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Isaiah 55:1-9

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Do-Re-Mi Salvation -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- David Kalas -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
The charming and familiar song from “The Sound of Music” recognizes that reading begins with A-B-C a
Tumbling towers -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Timothy B. Cargal -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
Note: This installment was originally published in 2004.
When Will They Ever Learn? -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
Are you paying attention?
Growing in faith -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- David Coffin -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
Growing in faith need not entail giving up chocolate, donuts, or red meat for Lent.
Fork in the road: emptiness or fulfillment -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- David Coffin -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
About this Third Sunday of Lent, Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday are memories for those in the broader
Trivial pursuit -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8 -- Gary Thompson, Schuyler Rhodes -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2010
Have you ever played the game Trivial Pursuit? Millions of people have.
Lessons from the edge -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8 -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
Years ago, we took a trip to Chicago and whizzed up the super-fast elevators of the Sears
Call to repentance -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2001
There is more and more conversation these days about road rage and how rude our culture has become.
Repent and bear fruit -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 1998
All three lessons for this day challenge our perception of the good life, calling us to ask whether
A word out of fashion -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 1995
Invitations, imperatives and warnings sound forth in the readings for this Sunday.

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Value Life, Cultivate Growth -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
For March 23, 2025:
Hungering and Thirsting for God's Peace -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
For March 20, 2022:
No cuts, no buts, no coconuts -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 24, 2019:
Water: Bottled, Filtered, And Living -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The imagery of Christ as the living water that satisfies the thirst of our souls is a thread that ap
Fast Food Christianity -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
A major theme in the lectionary texts this week is nourishment of the body and soul.
A Working Faith -- Luke 13:1-9, Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Psalm 63:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
Many of our everyday religious words are notoriously difficult to define, which suggests that we oft
A Skeleton In God's Closet -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9, Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8 -- Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
As you are no doubt aware, the controversy over the "Jesus family tomb" has generated quite a bit of

Devotional

SermonStudio

Lent 3 -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not s

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2025) -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Rarmirez, Bill Thomas -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
Isaiah 55:1-9
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2022) -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Rarmirez, Bill Thomas -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
Isaiah 55:1-9
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2019) -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Frank Rarmirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
Isaiah 55:1-9
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2016) -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- R. Robert Cueni, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Frank Rarmirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
Isaiah 55:1-9
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2013) -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Isaiah 55:1-9
NULL -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Water is life!
NULL -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Bob Ove -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Reading this passage, you wonder if your thoughts can contain what God has said.
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 3 (2010) -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2010
Isaiah 55:1-9
Past performance does not guarantee... -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
Past performance does not guarantee future returns. This statement is necessary to
When Christians gather for Sunday... -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
When Christians gather for Sunday worship, it often seems we have arrived for a
Have you ever really been... -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
Have you ever really been thirsty? Today in the USA almost every community large and
Many scholars think that Isaiah... -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
Many scholars think that Isaiah 55 was written during the end of the terrible years of
The subject of a radio... -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 1995
The subject of a radio talk show was the condition of the world.
In Reynolds Price's book, A... -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 1995
In Reynolds Price's book, A Whole New Life, he tells the story of his struggles with cancer of the
Is it possible that God... -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 1995
Is it possible that God plays the game of hide-and-seek with us?
The world's largest shopping mall... -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 1995
The world's largest shopping mall is in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, not far from the church I current
When an athlete exercises rigorously... -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
When an athlete exercises rigorously for conditioning or competes in a contest, there is bound to be

The Immediate Word

Value Life, Cultivate Growth -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
For March 23, 2025:
Hungering and Thirsting for God's Peace -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
For March 20, 2022:
No cuts, no buts, no coconuts -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 24, 2019:
Water: Bottled, Filtered, And Living -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The imagery of Christ as the living water that satisfies the thirst of our souls is a thread that ap
Fast Food Christianity -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
A major theme in the lectionary texts this week is nourishment of the body and soul.
A Working Faith -- Luke 13:1-9, Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Psalm 63:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
Many of our everyday religious words are notoriously difficult to define, which suggests that we oft

StoryShare

Longing for Assurance -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
Incline your ear, and come to me;    listen, so that you may live…
The Price of Grace -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
Burt stood in front of the food truck and frowned.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Value Life, Cultivate Growth -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
For March 23, 2025:
Hungering and Thirsting for God's Peace -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
For March 20, 2022:
No cuts, no buts, no coconuts -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 24, 2019:
Water: Bottled, Filtered, And Living -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The imagery of Christ as the living water that satisfies the thirst of our souls is a thread that ap
Fast Food Christianity -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
A major theme in the lectionary texts this week is nourishment of the body and soul.
A Working Faith -- Luke 13:1-9, Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Psalm 63:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
Many of our everyday religious words are notoriously difficult to define, which suggests that we oft
A Skeleton In God's Closet -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9, Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8 -- Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
As you are no doubt aware, the controversy over the "Jesus family tomb" has generated quite a bit of

SermonStudio

Third Sunday In Lent -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Third Sunday in Lent -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
On this third Sunday in Lent, all three of our lessons have to do with repentance, but we will look
Third Sunday In Lent -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
Third Sunday In Lent -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 55:1-9 (C)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Value Life, Cultivate Growth -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
For March 23, 2025:
Hungering and Thirsting for God's Peace -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
For March 20, 2022:
No cuts, no buts, no coconuts -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 24, 2019:
Water: Bottled, Filtered, And Living -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The imagery of Christ as the living water that satisfies the thirst of our souls is a thread that ap
Fast Food Christianity -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
A major theme in the lectionary texts this week is nourishment of the body and soul.
A Working Faith -- Luke 13:1-9, Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Psalm 63:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
Many of our everyday religious words are notoriously difficult to define, which suggests that we oft
A Skeleton In God's Closet -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9, Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8 -- Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
As you are no doubt aware, the controversy over the "Jesus family tomb" has generated quite a bit of

SermonStudio

RSVP -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- David Kalas -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
When you and I send out invitations to events we are hosting, we typically include at the bottom of
The Invitation -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
I don't know about you, but I love receiving invitations.
While He May Be Found -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Isaiah issues a four-part injunction to the people of Judah to return to God, to renounce their iniq

The Village Shepherd

We Are What We Eat -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
The government has finally woken up to the fact that the health of our children in this country is t

Stories

StoryShare

Longing for Assurance -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
Incline your ear, and come to me;    listen, so that you may live…
The Price of Grace -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
Burt stood in front of the food truck and frowned.
Something Worthy -- Luke 13:1-9, Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Keith Wagner -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
Contents “Something Worthy” by Peter Andrew Smith
Thou Shalt Not ... Generally Speaking -- Luke 13:1-9, Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Psalm 63:1-8 -- Keith Hewitt, John Fitzgerald -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
Contents "Thou Shalt Not ... Generally Speaking" by Keith Hewitt
Game Changer -- Luke 13:1-9, Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Psalm 63:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez, Keith Hewitt -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Contents"Game Changer" by Frank Ramirez "The Gift" by Keith Hewitt
The Hungry Heart -- Luke 13:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
In the "Story To Live By" section this week you will find a piece that would ordinarily be in
God's Dinner Bell -- Luke 13:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8 -- Rick McCracken-Bennett, David E. Leininger, Richard A. Jensen -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "God's Dinner Bell" by Rick McCracken-Bennett

Worship

The Immediate Word

Value Life, Cultivate Growth -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
For March 23, 2025:
Hungering and Thirsting for God's Peace -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
For March 20, 2022:
No cuts, no buts, no coconuts -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
For March 24, 2019:
Water: Bottled, Filtered, And Living -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The imagery of Christ as the living water that satisfies the thirst of our souls is a thread that ap
Fast Food Christianity -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
A major theme in the lectionary texts this week is nourishment of the body and soul.
A Working Faith -- Luke 13:1-9, Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Psalm 63:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
Many of our everyday religious words are notoriously difficult to define, which suggests that we oft
A Skeleton In God's Closet -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9, Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8 -- Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
As you are no doubt aware, the controversy over the "Jesus family tomb" has generated quite a bit of

SermonStudio

Lent 3 -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Luke 13:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
You shall pass judgment on yourself. That is the hardest thing of all ...
Third Sunday In Lent -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 55:1-9Theme: For God Will Abundantly Pardon
Third Sunday In Lent -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Theme: God's MercyCall To Worship
Ho! -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: "Ho!" God surprises us.
Seek ye first the Lord -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- James R. Wilson -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
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
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
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:

CSSPlus

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.

Special Occasion

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