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Derl G. Keefer

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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.
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
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
On a segment of... -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2014
On a segment of 60 Minutes (October 6, 2013) several special operations forces personnel were
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
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.
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 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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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,
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
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
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

Preaching

SermonStudio

Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPS

CALL TO WORSHIP (Unison)
Epiphany 1 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPS

CALL TO WORSHIP
Men: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 HELPS

CALL TO WORSHIP
Christ The King -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2002
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: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 HELPS

CALL TO WORSHIP
Resurrection Of The Lord -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Easter Day - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPS

CALL TO WORSHIP
Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPS

CALL 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 HELPS

CALL TO WORSHIP
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPS

CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: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 HELPS

CALL TO WORSHIP
Twenty--first Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPS

CALL TO WORSHIP
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPS

CALL TO WORSHIP
Twenty--second Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPS

CALL 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 HELPS

CALL TO WORSHIP
Speaker 1:Seek God's kingdom.
Twenty--fifth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPS

CALL TO WORSHIP
Epiphany 2 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPS

CALL TO WORSHIP

Sermon

Stories

SermonStudio

Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God's Spirit wants to empower you for service -- Today!
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness unto the Lord is more than a thought ... it is a lifestyle.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Stress And Pain

Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Problems

"The man who has no problems is out of the game." (Elbert Hubbard)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Spiritual truth is conveyed with the Holy Spirit's help to anyone willing to listen.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Mothers put the music in our hearts.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer

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
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Fasting

Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Love

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
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

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

Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The greatest benefit of holiness is that it results in eternal life.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Stress -- Good And Bad

Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Progress

Slow progress is always better than no progress at all.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God's Spirit turns chickens into lions.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
There is no stare like a mother's stare.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Pride

Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Henry Ward Beecher: "The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom."
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Fear

Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Love

Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit gives love, inspires eternal hope, and sets the spiritual captive free.

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Jeremiah 17:5-10
On Sunday, August 5, 2012, Garrett Reid killed himself in the dorm room at Lehigh University where the Philadelphia Eagles were holding training camp. Garrett is the oldest son of the Eagles’ head coach Andy Reid. Garrett had a history of drug problems and even spent some time in prison on drug related charges. Andy Reid told the team’s owner that in this difficult situation he would continue to move forward, saying “I’m going to hit that curveball and hit it out of the park.”
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Wayne Brouwer
There is a powerful scene in Robert Bolt’s play A Man for All Seasons. The story is that of Sir Thomas More, loyal subject of the English crown. King Henry VIII wants to change things to suit his own devious plans, so he requires all his nobles to swear an oath of allegiance which violates the conscience of Sir Thomas More before his God. Since he will not swear the oath, More is put in jail. His daughter Margaret comes to visit him. “Meg,” he calls her, with affection. She’s his pride and joy, the one who thinks his thoughts after him.

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“...for power came out of him and healed all of them.” (v. 19b)

Good morning wonderful children,

Thanks for joining me. I am so happy to see you and to talk to you today. Are you ready for a special message I have just for you? (children respond)  Here we go.

Ever heard the word bless?  Like “you are blessed” or “you are my blessing?”(children respond) To be blessed is like goodness coming to you. To be blessed is like getting a gift that makes you happy.

StoryShare

David O. Bales
Contents
“A Messianic Message?” by David O. Bales
“Blissful? Agnosticism” by David O. Bales


A Messianic Message?
by David O. Bales
Luke 6:17-26

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
We tend to think of Saints as special holy people who are perhaps not quite real. But in this reading, Jesus makes it clear that those who are very ordinary because they are poor, or hungry, or sad, or otherwise disadvantaged in some way, are especially blessed. This is a story about Casper, who spoke in fun but found his words were taken rather seriously.

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"Louise, can you and Pastor Hal come to Thanksgiving dinner at our house this Friday? I have this really, really big turkey, and I don't want a ton of leftovers," Tracy implored her friend.

"Well, I'd love to, but we always invite a widower, Andy Vespa, each Thanksgiving. I don't want him to be by himself with his pork and beans. Of course, Steve and Vicki will be here, too," Louise replied. "Andy's always been a part of this family gathering."

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