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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Take Up Whose Cross? -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- George L. Murphy -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Kate Murphy -- Kate Murphy
Kate Murphy earned her Master of Divinity at Boston University and is currently working on he
Shepherding Models Of Leadership -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Mary Boyd Click -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,
If He Comes Back ... -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- George L. Murphy -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
What If God Prayed For Us/u.s.? -- Amos 8:4-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
The Transfiguration Of Jesus: A Prelude To The Passion -- Luke 9:28-30 (37-43) -- Carter Shelley -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
Watching Mel Gibson being interviewed by Diane Sawyer on ABC TV on February 16, you could not help b
Roger Lovette
Roger Lovette is a Baptist minister living in Birmingham, Alabama, who has served six congreg
Well-Known Christians -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Too Good To Be True? -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Timothy B. Cargal -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
God's Investment Advice -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
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
"did You Call?" -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Leah Lonsbury
Leah Lonsbury has served two churches in the Madison, Wisconsin, area and is a graduate of Dr
Looking Skyward -- Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - A
Ascension Day is not observed by many North Americans.
The Good Shepherd And The Good Mother:a Tough Job Description -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
When God Overdoes It -- Lamentations 1:1-6; 3:19-26, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Luke 17:5-10, Psalm 137 -- Roger Lovette -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Are You Tempted To Be Offended? -- Luke 4:1-13 -- George L. Murphy -- First Sunday in Lent - C
Jesus is getting plenty of media coverage these days.
It Just Doesn't Feel Like Christmas This Year -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Chris Keating
Chris Keating is the pastor of Woodlawn Chapel Presbyterian Church in suburban St.
Star Wars And God's Peace -- Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Genesis 1:1-2:4a, Psalm 8 -- George L. Murphy -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A
George Lucas' "Star Wars" movies have had a huge impact on our culture, and our parishioners are awa
The Gospel Reloaded -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- George L. Murphy -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Exiles In Our Own Land? -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
The Empire Of Martha And The Kingdom Of God -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- George L. Murphy -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Like the music of J. S.
Anticipation Or The Best Christmas Present Ever -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Pastors,
Robin Lostetter
Robin Lostetter is a Presbyterian (PCUSA) Minister of Word and Sacrament (“Teaching

Illustration

The Immediate Word

God's Investment Advice -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
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
Roger Lovette
Roger Lovette is a Baptist minister living in Birmingham, Alabama, who has served six congreg
Looking Skyward -- Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - A
Ascension Day is not observed by many North Americans.
The Good Shepherd And The Good Mother:a Tough Job Description -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
When God Overdoes It -- Lamentations 1:1-6; 3:19-26, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Luke 17:5-10, Psalm 137 -- Roger Lovette -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Are You Tempted To Be Offended? -- Luke 4:1-13 -- George L. Murphy -- First Sunday in Lent - C
Jesus is getting plenty of media coverage these days.
Leah Lonsbury
Leah Lonsbury has served two churches in the Madison, Wisconsin, area and is a graduate of Dr
"did You Call?" -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Star Wars And God's Peace -- Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Genesis 1:1-2:4a, Psalm 8 -- George L. Murphy -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A
George Lucas' "Star Wars" movies have had a huge impact on our culture, and our parishioners are awa
The Gospel Reloaded -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- George L. Murphy -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Exiles In Our Own Land? -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
The Empire Of Martha And The Kingdom Of God -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- George L. Murphy -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Like the music of J. S.
Chris Keating
Chris Keating is the pastor of Woodlawn Chapel Presbyterian Church in suburban St.
It Just Doesn't Feel Like Christmas This Year -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Building On Sand -- Matthew 7:21-29, Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Every day we have fresh evidence that moral evil is not only a factor in personal life but -- with e
American Individualism And Christian Community:contradiction, Compromise, Or Challenge? -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Carter Shelley -- Ascension of the Lord - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
How Many Chickens Does It Take To Show That God Loves You? -- Joel 2:23-32 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
What New Thing Is God Doing Now? -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
Some folks are excited and energized by learning something new or witnessing a creative development
Robin Lostetter
Robin Lostetter is a Presbyterian (PCUSA) Minister of Word and Sacrament (“Teaching
Anticipation Or The Best Christmas Present Ever -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Pastors,
"prepare Him Room" -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Vacation Or Vocation? -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 12:1-9, Psalm 33:1-12 -- George L. Murphy
It's the time of year when thousands of grads have to think about what to do next.
I Will Pour Out My Spirit On All Flesh -- Acts 2.1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Day of Pentecost - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Of What Can We Be Certain? -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,

Liturgy

Preaching

SermonStudio

Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 -- Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
It was Rene Descartes who said, "I think, therefore I am." While not wishing to enter the questionab
What Shall Become Of The Dreamer's Dream? -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2009
And he said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified." But I said, "I have
Psalm 85 -- Psalm 85 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Cynicism is in vogue these days. Perhaps it has never gone out of style.
Psalm 34:1-10, 22 -- Psalm 34:1-10, 22 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth" (v. 1).
Psalm 149 -- Psalm 149 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The very words, "Praise the Lord," have, in some circles, taken on a tone of mockery and scorn.
Psalm 22:25-31 -- Psalm 22:25-31 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
A cursory read through of these verses could leave us with the impression that everyone must turn to
Psalm 126 -- Psalm 126 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Some dreams feel so real that waking is a moment of profound confusion; a shudder of dislocation.
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 -- Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
This psalm represents a real struggle for most people.
Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Sometimes life gets to be simply too much.
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Hope is a concept that contemporary Christians do not engage with much competence.
Psalm 36:5-10 -- Psalm 36:5-10 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There is nothing quite so wonderful as someone you can trust.
Psalm 149 -- Psalm 149 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Within the confines of our cultural reality, those who take things into their own hands are showered
Psalm 23 -- Psalm 23 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
This psalm sits with incredible familiarity on the couch next to us.
Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
It's been said that people have short memories. It must be so.
Psalm 95 -- Psalm 95 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
In democratic culture, individualism reigns supreme.
Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
After a long and grueling foot race, a runner reached for a glass of water puffing out the words, "T
Psalm 1 -- Psalm 1 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
This psalm could have been written yesterday! It is striking in its contemporaneous feel.
Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Having someone hate you is a difficult thing to bear.
Psalm 40:1-11 -- Psalm 40:1-11 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There is an unwritten law in lines at the local supermarket.
1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Comparisons are something we humans seem unable to avoid.
Psalm 23 -- Psalm 23 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
My daughter hates going down into our basement.
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
In Christian tradition, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit as a partner on the journey (John 14:
Psalm 96 -- Psalm 96 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"Say to the nations, 'The Lord is king!' "
Psalm 130 -- Psalm 130 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Forgiveness is a concept common to most everyone. It covers a vast landscape, to be sure.
Psalm 5:1-8 -- Psalm 5:1-8 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Everyone knows what it's like to surrender in a long, collapsing sigh.

Sermon

The Immediate Word

If He Comes Back ... -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- George L. Murphy -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
What If God Prayed For Us/u.s.? -- Amos 8:4-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
The Transfiguration Of Jesus: A Prelude To The Passion -- Luke 9:28-30 (37-43) -- Carter Shelley -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
Watching Mel Gibson being interviewed by Diane Sawyer on ABC TV on February 16, you could not help b
Take Up Whose Cross? -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- George L. Murphy -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Kate Murphy -- Kate Murphy
Kate Murphy earned her Master of Divinity at Boston University and is currently working on he
Shepherding Models Of Leadership -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Mary Boyd Click -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Too Good To Be True? -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Timothy B. Cargal -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
God's Investment Advice -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
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
Roger Lovette
Roger Lovette is a Baptist minister living in Birmingham, Alabama, who has served six congreg
Well-Known Christians -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Good Shepherd And The Good Mother:a Tough Job Description -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
When God Overdoes It -- Lamentations 1:1-6; 3:19-26, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Luke 17:5-10, Psalm 137 -- Roger Lovette -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Are You Tempted To Be Offended? -- Luke 4:1-13 -- George L. Murphy -- First Sunday in Lent - C
Jesus is getting plenty of media coverage these days.
"did You Call?" -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Leah Lonsbury
Leah Lonsbury has served two churches in the Madison, Wisconsin, area and is a graduate of Dr
Looking Skyward -- Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - A
Ascension Day is not observed by many North Americans.
The Gospel Reloaded -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- George L. Murphy -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Exiles In Our Own Land? -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
The Empire Of Martha And The Kingdom Of God -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- George L. Murphy -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Like the music of J. S.
It Just Doesn't Feel Like Christmas This Year -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Chris Keating
Chris Keating is the pastor of Woodlawn Chapel Presbyterian Church in suburban St.
Star Wars And God's Peace -- Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Genesis 1:1-2:4a, Psalm 8 -- George L. Murphy -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A
George Lucas' "Star Wars" movies have had a huge impact on our culture, and our parishioners are awa
American Individualism And Christian Community:contradiction, Compromise, Or Challenge? -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Carter Shelley -- Ascension of the Lord - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
How Many Chickens Does It Take To Show That God Loves You? -- Joel 2:23-32 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,

Worship

The Immediate Word

What If God Prayed For Us/u.s.? -- Amos 8:4-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Kate Murphy -- Kate Murphy
Kate Murphy earned her Master of Divinity at Boston University and is currently working on he
The Transfiguration Of Jesus: A Prelude To The Passion -- Luke 9:28-30 (37-43) -- Carter Shelley -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
Watching Mel Gibson being interviewed by Diane Sawyer on ABC TV on February 16, you could not help b
Shepherding Models Of Leadership -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Mary Boyd Click -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,
If He Comes Back ... -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- George L. Murphy -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Take Up Whose Cross? -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- George L. Murphy -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
God's Investment Advice -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Roger Lovette
Roger Lovette is a Baptist minister living in Birmingham, Alabama, who has served six congreg
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
Well-Known Christians -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Too Good To Be True? -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Timothy B. Cargal -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
When God Overdoes It -- Lamentations 1:1-6; 3:19-26, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Luke 17:5-10, Psalm 137 -- Roger Lovette -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Leah Lonsbury
Leah Lonsbury has served two churches in the Madison, Wisconsin, area and is a graduate of Dr
Are You Tempted To Be Offended? -- Luke 4:1-13 -- George L. Murphy -- First Sunday in Lent - C
Jesus is getting plenty of media coverage these days.
Looking Skyward -- Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - A
Ascension Day is not observed by many North Americans.
The Good Shepherd And The Good Mother:a Tough Job Description -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
"did You Call?" -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
It Just Doesn't Feel Like Christmas This Year -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Exiles In Our Own Land? -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Chris Keating
Chris Keating is the pastor of Woodlawn Chapel Presbyterian Church in suburban St.
The Empire Of Martha And The Kingdom Of God -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- George L. Murphy -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Like the music of J. S.
Star Wars And God's Peace -- Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Genesis 1:1-2:4a, Psalm 8 -- George L. Murphy -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A
George Lucas' "Star Wars" movies have had a huge impact on our culture, and our parishioners are awa
The Gospel Reloaded -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- George L. Murphy -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Anticipation Or The Best Christmas Present Ever -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Pastors,
How Many Chickens Does It Take To Show That God Loves You? -- Joel 2:23-32 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
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

Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
For September 7, 2025:

StoryShare

Frank Ramirez
For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it?  Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him…. (vv. 28-29)

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A pair of heavy gloves you might use to protect your hands when you are working or gardening.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! But I need to warn you that this story can be really tough to understand, so let’s see if we can figure it out.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Jeremiah 18:1-11
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 18:1-11 and Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said that we must be utterly committed to him, even to facing danger and pain, if we want to follow him. In our worship today, let us ask him for help in this formidable task.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we are scared to stand up for you.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we love other things more than you.

Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we are more concerned with our own image than with you.

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away.
-- Psalm 139:1-2

Schuyler Rhodes
It would be an easy thing to read through this psalm and nod in assent before moving on to the next. It all seems pretty obvious. "Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread...." It is tantamount to what the young people refer to as a "no-brainer." Much of this bad advice could be avoided by turning off our televisions. And the sinner's well-worn walkways? They too seem fairly apparent. Yet somehow they continue to be well worn.
Paul E. Robinson
Another world, another day, another time. The bright sun cast its long dark shadows along streets filled with carts and animals, never once falling on automobile, trolley or McDonald's litter in the gutter.
Lee Ann Dunlap
What would you do if you opened your mailbox one day to find a letter from the city or county announcing that you have to move? That land your grandparents worked so hard to till, or for which you struggled so long to purchase is deemed the best land available for a new shopping mall. The appraisers will soon be checking out your home to determine its fair market value and you are expected to vacate.
Rick McCracken-Bennett
I remember as I was growing up, before gas became more precious than gold, that our family would go on buggy rides, as we called them, on Sunday afternoons after church and dinner. It was a great time for the entire family to be together, to wander back roads aimlessly, and to talk about just about anything you could imagine.
Gary L. Carver
The old man is about to retire for the evening. Closely he clutches a collection of correspondence as he replaces the worn letter he had read back into the bundle. It is the most treasured possession that he owns. As he hits his knees, he shakes his head in wonder and amazement at what God had done in his life. Only God could have taken him from where once he was to where he is now. And his prayer is one of gratitude.

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