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2 Corinthians 5:16-21

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

God Saves Us By His Grace! -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
Joshua 5:9-12
Priestly People -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12 -- David Coffin -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
In my junior high confirmation classes, I remind the students that there will be a day when they wil
Occasions for Rejoicing -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
Since the Fourth Sunday in Lent has been historically identified as Laetare (Rejoicing Sund
Looking inward; acting outward -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The Lenten season is a time for introspection.
The way to withness -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Religion is about a relationship.
The gospel frame by frame -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2010
Let the movie play at full speed through the first half.
Hard to swallow -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
We are ambassadors for Christ. Well, how does it feel to have yourself sworn in and
Always wanting more -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2001
With Augustine we can affirm that pride is the fundamental sin and concupiscence is its fundamental
A change of perception -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1998
Luke's wonderful parable of the prodigal son dominates the lectionary for today.
The prodigality of God -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1995
The word prodigality carries a dual meaning in English.
The crops of Canaan -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
One night, prowling the corners of a Christian bookstore, I stumbled past the Max Lucado, Dan Jenkin

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

What is Forgiveness? -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
For March 30, 2025:
Profiles of Grace -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 31, 2019:
Good Riddance -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The apostle Paul tells us in this week’s lectionary epistle passage that once we are “in Christ, the
Fatted Calf Or Pork? -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text features the parable of the prodigal son, which provides plenty o

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Point of view -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Leah Thompson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2010
"From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Ch
A clean slate -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their
Clean and fresh -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Good morning, boys and girls. I thought I would bring some laundry today.
Ambassadors for Christ -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Good morning! I have here an article from the paper which
Ashes, ashes -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
These ashes are all that is left of the palms we used in the

Devotional

SermonStudio

Lent 4 -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us ...

Drama

SermonStudio

Percival Prodigal Ponders A Pithy Point -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
For several years, my wife and I have been involved in a prison ministry at our local county house o

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2025) -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
Joshua 9:5-12
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2022) -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
Joshua 5:9-12
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2019) -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
Joshua 5:9-12
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2016) -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, R. Robert Cueni, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
Joshua 5:9-12
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2013) -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Joshua 5:9-12
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
It is important to have the right perspective when viewing something.
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Bob Ove -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
A man was going to court over bankruptcy. He had no means of covering the huge debt he owed.
Joshua 5:9-12 Luther... -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2010
Joshua 5:9-12
Science teachers interest and entertain... -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
Science teachers interest and entertain even bored students when they turn on the black
Do you know that Jesus... -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
Do you know that Jesus really loves you? Have you experienced that feeling of total love
Some time ago, a husband... -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
Some time ago, a husband and wife faced serious marriage problems. Neither would take
The divided church at Corinth... -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
The divided church at Corinth needed to be reminded that they were not to regard any
The church telephone rang on... -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2001
The church telephone rang on the Tuesday after Labor Day.
It is not unusual for... -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2001
It is not unusual for the federal government to provide new identities for people who turn state's e
Tim loved to rummage through... -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2001
Tim loved to rummage through the wastebaskets, against his mother's wishes.
For a decade Hector Marciel... -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2001
For a decade Hector Marciel (pronounced Mach ale) has worked for a private university as a do
Thomas Long, professor of homiletics... -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1998
Thomas Long, professor of homiletics at Princeton, tells of a church that opened its building to the
One of the biggest hit... -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1998
One of the biggest hit programs PBS has ever produced in the last few years is Creation.
Science fiction writer Robert Heinlein... -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1998
Science fiction writer Robert Heinlein has a book called Double Star.
Nothing is more satisfying than... -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1998
Nothing is more satisfying than seeing a person come to faith in Jesus Christ for the first time.
Hold the pickles, hold the... -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1995
"Hold the pickles, hold the lettuce, special orders don't upset us." If we really wanted to become b

The Immediate Word

What is Forgiveness? -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
For March 30, 2025:
Profiles of Grace -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 31, 2019:
Good Riddance -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The apostle Paul tells us in this week’s lectionary epistle passage that once we are “in Christ, the
Fatted Calf Or Pork? -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text features the parable of the prodigal son, which provides plenty o

Prayer

SermonStudio

FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT -- Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 34:1-8, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- B. David Hostetter -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIPGlorify God with me, and let us exalt the hallowed name together.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

What is Forgiveness? -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
For March 30, 2025:
Profiles of Grace -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 31, 2019:
Good Riddance -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The apostle Paul tells us in this week’s lectionary epistle passage that once we are “in Christ, the
Fatted Calf Or Pork? -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text features the parable of the prodigal son, which provides plenty o

SermonStudio

Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day Discipleship is the journey from "give me" to "make me."
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 -- George M. Bass -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 -- George M. Bass -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Lent 4 -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 -- Perry H. Biddle, Jr. -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1988
Comments on the Lessons

Sermon

The Immediate Word

What is Forgiveness? -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
For March 30, 2025:
Profiles of Grace -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 31, 2019:
Good Riddance -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The apostle Paul tells us in this week’s lectionary epistle passage that once we are “in Christ, the
Fatted Calf Or Pork? -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text features the parable of the prodigal son, which provides plenty o

SermonStudio

A New Creation In Hope -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Bonnie Bates -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2021
In Christ, we are a new creation.
A New Point Of View -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
In 2000, Mel Gibson appeared in the comedy, What Women Want.
Frayed Ends And Torn Seams -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a man killed by a hit-and-run driver
Be Reconciled -- To Christ And Others -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
The train clanked and rattled down the tracks one lazy summer afternoon as I traveled from Kyoto to
Salvation's From And For -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Despite the zest to adapt when things go amiss with the human body or the mind, a self-alienation an
Words We Know, But God Doesn't -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Henry F. Woodruff -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Native Texans know the place as "the hill country." Not like the high rolling plains of the Edward's
STEP EIGHT - LOVE -- Psalm 19:7-13, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- John A. Terry -- 1992
Step eight: Made a list of all persons we harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
The Message Of The Morning Light -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Erskine White -- 1991
Just as a handful of women and disciples came early in the day to the garden tomb, so do Christians

The Village Shepherd

I Am A New Creation? -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
I've always loved stories.

Stories

StoryShare

X Games -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- John S. Smylie, David O. Bales -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
Note: This installment was originally posted in 2007.Contents
A Crafty Dad -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Contents A Story to Live By: "A Crafty Dad"

SermonStudio

Ambassadors For Christ -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everythi
Cleaning Up After The Bomb -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
On March 27, 2002, at a little after 7 p.m., a young Palestinian male sauntered into the lobby of th
A New Creation -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Debi Lyerly Lawson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
I cannot remember a time when God wasn't the source of all that I am.
Lent 4 -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- John Steward -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Walter Elias was born in the city; now his parents had just moved to the country.

Worship

The Immediate Word

What is Forgiveness? -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
For March 30, 2025:
Profiles of Grace -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 31, 2019:
Good Riddance -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The apostle Paul tells us in this week’s lectionary epistle passage that once we are “in Christ, the
Fatted Calf Or Pork? -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text features the parable of the prodigal son, which provides plenty o

SermonStudio

Lent 4 -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
You shall pass judgment on yourself. That is the hardest thing of all ...
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21Theme: Ambassadors Of Hope
New Year/New Beginnings -- Isaiah 43:15-21, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipThere are times for new beginnings,And for renewing ministries.
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Theme: The Israelites Celebrated Passover Before Entering The Promised Land
Practice Random Acts of Kindness -- Ephesians 4:25-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Lent 2
20 – Sermons
170+ – Illustrations / Stories
26 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
20 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 3
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 4
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
27 – 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 rock about the size of a tennis ball, baseball, or even a softball.

* * *

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

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
George Reed
Mary Austin
For March 30, 2025:

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
Paul reread the parable again and sighed. Why had he agreed to lead the Bible study this week? When Pastor Luke asked him, he had been all excited and enthusiastic. He knew the parable of the prodigal son inside and out having read commentaries and stories about it before. He had actually preached a sermon on the passage when Pastor Luke was away and received great feedback from the congregation.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Joshua 5:9-12
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Joshua 9:5-12

SermonStudio

Bonnie Bates
It is a well-known cliché that “God never gives us more than we can handle”, but I have sometimes found that not to be so. When my youngest brother died of brain cancer at age five, it was more than I could handle. When my first husband was emotionally and physically abusive, it was more than I could handle. When my second husband and I lost our twin sons at birth, it was more than I could handle. The COVID pandemic was more than we could handle. Wars and violence are often more than we can handle. Homelessness, poverty, grief, and loss are often more than we can handle.
John N. Brittain
I suppose we are all a little bit nervous about the prospect of a sermon on a Bible story as familiar and sometimes as overworked as the Parable of the Prodigal Son. "What can I possibly say that hasn't been said before?" And I know what's going through your minds: "Are we going to be subjected to the same old sermon yet another time?" Confronting a familiar Bible passage like this mid-Lent really serves to address the discipline of reading Scripture as part of our devotional life, particularly passages that are very familiar.
Charles D. Reeb
A. A. Milne, the creator of Winnie the Pooh, wrote a simple, yet telling poem in his work, Now We Are Six:

When I was One, I had just begun.
When I was Two, I was nearly new.
When I was Three, I was hardly Me.
When I was Four, I was not much more.
When I was Five, I was just alive.
But now I am Six, I'm as clever as ever.
So I think I'll be six now for ever and ever.1

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to worship:

 While the Prodigal Son was still far off, his father saw him, ran to him, put his arms around him and kissed him. In our worship today, let us turn to God so that he may run to us, put his arms around and kiss us.

Invitation to confession:

 Jesus, for the times when we run away from you,

Lord, have mercy.

 Jesus, for the times when we have wasted our inheritance on dissolute living,

Christ, have mercy.

 Jesus, when we return to you,

Lord, have mercy.

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