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Genesis 12:1-4a

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Traveling with Abraham -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
You remember the story... Abraham was a great old man, probably 125 or so!
Clone of Traveling with Abraham -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
You remember the story... Abraham was a great old man, probably 125 or so!
Worthwhile Journey -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Matthew 17:1-9 -- David Coffin -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
It is the second Sunday in Lent!
The Faith Of Abraham -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Faith that would become stronger must become not only a public faith, but a faith that makes commitm
Father of the faithful -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- David Kalas -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
When we meet him, his name is simply "Abram." In Hebrew, it means "exalted father." Along the way, t
Question me an answer -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
There is an old show tune, made popular by Bobby Van, whose chorus goes like this:
Father of a multitude -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Both the Old Testament and New Testament lections this week prominently feature the
Question me an answer -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
There is an old show tune, made popular by Bobby Van, whose chorus goes like this:
Journey into the world -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1999
Jules Verne wrote some fascinating books about journeys.
Turning points -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1996
In the three texts today hearers meet three classic figures: Abraham, who receives a call of God and
Far from the tree -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- David Kalas -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Two thousand years earlier, Abram sat alone one night, when the Lord came to speak to him.

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Who Do You Trust? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Matthew 17:1-9, Psalm 121 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For March 5, 2023:
Masking Our Fears -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Matthew 17:1-9, Psalm 121 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 8, 2020:
Who Do You Trust? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from Genesis, God promises Abram that “I will make of you a great
Unholy Promises -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121, John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The ongoing crisis in the Ukraine has seen the re-emergence of international dynamics not experie
Abram's Journey With God -- And Ours -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
It's difficult to watch the unfolding news from Japan and not be humbled by the overwhelming power o
Free Sermon Illustrations From The Immediate Word -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
No doubt many of our faithful are asking some theological questions as we witness the aftermath of t
A Super Lent? -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Many Christians see Lent as a time of lowliness, a time when we cast our eyes downward, recognizing

Devotional

SermonStudio

Lent 2 -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
I will make of you a great nation ...

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Lent 2 (2023) -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Genesis 12:1-4a
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 2 (2020) -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Psalm 121
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 2 (2017) -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Genesis 12:1-4a
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 2 (2014) -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Scott A. Bryte, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
Genesis 12:1-4a
The dog bounds... -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Scott A. Bryte -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The dog bounds into the car as soon as the door is open.
God elected/loved... -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
God elected/loved Abraham without reservation.
The Hebrew word... -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The Hebrew word "blessed" suggests the idea of strength.
Martin Luther... -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
Martin Luther, the sixteenth century pastor and theologian, began the Protestant Reformation in resp
NULL -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
Genesis 12:1-4a
NULL -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
Mohandas Gandhi once said, "Prayer is not an old woman's idle amusement.
NULL -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Leah Thompson -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
"I will bless you so that you will be a blessing." Are you blessed with special talents?
Abram received his call from... -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Abram received his call from God late in life. Robert Raines, in a little book called
There is a prayer that... -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
There is a prayer that is often used by Lutheran Christians at a time of transition: taking a
Dick and Millie were listening... -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Dick and Millie were listening to the sermon one Sunday morning when they felt God
Abram's response to God's command... -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Abram's response to God's command brings to mind the benediction: Lord God, you have
Dick and Millie were listening... -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Dick and Millie were listening to the sermon one Sunday morning when they felt God speaking directly
Knute was still young when... -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Knute was still young when he realized that his future lay away from the family farm in Norway.
During vacation Bible school, the... -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
During vacation Bible school, the young people have a great time with the song "Father Abraham." As

The Immediate Word

Who Do You Trust? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Matthew 17:1-9, Psalm 121 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For March 5, 2023:
Masking Our Fears -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Matthew 17:1-9, Psalm 121 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 8, 2020:
Who Do You Trust? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from Genesis, God promises Abram that “I will make of you a great
Unholy Promises -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121, John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The ongoing crisis in the Ukraine has seen the re-emergence of international dynamics not experie
Abram's Journey With God -- And Ours -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
It's difficult to watch the unfolding news from Japan and not be humbled by the overwhelming power o
Free Sermon Illustrations From The Immediate Word -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
No doubt many of our faithful are asking some theological questions as we witness the aftermath of t
A Super Lent? -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Many Christians see Lent as a time of lowliness, a time when we cast our eyes downward, recognizing

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Who Do You Trust? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Matthew 17:1-9, Psalm 121 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For March 5, 2023:
Masking Our Fears -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Matthew 17:1-9, Psalm 121 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 8, 2020:
Who Do You Trust? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from Genesis, God promises Abram that “I will make of you a great
Unholy Promises -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121, John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The ongoing crisis in the Ukraine has seen the re-emergence of international dynamics not experie
Abram's Journey With God -- And Ours -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
It's difficult to watch the unfolding news from Japan and not be humbled by the overwhelming power o
Free Sermon Illustrations From The Immediate Word -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
No doubt many of our faithful are asking some theological questions as we witness the aftermath of t
A Super Lent? -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Many Christians see Lent as a time of lowliness, a time when we cast our eyes downward, recognizing

SermonStudio

Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
THE LESSONS
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
In order to understand this scripture lesson, it is of utmost importance that we put it in its conte
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a, John 3:1-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme We head toward the passion and cross of Christ.
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 12:1-4a (C, RC); Genesis 12:1-8 (E)
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a, John 3:1-17, Matthew 17:1-9 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Genesis 12:1-4a (C, RC); Genesis 12:1-8 (E, L)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Who Do You Trust? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Matthew 17:1-9, Psalm 121 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For March 5, 2023:
Masking Our Fears -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Matthew 17:1-9, Psalm 121 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 8, 2020:
Who Do You Trust? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from Genesis, God promises Abram that “I will make of you a great
Unholy Promises -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121, John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The ongoing crisis in the Ukraine has seen the re-emergence of international dynamics not experie
Abram's Journey With God -- And Ours -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
It's difficult to watch the unfolding news from Japan and not be humbled by the overwhelming power o
Free Sermon Illustrations From The Immediate Word -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
No doubt many of our faithful are asking some theological questions as we witness the aftermath of t
A Super Lent? -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Many Christians see Lent as a time of lowliness, a time when we cast our eyes downward, recognizing

SermonStudio

Voice in a Vacuum -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Tony S. Everett -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
At first reading it seems as if today's text is all about Abram's journey from relative obscurity to
Being A Blessing -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Have you ever been blessed by someone?
Honest Abe -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Bill Mosley -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
There's an oft--told story about someone going to church to hear the new young preacher give his fir
Dependable Faith -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Robert J. Elder -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Drop the Gordita!
Answering God's Call To Mission -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
On a warm and sunny early June day in 1943 John Francis Laboon, "Jake" to his friends, stood with hi

Free Access

Being A Blessing -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Have you ever been blessed by someone?

Stories

StoryShare

Comfable? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Psalm 121 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Contents “Comfable?” by C. David McKirachan
Words, Words, Words -- John 3:1-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Psalm 121 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
Contents"Words, Words, Words" by Frank Ramirez* * * * * * *
Any Where But There -- John 3:1-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Psalm 121 -- C. David Mckirachan, John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
Contents"Any Where but There" by C. David McKirachan
Get Up And Go -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Frank Ramirez, John S. Smylie -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Get Up and Go" by Frank Ramirez
Coming To The Light -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Contents What's Up This Week Stories to Live By: "God Will Keep Your Life"

SermonStudio

The Adventure Of Faith -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Life is an adventure.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Who Do You Trust? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Matthew 17:1-9, Psalm 121 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For March 5, 2023:
Masking Our Fears -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Matthew 17:1-9, Psalm 121 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 8, 2020:
Who Do You Trust? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from Genesis, God promises Abram that “I will make of you a great
Unholy Promises -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121, John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The ongoing crisis in the Ukraine has seen the re-emergence of international dynamics not experie
Abram's Journey With God -- And Ours -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
It's difficult to watch the unfolding news from Japan and not be humbled by the overwhelming power o
Free Sermon Illustrations From The Immediate Word -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
No doubt many of our faithful are asking some theological questions as we witness the aftermath of t
A Super Lent? -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Many Christians see Lent as a time of lowliness, a time when we cast our eyes downward, recognizing

SermonStudio

Lent 2 -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: Like Abraham and Sarah,
Lent 2 -- John 3:1-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Psalm 121 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Confession And Absolution
All The Families Of The Earth Shall Be Blessed -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
HymnsThe God Of Abraham Praise (NCH24, UM116, PH488)
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: God's CallCall To Worship
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 12:1-4aTheme: ObedienceCall To Worship
SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- B. David Hostetter -- Second Sunday in Lent - 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

CSSPlus

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.

Special Occasion

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