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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
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160+ – Illustrations / Stories
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
For October 19, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 31:27-34
John Calvin makes very clear why a new covenant is needed according to this text. He observes:

… the fault was not to be sought in the law that there was need of a new covenant, for the law was abundantly sufficient, but that fault was in the levity and the unfaithfulness of the people. (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.X/2, p.130)
David Coffin
What happens when one’s past life narrative or goals in life have drastically shifted or collapsed? How do they rebuild hope? For Israel, they lost their land, monarchy, and national identity. In the days of the New Testament,they could easily be identified as living in the “fourth world” country. That is, existing in substandard conditions in one’s own native land?

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
Rose sat back in her chair and opened her magazine. She heard the thump of the stairs and caught a glimpse of her daughter and son in the corner of her eye. She turned her head as they put water bottles in their backpacks.

“What are you two doing?” she looked over at the clock. “Don’t you have homework?”

“All done,” Paul and Linda announced at the same time.

Rose ignored Linda but locked eyes with Paul. He met her gaze for a few moments and then sighed.

“Okay, I’m almost done but still have some math questions,” he admitted.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus told us that we should always pray and not lose heart, for God is on our side. In our worship today let us pray to the Lord for the needs of others and for all our own needs.


Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes you don't seem to be there when I pray and I feel like I'm talking to myself.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes my prayers seem so dry and boring that I give up.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
Psalm 119 is well-known as the longest chapter in the Bible. The poem is actually an extended, and extensive, meditation on the meaning of the law. Given the sterile connotations often associated with "law" and "legalism," it's hard sometimes to appreciate the lyrical beauty of these reflections. One thing is for certain, the writer of this psalm does not view the law as either sterile or void of vitality.

Schuyler Rhodes
There is perhaps no better feeling than knowing that someone "has your back." Having someone's back is a term that arose from urban street fighting where a partner or ally would stay with you and protect your back in the thick of the fray. When someone has your back, you don't worry about being hit from behind. When someone has your back you can concentrate on the struggle in front of you without worrying about dangers you cannot see. When someone has your back you feel protected, secure, safe.
David Kalas
I wonder how many of us here are named after someone.

Chances are that a good many of us carry family names. We are named for a parent, a grandparent, an uncle, or an aunt somewhere on the family tree. Others of us had parents who named us after a character in the Bible, or perhaps some other significant character from history.

All told, I expect a pretty fair number of us are named after someone else.

John W. Clarke
Our reading today from the prophet Jeremiah is one in which the Hebrew people, not knowing what else to do in terms of addressing their predicament, decide to blame it all on God. They believed their problems to be the result of their sins and the sins of their fathers. Of course, one person's sin does indeed affect other people, but all people are still held personally accountable for the sin in their own lives (Deuteronomy 24:16; Ezekiel 18:2).
Donna E. Schaper
As usual, the epistle is a little more graphic than we can quite grasp. Itchy ears: what a concept just in physical terms. Experience it for a minute. You itch, you scratch, you sort of know you shouldn't scratch because it will only make the itch worse. But still you scratch, while wondering how the itch ever got started in the first place. What a concept: itchy ears as a vehicle for spiritual truth.

John E. Berger
Did Jesus ever do comedy? Indeed he did, and the Parable of the Unjust Judge is partly comic monologue. The routine began with a probate judge so ridiculously dishonest that he announced, "... I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone...." (There must have been a gasp of disbelief from Jesus' audience.)

The Unjust Judge was nagged by a widow, however, who had every right to nag, because she had been cheated by somebody in the community. A good judge would have helped the widow, but remember, this judge "neither feared God nor had respect for people."

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And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? (v. 7)

Good morning, boys and girls. Yesterday, I was riding in my car and I kept hearing this noise. I call it a squeak. Do you know what a squeak sounds like? (let them answer) Squeaks are very annoying. It is hard to find a squeak in your car, so it is still squeaking.

I also have a chair that has a squeak and I brought it in with me today because it is

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