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Matthew 25:14-30

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Children's sermon

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God's Treasure! -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- John Jamison -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2023
Object: Create fifteen (15) small bags by tying the tops of little pieces of cloth
Talent Search -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- John Jamison -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2020
Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealt
Using The Jewel(s) Inside Of You -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
“well done, good and trustworthy slave...” (v. 23b)
In God's Time -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
The Point: God gives us the time and talents to support his kingdom.
Wall street -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
His master said to him, "Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a fe
Trustworthy -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2008
You have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things. (v.

The Immediate Word

Sobering Up -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12 -- Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2020
For November 15, 2020:
Risky Business -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable that on the surface seems like a first-
All In -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Like last week’s lectionary gospel passage, the parable of the talents seems to go against the gr
Mattress, Credit Union, Or World? -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
The parable of the talents is one of those scriptural passages that is so familiar -- particularly g

Children's Activity

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Wall street -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Trustworthy -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2008
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Apples and ideas -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Materials 1 cup ground cinnamon 1 cup applesauce
"Use it or lose it" -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Teachers or Parents: How early can we begin to teach
Faithful users -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Teachers or Parents: One is never too young to learn faithful stewardship practices.
Parable in drama -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Teachers: The parable of the three servants can be retold with your students acting it out.

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: Matthew 25:14-30 -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: Matthew 25:14-30 -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: Matthew 25:14-30 -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: Matthew 25:14-30 -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Are You Ready? -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2023
When people say there is peace and security, look out. Be ready! Something is coming!
Sometimes God Defies the World’s Expectations -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2020
Serving God his way, noting how God sometimes defies the world’s expectations.
What are our priorities? -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
As we come to the end of the Pentecost season with Thanksgiving on the horizon, it is appropriate th
His favorite strange and mysterious way -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- David Kalas -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
The phrase is not found in scripture, but it has worked its way into common parlance.
Here comes the judge -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- David Kalas -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
In the 1970s, comedian Flip Wilson made famous a series of routines that featured the phrase "Here c
Motivational speaking -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30, Psalm 123 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2002
The tradition of "fire and brimstone" preaching runs deep.
Accountability -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1999
Our lessons for this day are not very pleasant ones. There are no warm fuzzies to be had here.
Am I responsible? -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1996
Like the four Gospels, each giving a unique perspective on

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2023) -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2023
Judges 4:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2020) -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2020
Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 and Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2017) -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bob Ove -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
Judges 4:1-7
Christian Richter (1676-1711)... -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Ron Love -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Christian Richter (1676-1711) saw one steeple but many denominational expressions.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2014) -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Judges 4:1-7
Americans do not have... -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Americans do not have a good sense of priorities.
NULL -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
Why did the man with only one talent hide it and not invest it like the others did?

The Immediate Word

Sobering Up -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12 -- Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2020
For November 15, 2020:
Risky Business -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable that on the surface seems like a first-
All In -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Like last week’s lectionary gospel passage, the parable of the talents seems to go against the gr

Worship

The Immediate Word

Sobering Up -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12 -- Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2020
For November 15, 2020:
Risky Business -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable that on the surface seems like a first-
All In -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Like last week’s lectionary gospel passage, the parable of the talents seems to go against the gr
Mattress, Credit Union, Or World? -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
The parable of the talents is one of those scriptural passages that is so familiar -- particularly g

SermonStudio

Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: Before there was any time, All: there was God.
Proper 28 / Ordinary Time 33 / /Pentecost 25 -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Might As Well Be You And Me -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Stewardship -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe have indeed been blessed by God.
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
HymnsAwake My Soul, Stretch Every Nerve (NCH491, CBH609)
Proper 28 -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Theme: Trustworthy Stewards Call To Worship

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Sobering Up -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12 -- Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2020
For November 15, 2020:
Risky Business -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable that on the surface seems like a first-
All In -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Like last week’s lectionary gospel passage, the parable of the talents seems to go against the gr
Mattress, Credit Union, Or World? -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
The parable of the talents is one of those scriptural passages that is so familiar -- particularly g

SermonStudio

Talented People -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them
Investing In God's Future -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
(Note: At the time of reading this passage to the congregation, explain that a single talent was
God, The Venture Capitalist? -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
Epistemology is the study of knowledge. How does one know anything?
Dance, Rosa, Dance -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Mary Sue Dehmlow Dreier -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Rosa's Gift
Entrustment Is Fruitful Where Gratitude Abounds -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Joseph M. Freeman -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
My family and I enjoy watching professional as well as Final Four collegiate basketball.
Sloth: What Happens When Indifference Meets Enthusiasm? -- Revelation 3:15-16, Matthew 25:14-30 -- R. Curtis Fussell -- 1997
A speaker at a revival, Edd Matney, spoke about commitment and motivation.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Sobering Up -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12 -- Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2020
For November 15, 2020:
Risky Business -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells a parable that on the surface seems like a first-
All In -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Like last week’s lectionary gospel passage, the parable of the talents seems to go against the gr
Mattress, Credit Union, Or World? -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
The parable of the talents is one of those scriptural passages that is so familiar -- particularly g

SermonStudio

Proper 28 / Ordinary Time 33 -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Theme of the Day Serving God His way. Collect of the Day
Proper 28 / Pentecost 26 / Ordinary Time 33 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day Talents are meant to be used.
Faith Like Fanny's -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
I have a little book titled, You Are What You Believe in my library.
The Faithful And The Unfaithful -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Risk And Reward -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Every few years, we hear sermons during the stewardship season based on the parable of the talents.
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Judges 4:1--7 (C)

Stories

StoryShare

A Certain Lack of Strategy -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2017
Contents "A Certain Lack of Strategy" by Keith Hewitt
A Song Of Rejoicing -- Matthew 25:14-30, Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123 -- Sandra Herrmann, Keith Wagner -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Contents "A Song of Rejoicing" by Sandra Herrmann
The End Of What? -- Matthew 25:14-30, Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123 -- David O. Bales, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
Contents "The End of What?" by David O. Bales
Inspiring Courage -- Matthew 25:14-30, Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123 -- Argile Smith, Gregory L. Tolle, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Inspiring Courage" by Argile Smith
A Fond Farewell -- Matthew 25:14-30, Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt, Susan Monnarjahn, Evelyn Mclachlan -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2005
Contents What's Up Next Week: "A Fond Farewell" by John & Jo Sumwalt

SermonStudio

Talents -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
Three servants.
Investing Talents -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
"For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to the
Burying Or Multiplying Riches -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
In Jesus' day, it was rabbinical law that if you had a sure treasure, you could bury it for safekeep
Because We Care -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
The man sat in the waiting room of the doctor's office all by himself.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 28 / Pentecost 26 / OT 33 -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
...

Drama

SermonStudio

Discipline -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Matthew 25:14-30, Psalm 15 -- Neil Ellis Orts -- 1996
1 - WATCH AND PRAY.2 - The season of Lent is nearly over.

Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

Beth's Gift -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
Call to Worship:

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

Poor Little Ted -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Jack had a huge plastic bag full of conkers.

Free Access

Poor Little Ted -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Jack had a huge plastic bag full of conkers.

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

Courageous God, You Took Such A Huge Risk... -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
UPCOMING WEEKS
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Proper 11 (OT 16, Pent 8)
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Dean Feldmeyer
For July 12, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus said that some seed fell on good soil and brought forth a great harvest. As we worship today let us ask God to make sure that we are good soil and to help us to bring forth a great harvest.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, as soil is prepared, prepare me to receive the seed of your word.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, remove the thistles and nettles, weeds and briars from the soil of my life.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, plough me, hoe me and weed me to make me ready to receive you.

StoryShare

Bryan Meadows
John E. Sumwalt
Keith Hewitt
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Turning Dirt!" by Bryan Meadows
"The Snares of the Wicked" by John Sumwalt
"Taxicab Confessions" by Keith Hewitt


What's Up This Week
Frank Ramirez
C. David Mckirachan
Contents
"Restoring the Birthright" by Frank Ramirez
"Product" by C. David McKirachan


* * * * * * * *


Restoring the Birthright
by Frank Ramirez
Genesis 25:19-34; Romans 8:1-11

Esau said to Jacob, "Let me eat some of that red stuff, for I am famished!" (Therefore he was called Edom.) Jacob said, "First sell me your birthright."
-- Genesis 25:30-31

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
-- Romans 8:5
John E. Sumwalt
Linda Willis Harper

I was 27 years old and very active in our United Methodist Church. I had taught Sunday school, been on the administrative board, was president of the United Methodist Women, and sang in the choir -- maybe not all at the same time, but I spent enough time at church to feel it was a second home.
Richard L. Sheffield
Sometimes the best way to start reading your Bible is with the footnotes. Sometimes even in English the Bible seems like it's still written in a foreign language. In a way it is. Not just in Hebrew and Greek with a smattering of Aramaic, but even in English it is still in a "language" 2,000 years or more removed from you and me. The language of the Bible reflects the life of the Bible's people and we don't live there. So we need help if we're going to go there in our mind's eye and hear clearly what was being said when it was being said.
Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Genesis 25:19--34 (C)
Once again, God seems to linger in fulfilling his promise to make a great nation of Abraham's progeny. Isaac is 40 by the time he married Rebekah. Another 20 years expire before his wife gives birth to the twins, Esau and Jacob. Perhaps the Lord wants to demonstrate that this business of nation building is his doing, not a human accomplishment. Esau, being firstborn, earns the birthright, but foolishly sells it to his scheming brother for a pot of stew.
Stan Purdum
Do you remember the movie 1988 movie, Twins? It was comedy that starred Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito as, of all things, twin brothers. Even if you know nothing about the plot of the movie, the mental picture of those two actors standing side-by-side as twins is itself pretty funny.
Wayne H. Keller
One autumn, a young man aiming for the seminary left home to complete his college degree. When he returned in the spring, his parents had gone into the chicken-for-eggs business. To that point, he knew little about chickens, except for the fact that they made an excellent dinner. He learned quickly, however, that to call a person a chicken, though perhaps appropriate, is not an act of admiration. For the novice, nothing is more nauseating than a chicken house full of chickens. He decided, nevertheless, to learn about chickens.
Gary L. Carver
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation ..." (v. 1 NIV). No condemnation! No condemnation? Can you think how it would be to live without the fear of condemnation? All too well we know just the opposite! All too well we know the fear of condemnation - the dread that the axe might fall, that the gavel might sound.
James L. Killen, Jr.
Today, we are going to talk about conflict. How do you feel about conflict? I suspect that most of us don't like it. Yet, conflict is a nearly constant part of life as most of us experience it. It surrounds us in many ways in every aspect of our living. People who believe in God know that they must live through every interaction with life as an interaction with God. One of the big questions that people of faith must answer is: "How can we live through the conflict situations of our lives as interactions with the God who loves us all and who requires us to love each other?"

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
We vacationed recently on Hilton Head Island. It was a way to spend time with our daughter who is a student at the Savannah College of Art and Design nearby. One of the things that impressed us about Hilton Head Island is that if you don't live there, you don't know where things are or how to get to them. Traffic is tightly controlled, especially in residential areas. Most of the housing developments are "gated communities," with access only by way of a single entrance barred by security devices to all but the privileged owners, their guests, and those who serve their needs.
Anthony Flew was born in England, the son of a Methodist preacher. He was raised in a Christian home and attended a Christian school. As an adult, he abandoned the faith he was raised with claming to be an atheist. Over the course of his distinguished career as a professor, he wrote over thirty books on the subject of philosophy. With such a reputation Dr. Flew became known as the world's preeminent defender of atheism for over fifty years.
David Kalas
I recall a few weeks in elementary school when it was the height of hilarity to take someone aside and say, with contrived horror, "You know your epidermis is showing!" For any youngster unfamiliar with the word, it was a trepidant moment. They panicked in the double embarrassment of both this personal thing that was evidently visible and the not knowing precisely what it was. After a few weeks, of course, the fancy term for skin had worked its way into everyone's vocabulary, and so the value of the stunt was lost.

CSSPlus

(Hand out the ears of corn to each child as he or she arrives.) Jesus said, "Let anyone with ears listen!" You each have an ear of corn, so I want you to listen ... Wait a minute. Do you think that is what Jesus had in mind? (Let them answer.) I don't think so! What do you suppose Jesus did have in mind? (Let them answer.) I think you are right. I think that Jesus meant that anyone with the kinds of ears that we hear with should listen to what he says.
Cynthia E. Cowen
The Point: Jesus wants to tell others about his love that saves.

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