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1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Are You Ready? -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2023
When people say there is peace and security, look out. Be ready! Something is coming!
Sometimes God Defies the World’s Expectations -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2020
Serving God his way, noting how God sometimes defies the world’s expectations.
What are our priorities? -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
As we come to the end of the Pentecost season with Thanksgiving on the horizon, it is appropriate th
His favorite strange and mysterious way -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- David Kalas -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
The phrase is not found in scripture, but it has worked its way into common parlance.
Here comes the judge -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- David Kalas -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
In the 1970s, comedian Flip Wilson made famous a series of routines that featured the phrase "Here c
Motivational speaking -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30, Psalm 123 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2002
The tradition of "fire and brimstone" preaching runs deep.
Accountability -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1999
Our lessons for this day are not very pleasant ones. There are no warm fuzzies to be had here.
Am I responsible? -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1996
Like the four Gospels, each giving a unique perspective on

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Sobering Up -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12 -- Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2020
For November 15, 2020:
Risky Business -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable that on the surface seems like a first-
All In -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Like last week’s lectionary gospel passage, the parable of the talents seems to go against the gr
Mattress, Credit Union, Or World? -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
The parable of the talents is one of those scriptural passages that is so familiar -- particularly g
Judge Deborah -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,

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Building up -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing. (v.
Invisible armor -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2008
Put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.
Be an encourager -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Good morning, boys and girls. It is so good to be together.
Help one another -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Good morning! I brought something good for you this morning.
Under construction -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
How many of you like to play with building blocks? (Let them
A word of encouragement -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you know how to

SermonStudio

Standing Ovation -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a standing round of applause (use a sign that reads "Give a standing round of applaus

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 28 / Pentecost 26 / OT 33 -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
...

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2023) -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2023
Judges 4:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2020) -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2020
Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 and Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2017) -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bob Ove -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
Judges 4:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2014) -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Judges 4:1-7
In my last pastoral assignment... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
In my last pastoral assignment I lived in a parsonage, but my congregation gave me the privilege of
Don't get caught up in times... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Don't get caught up in times and dates.
NULL -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
Judges 4:1-7
NULL -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Ron Love -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
In the late 1800s there were three African-American leaders who wanted to integrate blacks into whit
NULL -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
Thieves come in the night. Drunkenness comes in the night. Sleep comes in the night.
NULL -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Brian Hohmeier -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
In Michal Ajvaz's The Other City, the protagonist discovers a hidden side of Prague when the
I walk in the mornings... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2008
I walk in the mornings near the hospital. Sometimes I walk early and sometimes a little later.
A man was walking down... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2008
A man was walking down the road when he came upon a half-completed cathedral.
If we take Paul literally... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2008
If we take Paul literally and never close our eyes to sleep, soon we would not notice anything at al
As Pam was going through... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2008
As Pam was going through her mother's desk she happened upon a notebook full of names.
Judges 4:1-7 Christians... -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2008
Judges 4:1-7
Following the horrific events of... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2002
Following the horrific events of 9/11, a young woman in New Jersey refused to leave her apartment be
There are people who qualify... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2002
There are people who qualify for the title "encourager," and they are worth so much in the Church.
Staying awake at critical times... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2002
Staying awake at critical times can save something as precious as our own souls, or something as mun
Anthony de Mello, the Jesuit... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2002
Anthony de Mello, the Jesuit retreat leader and writer, once told a story about keeping awake: The M
You are all sons of... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1999
"You are all sons of the light and sons of the day." Alexanderos Papaderos was a theologian and educ

StoryShare

Peace and Security -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2023
When they say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, as la

The Immediate Word

Sobering Up -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12 -- Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2020
For November 15, 2020:
Risky Business -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable that on the surface seems like a first-
All In -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Like last week’s lectionary gospel passage, the parable of the talents seems to go against the gr
Mattress, Credit Union, Or World? -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
The parable of the talents is one of those scriptural passages that is so familiar -- particularly g

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Sobering Up -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12 -- Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2020
For November 15, 2020:
Risky Business -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable that on the surface seems like a first-
All In -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Like last week’s lectionary gospel passage, the parable of the talents seems to go against the gr
Mattress, Credit Union, Or World? -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
The parable of the talents is one of those scriptural passages that is so familiar -- particularly g
Judge Deborah -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,

SermonStudio

Proper 28 / Ordinary Time 33 -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Theme of the DayServing God His way. Collect of the Day
Proper 28 / Pentecost 26 / Ordinary Time 33 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayTalents are meant to be used.Old Testament Lesson
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Judges 4:1--7 (C)
Proper 28, Pentecost 26, Ordinary Time 33 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Judges 4:1-7 (C)
Be Ready -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Gary L. Carver -- 1997
I am sure that most of you shook the slats out of the cradle when you first heard the following stor
Being ready for Christ's kingdom -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Judges 4:1--7 (C)
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Judges 4:1-7 (C)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Sobering Up -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12 -- Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2020
For November 15, 2020:
Risky Business -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable that on the surface seems like a first-
All In -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Like last week’s lectionary gospel passage, the parable of the talents seems to go against the gr
Mattress, Credit Union, Or World? -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
The parable of the talents is one of those scriptural passages that is so familiar -- particularly g
Judge Deborah -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,

SermonStudio

What Can We Believe about Judgment Day? -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2010
Most of the biblical images of the coming day of the Lord suggest a belief that it will be a day of
How, Then, Shall We Live? -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
I saw on America's Funniest Videos recently a little girl, about five or six years old, in a
The Day Of The Lord -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Richard C. Brand -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
For a man who claims that he does not know much about the coming day of the Lord, Paul has certainly

The Village Shepherd

Don't Be Surprised... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
The earthquake which hit the mountain village of San Giuliano di Puglia in Italy had devastating

Stories

StoryShare

Peace and Security -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2023
When they say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, as la
A Song Of Rejoicing -- Matthew 25:14-30, Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123 -- Sandra Herrmann, Keith Wagner -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Contents"A Song of Rejoicing" by Sandra Herrmann
The End Of What? -- Matthew 25:14-30, Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123 -- David O. Bales, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
Contents"The End of What?" by David O. Bales "The Aqueduct" by John Sumwalt
Inspiring Courage -- Matthew 25:14-30, Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123 -- Argile Smith, Gregory L. Tolle, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Inspiring Courage" by Argile Smith
A Fond Farewell -- Matthew 25:14-30, Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt, Susan Monnarjahn, Evelyn Mclachlan -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2005
Contents What's Up Next Week: "A Fond Farewell" by John & Jo Sumwalt

Worship

The Immediate Word

Sobering Up -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12 -- Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2020
For November 15, 2020:
Risky Business -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable that on the surface seems like a first-
All In -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Like last week’s lectionary gospel passage, the parable of the talents seems to go against the gr
Mattress, Credit Union, Or World? -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
The parable of the talents is one of those scriptural passages that is so familiar -- particularly g
Judge Deborah -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,

SermonStudio

Proper 28 / Ordinary Time 33 / /Pentecost 25 -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: Before there was any time,All: there was God.
Might As Well Be You And Me -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
HymnsAwake My Soul, Stretch Every Nerve (NCH491, CBH609)
Proper 28 -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Theme: Children Of LightCall To Worship
Clothed For Salvation -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
Second Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11Theme: Clothed For Salvation
PROPER 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
Proper 28 / Ordinary Time 33 -- Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
The jealousy of God -- Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, Psalm 76, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Paul A. Laughlin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1989
Exegetical note: Writing in the days of the reformer King Josiah and the prophet Jeremiah, Zephaniah
God's wrath on man's sin -- Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipLeader:
PROPER 27 -- Psalm 50:7-15, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1986
Since the Lutheran Lectionary texts for Pentecost 24, with the single substitution of Amos 5:18-24 f

Free Access

Proper 28 / Ordinary Time 33 -- Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Epiphany 3 (OT 3)
32 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
35 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 4 (OT 4)
28 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 5 (OT 5)
31 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

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John Jamison
Object: A 2025 calendar.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent! This is a story about something that happened after Jesus was baptized when he went back to his hometown of Nazareth to visit his family and friends. While he was visiting, he went to the service at the synagogue, just like we come to our church service. During the service, they asked Jesus to read the scripture, so he stood up and read. He said:

The Spirit of the Lord is on me,

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For January 26, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
It seems everybody knows about Victor Hugo’s greatest novel, even if few have actually read it. He called his masterpiece, Les Miserables, and said that it was “a religious work.” So it is. The story echoes the gospel message at nearly every turn.

The main character, Jean Valjean, has been beaten hard by the cruel twists of fate. He has seen the sham of hypocrisy on all sides. So he casts the name of the Lord to the ground like a curse. What does God know of him, and what does it matter?
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10

StoryShare

Frank Ramirez
Did you ever notice in most of the old movies how the credits are at the front and they don’t share much information? Take the classic The Wizard of Oz. The overture begins with a rousing fanfare, followed by musical allusions to the key songs in the show. Visually, we see the Metro Goldwyn Mayer logo featuring the roaring lion and the words “Metro Goldwyn Mayer presents,” and of course the title of the film.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

 The Spirit of the Lord was upon Jesus as he worshipped in the synagogue at Nazareth. Let us ask God's Spirit to fill us as we worship in church today.

Invitation to Confession:

 Jesus, when we are unaware of your Spirit within us,
Lord, have mercy.

 Jesus, when we deny your Spirit within us,
Christ, have mercy.

 Jesus, when we reject or damage your Spirit within us,
Lord, have mercy.

 Reading:

 Luke 4:14-21

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.
-- Luke 4:21

Constance Berg
David led us the two blocks from our church to his place of worship: a synagogue. We all gathered around him to hear what he was saying. The mid-week church school students had been studying the Jewish faith for three weeks, and now it was time to visit a synagogue!

David's job was to help the rabbi, who could only come to town periodically. David spoke with much pride of the customs that have been handed down for centuries and that he now espoused.
Robert F. Crowley
Theme

Is the body of Christ able to work together in harmony because the spirit of the Lord is upon it, or is it meant to operate like any other organization?

Summary

Pastor Ralph needs some work on his car and he is also dealing with differing factions in his church. He is not having a good day. Earl, his friend and mechanic, gives him some good advice on taking care of his car and then relates it to his church -- get all the parts working together; after all, they all have the same manufacturer -- the Holy Spirit.

Playing Time
Dennis Koch
Gospel Theme:
An overture for the oppressed

Gospel Note:
Luke's moving of Jesus' hometown sermon from later in his ministry (as in Mark) to its inception makes it a kind of programmatic overture for the Master's entire career. Jesus' choice of passage (from Tito-Isaiah) to define his objective is as sobering today as it was then, for the recipients of the good news are to be, not the comfortable and contented, but the poor, the imprisoned, the blind, the oppressed.

Liturgical Color:
Green

Suggested Hymns:
O God Of Light
James Evans
Psalm 19 celebrates two different media through which God is revealed: nature and the law.

The first part of the psalm calls our attention to the presence of God in nature -- "The heavens are telling the glory of God." The word "glory" is the Hebrew kabod and literally means weight or heaviness. The derived meaning is something akin to "reputation." God's reputation is evident in the heavens.

But reputation for what?

Elizabeth Achtemeier
We live in a society in which right and wrong have become largely a matter of personal opinion. All individuals are seen as a law unto themselves, and what is right for one person is not necessarily right for anyone else. Indeed, if any person tries to impose their ethical standards on another, the response is usually defensive anger. "Don't try to impose your middle-class morality on me," goes the complaint. "I know what is right for me, and you have no business trying to meddle in my life!"
Gary L. Carver
I shall never forget the night that Mae June came to church. Mae June was a workingwoman who, in our little community, was often seen in the late hours of the night in some of the darker places of our little town.

Harry N. Huxhold
In the Sundays of the Epiphany we are reminded in our worship how God continually reveals God's Person. That, of course, is done most clearly in the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ, who came to be one of us. Today the emphasis of the Lessons is on how God is revealed in the Word. In the Holy Gospel, Jesus himself points out how he is revealed in the word, or the word is revealed in him, but the people do not seem to understand. That is always a problem in communication. The words can be ever so clear, but do people get the message?
Robert S. Crilley
Let me offer you a hypothetical situation. Suppose you had a friend who was unfamiliar with the church. The person had never attended a worship service or sat in on a Sunday school class. He or she had never participated in any of the midweek fellowship activities or volunteered to help out with one of the mission trips. In effect, Christianity was a complete mystery to him/her. And so, more out of curiosity than anything else, the person asks you, "What exactly is the church?"
Julia Ross Strope
A single song is being inflected through all the colorations of the human choir.
The way to become human is to recognize the lineaments of God in all the wonderful modulations of the face [of humankind].
-- Joseph Campbell, The Hero With a Thousand Faces

Call To Worship
Leader: Welcome! Together we'll explore ancient stories about a public reading, the awesomeness of Creation, satisfying life together, and we will claim our God-given abilities.

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