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Mark Ellingsen

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Mark Ellingsen, a minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), has been a professor of Church History at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, since 1993. He graduated magna cum laude from Gettysburg College (Pennsylvania) and Yale University, from which he received three master's degrees in divinity, arts, and philosophy, as well as his Ph.D. He has authored 26 books including his latest, Dialoguing With Critical Race Theory: Constitutional and Christian Links (Vernon Press). He and his wife have three grown children. When he is not writing or teaching, Ellingsen enjoys discussing politics, sports, and playing guitar.
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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Jesus Is Our Only Way Out -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
This is a Sunday for reminders that Jesus is our only way out.
We Dare Not Duck Our Sinfulness -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2023
All the lessons and the theme of the day remind us that we dare not duck our sinfulness.
With God, You Can Always Get a Fresh Start -- John 11:1-45, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Christ and His Resurrection Have Their Way with Us -- John 20:19-31, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
The lessons and the theme of the Second Sunday of Easter testify to how Christ and his resurrection
What the Heavenly Power and Cosmic Presence of Christ Mean for Us Today -- Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:15-23, Acts 1:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2023
All the lessons and the Festival of Ascension testify to the heavenly power and cosmic presence of C
The Deliverance of God's Promise -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7) -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2023
All the lessons proclaim collectively God’s promise on which he always delivers.
Living the Gift of Faith -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2023
Genesis 29:15-28
How God Keeps Us Together -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2023
Exodus 12:1-14
The Surprising Character of Grace -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2023
The texts for this Sunday send a message about the surprising character of grace.
Inspired By the Saints and Love of God -- Matthew 5:1-12, Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3 -- Mark Ellingsen -- All Saints Day - A -- 2023
The text for this festival concerns how in our walk of faith we are inspired by the saints and love
The Power of Gratitude -- Luke 17:11-19, Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2023
All the lessons provide insight into what thankfulness does for us.
Why the Incarnation Matters -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Mark Ellingsen -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2023
This is a set of lessons that explores why the Incarnation matters.
From Evil to Grace and Wisdom -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2022
Jeremiah 8:18--9:1
God Will Make Things Better -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2022
Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
The Peace of Christmas -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Mark Ellingsen -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2022
Isaiah 9:2-7
Christ Is In Control -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2022
Jeremiah 31:7-14
Called To Respond -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2022
Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13)
The Lord Changes You -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
Hanging around the Lord changes you.
How the Cross Changes Everyday Life -- Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9, John 18:1--19:42, Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Good Friday - C -- 2022
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
The Great Things God's Love Does -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, John 5:1-9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
The great things God’s love does.
Embracing Second Place -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62, Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2022
This is a Sunday to consider the theme of discipleship.
The Life of Faith -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2022
The theme of the lessons for this Sunday is the life of faith.

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Jesus Is Our Only Way Out -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
This is a Sunday for reminders that Jesus is our only way out.
Living the Gift of Faith -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2023
Genesis 29:15-28
The Life of Faith -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2022
The theme of the lessons for this Sunday is the life of faith.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

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 Proper 22 | OT 27 (2025) -- Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2025
Lamentations 1:1-6; Lamentations 3:19-26 or Psalm 137
Sermon Illustrations for Maundy Thursday (2025) -- 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 - C -- 2025
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
Sermon Illustrations for Good Friday (2025) -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Good Friday - C -- 2025
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
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
Sermons Illustrations for Proper 24 | OT 29 (2025) -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2025
Jeremiah 31:27-34
Sermon Illustrations for Easter Day (2025) -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, John 20:1-18, Luke 24:1-12, Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Easter Day - C -- 2025
Isaiah 65:17-25
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 (2025) -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2025
Joel 2:22-32
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 All Saints Day (2025) -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18, Ephesians 1:11-23, Luke 6:20-31 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- All Saints Day - C -- 2025
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 and Psalm 149
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 Proper 26 | OT 31 (2025) -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2025
Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4 and Psalm 119:137-144
Sermon Illustrations for Easter 2 (2025) -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
Acts 5:27-32
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 Easter 3 (2025) -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
Acts 9:1-6 (7-20)
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2025) -- Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2025
Isaiah 65:17-25 and Isaiah 12
Sermon illustrations for Easter 4 (2025) -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
Acts 9:36-43
Sermon Illustrations for Christ the King (Proper 29) (2025) -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2025
Jeremiah 23:1-6 and Luke 1:68-79
Sermon Illustrations for Easter 5 (2025) -- Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
Acts 11:1-18
Sermon Illustrations for Easter 6 (2025) -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
Acts 16:9-15
Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving Day (2025) -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2025
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Sermon illustrations for Ascension of the Lord (2025) -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2025
Acts 1:1-11
Sermon Illustrations for Easter 7 (2025) -- Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, John 17:20-26 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
Acts 16:16-34
Sermon Illustrations for Day of Pentecost (2025) -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2025
Genesis 11:1-9
Sermon Illustrations for Trinity Sunday (2025) -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2025
Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Psalm 8

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Preaching

SermonStudio

Baptism of Our Lord -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- Mark Ellingsen -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayBaptism and new life! Collect of the Day
Epiphany 2 -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayGod is present unexpectedly in all spheres of life!
Proper 7 / Pentecost 4 / Ordinary Time 12 -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayPay attention: God's ways are marvelous.
Epiphany 4 -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayProphetic authority. Collect of the Day
Epiphany 6 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayGod finds surprising ways to heal.
Epiphany 5 -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayGod's in control, even in tough and changing times.
Transfiguration of Our Lord -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayChrist be glorified! Collect of the Day
Lent 1 -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2011
Theme of the DaySorrow for sin in the midst of meaninglessness.
Maundy Thursday / Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayWhat God does to get us to love.
Lent 2 -- Genesis 17:1-7, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayRemembering the spiritual roots of grace.
Easter 6 -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayGod's love brings us together. Collect of the Day
Lent 3 -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayLook! God doesn't do things our way.
Proper 11 / Pentecost 8 / Ordinary Time 16 -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayAll are one. Collect of the Day
Lent 5 -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayWith God, you get more than what you asked for.
Proper 12 / Ordinary Time 17 / Pentecost 9 -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21, Psalm 14 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayWe're all in the same boat! Collect of the Day
Passion / Palm Sunday (Lent 6) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 14:1--15:47 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayGod's love shines through the cross and changes us.
Easter Sunday -- Isaiah 25:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Easter Day - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayEaster surprises. Collect of the Day
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Good Friday - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayA vulnerable God struggles to overcome our sin.
Pentecost Sunday -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day
Easter 2 -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day
Proper 14 / Pentecost 11 / Ordinary Time 19 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayUnited in the grace of Christ. Collect of the Day
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayGod cares for the poor. Collect of the Day
Easter 3 -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day
Proper 22 / Pentecost 20 / Ordinary Time 27 -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayReflections on the love of God. Collect of the Day

Sermon

SermonStudio

What Makes Those Disciples So Darn Happy? -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1992
"I tell you, those disciples had it made! I sure wish that I had been alive in those days.
The Majesty Of God's Love -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1992
Today we celebrate Jesus' ascension into heaven.
Are You Born Again? -- John 3:1-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1992
It was late, almost bedtime, when the Jewish leader came to Jesus' residence.
Where Have All The Visible Miracles Gone? -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1992
Today we celebrate the miracle of transfiguration.
The Meeting Of Marriage Partners At The Well -- John 4:5-42 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1992
Jesus and his weather-beaten band of wandering disciples were still heading north and had been for s
We Must Be Blind! -- John 9:1-41 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1992
What is the matter with you? Why do you never seem to understand what I say?
Competition In The Kingdom? -- Matthew 20:17-28 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1992
Jesus and his faithful band had begun their final journey to Jerusalem; it was the last trip that th
The Resurrection Is Freedom -- John 11:1-45 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1992
We have all lived through the death of a loved one.
The Road To The Cross -- Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Passion Sunday - A -- 1992
Passion Sunday, the whole story of the dastardly plots and betrayals that brought Jesus to the cross

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UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Baptism of Our Lord
29 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
40 – Children's Sermons / Resources
25 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 2 | OT 2
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 3 | OT 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
25 – 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
Christopher Keating
For January 25, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus called Simon and Andrew, James and John, to follow him. They immediately made their decision and dropped everything, for they knew the importance of their call. When Jesus calls us, do we hear him and do we respond?

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when I'm busy I find it difficult to hear you.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy, I find it difficult to respond to you.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy I'm not sure whether I want to follow you.
Lord, have mercy.
Janice B. Scott
I remember years ago watching an old film, which I think was "The Nun's Story." The young nun who was the heroine of the story had all sorts of difficulties in relationships with the other nuns. The problem was that she was super-intelligent, and the other nuns resented her. In the end the young nun went to the Mother Superior for advice, and was told that as a sign of humility she should fail her coming exams!

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "Angel of Mercy"
Shining Moments: "A Dog's Life" by David Michael Smith
Good Stories: "God's Call" by Stephen Groves
Scrap Pile: "The Way Less Taken" by Garry Deverell


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

C. David Mckirachan
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"Ordinary Time" by C. David McKirachan
"Who's the Fool?" by C. David McKirachan
"Sharing the Light" by Sandra Herrmann


* * * * * * *


Ordinary Time
by C. David McKirachan
Isaiah 9:1-4

SermonStudio

John N. Brittain
How familiar Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 1 sound! Chloe's people had reported quarreling among the believers. Imagine that -- disagreements in a church! There were rivalries and backstabbing even in the very earliest days of the Christian community.
Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
A few years ago, I was on a retreat in northern Michigan, and I knew that some of our friends from home were sailing in the vicinity. One evening I went to the local boat dock, and walked through the lines of boats calling out the names of our friends, hopeful that they might be there. I remember the joy I felt when I yelled their names, and they answered! They were actually there, and they responded to my call!
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: In Christ's Name
Message: What on earth will bring us together, God? Lauds, KDM

How long must we wait, God,
for people to stop fighting
nations and nations
buyers and sellers
big ones and little ones
in-laws and relatives
husbands and wives
sisters and brothers
for me to stop fighting with me?
How long must we wait, God,
before we let the Christ Child come here?1
William B. Kincaid, III
In some parts of the country it doesn't matter, but in many areas the snow which falls during this time of the year can bring things to a decisive halt. Schools close. Events are canceled. Travel becomes tricky. If the conditions become severe enough, the decision may be made that not everybody should try to get to work. Only those who are absolutely necessary should report.
R. Glen Miles
"There will be no more gloom." That is how our text begins today. For the ones who were in anguish, glory will replace the gloom. Light will shine in darkness. Celebration will replace oppression. A new day will dawn.

In one sense these verses offer a summary of the overall message of the scriptures, "The darkness will pass. The light of a new day is dawning and there will be joy once again." At the end of the Bible, almost as if the original collectors of these sacred texts intended to remind us again of this word of hope, the Revelation of John tells us:
Robert A. Beringer
After a service of ordination to the Christian ministry, a sad-faced woman came up to the newly-ordained pastor and said, "It's a grand thing you are doing as a young man - giving up the joys of life to serve the Lord." That woman's attitude reflects a commonly held belief that to be serious about our faith means that we expect all joy to be taken out of living. For many, Christianity appears to be a depressing faith, with unwelcome disciplines, that cramps our lifestyle and crushes our spirits.
John T. Ball
All religions offer salvation. Eastern religions offer salvation from the illusion of being separated from ultimate reality - as in Hinduism, or from the pains of desire, as in Buddhism. Nature religions preach a salvation by calling us to realize we are linked to the natural world. Humanistic religions offer a salvation tied to the call to live in dignity and justice without divine aid. The biblical religions - Judaism, Islam, and Christianity - describe salvation in somewhat different ways. Judaism sees salvation primarily as an earthly and corporate affair.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Litany Of Confession
P: Discord, dissention, strife,
C: anger, violence, hatred;
P: we confess to you, O God,
C: our schemes, our willful rebellion,
our hidden hostilities toward your children.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our lack of trust in your presence,
our need to control, our insatiable appetite for praise.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our fear of speaking the truth in love,
our self-hatred, our moments of utter despair
when we no longer believe you are at work in us.
Wayne H. Keller
Adoration And Praise

Invitation to the Celebration
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Canticle Of Light And Darkness (UM205)
To Us A Child Of Hope Is Born (CBH189)
God Of Our Strength (CBH36)
Beneath The Cross Of Jesus (CBH250, UM297, NCH190, PH92)
In The Cross Of Christ I Glory (CBH566, UM295, NCH193--194, PH84)
Lord, You Have Come To The Lakeshore (CBH229, NCH173, PH377, UM344)
Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life (PH408, CBH405, UM42, NCH543)
Jesus Calls Us, O'er The Tumult (UM398, NCH171--172, CBH398)

Anthems

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
In 1882 George MacDonald wrote a fascinating story that powerfully illumines the thought behind today's lectionary passages. MacDonald called his tale "The Day Boy and the Night Girl: the Romance of Photogen and Nycteris" (it is available online at http://www.ccel.org/m/macdonald/daynight/daynight.html). In MacDonald's fable a witch steals a newborn girl and raises her in the total darkness of a cave. The witch experiences both light and darkness, but not the girl. She is completely immersed in the black world.
Wayne Brouwer
"Politics are almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous!" said Winston Churchill. "In war you can only be killed once, but in politics many times."

In one of his essays, Albert Camus describes a powerful scene. John Huss, the great Czech reformer of the church, is on trial. His accusers twist all his ideas out of shape. They refuse to give him a hearing. They maneuver the political machine against him and incite popular passion to a lynch-mob frenzy. Finally, Huss is condemned to be burned at
David Kalas
Schuyler Rhodes
I was in the home of a church member the other day where I saw a marvelous family portrait. The picture had been taken on the occasion of a fiftieth wedding anniversary, and the entire family had gathered for the occasion. The celebrating husband and wife were seated in the center of the picture, flanked by their adult children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. It was a magnificent full-color illustration of God's design.

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