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Mark Ellingsen

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Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany of the Lord (2025) -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2025
Isaiah 60:1-6
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 13 | OT 18 (2025) -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2025
Hosea 11: 1-13
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 5 (OT 5) Cycle C (2025) -- Luke 5:1-11, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13) -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2025
Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13)
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 6 (OT 6) Cycle C (2025) -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2025
Jeremiah 17:5-10
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 7 (OT 7) Cycle C (2025) -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38 -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2025
Genesis 45:3-11, 15
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 2 | OT 2 (2025) -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2025
Isaiah 62:1-5
Sermon Illustrations for Transfiguration Sunday, Cycle C (2025) -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2025
Exodus 34:29-35
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 3 (OT 3) Cycle C (2025) -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2025
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 4 (OT 4) Cycle C (2025) -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2025
Jeremiah 1:4-10
Sermon Illustrations for Baptism of Our Lord (2025) -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2025
Isaiah 43:1-7

Political Pulpit

Emphasis Preaching Journal

One Out of Two Americans Has Low-Income Status: Why Is There So Much Silence and What to Do About It -- Mark Ellingsen -- 2012
The title is the subject for this column, a topic that the lectionary texts for March, April, and Ma
What American Christians might do to enhance Muslim life -- Mark Ellingsen -- 2011
The months of March, April, and May are months of repentance and celebration for Christians.
More on financial responsibility in America -- Mark Ellingsen -- 2011
The assigned lectionary texts for the fall invite our further attention to our economy, the federal
Are we still fighting wars? How come? -- Mark Ellingsen -- 2011
These months (especially at Christmas) are the season of peace. Yes, we sing and pray for peace.
Getting real about ecology -- Mark Ellingsen -- 2010
The lessons for the spring are rich in socio-political opportunities for preaching.
Getting maladjusted to business as usual -- Mark Ellingsen -- 2010
Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of Jesus and Christians as "maladjusted" to certain social dynamics.
Is less government really good for America? -- Mark Ellingsen -- 2010
These months will likely be dominated politically by the upcoming elections and their aftermath.
Expanding political horizons in the local congregation -- Mark Ellingsen -- 2009
Wes has offered important reflections on implementing what we write about in these columns in your p
The market needs some managing -- Mark Ellingsen -- 2008
When it comes to economics, things haven't changed much for our nation or for the presidential race
The curse of special interests -- Mark Ellingsen -- 2008
I agree with my friend and boss, Wes, that a key issue for the new president, a factor that perhaps

The Political Pulpit

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The war in Iraq: what's next? -- Mark Ellingsen -- 2008
Click here
The health-care crisis: -- Mark Ellingsen -- 2008
Recent reports indicate that 47 million Americans were without health insurance in the summer of 20
The health-care crisis: Are the candidates really concerned? -- Mark Ellingsen -- 2008
Recent reports indicate that 47 million Americans were without health insurance in the summer of 200
Conspicuous consumption and its politics -- Mark Ellingsen -- 2007
Tax time and the season of Lent.
Beware of virtues -- Mark Ellingsen -- 2007
Of course, Christians should be good citizens! That is just common sense, most Americans think.
What Christians can do to help our schools -- Mark Ellingsen -- 2007
In the first weeks of September and October many members in your congregation will have their minds
Assaults on the elderly: what politics have to do with it -- Mark Ellingsen
Time magazine predicts that a hot-button issue for the upcoming midterm Congressional electi

Sermon

SermonStudio

Wonderful Opportunities For Mission -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2007
Jesus' ministry and mission was shifting into high gear.
Having Fun With The Great Commission -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2007
I find it interesting that today as we commemorate the Trinity doctrine, the church assigns the Bibl
With A Firm Foundation, Application Is Second Nature -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2007
Practice makes perfect. If you do these things for Jesus, the Lord will bless you.
Life And Forgiveness Come Easy When You're Filled With The Spirit -- John 20:19-23 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2007
It's Pentecost Sunday, a day when we celebrate the birth of the Church and the giving of the Holy Sp
If Your Sense Of Purpose Ever Becomes A Burden, Remember Your Value -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2007
Do you ever wish you counted for something, that you had value?
How Jesus' Friendship Makes Your Burdens Light -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2007
Jesus was teaching about the kind of authority he has.
When You're Free (In Christ), Sacrifice Is No Burden! -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2007
It takes a lot to be a Christian; you have to make your share of sacrifices.
Sick People Like Us Will Always Need The (Divine) Doctor -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2007
Jesus spent a lot of his time hanging around undesirable folks, not with "good" people like us.
Life's Purpose Is Often Hidden! -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2007
Life is a messy affair. Our purpose is often hidden.
It's Not About You; It's All About God -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2007
Jesus left the house (which one we are not sure).

Preaching

SermonStudio

Proper 13 / Pentecost 11 / Ordinary Time 18 -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2018
Theme of the Day Being fed by our Lord and the companionship it brings.
All Saints Day -- Matthew 5:1-12, 1 John 3:1-3, Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 34:1-10, 22 -- Mark Ellingsen -- All Saints Day - A -- 2014
Theme of the Day Inspired by the saints and the love of God.
Proper 28 / Ordinary Time 33 -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Theme of the Day Serving God His way. Collect of the Day
Proper 26 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Matthew 23:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Joshua 3:7-17, Psalm 43, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
Theme of the Day The marvelous things God's word does.
Thanksgiving Day -- Luke 17:11-19, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Deuteronomy 8:7-18, Psalm 65 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2014
Theme of the Day What thankfulness does to us.
Reformation Day -- John 8:31-36, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2014
Theme of the Day Freedom! Collect of the Day
Christ the King Sunday -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2014
Theme of the Day The good news of the reign of Christ.
Proper 27 / Ordinary Time 32 -- Matthew 25:1-13, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, Psalm 78:1-7 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2014
Theme of the Day The difference relating to God makes.
Proper 25 / Ordinary Time 30 -- Matthew 22:34-46, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Deuteronomy 34:1-12, Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2014
Theme of the Day It's what God does, not what we do, that counts!
Christmas Eve / Christmas Day -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Mark Ellingsen -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day Why the Incarnation matters! Collect of the Day

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

God's Surprising Ways To Love Us -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2025
Hosea 11:1-11
Living the Faith -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2025
2 Kings 5:1-14
God Makes It Happen -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2025
Isaiah 62:1-5
The Heavenly Power and Cosmic Presence of Christ -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2025
Acts 1:1-11
The Resurrection: Its Reality and Impact -- John 20:1-18, Luke 24:1-12, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Easter Day - C -- 2025
Acts 10:34-43
God Saves Us By His Grace! -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
Joshua 5:9-12
God in All His Glory Is Too Good To Miss! -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Mark Ellingsen -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2025
Exodus 34:29-35
Our All-In-All -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
These lessons all testify to Jesus is our all-in-all.

Free Access

God Makes It Happen -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2025
Isaiah 62:1-5
The Heavenly Power and Cosmic Presence of Christ -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2025
Acts 1:1-11

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Alyssa Spradlin
For November 1, 2026:
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
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For November 1, 2026:

CSSPlus

Wesley T. Runk
The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Good morning boys and girls. Does anyone here remember someone saying, “I am the greatest?” I remember hearing it many times by a prize fighter named Ali. Does anyone here remember Muhammed Ali? He used to say a lot of things and he was a very good boxer. He told everyone that he saw that he was “the greatest of all time.” Wow! Not many people say those kind of things about themselves.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
What is a saint?

According to the Roman Catholic church, a saint is a holy person who has been elevated by God to heaven, there to pray for those of us who need their help. There is a three-step process: the request by those who knew the person in life, and who attest to their holiness; a witness by at least two people that they asked the candidate to pray for them and their prayer was granted in a miraculous way; and an investigation by the Vatican into all this evidence. The declaration is made by the pope.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the people how they could be blessed by God and experience God's kingdom. In our worship today let us explore the Sermon on the Mount.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm full of pride instead of being poor in spirit.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm overbearing and pushy, instead of being meek.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm not exactly pure in heart.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

John S. Smylie
Keith Hewitt
Bryan Meadows
Frank Ramirez
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Fifth Gospel" by John Smylie
"The Burden" by Keith Hewitt
"Up Stream" by Bryan Meadows
"A Magical Little Poem" by Frank Ramirez


What's Up This Week
John S. Smylie
Keith Hewitt
Bryan Meadows
Frank Ramirez
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Fifth Gospel" by John Smylie
"The Burden" by Keith Hewitt
"Up Stream" by Bryan Meadows
"A Magical Little Poem" by Frank Ramirez


What's Up This Week
Keith Hewitt
Larry Winebrenner
Peter Andrew Smith
Constance Berg
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann
"Lost" by Keith Hewitt
"Three Paths for the End of October" by Larry Winebrenner
"Ahmad's Final Lesson" by Larry Winebrenner
"Freedom to Live" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Fullness of Life" by Constance Berg


* * * * * * * *


New Leadership
by Sandra Herrmann
Joshua 3:7-17
Keith Hewitt
Larry Winebrenner
Peter Andrew Smith
Constance Berg
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann
"Lost" by Keith Hewitt
"Three Paths for the End of October" by Larry Winebrenner
"Ahmad's Final Lesson" by Larry Winebrenner
"Freedom to Live" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Fullness of Life" by Constance Berg


* * * * * * * *


New Leadership
by Sandra Herrmann
Joshua 3:7-17

SermonStudio

Mary S. Lautensleger
"Surprise! You're adopted!" If you were to hear those words from a trusted relative, surprise would be an understatement, I'm sure. Total shock would probably be more descriptive terminology for your emotional state as you examined the official court record and your original birth certificate. "Adopted" does describe each of us though, because we have been adopted by God into God's family. How do we know? The Bible tells us so.
James L. Killen, Jr.
When we put together the collection of things that we can believe, we need to ask a question about the person in the middle of the inquiry. What can we believe about ourselves? We don't often ask that question but it is a very important one. Some people are oppressed by low self-esteem. Others are led astray by exaggerated images of themselves. It is important to get a realistic understanding of who we are -- and of who we can be. The Bible has something to say on the subject that may surprise you. Are you ready? Hold on to your hat. The Bible says you were created and called to be saints.
Argile Smith
At an office meeting, Ben got the official news that he would become the manager of one of the most influential departments in the company. His colleagues admired him because of his tireless work, and they respected him as a dependable person in whom they could place their trust. They were glad when they found out that he had gotten the promotion. In order to celebrate the news with him, they bought him a gift. Well, it was actually more like a gag-gift, the kind that he would place on his shelf and chuckle over every time he saw it.
Joseph M. Freeman
Maybe both the best and the worst of us in humanity are far better preachers than we are doers and deliverers of what we preach and teach. And maybe maturity has everything to do with our genuine willingness to bring a greater congruity between our esteemed words and those actions compatible with, not contradictory of, those words. Jesus, fully divine and fully human, loved and valued not just the right deeds, but also the right motives and attitudes.
Mary Sue Dehmlow Dreier
Commotion At The Communion Rail

Tommy didn't budge.

When everyone else got up to leave the communion rail, he stayed kneeling. His folded hands were perched on the rail, and his little head was bowed so far down that his forehead was squinched against his thumb knuckles. His eyes were closed hopefully, as if he were waiting for a big present.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
As the movie Contact opens, the audience sees a precocious girl named Eleanor learning how to use a ham radio. Nicknamed "Sparks" by her father, she has reached a man in Florida, and is excited that her radio lets her speak with someone so far away. In a later scene she asks her father wistfully if she can call her deceased mother on the radio. He responds sadly that no antenna is big enough.
George L. Murphy
You know that old saying, "Be careful what you wish for, because it might come true"? We see examples of that again and again in life. During the war in Iraq, Hampton Sides, a journalist who had been slated to be "embedded" with one of our frontline Marine battalions, gave an interview on NRP (National Public Radio). At almost the last possible moment, Sides decided not to go with the Marines, but instead to report from Central Command in Qatar.
Richard C. Brand
It seems fair to say that the saints of the Lord have always shown us what it is to be worthy of God. It is why we remember them and rejoice for them. They have shown us what a life worthy of God might look like. To talk about the saints, we may talk about Kagawa in Japan, about Mother Teresa, about Bishop Tutu and Nelson Mandela, about D. T. Niles in India, and about Saint Patrick in Ireland. To know the stories of Dorothy Day in New York City and Oscar Romero in Latin America is to have examples of what it means to lead lives worthy of the God who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
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