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Frank Ramirez

Frank Ramirez is a native of Southern California and is the senior pastor of the Union Center Church of the Brethren near Nappanee, Indiana. Frank has served congregations in Los Angeles, California; Elkhart, Indiana; and Everett, Pennsylvania. He and his wife Jennie share three adult children, all married, and three grandchildren. He enjoys writing, reading, exercise, and theater.
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Commentary

Free Access

Something Old, Something New -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020
There’s that old rhyme associated with weddings, “Something old, something new, something borrowed,
Waiting for the Light to Shine -- Matthew 17:1-9, Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2020
Mark Twain once said that his pious, sainted mother never missed a Sunday’s service her whole life l
Not As Entitled As You Think -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
“Me and the man upstairs have an understanding.”
We Are All Connected -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2019
We are all intimately connected as one body in Jesus.
Ridiculous! -- Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Luke 11:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2019
The parable of the man who turns away the midnight caller? Ridiculous!
Like and Yet Unlike -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2019
We are to live among our neighbors, like and unlike.
Like and Yet Unlike -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2019
We are to live among our neighbors, like and unlike.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Changing the Basics of the Covenant -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2019
God’s persistence results in changing the basics of the covenant — sour grapes and written on the he
Real Life -- Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2019
These scriptures remind us that a life worth living must be worthwhile.
Identity Crisis -- Matthew 11:2-11, Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
Advent in Cycle A means Isaiah, Romans, and Matthew. Isaiah is so rich and musical.
We Are All Connected -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2019
We are all intimately connected as one body in Jesus.
At the Heart of God's Plan Is Love -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2019
Jeremiah is appointed to pluck up and call out nations. Serious change. Not popular.
The Definition of Sanity -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2019
Since Albert Einstein is considered the genius above all geniuses, he is often credited quotes he ne
When Will They Ever Learn? -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
Are you paying attention?
This Changes Everything -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, John 20:1-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - C -- 2019
It can not only be hard, but in some cases not possible to say much at all on Easter morning, what w
Let The Reign Begin -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2019
The Reign of Christ has begun, even though it may not be immediately apparent to the world at large.
Blessed Are The Receivers -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2019
The church folks I have known are always ready to give.
Ridiculous! -- Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Luke 11:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2019
The parable of the man who turns away the midnight caller? Ridiculous!
Making Choices -- Jeremiah 2:4-13, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2019
As God's people we have a choice to make about what sort of covenant we want to live with.
Like and Yet Unlike -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2019
We are to live among our neighbors, like and unlike.
The rules just changed -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2018
Jonah later claimed that the reason he fled after the command of God to condemn Nineveh was he knew
Out of the Chaos -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Several cultures in the ancient Mediterranean have some version of the Flood story, which tells us t
All in the family -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
The three scriptures are tied together by the idea that through Jesus Christ we create new bonds of
God Is Present, No Matter What You Think. -- Mark 2:23--3:6, 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
What does it look like when God is present with us? What do God's emissaries look like?
God's Story, Not Ours -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2018
These three scriptures are very different, but at their core they are all God’s story, not ours.

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 (2024) -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2024
Job 42:1-6, 10-17
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2024) -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Exodus 20:1-17
Sermon Illustrations for All Saints Day (2024) -- Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- All Saints Day - B -- 2024
Isaiah 25:6-9
Sermon Illustrations for Trinity Sunday (2024) -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2024
Isaiah 6:1-8
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2024) -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2024
Ruth 1:1-18
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2024) -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Numbers 21:4-9
Illustrations for Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 (2024) -- Mark 2:23--3:6, 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2024
1 Samuel 3:1-10, (11-20)
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 5 (2024) -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | OT 32 (2024) -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2024
Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17
Illustrations for Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 (2024) -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20, Psalm 138, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, Mark 3:20-35 -- Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2024
1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15)
Sermon Illustrations for Passion Sunday (2024) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 14:1--15:47 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2024
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2024) -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2024
1 Samuel 1:4-20
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 6 | OT 11, Cycle B (2024) -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2024
1 Samuel 15:34--16:13
Sermon Illustrations for Maundy Thursday (2024) -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2024
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
Sermon Illustrations for Christ the King Sunday (Proper 29) (2024) -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2024
2 Samuel 23:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 7 | OT 12, Cycle B (2024) -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41, Psalm 9:9-20, Psalm 133 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2024
1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49
Sermon Illustrations for Good Friday (2024) -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen -- Good Friday - B -- 2024
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
Sermon Illustrations for Easter Day (2024) -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Easter Day - B -- 2024
Acts 10:34-43
Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving (2024) -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33, Psalm 126 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2024
Joel 2:21-27
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 8 | OT 13 (2024) -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2024
2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27
Sermon Illustrations for Second Sunday of Easter (2024) -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
Acts 4:32-35
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 1 (2024) -- Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 21:25-36 -- Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2024
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 9 | OT 14 (2024) -- 2 Samuel 5:1-15, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2024
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 2 (2024) -- Baruch 5:1-9, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 3:1-6 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2024
Baruch 5:1-9 or Malachi 3:1-4
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 10 | OT 15 (2024) -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2024
2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19

Prayer

Sermon

Stories

StoryShare

This Will Make A Great Shot! -- Psalm 24, John 11:32-44 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- All Saints Day - B -- 2021
Contents “This Will Make A Great Shot!” by Frank Ramirez
Truth and Vaccines -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2021
Contents“Truth and Vaccines” by John Sumwalt
The Real Messenger -- Malachi 3:1-4, Philippians 1:3-11 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2021
Contents “The Real Messenger” by Frank Ramirez
Christmas Come Home -- Isaiah 62:6-12, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2021
Contents“Christmas Come Home” by John Sumwalt
Darkness and Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2021
Contents “Darkness and Light” by Frank Ramirez
Yes, God Speaks to Us Directly -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Psalm 62:5-12 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2021
Contents “Yes, God Speaks to Us Directly” by John Sumwalt
Only Two -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2021
Contents“Only Two” by Frank Ramirez
Breaking Jesus’ Heart -- Psalm 22:23-31, Mark 8:31-38 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Contents“Breaking Jesus’ Heart” by John Sumwalt
The Beauty of God’s Law -- Hebrews 5:5-10, Psalm 119:9-16 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Contents“The Beauty of God’s Law” by Frank Ramirez
Not Forsaken -- John 18:1--19:42, Psalm 22 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - B -- 2021
Contents“Not Forsaken” by John Sumwalt
Pause, Sign, Ponder, Reflect -- Psalm 4, 1 John 3:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Contents"Pause, Sign, Ponder, Reflect" by Frank Ramirez
Waking Up to Racism -- John 15:9-17, Psalm 98 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Contents“Waking Up to Racism” by John Sumwalt
The Billy Graham Test -- Romans 8:22-27, Acts 2:1-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2021
Contents“The Billy Graham Test” by John Sumwalt
A Person’s A Person -- Mark 4:26-34, 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2021
Contents “A Person’s A Person” by Frank Ramirez
We Are Spiritual Bodies -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Ezekiel 2:1-5 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2021
Contents“We Are Spiritual Bodies” by John Sumwalt
The Measure of the Universe -- Ephesians 3:14-21, Psalm 14 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2021
Contents“The Measure of the Universe” by Frank Ramirez
Bread From Heaven -- John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
Contents“Bread From Heaven” by John Sumwalt
The Doghouse at the White House -- Mark 7:24-37, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2021
Contents “The Doghouse at the White House” by Frank Ramirez
Speaking Tender -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2021
Contents“Speaking Tender” by John Sumwalt

Free Access

The Real Messenger -- Malachi 3:1-4, Philippians 1:3-11 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2021
Contents “The Real Messenger” by Frank Ramirez
Yes, God Speaks to Us Directly -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Psalm 62:5-12 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2021
Contents “Yes, God Speaks to Us Directly” by John Sumwalt
Pause, Sign, Ponder, Reflect -- Psalm 4, 1 John 3:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Contents"Pause, Sign, Ponder, Reflect" by Frank Ramirez
Waking Up to Racism -- John 15:9-17, Psalm 98 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Contents“Waking Up to Racism” by John Sumwalt
The Doghouse at the White House -- Mark 7:24-37, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2021
Contents “The Doghouse at the White House” by Frank Ramirez
Speaking Tender -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2021
Contents“Speaking Tender” by John Sumwalt

Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 13/Ordinary Time 18 -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Hosea 11:1-11Theme: All My Compassion Is Aroused
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17Theme: Lost And Found
Proper 6/Ordinary Time 11 -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 7:36--8:3Theme: Credit Where Credit Is Due
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 1:4-10Theme: The Call Is For You
Proper 23/Ordinary Time 28 -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Timothy 2:8-15Theme: If, Then, Therefore
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Revelation 5:11-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Revelation 5:11-14Theme: Now That's Entertainment
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Philippians 1:3-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Philippians 1:3-11Theme: Blessed Be The Lord!
Proper 13/Ordinary Time 18 -- Colossians 3:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Colossians 3:1-11Theme: Reading Our Own Obituary
Ash Wednesday -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10Theme: Hit Me With Your Best Shot
Proper 7/Ordinary Time 12 -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15aTheme: Take My Life -- Please
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13Theme: The Antidote
Proper 23/Ordinary Time 28 -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 17:11-19Theme: Good Odds Or Bad Odds
Third Sunday Of Easter -- John 21:1-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 21:1-19Theme: Love StoryCall To Worship
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 3:1-6Theme: Get Ready For GodCall To Worship
Proper 13/Ordinary Time 18 -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 12:13-21Theme: Wise FoolCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21Theme: No Peeking
Proper 7/Ordinary Time 12 -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Galatians 3:23-29Theme: Grow UpCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Luke 4:21-30 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 4:21-30Theme: Jesus Speaks NowCall To Worship
Proper 24/Ordinary Time 29 -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 31:27-34Theme: No More Sour Grapes
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
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Zephaniah 3:14-20Theme: Even So!
Proper 14/Ordinary Time 19 -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 1:1, 10-20Theme: Seek Justice, Defend The Cause
First Sunday In Lent -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 26:1-11Theme: The Father We All Share
Proper 7/Ordinary Time 12 -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 8:26-39Theme: Legionnaires
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13) -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13)Theme: There Must Be Some Mistake
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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