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Acts 16:9-15

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Do You Want to Be Made Well? Make it Happen! -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 5:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
The church is a work in progress — and we are expected to be a critical part of that church’s work.
The Great Things God's Love Does -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, John 5:1-9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
The great things God’s love does.
Coming and Going -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- David Kalas -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
Perhaps on this holiday weekend, which culturally marks the beginning of summer, it is right for us
Entrance points into new life -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- David Coffin -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
By this time, Resurrection of Our Lord Sunday is way behind in the rearview mirror of many people’s
Home -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Last year Phil Phillips won the American Idol competition based in part on his powerful rendi
The road ahead -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, Psalm 67 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
When the Danish novelist, George Brandes, was a young man, he looked up to Henrik Ibsen.
Guess who's at the door -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, Psalm 67 -- David Kalas -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
It's a picture of God that we see again and again throughout the pages of scripture.
Life in the Spirit -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1998
The focus in the first and third lessons for today is on the Holy Spirit, who guides and directs the
The man who wasn't there -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1995
In his history of the early church Luke gives prominence to dreams and visions in order to underline
Utopia -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Recent years have seen a resurgence of participation in public discussions of books.

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Why Does Jesus Ask, "Do You Want To Be Healed?" -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, John 5:1-9, Psalm 67 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Tom Willadsen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
For May 25, 2025:
Life In The Big City -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, John 5:1-9, Psalm 67 -- Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
For May 22, 2022:
Everybody In the Pool! -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67, John 5:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 26, 2019:
Love, Love Is The Answer -- John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29, Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
In the primary gospel text selected by the lectionary for this week, Jesus prepares his disciples fo
Word Keepers Needed -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67 -- Thom M. Shuman, Teresa L. Major -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Jesus tells his disciples in this Sunday's gospel reading that "those who love me will keep my word"

Devotional

SermonStudio

Easter 6 -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying,

Drama

SermonStudio

Some Day, My Prince Will Come .. -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, Psalm 67 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
As I perused the readings for Easter 6, I was struck by their focus on the future glory of God -- an

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Easter 6 (2025) -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
Acts 16:9-15
Sermon Illustrations for Easter 6 (2022) -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
Acts 16:9-15
Sermon Illustrations for Easter 6 (2019) -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
Acts 16:9-15
Sermon illustrations for Easter 6 (2016) -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, R. Robert Cueni, Mark Ellingsen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
Acts 16:9-15
Sermon illustrations for Easter 6 (2013) -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Acts 16:9-15
NULL -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Ron Love -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
In 1776 when John Adams, who became the second president of the United States, was away from home be
NULL -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Lydia was an outsider in Paul's world -- a Gentile woman.
Acts 16:9-15 Lydia... -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
Acts 16:9-15
God created heaven and earth... -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
God created "heaven and earth," one aspect of which means what is invisible to us
Three powerful truths stand out... -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
Three powerful truths stand out: 1) obedience to the heavenly vision, 2) women are
Often God speaks to us... -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
Often God speaks to us in the dark. In fact, sometimes we can see and hear clearer
Through all the accounts in... -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
Through all the accounts in Acts of Paul's missionary journeys, there is a clear sense of
Robert Waller's first big selling... -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1995
Robert Waller's first big selling novel was The Bridges of Madison County.
Here is a deep philosophical... -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1995
Here is a deep philosophical question.
Political theorists in ancient Greek... -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1995
Political theorists in ancient Greek culture held that qualities for community leadership were first
There were about a dozen... -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1995
There were about a dozen people present for the quarterly deacons' meeting at the church.
Through all the accounts in... -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Through all the accounts in Acts of Paul's missionary journeys, there is a clear sense of God workin
The Apostle Paul traveled to... -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
The Apostle Paul traveled to tell people about the Living God.
As part of their annual... -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
As part of their annual mission trip to Brazil, the high schoolers of First Presbyterian agreed to l
Most M.Div. programs expect prospective... -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Most M.Div.

StoryShare

Dream a Little Dream -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
(This particular installment of StoryShare is adapted from a review of “Seven Psalms” that I wro
The World to Come -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Psalm 67 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
Contents “The World to Come” by John Sumwalt

The Immediate Word

Life In The Big City -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, John 5:1-9, Psalm 67 -- Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
For May 22, 2022:
Everybody In the Pool! -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67, John 5:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 26, 2019:
Love, Love Is The Answer -- John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29, Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
In the primary gospel text selected by the lectionary for this week, Jesus prepares his disciples fo

Liturgy

The Immediate Word

Why Does Jesus Ask, "Do You Want To Be Healed?" -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, John 5:1-9, Psalm 67 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Tom Willadsen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
For May 25, 2025:

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Why Does Jesus Ask, "Do You Want To Be Healed?" -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, John 5:1-9, Psalm 67 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Tom Willadsen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
For May 25, 2025:
Life In The Big City -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, John 5:1-9, Psalm 67 -- Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
For May 22, 2022:
Everybody In the Pool! -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67, John 5:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 26, 2019:
Love, Love Is The Answer -- John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29, Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
In the primary gospel text selected by the lectionary for this week, Jesus prepares his disciples fo
Word Keepers Needed -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67 -- Thom M. Shuman, Teresa L. Major -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Jesus tells his disciples in this Sunday's gospel reading that "those who love me will keep my word"

SermonStudio

Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Carlos Wilton -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Sixth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Our text for the morning sets us down in the middle of what many have called Paul's second missionar
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeThe resurrected Christ becomes a physical presence in the world again.
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 16:9-15 (C)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Why Does Jesus Ask, "Do You Want To Be Healed?" -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, John 5:1-9, Psalm 67 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Tom Willadsen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
For May 25, 2025:
Life In The Big City -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, John 5:1-9, Psalm 67 -- Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
For May 22, 2022:
Everybody In the Pool! -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67, John 5:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 26, 2019:
Love, Love Is The Answer -- John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29, Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
In the primary gospel text selected by the lectionary for this week, Jesus prepares his disciples fo
Word Keepers Needed -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67 -- Thom M. Shuman, Teresa L. Major -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Jesus tells his disciples in this Sunday's gospel reading that "those who love me will keep my word"

SermonStudio

The Man Who Wasn't There -- Acts 16:9-15 -- David Kalas -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
I've never had a vision -- at least not of the sort that Paul had.
What Church Looks Like -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
There's the story of the man who was lost on a desert island for a decade.
When All Is Said And Done -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Life has a way of presenting us with defining moments.
The Hospitable Servant: A Woman Named Lydia -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
One of the great problems of our time particularly in some clergy circles is the myopic, antiquated,

Free Access

The Man Who Wasn't There -- Acts 16:9-15 -- David Kalas -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
I've never had a vision -- at least not of the sort that Paul had.

Stories

StoryShare

Dream a Little Dream -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
(This particular installment of StoryShare is adapted from a review of “Seven Psalms” that I wro
The World to Come -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Psalm 67 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
Contents “The World to Come” by John Sumwalt
The Nurturing Trait of Faith -- Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67 -- Keith Wagner -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
Contents “The Nurturing Trait of Faith” by Keith Wagner
A Sense Of History -- John 14:23-29, Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Psalm 67 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
Contents "A Sense of History" by Keith Hewitt
House Guests -- John 14:23-29, Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Psalm 67 -- C. David Mckirachan, Peter Andrew Smith -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Contents"House Guests" by C. David McKirachan
The Great Starvation Experiment -- John 14:23-29, Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Psalm 67 -- Frank Ramirez, Larry Winebrenner -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
Come Over And Help -- Acts 16:9-15, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
A Story to Live By Come Over and Help
The Inexplicable Molly -- John 14:23-29, Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Psalm 67 -- Scott Dalgarno, Argile Smith, David O. Bales, John S. Smylie -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Share

SermonStudio

Getting Directions -- Acts 16:9-15 -- David E. Leininger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
We have been living on borrowed time.
God's Prodding Fork -- Acts 16:9-15 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kay Boone Stewart -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
A silver dining fork hangs against dark blue, crushed velvet in an antique, gold box frame in my off

Worship

The Immediate Word

Why Does Jesus Ask, "Do You Want To Be Healed?" -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, John 5:1-9, Psalm 67 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Tom Willadsen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
For May 25, 2025:
Life In The Big City -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, John 5:1-9, Psalm 67 -- Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
For May 22, 2022:
Everybody In the Pool! -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67, John 5:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 26, 2019:
Love, Love Is The Answer -- John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29, Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
In the primary gospel text selected by the lectionary for this week, Jesus prepares his disciples fo
Word Keepers Needed -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67 -- Thom M. Shuman, Teresa L. Major -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Jesus tells his disciples in this Sunday's gospel reading that "those who love me will keep my word"

SermonStudio

Easter 6 -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, Psalm 67 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
The Easter story is about the triumph of creativity.
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Acts 16:9-15Theme: A Dream For Salvation
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Theme: God's Call To Preach The Good NewsCall To Worship
Lydia -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Sixth Sunday of Easter -- John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15 -- James R. Wilson -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
First Lesson: Acts 16:9-15 Theme: Salvation for all who believe
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 16 | OT 21 | Pentecost 11
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
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29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Proper 17 | OT 22 | Pentecost 12
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 18 | OT 23 | Pentecost 13
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

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Tom Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For September 14, 2025:

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John Jamison
Object: A sheep stuffy or toy.

* * *

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

Did you know that Jesus traveled around and hunted for people who were doing something illegal and breaking the laws? (Let them respond.) He really did.And when he found someone who was doing something illegal, do you know what he did with them? (Let them respond.)

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
Our text tells us that we are skilled in doing evil (v.22). An anonymous late medieval treatise titled German Theology tells us why:

It is the nature and property of the creature to seek itself and its own things, and this and that, here and there, and in all that it does and leaves undone as desire is to its own advantage and benefit. (Varieties of Mystic Experience, p.162)

Martin Luther King, Jr. offers an alternative to this vision:
David Coffin
All three of today’s texts can be viewed as good news that God never gives up on God’s people. This is despite their resistance to repent or simple straying from the community of faith. We can observe family and loved ones at various points of their faith journey through the lens of each of these texts. Jeremiah 4 informs the people their neglect of honoring their covenant with God is about to result in disastrous consequences. Paul recalls in 1 Timothy 1 how he thought he was falling God’s will until he had his literal come to Jesus moment!

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. (vv. 6-7)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus told stories to illustrate to the people God's gladness whenever anyone turned to him and chose life. There is still rejoicing in heaven whenever any one of us turns to God.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes I think I'm too insignificant for you to bother with me.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes I don't bother with you.

Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes I don't bother with other people, but only with myself.

SermonStudio

James Evans
(See Proper 12/Pentecost 10/Ordinary Time 17, Cycle B, for an alternative approach.)

The psalm writer has an interesting perspective on the origin of injustice in our world. He begins this psalm with the assertion that those who do not believe in God are "fools." He goes on to accuse them of corruption and of being incapable of doing good. Later on he writes, "Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call upon the Lord?" (v. 4).

Elizabeth Achtemeier
"Now it is I who speak in judgment upon them" (v. 12). Ours is a society that does not accept that as the Word of God. Many people do not believe that God judges anyone. Rather, the Lord is a forgiving God, a kindly deity who overlooks all wrong. As in the Gospel lesson for the morning, the Lord searches for the one lost sheep and returns it gently to the fold, or he hunts for the one lost coin until he finds it. God accepts the lost as they are, we think, overlooking Jesus' teaching about repentance and transformation of life.
Scott Suskovic
We usually don't spend too much time thinking about our own sinfulness. On occasion, of course, our feelings of guilt overwhelm us. We can't stop thinking about our sinfulness. If we are in that situation, we may need to talk that out with someone. Apart from times like that, we don't think much about our own sinfulness. We have ways of getting around that.

R. Robert Cueni
Back before the ways of the Taliban became common knowledge, there was a fascinating little article about how they jailed barbers when they didn't do culturally correct haircuts.1 The newspaper reported that young men in Kabul, Afghanistan, have started wearing their hair the way the actor Leonardo DiCaprio wears his. Long, not only on the sides, but so long in the front that hair can drop over the eyes. They call the style, "the Titanic," named for the blockbuster movie starring DiCaprio about the 1912 sinking of the cruise ship by that name.

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