter,” there are a couple of stewardship letters (chapters 8 & 9), along with the remains of a letter in chapters 10-13 which includes what I call “Blessed Assurance,” in which Paul assures the Corinthians that although we all endure pain we can all grow through the experience. Paul himself reveals that his thorn in the flesh has not been taken away, despite his earnest prayers. This leads to the closing benediction and blessing. Rejoice! says Paul, among other things. It is Paul’s joy in the midst of trials and his invitation to receive and share in that joy which undergirds and fuels his ministry and the invitation to abide in Christ.

There’s an interesting description of the Trinity named in the final verse. There’s the grace of the son Jesus Christ (grounded in his pain and sacrifice), the love of God the Creator (which has led God to take the risk of giving us free will, creating the opportunity for us to freely become disciples), and the fellowship that we share through the blessings of the Holy Spirit (which makes possible the extraordinary association we share as the church which leads us to include people of every imaginable background). Grace. Love. Fellowship. Son. Father. Holy Spirit. Just one more reminder it’s impossible to pin God down to a simple definition.
Frank R.

* * *

Matthew 28:16-20
“…but they doubted.” (Matthew 28:17) Really? The women passed along the message to meet the risen Lord in Galilee, the eleven followed through, there he was, and they worshipped him – I assume awestruck because it was really true. A three day walk from Jerusalem to Galilee would give plenty of time to doubt and wonder – is this a fool’s errand? Were the women mistaken, or just plain wrong? But here he is. Risen, just as he said.

So, what’s this about doubt? Did they doubt their own eyes? Doubt it was Jesus? Did they have doubts about what lay ahead? About their ability to cope with the new reality?

The Cambridge Greek Lexicon speculates that the word for doubt – distadzo – comes from the words duo, or two, and stand – histemy – in other words, when you doubt you are standing in two places. I just wonder, did their doubt mean they were trying to stand in the old creation, where if you’re dead, you’re dead, and in the new creation, where the powers are overthrown, death is conquered, and we now live?

Regardless of what doubts they had, it was all no never mind. Full speed ahead. Jesus had plans for them, to take the Good News out into the world, to baptize people, and change the world – along with the assurance, “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
Frank R.

* * *

Matthew 28:16-20
John Calvin nicely links baptism and evangelism to the Trinity.  He notes that first we need God’s mercy (the Father), then we need one to reconcile us (the Son), and finally we need to be regenerated (the Spirit) (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.XVII/1, p.387).  In the same way, we might say that there is no successful evangelism without the three components – the word of grace (the merciful Father), the evangelist (the little Christ on earth), and the response of the one evangelized (impossible without the work of the Spirit). 

Famed modern theologian Karl Barth offers an insight on what happens in evangelism that is relevant to the Trinity.  He speaks of all our differences being relativized as we reach out to others (not unlike how the oneness of the godhead relativizes all differences between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).  Barth writes:

As the community goes to the nations (v.19), calling them to discipleship, it certainly does not remove the frontiers and differences between them.  On the other hand, it does not sanction them.  Rather, it constitutes right across them a new people in which the member of all peoples do not merely meet but are united. (Church Dogmatics, Vol.IV/3, p.899)
Mark E.

* * *

Matthew 28:16-20
This famous piece of scripture reminds us of our commission to act in the world on behalf God, to follow the request of Jesus to make disciples of all nations. Sometimes this passage has been interpreted as a requirement for everyone to become a Jesus follower. Many choose not to. That is not our responsibility. We are to proclaim our faith, to act on our faith, to share our faith, and not to require others to believe as we do or punish them when they have not. Our responsibility is to share, to be the light of Christ and the presence of God’s love in the world. That involves the truth of our sharing our relationship with God, our journey of faith and our example of faithful people in the world. What might happen if all the Christians in the world acted on this commission? If all of us, the more than two billion of us lived this way? The world might be a very different place. I would love to see it.
Bonnie B.
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
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34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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15 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
11 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Good Friday
20 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For April 6, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A small pillow or cushion, a bowl, and a jar.

NOTE: This is a simple role-play story. You will need one boy to play the role of Jesus, and one girl to play the role of Mary. Since these are not speaking roles, this may be an opportunity to have a child help who might be hesitant to do a more involved role.

* * *

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

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
This is not the same old thing. This is something new. Isaiah tells us to forget the old standards of life and truth. Our God conquers, so no longer judge the old way. Paul in prison says pretty much the same thing. And in the first supper, which takes place in the home of Martha, with Mary, Jesus, and the newly resurrected Lazarus in attendance, we see the world turned upside down as well. Something new. Something new.

Isaiah 43:16-21
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Isaiah 43:16-21

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” (vv. 7-8)

The first time I saw one of the “He Gets Us” Jesus ads during the Super Bowl two years ago, I sat up and said to my wife, Jo, “This is great! I wonder who is sponsoring this.” When I found out who, and what their motives were, I was deeply disappointed.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to worship:

When Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus' feet with oil, the whole house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. As we worship God today, may this whole church be filled with the fragrance of our prayers.

Invitation to confession:

Jesus, sometimes we fail to notice or appreciate beauty.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we resent the actions of others and are spiteful towards them.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Gregory L. Tolle
For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own. (vv. 8b--12)
Schuyler Rhodes
There's nothing quite as wonderful as looking at an old car that's been restored to its former luster. A 1932 Ford Victoria Coupe, rumbling down the road brings a thrill. The rust has been cleaned off, the torn upholstery replaced, and missing windows have been installed. It is a work of art. It is also a work of love. Such restoration projects, as anyone involved in them can attest, are not for the weak of heart. Restoring a classic automobile requires painstaking attention to detail and the patience of Job.
Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
Worship is a blessed waste of time.

Old Testament Lesson
Isaiah 43:16-21
A New Thing
Donald Charles Lacy
In our spiritual voyages, surprises -- sometimes outlandishly -- come to us. We scratch our heads and wonder if what we are experiencing is fact or fiction. It may or may not be a time of inspiration. However, it may be one of instruction, as we view it in retrospect. You and I are to remember that every occurrence may very well be a teaching event.

David Kalas
In December of every year, the Downtown Athletic Club in New York City awards the coveted Heisman Trophy. Voted on by over 800 media members, the Heisman is awarded to the most outstanding college football player during that season. Past recipients have included such notables as Roger Staubach, Marcus Allen, and Barry Sanders. It is a great honor, and it represents the broad and non-partisan recognition of a player's outstanding season.
Julia Ross Strope
You shall pass judgment on yourself. That is the hardest thing of all ...
If you succeed in judging yourself, it is because you are truly wise.
(The king on a planet to the prince)
-- Saint Exupery, The Little Prince

Call To Worship
Leader: You're here! Winter seems displaced by the new growth of spring. This is the fifth Sunday in Lent -- with one more to come: Palm Sunday.

(Candles counting the Sundays in Lent can be lighted.)

Special Occasion

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