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1 John 1:1--2:2

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Living in Faith -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:23-37, 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
Living by faith implies both belief and action.
The Resurrection Gets Us All Together -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Historically, this is the first Sunday during which newly baptized members on Easter would be admitt
So that you may come to believe -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- David Coffin -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
The challenge for those who preach from the lectionary every year is that we have the “Doubting Thom
On having a physical relationship... with God! -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- David Kalas -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
If a human being was a candy bar, what would the label say? What are our ingredients?
The earthiness of Resurrection touch -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2003
The reaction that first Sunday after Easter was worth remembering.
See? Believe? -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2000
The incarnation is the heart of Christianity.
The power of the Gospel -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1997
This is one of those texts that we might wish were not in the Bible, or, at the very least, one that
Becoming an Easter people -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1994
In 1972, Avery and Marsh wrote a song titled, "Every Morning Is Easter Morning From Now On." The son
Getting it straight -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1991
One of the things that interests me as one who loves to teach classes on the Bible is to discover ho
Invitations -- Acts 4:32-35; 3:13-15, 17-26, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35; 3:13-15, 17-26 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
One of the interesting things about the Old and New Testaments is their use of the word "therefore."

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Skeptical Thomas -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31, Psalm 133 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For April 11, 2021:
Defending the Doubter -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:23-37, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
For April 8, 2018:
Seeing (Each Other) Is Believing -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:23-37, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
John’s gospel paints a striking portrait of the resurrection’s aftermath -- the disciples, terrified
Finding Fellowship -- Acts 4:23-37, John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
The resurrection was a startling event that completely turned the lives of the disciples upside down
Low Sunday! Slow Sunday! "oh No" Sunday! -- John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - B

CSSPlus

Open hands and open hearts -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Isn't today a wonderful day?
Telling the truth -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning! I'm going to ask you a question and I want you
We deceive ourselves -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
I want to show you something here. (Show them the optical illusion.) Which line is longer?
God is light -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Are any of you afraid of the dark?
Do you believe? -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Today we are going to do something special.

SermonStudio

Let God's Light Shine -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a light bulb, washable black paint, a small paintbrush, and a bucket of water to wash

Devotional

SermonStudio

Easter 2 -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31, Psalm 133 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Acts 4:32-35

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Second Sunday of Easter (2024) -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
Acts 4:32-35
Sermon Illustrations for Second Sunday of Easter (2021) -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Acts 4:32-35
Sermon Illustrations for Second Sunday of Easter (2018) -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Acts 4:32-35
Sermon Illustrations for Second Sunday of Easter (2015) -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
Acts 4:32-35
Sermon Illustrations for Second Sunday of Easter (2012) -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Acts 4:32-35
Whether it's from the perspective of the prosecution... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Craig Kelly -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Whether it's from the perspective of the prosecution, such as Law and Order, or from the defe
One of the major heresies... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
One of the major heresies that threatened the early church was the heresy of Gnosticism which over-e
In 1862, Julia Ward Howe... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
In 1862, Julia Ward Howe wrote the words of the beloved "Battle Hymn Of The Republic." She wrote the
Theresa Logan is a comedian... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Theresa Logan is a comedian who travels and performs all across the United States.
Jason was spending his first... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Jason was spending his first night outside of the city.
The text talks about the... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2003
The text talks about the relationship of the beloved as children of light.
For a photographer, the concept... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2003
For a photographer, the concept of light in which there is no darkness is unknown.
All have faults and fall... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2003
All have faults and fall short.
One time Edward Windsor, Prince... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2000
One time Edward Windsor, Prince of Wales, went to India.
Nobody liked Corey. He was... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1997
Nobody liked Corey. He was a bully par excellence.
Soren Kierkegaard (nineteenth century Danish... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1997
Søren Kierkegaard (nineteenth century Danish theologian) comments on the extreme personal nature of
Although many churches have suffered... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1997
Although many churches have suffered over the years from scandals, one denomination always seems to
He tried to imagine what... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1994
He tried to imagine what it would be like to have never known the light of day.
Washington School's principal, Mr. Tavender... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1994
Washington School's principal, Mr.
In her book, The Long... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1994
In her book, The Long Winter, Laura Ingalls Wilder tells the story of how difficult life could be on
Maybe you've heard the joke... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1991
Maybe you've heard the joke about the person who thought the Bible was all about baseball.

The Immediate Word

Skeptical Thomas -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31, Psalm 133 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For April 11, 2021:
Defending the Doubter -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:23-37, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
For April 8, 2018:
Seeing (Each Other) Is Believing -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:23-37, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
John’s gospel paints a striking portrait of the resurrection’s aftermath -- the disciples, terrified
Finding Fellowship -- Acts 4:23-37, John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
The resurrection was a startling event that completely turned the lives of the disciples upside down

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Skeptical Thomas -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31, Psalm 133 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For April 11, 2021:
Defending the Doubter -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:23-37, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
For April 8, 2018:
Seeing (Each Other) Is Believing -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:23-37, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
John’s gospel paints a striking portrait of the resurrection’s aftermath -- the disciples, terrified
Finding Fellowship -- Acts 4:23-37, John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
The resurrection was a startling event that completely turned the lives of the disciples upside down
Low Sunday! Slow Sunday! "oh No" Sunday! -- John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - B

SermonStudio

Easter 2 -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day
Second Sunday of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Revised Common Acts 4:32-35 1 John 1:1--2:2 John 20:19-31
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS Lesson 1: Acts 4:32-35 (C, RC)
The risen Christ confronts us in our doubts and fears with his living presence -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The risen Christ confronts us in our doubts and fears with his living presence,
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Here is a picture of the apostolic church. In this passage we
Second Sunday of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
The very subtle change of the preposition of for after (as evidenced in the title of this Sunday as
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Seasonal Theme

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Skeptical Thomas -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31, Psalm 133 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For April 11, 2021:
Defending the Doubter -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:23-37, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
For April 8, 2018:
Seeing (Each Other) Is Believing -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:23-37, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
John’s gospel paints a striking portrait of the resurrection’s aftermath -- the disciples, terrified
Finding Fellowship -- Acts 4:23-37, John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
The resurrection was a startling event that completely turned the lives of the disciples upside down
Low Sunday! Slow Sunday! "oh No" Sunday! -- John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - B

SermonStudio

Nocturnal Christians? -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Nancy Kraft -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
When I was in college, they used to show movies in a lecture hall that was tiered at a deep angle do
On Having A Good Church Fight -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- John T. Ball -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Today's scripture from 1 John is one of the treasures of all the New Testament.
The Joy Of Shared Truth -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
The chasm between the realities in which two different people live can be vast.
Pass It On -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- John A. Stroman -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
James Stewart tells the story of two men who had been business partners for over twenty years who me
Made -- Lost -- And Found -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
The most personal question anyone can ask is "Who am I?" It is the fundamental question of our huma

Free Access

Made -- Lost -- And Found -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
The most personal question anyone can ask is "Who am I?" It is the fundamental question of our huma

The Village Shepherd

The Eye-Witnesses -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Parents are generally very protective of their children, and this has to be a good thing.

Stories

StoryShare

Perks -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- C. David Mckirachan, Keith Hewitt -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Contents “Perks” by C. David McKirachan
Believing Without Seeing -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- John Fitzgerald -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
Contents "Believing without Seeing" by John Fitzgerald
The Bike And The Box Turtles -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Keith Hewitt, Craig Kelly -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Contents"The Bike and the Box Turtles" by Keith Hewitt
Primary Source -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- C. David Mckirachan, Keith Hewitt -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Contents What's Up This Week "Primary Source" by C. David McKirachan
The Mighty Metaphor Machine -- John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133 -- Stan Purdum, C. David Mckirachan, Sandra Herrmann -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Contents What's Up This Week

Free Access

Perks / Of Pens and Principalities -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- C. David Mckirachan, Keith Hewitt -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Contents “Perks” by C. David McKirachan

Worship

The Immediate Word

Skeptical Thomas -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31, Psalm 133 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For April 11, 2021:
Defending the Doubter -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:23-37, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
For April 8, 2018:
Seeing (Each Other) Is Believing -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:23-37, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
John’s gospel paints a striking portrait of the resurrection’s aftermath -- the disciples, terrified
Finding Fellowship -- Acts 4:23-37, John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
The resurrection was a startling event that completely turned the lives of the disciples upside down
Low Sunday! Slow Sunday! "oh No" Sunday! -- John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - B

SermonStudio

Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31, Psalm 133 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipA continuing celebration of resurrection. Leader:
Partners -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: Partners in concern,People: Partners in planning,
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: The Lord is merciful and the Lord is wonderful and great!
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 20 | OT 25 | Pentecost 15
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 21 | OT 26 | Pentecost 16
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 22 | OT 27 | Pentecost 17
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For September 21, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
Well, it’s autumn, and by now the seeds we planted in the spring either took root and produced or else the weather, pests, rabbits, or our own laziness conspired to make this year’s garden less than a success. But at one point we had to get started and actually plant seeds for the future.

Jeremiah is looking back from the perspective of our spiritual well-being and laments than our spiritual harvest has all been for naught. He wonders if it is now too late for a recovery. Is there no healing, no balm in Gilead, to apply to our wounds?
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 and Psalm 79:1-9
In the spring as farmers and gardeners prepare to plant we are looking at a summer of possibilities. Hard work, to be sure, but also potential. What will happen? What will this season be like? At summer’s end there will be no more questions. We’ll know. Maybe it was a great season, and we have canned or frozen many vegetables. Maybe the farmers have brought in a bumper crop and they got a good price besides.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message will be based on a game you will play. See the note below.

NOTE: Ask three or more adults to come up and play the role of Simon for your group. Tell them to all speak at once, asking the children to do different things. The goal is to create a nice bit of confusion for the children to experience.

* * *

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

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Hey!” Annie waved at the woman standing next to the open doorway. “Can you come here?”

The woman made her way past the other nursing home residents and stood next to Annie’s wheelchair.

“What can I do for you?”

“You look familiar.” Annie squinted at her. “Do I know your name?”

“I’m Brenda.” The woman pointed at her name tag. “I work in the kitchen and sometimes help serve the meals when they are ready.”

“That’s right. I think we’ve met before.” Annie tapped her lips with her finger. “You have the nice smile.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said, “Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much.” In our worship today let us remember the little things in our lives and ask God to help us to be utterly faithful in them.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we pretend that little sins don't matter.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we imagine that you don't notice little sins.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
This poignant prayer of lament and community grief gives expression to what it feels like to suffer as a person of faith. If we believe we are truly part of God's community, then the destruction of that community -- as was the case with Israel in 587 B.C. -- becomes a time for doubt, anger, and confusion. Furthermore, if we believe we are individual members of that community, our personal suffering also creates an opportunity for a crisis of faith: "Why didn't God protect me?" Of course, it does not take a national catastrophe to raise those sorts of questions.
Kirk R. Webster
If feedback is the breakfast of champions, perhaps we would do well to examine some of our prayer habits. If you have ever heard someone use The Just Really Prayer, you know exactly what problem we are talking about.

That prayer goes something like this, "Lord, we just really thank you for this day. We come before you and just really pray for mercy. We offer ourselves to you and just really ask that your will be done in our lives. Amen." I'm thankful this particular Just Really prayer was mercifully short, unlike the next example, The Good Guilt-Based Prayer.
John W. Wurster
Another season has come and gone. Promises that were made have not been fulfilled. Good intentions haven't yielded any tangible results. Dreams have not come true. High hopes have proven to be only wishful thinking. Nothing has really changed; nothing has really improved. The time keeps moving along, but we seem stuck in the same ruts. Old routines remain, prejudices persist, dullness and anxiety continue to be constant companions. Lingering in the air is that nagging sense that things aren't quite right, not as they could be, not as they should be.
R. Robert Cueni
In the scripture lesson for today Jesus tells a perplexing parable about a thoroughly dishonest employee who was praised for his dishonesty. In this story Jesus not only seems comfortable suggesting that it is acceptable to compromise with moral failings, but our Lord appears to commend his disciples to "go and do likewise." For centuries, preachers, commentators, and scholars have struggled to make sense of this outrageous tale.

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