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Derl G. Keefer

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

Reading the scriptures from... -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2014
Reading the scriptures from the beginning of Moses' life, one would think he was going to make a gre
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 (2014) -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Scott A. Bryte, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2014
Genesis 25:19-34
During the Palestinian... -- John 10:1-10 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
During the Palestinian uprising in the late 1980s, a village near Bethlehem was punished for not pay
Sermon Illustrations for Transfiguration Sunday (2014) -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Derl G. Keefer, Scott A. Bryte -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2014
Exodus 24:12-18
Abraham Lincoln was in his... -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Derl G. Keefer -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
Abraham Lincoln was in his darkest hours prior to the 1864 election.
One of my favorite novelists... -- Matthew 22:34-36 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2014
One of my favorite novelists is Jan Karon, author of the Mitford series featuring Father Tim Kavanag
The Holy Spirit gives us life... -- Romans 8:1-11 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2014
The Holy Spirit gives us life and peace according to Paul in this text.
Sermon Illustrations for Passion Sunday (2014) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- Ron Love, Derl G. Keefer, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Scott A. Bryte -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2014
Isaiah 50:4-9a
A story circulated... -- 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2014
A story was circulated that during the last great persecution of the early church there was a discus
I am not a fan of camping... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Derl G. Keefer -- New Year's Day - B -- 2014
I am not a fan of camping!
Sermon Illustrations for Reformation Sunday (2014) -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-38 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2014
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 (2014) -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Scott A. Bryte, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2014
Genesis 28:10-19a
Seldom had I been... -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Derl G. Keefer -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2014
Seldom had I been to a cross country meet until my granddaughter began competing for her middle scho
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 (2014) -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Derl G. Keefer, Ron Love -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2014
Micah 6:1-8
Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2015) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2014
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Sermons Illustrations for Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2014
Exodus 16:2-15
Jacob leaves Beersheba... -- Genesis 28:10-19a -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2014
Jacob leaves Beersheba and sets out for Haran.
A great city-wide revival... -- Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2014
A great city-wide revival swept across Philadelphia in 1858.
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2014) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Scott A. Bryte, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 2 (2015) -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2014
Jeremiah 31:7-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 (2014) -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2014
Exodus 33:12-23
After sharing a parable... -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2014
After sharing a parable concerning the wheat and the weeds in the fields with a multitude of people,
Sermon Illustrations for Easter 6 (2014) -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- Derl G. Keefer, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
Acts 17:22-31
Dr. Ed Young tells... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
Dr. Ed Young tells the story of Dr. Clovis Chappell as a college student.
The prophet Jeremiah tells... -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2014
The prophet Jeremiah tells the people of Israel that their mourning will be turned to gladness and g

Preaching

SermonStudio

Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP (Unison)
Epiphany 1 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPMen: Praise the Lord.
What Do We Have To Offer? -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
A pastor was asked by a visitor to his church, "What do you have to offer?" The wise pastor answered
The Christian Alternative To Materialism -- 1 Timothy 6:6-9 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
In one sense, the Christian faith is the most materialistic of all the world's great religions.
Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Christ The King -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2002
CALL TO WORSHIPLeader: God! We come to thank and enjoy You.
Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Resurrection Of The Lord -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Easter Day - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Model For Ministry -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Who is your model for ministry? Your mentor? Your inspiration? Try Jesus.
Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPLeader: Come, blessed Jesus.
Restoring Pastoral Energies -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
That pastoral energies ebb low is not debatable.
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Twenty--first Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Twenty--second Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Soul Health -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Marva Dawn and Eugene Peterson, in their book, The Unnecessary Pastor, wrote: "The constant d
God Wants Our Attention -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Jim Cymbala, in his book, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, quotes a devotional writer who said, "The m
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPSpeaker 1: Seek God's kingdom.
Twenty--fifth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Epiphany 2 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP

Sermon

SermonStudio

Building A Marriage -- 1 Corinthians 13 -- Derl G. Keefer, Cheryl Rohret -- 2000
(for a couple fixing up a house)
Deciding To Love -- 1 Corinthians 13 -- Derl G. Keefer, Cheryl Rohret -- 2000
(for a marriage after divorce)
On The Right Track -- 1 Corinthians 13; 14:1 -- Derl G. Keefer, Cheryl Rohret -- 2000
(for a long--time relationship)
To Join Your Paths -- 1 Corinthians 13, Ruth 1:16-17 -- Derl G. Keefer, Cheryl Rohret -- 2000
(for a widowed/divorced, older couple)
Miracles Of Marriage -- 1 Corinthians 13, Genesis 2:18-24 -- Derl G. Keefer, Cheryl Rohret -- 2000
Listen to these words from Genesis 2:18--24 (TEV):

Stories

SermonStudio

Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Alcohol
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Problems "The man who has no problems is out of the game." (Elbert Hubbard)
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Love
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness unto the Lord is more than a thought ... it is a lifestyle.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A Christian can be defined as someone who sets his goals, commits himself, then pursues his goals wi
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Gossip
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Mothers put the music in our hearts.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"I don't think there are enough devils in hell to take a young person from the arms of a godly mothe
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Spiritual truth is conveyed with the Holy Spirit's help to anyone willing to listen.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Fasting
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Paul Lewis suggested that mothers ought to take photos of the children doing things right -- daily c
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Creativity
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Stress And Pain
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-disciplin
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Progress Slow progress is always better than no progress at all.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Love
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The greatest benefit of holiness is that it results in eternal life.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The will to excel is through the Spirit from God.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Gossip
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
There is no stare like a mother's stare.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Henry Ward Beecher: "The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom."
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God's Spirit turns chickens into lions.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Fear
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
One Mother's Day card read, "Now that we have a mature, adult relationship there is something I'd li
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...

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The Immediate Word

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For October 26, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
I am a scoreboard watcher. I follow a lot more games than I actually watch, but since technology makes it easy to check scores on a moment’s whim, I watch a lot of scoreboards of teams and games that I am at least mildly interested in. And as I check those scores, I find myself having immediate reactions: “Great!” “Oh, that's too bad.” “Excellent!” “Nuts.” And in the midst of that sports-fan roller coaster, I must continually remind myself that not all scores are final.
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
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Joel 2:22-32
Martin Luther sings the praises of God’s love revealed in this lesson. He wrote:

The love of God which lives in man loves sinners, evil persons, fools and weaklings in order to make them righteous, good, wise, and strong. Rather than seeking its own good, the love of God flows forth and bestows good. (Luther’s Works, Vol. 31, p.57)

John Wesley nicely summarizes the Spirit’s role in fighting the lure of our old sinful habits:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message is a role-play story. You will need two children to play the roles of the Pharisee and the tax collector. I usually ask two children if they will help me as they are all coming forward for the message, but you may select them however you choose.

* * *

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.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

We all dislike people who blow their own trumpets, although sometimes we may be in awe of them. Jesus too deplored such behaviour and was never in awe of those who practised it. In our worship today let us open ourselves to Jesus, allowing him to see what is in our hearts.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we allow other people's behaviour to intimidate us.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes we refuse to reach our own fullest potential because we are afraid.

SermonStudio

Schuyler Rhodes
Every morning when sleep leaves and waking comes there is cause for praising God. Caught up, as we are, in the currents and eddies of our lives, this is easy to forget. This wonderful psalm is a reminder. God's bounty and abundance spill into our lives like waters over a causeway. God's delight in creation explodes in a million different colors. In every moment there is reason to give God praise.
Robert R. Kopp
When I was a little boy growing up in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania's First Presbyterian Church, one of those Christian chalk artists with black light, neon colors, and black felt canvas who made pictures of Jesus look like those Elvis portraits for sale on the side of the road at the beach showed up as entertainment for a Sunday evening potluck dinner.
John E. Berger
Today's sermon begins with this little one-person drama.
Mark Ellingson
Have you ever felt that you were absolutely at the end of your rope, left without hope? Sometime during the years of 539 B.C. to 331 B.C. that is the way the people of Judah felt. It seems that their land had been ravaged by a plague of locusts which had had catastrophic consequences.

Once a harvest has been destroyed, you cannot repair it. If a building has burned to the ground, you cannot repair it. In those instances you need to start from scratch with a fresh start.

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