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Craig Kelly

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

What is the first thing we do in the morning?... -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Craig Kelly -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2012
What is the first thing we do in the morning? Turn on the coffee maker? Read the paper?
During the NFL lockout... -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Craig Kelly -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
This past summer during the NFL lockout, coaches and staff were prohibited from working with the pla
How many times have we faced a situation where someone died suddenly... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Craig Kelly -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2011
How many times have we faced a situation where someone died suddenly?
NULL -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 -- Craig Kelly -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2011
Sometimes the greatest accomplishments in life emerge out of the greatest tragedies.
NULL -- Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- Craig Kelly -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
Sometimes I wish I could have been there in the room with Thomas Edison when he heard the first reco
Life is full of tests... -- Mark 9:9-15 -- Craig Kelly -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Life is full of tests, whether it's that chemistry final in high school, that driving test to get yo
NULL -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Craig Kelly -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2011
Many people have probably heard the story of Horatio Spafford.
NULL -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- Craig Kelly -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2011
I have no idea how people who don't believe in God deal with death, to be honest.
NULL -- Ephesians 5:8-14 -- Craig Kelly -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
I never experienced complete darkness until I was a teenager.
I remember when my wife and I bought our first house... -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- Craig Kelly -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
I remember when my wife and I bought our first house almost seven years ago.
NULL -- Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 -- Craig Kelly -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2011
My wife is currently in nursing school, and she is getting ready to finish a class in Lifespan Psych
NULL -- Judges 4:1-7 -- Craig Kelly -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
Oral Roberts University is a charismatic Christian university in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
NULL -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Craig Kelly -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
In any story of survival, one of the most important elements is hope.
NULL -- Romans 12:19-21 -- Craig Kelly -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2011
I recently heard a friend of mine talking about the story of Nicky Cruz.
NULL -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Craig Kelly -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
It's interesting to see how people deal with great wealth. Take, for example, John D. Rockefeller.
NULL -- John 11:1-45 -- Craig Kelly -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
It is often in the darkest of circumstances when God shows up the most.
NULL -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Craig Kelly -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2011
How many times in this world have we seen people who strive for power and position humbled?
One defining trend in the persecuted church today... -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Craig Kelly -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
If there is one defining trend in the persecuted church today, it's that the more the church is pers
NULL -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Craig Kelly -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2011
There have been many powerful individuals and nations throughout our history.
NULL -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Craig Kelly -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2011
I can still remember going to the bank seven years ago with my wife to buy our home.
There is something about the notion of mistaken identity... -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Craig Kelly -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
There is something about the notion of mistaken identity that captures the imagination, especially i
There are very few guarantees in this world but one is sin... -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Craig Kelly -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2011
I recently found a website that I found amusing (http://www
NULL -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Craig Kelly -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2011
A recent study by the Barna Group (www.barna.org) showed that you
A megachurch is defined as a church with 2,000 or more... -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Craig Kelly -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2011
A megachurch is defined as a church with 2,000 or more in average weekly attendance.
Many of the most powerful, influential documents in history... -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Craig Kelly -- All Saints Day - A -- 2011
Many of the most powerful, influential documents in history have famous first lines.

Stories

StoryShare

A Lot Of Bull -- Matthew 22:1-14, Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr., Craig Kelly, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "A Lot of Bull" by Alex Gondola
The Jigsaw Puzzle -- Luke 1:26-38, 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:47-55 -- Argile Smith, Craig Kelly, Sandra Herrmann, Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B, The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2008
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Jigsaw Puzzle" by Argile Smith
The Days After Christmas -- Luke 2:22-40, Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Psalm 148 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Craig Kelly, Keith Hewitt, Bryan Meadows -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2008
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
The Days After Christmas -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Psalm 8 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Craig Kelly, Keith Hewitt, Bryan Meadows -- New Year's Day - B -- 2008
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
Artist At Work -- John 1:43-51, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Craig Kelly, John S. Smylie -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2008
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Artist at Work" by Craig Kelly
Called Not From But To The Tax Office -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 12:1-9, Psalm 33:1-12 -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr., Craig Kelly -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week
The Borrowed Book -- Matthew 10:40-42, Romans 6:12-23, Genesis 22:1-14, Psalm 13 -- Argile Smith, Craig Kelly -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "The Borrowed Book" by Argile Smith
Free Stories/illustrations For Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 -- Genesis 22:1-2, Matthew 10:40-42 -- John E. Sumwalt, Craig Kelly -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2008
Who Is In Favor of Child Sacrifice? by John Sumwalt
Never Again Separate -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39, Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- David O. Bales, Craig Kelly -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Never Again Separate" by David O. Bales
You're Stuck -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Genesis 45:1-15, Psalm 133 -- C. David Mckirachan, Craig Kelly -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "You're Stuck" by C. David McKirachan
It Was A Long Time Ago -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- David O. Bales, John E. Sumwalt, Craig Kelly -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "It was a Long Time Ago" by David O. Bales
A Born Leader -- Matthew 22:34-46, Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 -- Sandra Herrmann, Argile Smith, David O. Bales, Craig Kelly -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "A Born Leader" by Sandra Herrmann
A Born Leader -- John 8:31-36, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46 -- Sandra Herrmann, Argile Smith, David O. Bales, Craig Kelly -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "A Born Leader" by Sandra Herrmann
As For Me And My House -- Matthew 25:1-13, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Psalm 78:1-7 -- Craig Kelly, Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "As for Me and My House" by Craig Kelly
UPCOMING WEEKS
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Easter 4
28 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
23 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 5
33 – Sermons
140+ – Illustrations / Stories
34 – Children's Sermons / Resources
30 – Worship Resources
35 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 6
30 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
23 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
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New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
In the sometimes-tiresome debate over science and scripture with respect to creation, it’s easy to become distracted. While the argument typically requires a focus on the how, we may lose sight of the what. And so, for just a moment, let me invite us to think for a moment about what God created.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Acts 8:26-40
As a local church pastor, I was often asked if I would baptize a child whose family were not members of the church. Some churches rebelled against this, but I remember this scripture -the hunger for understanding and inclusion of the Eunuch and Philp’s response – to teach and share and baptize in the name of our God. How could we turn anyone away from the rite of baptism?

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Dad, I think you worked a miracle.” Rolf slowly walked around the tree. “After that windstorm, I assumed this tree was as good as gone.”

“We just needed to give the branches time to heal and come back,” Michael replied.

 “I know, but so many of them were battered and broken I figured that it couldn’t recover. Now though it looks just like it did before the storm.” Rolf paused. “Do you think it will bear any fruit this summer?”

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A live plant that produces fruit, and a broken branch from that plant. I used a tomato plant from a local greenhouse. Ideally, find a plant with blossoms or small fruit already growing. If you use a different kind of fruit-producing plant, just change the script to fit.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent!

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Elena Delhagen
Dean Feldmeyer
Quantisha Mason-Doll
For April 28, 2024:
  • On The Way To Gaza by Chris Keating based on Acts 8:26-40. On the way to Gaza, Philip discovers the startling ways the Spirit of God moves across borders, boundaries, customs, and traditions.
  • Second Thoughts: Abiding by Katy Stenta based on John 15:1-8.
  • Sermon illustrations by Mary Austin, Tom Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is the vine, we are the branches. In our service today, let us absorb from the vine all the nourishment we need.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes our branches become cut off from the vine.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes our branches are withered.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we fail to produce good fruit.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
We will meet Psalm 22 in its entirety on Good Friday, but here the lectionary designates just verses 23-31. The lectionary psalms generally illuminate the week's First Lesson, which in this case is about the covenant initiated by God with Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 17. The nine verses from this psalm, while not inappropriate, nonetheless leave us looking for an obvious connection with the First Lesson.

John S. Smylie
I think some people are natural-born gardeners. Our Lord grew up in a society that was familiar with agriculture. The images that he used to explain the ways of his Father in heaven are familiar to his audience. Growing up, my closest experience to agriculture was living in, "the Garden State." Most people, when they pass through New Jersey, are surprised to see that expression on the license plates of vehicles registered in New Jersey. Most folks traveling through New Jersey experience the megalopolis, the corridor between New York City and Washington DC.
Ron Lavin
A pastor in Indiana went to visit an 87-year-old man named Ermil, who was a hospital patient. A member of his church told the pastor about this old man who was an acquaintance. "He's not a believer, but he is really in need," the church member said. "I met him at the county home for the elderly. He's a lonely old man with no family and no money."

Paul E. Robinson
"Love is a many splendored thing...." Or so we heard Don Cornwall and the Four Aces sing time and again. Of course you or I might have other words to describe love, depending on our situation.

Love. "I love you." "I love to play golf." "I just love pistachio lush!" "It's tough to love some people." "Jesus loves me, this I know."

Love.

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