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Acts 9:36-43

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Miracles -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
Tinkerbell is the delightful sprite in Peter Pan who drifts between the world of senses and
The Nature of the Occasion -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- David Kalas -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
Review your schedule for the past week or so and consider the variety of gatherings of which you hav
Lord of New Life -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- David Coffin -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
In this season of new life, we are always reminded that Jesus as Lord found in the Christian scriptu
I know you! -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
To know and to be known are important to our well-being.
Hope for today, tomorrow, and eternity -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
If there is a theme that binds these three scriptures, it must be HOPE. Not a short-term, eas
How can the dead testify? -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Schuyler Rhodes -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
We have an affair with death that ranges from fascination to revulsion.
An eye for the miraculous -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
Miracles and faith have long traveled together. A couple once told me that they were
How can the dead testify? -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2001
[Rev. Dr. Mark J.
The Lamb as Shepherd -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1998
Although most lectionary guides (including this one) deal only with the three lessons appointed for
A potpourri of possibilities -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1995
There are no doubt times when the preacher faces the lectionary readings of the day for the first ti

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

God is Our Mother, We Shall Not Want -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Katy Stenta, Nazish Naseem -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
For May 11, 2025:
The Lamb Has No T-Shirts -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 12, 2019:
After Stuff Happens -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary text from Acts recounts Peter’s startling restoration to life of Tabitha, a d
Shepherds Good And Bad -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
As this week's material was being prepared and posted, we learned of the distressing bombings in Bos
Conquering Fear -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts, particularly Psalm 23 and the Revelations passage, are often used at f
Who Are These? -- Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Roger Lovette -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
Lectionary texts for the Easter season, including all of them for this Sunday, reflect the resurrect
The Good Shepherd Faces Violence -- John 10:22-30, Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 23 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
This week's lectionary readings (especially Psalm 23 and John 10:22-30) are centered around the them

Devotional

SermonStudio

Easter 4 -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha...

Drama

SermonStudio

Here We Go Again -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Jacqueline Sharer Robertson -- 2006
Making It Preach
Paradox -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 100 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
I hope those groaner puns won't detract from the discussion of paradox.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon illustrations for Easter 4 (2025) -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
Acts 9:36-43
Sermon illustrations for Easter 4 (2022) -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
Acts 9:36-43
Sermon illustrations for Easter 4 (2019) -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
Acts 9:36-43
Sermon illustrations for Easter 4 (2016) -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, R. Robert Cueni -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
Acts 9:36-43
Sermon illustrations for Easter 4 (2013) -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Acts 9:36-43
NULL -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
In the late 1860s, George F. Gates built a home in Independence.
NULL -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The miracle of the resurrection of Dorcas came as quite a surprise for the faithful, who it is repor
Acts 9:36-43 The... -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
Acts 9:36-43
When there's a death in... -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
When there's a death in the family, it's a common thing for survivors to assemble a
When Peter raised Dorcas from... -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
When Peter raised Dorcas from the dead, he presented her to saints and widows, people
Many years ago, a group... -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
Many years ago, a group of women began sewing small bags and then collecting personal
The scene repeats itself thousands... -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
The scene repeats itself thousands of times a day all over the world. Loved ones grieve
The power of life over... -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1995
The power of life over death is central to the Christian narrative.
I recall a man in... -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1995
I recall a man in a student church, where I pastored many years ago, being critical of faith healers
When Paul was invited to... -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1995
When Paul was invited to apply for a promotion, he knew that it would mean a move to another city, f
There is a story told... -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1995
There is a story told about a lady who was a little on the heavy side, and who really wanted to lose
John Davison drove by Lester... -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
John Davison drove by Lester McWiggins' barn every morning for 23 years.
On a cold February evening... -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
On a cold February evening in Edmonton, Alberta, 13-month-old Erika Nordby wandered outside dressed
Norman Vincent Peale tells of... -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
Norman Vincent Peale tells of two sad characters from Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment: the

The Immediate Word

God is Our Mother, We Shall Not Want -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Katy Stenta, Nazish Naseem -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
For May 11, 2025:
The Lamb Has No T-Shirts -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 12, 2019:
After Stuff Happens -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary text from Acts recounts Peter’s startling restoration to life of Tabitha, a d
Shepherds Good And Bad -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
As this week's material was being prepared and posted, we learned of the distressing bombings in Bos
Conquering Fear -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts, particularly Psalm 23 and the Revelations passage, are often used at f
Who Are These? -- Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Roger Lovette -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
Lectionary texts for the Easter season, including all of them for this Sunday, reflect the resurrect

Preaching

The Immediate Word

God is Our Mother, We Shall Not Want -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Katy Stenta, Nazish Naseem -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
For May 11, 2025:
The Lamb Has No T-Shirts -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 12, 2019:
After Stuff Happens -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary text from Acts recounts Peter’s startling restoration to life of Tabitha, a d
Shepherds Good And Bad -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
As this week's material was being prepared and posted, we learned of the distressing bombings in Bos
Conquering Fear -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts, particularly Psalm 23 and the Revelations passage, are often used at f
Who Are These? -- Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Roger Lovette -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
Lectionary texts for the Easter season, including all of them for this Sunday, reflect the resurrect
The Good Shepherd Faces Violence -- John 10:22-30, Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 23 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
This week's lectionary readings (especially Psalm 23 and John 10:22-30) are centered around the them

SermonStudio

Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Fourth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
A number of subsidiary themes emerge in this reading from Acts, and we probably should take note of
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeThe resurrected Christ becomes a physical presence in the world again.
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 9:36-43 (C)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

God is Our Mother, We Shall Not Want -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Katy Stenta, Nazish Naseem -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
For May 11, 2025:
The Lamb Has No T-Shirts -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 12, 2019:
After Stuff Happens -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary text from Acts recounts Peter’s startling restoration to life of Tabitha, a d
Shepherds Good And Bad -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
As this week's material was being prepared and posted, we learned of the distressing bombings in Bos
Conquering Fear -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts, particularly Psalm 23 and the Revelations passage, are often used at f
Who Are These? -- Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Roger Lovette -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
Lectionary texts for the Easter season, including all of them for this Sunday, reflect the resurrect
The Good Shepherd Faces Violence -- John 10:22-30, Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 23 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
This week's lectionary readings (especially Psalm 23 and John 10:22-30) are centered around the them

SermonStudio

The Good Works We Leave Behind -- Acts 9:36-43 -- David Kalas -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
It's a poignant scene: the gathering place of mourners.
Need A Lift? -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Journalist Bob Garfield researched health articles in The Washington Post, USA Today, and The New Yo
A Sense Of Urgency -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
In the world we appear to be in a hurry to go nowhere and be on time.

Stories

StoryShare

Tabitha -- Acts 9:36-43, John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
Contents “Tabitha” by Keith Hewitt
Following Jesus -- John 10:22-30, Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 23 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Sandra Herrmann -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
Contents "Following Jesus" by Peter Andrew Smith
New Life -- John 10:22-30, Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 23 -- Sandra Herrmann, C. David Mckirachan -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Contents"New Life" by Sandra Herrmann
My Sheep Hear My Voice -- John 10:22-30, Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 23 -- Larry Winebrenner, Peter Andrew Smith -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "My Sheep Hear My Voice" by Larry Winebrenner
Picture Of Peace -- Acts 9:36-43, John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 23 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
A Story to Live By Picture of Peace
Dumb Woolies -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- C. David Mckirachan, Stan Purdum, Gregory L. Tolle -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Dumb Woolies" by C. David McKirachan

SermonStudio

Dorcas -- Acts 9:36-43 -- David E. Leininger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
Women have always been uniquely important in the life of the church, whether or not men want to admi

Worship

The Immediate Word

God is Our Mother, We Shall Not Want -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Katy Stenta, Nazish Naseem -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
For May 11, 2025:
The Lamb Has No T-Shirts -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 12, 2019:
After Stuff Happens -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary text from Acts recounts Peter’s startling restoration to life of Tabitha, a d
Shepherds Good And Bad -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
As this week's material was being prepared and posted, we learned of the distressing bombings in Bos
Conquering Fear -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts, particularly Psalm 23 and the Revelations passage, are often used at f
Who Are These? -- Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Roger Lovette -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
Lectionary texts for the Easter season, including all of them for this Sunday, reflect the resurrect
The Good Shepherd Faces Violence -- John 10:22-30, Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 23 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
This week's lectionary readings (especially Psalm 23 and John 10:22-30) are centered around the them

SermonStudio

Easter 4 -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
The Easter story is about the triumph of creativity.
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Acts 9:36-43Theme: What We Really Miss
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Theme: Peter Heals DorcasCall To Worship
To Be Continued -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: After Jesus' death, many wondered if the healing had ended.
Power over death -- Acts 9:36-43 -- James R. Wilson -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 23 | OT 28 | Pentecost 18
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 24 | OT 29 | Pentecost 19
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 25 | OT 30 | Pentecost 20
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

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For November 2, 2025:
Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For November 2, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message involves roleplay. You will need a chair for Zach to stand on, unless it is ok for him to stand on a front pew. For the best fun, you will also want to have an adult volunteer play the role of Jesus and walk in when it is time. Whether he is in costume is up to you.

* * *
John Jamison
Object: You will need one or more pictures of people recognized as saints. You may find some pictures by Googling “public domain pictures of saints” and printing images from the results.

* * *

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4 and Psalm 119:137-144
Walter Elwell in the Shaw Pocket Bible Handbook notes of righteousness that it is, “Right standing, specifically before God. Among the Greeks, righteousness was an ethical virtue. Among the Hebrews it was a legal concept; the righteous man was the one who got the verdict of acceptability when tried at the bar of God’s justice.” God is a righteous God, even when is people are not righteous.
Frank Ramirez
One of the features of synagogue worship is the Shema. The Hebrew word is “Hear!” and is the opening for Deuteronomy 6:4-5, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” God’s people are commanded to “hear” these words. They come from the Lord. And these three scriptures invite us to hear God and each other, something that is lacking in our society today.
Wayne Brouwer
Fred Craddock tells of a vacation encounter in the Smokey Mountains of eastern Tennessee years ago that moved him deeply. He and his wife took supper one evening in a place called the Black Bear Inn. One side of the building was all glass, open to a magnificent mountain view. Glad to be alone, the Craddocks were a bit annoyed when an elderly man ambled over and struck up a nosey conversation: “Are you on vacation?” “Where are you from?” “What do you do?”
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 and Psalm 149

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, but your commandments are my delight. Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live. (vv. 143-144)

When I was an associate pastor in Janesville, Wisconsin one of my responsibilities was to give a lecture on spirituality once a month at a drug treatment facility. The students who attended were persons who had been convicted of drunk driving and were required to attend the class as a condition of their sentence. Attendance was always good.
Frank Ramirez
Call them the good old days. Call it the Golden Age. It’s not unusual for people to look back in their youth, or to the youth of their country, as somehow more perfect, honorable, or simpler. C.S. Lewis was always skeptical about claims that chocolate was better in one’s youth. It wasn’t better. Our taste buds were stronger and more receptive.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
The Roman Catholic Church's canonisation of Edith Stein some years ago, fuelled considerable controversy. Edith Stein was born and bred into a Jewish family, becoming a Roman Catholic Christian at the age of 31. She was also a leading German intellectual in the early thirties, during the run-up to World War 2, although she gave up that career in order to become a Carmelite nun. But she didn't deny her Jewish roots, for in 1933 she petitioned the Pope, Pious XI to write an encyclical in defence of the Jews.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus didn't reject anyone, even those who were liars and cheats. By a simple act of friendship Jesus turned Zaccheus' life around. In our worship today let us consider friendship and all that it means.


Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, there are some people I don't like.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, there are some people I reject.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, there are some people I keep out of my circle of friends.
Lord, have mercy.


Reading:

SermonStudio

Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
The world offers many blessings, but none of these things will save us: only the blessing of God in Jesus Christ can do that.

Old Testament Lesson
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18
Daniel's Apocalyptic Dream
Perry H. Biddle, Jr.
Comments on the Lessons
John W. Clarke
This chapter of Luke brings us ever closer to the end of Jesus' public ministry. Jesus enters Jericho, just fifteen miles or so from the holy city of Jerusalem. It is here that Jesus transforms the life of Zacchaeus, the tax collector. This is one of the few stories that is peculiar to Luke and is a wonderful human-interest story. The fact that Zacchaeus is willing to climb a tree to see Jesus is a clear indication that he really wanted to see and meet the carpenter from Nazareth. His eagerness to see Jesus is rewarded in a very special way.
Scott A. Bryte
Then he looked up at his disciples and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.
Mark Ellingson
This is a story written for people who had been or were about to be persecuted, if not enslaved. (The book of Daniel was probably written in the mid-second century B.C. during a period of Seleucid [Syrian] domination in Palestine.) It tells them and us how their ancestors had once faced a similar slavery under the oppression of the Babylonians centuries earlier. The implication was that if these ancestors could endure and overcome such bondage, so could they and so can we.
Gary L. Carver
Ulysses S. Grant fought many significant battles as commander of the Union forces in the War Between the States. He also served as President of the United States where he probably engaged in as many battles as he did while he was a general. Toward the end of his life he fought his toughest battle -- with cancer and death.

Special Occasion

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