Login / Signup

Schuyler Rhodes

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

How can the dead testify? -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Schuyler Rhodes -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
We have an affair with death that ranges from fascination to revulsion.
Here comes Jesus -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17, Psalm 29 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2010
It was a new gospel hit when I was a teen, with words taken from a classic spiritual out of mind and
Now departing -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62, Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2010
I'm sure you've heard it many times, just as I have.
What you sow ... -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, Psalm 30 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2010
One of my favorite farming tales is of a pastor in a rural congregation who was tired of hearing peo
Why we do the things we do -- Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37, Psalm 82 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2010
Shortly after their conversion to Christianity years ago, friends of mine were looking for a new car
Unspeakable famine -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42, Psalm 52 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2010
During some of the years that I was doing youth ministry, my wife was providing child care for sever
Family ties -- Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Luke 11:1-13, Psalm 85 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2010
Channing Pollack used to tell a devastating tale of something that happened to him as a young boy.
The dangers of idolatry -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Gary Thompson, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2010
Idolatry comes in many forms. An idol is, of course, anything we put before God.
The faith to let go -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2010
Two of my children are still rather young, and so they remain for me live-in examples of childlike f
Sober reflections -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
My memories of my great-grandmother Bolt are very vague.
A chance to be better -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2010
Missing the point of what Jesus is about is a common occurrence.
Living under the tree -- Jeremiah 2:4-13, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14, Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2010
We're still several months from Christmas, but I have a Christmas scene on my mind going into this w
Forfeiting to win -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Our youngest daughter was born in Nigeria while I was teaching at the Reformed Theological College i
Jilted in Jerusalem -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10, Psalm 14 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2010
If the lost is lost, it is not found. If it is found, it is no longer lost.
Is there a doctor in the house? -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Psalm 79:1-9 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2010
In the hymn "Grace Greater Than Our Sin," Julia Harriette Johnston expressed our circumstance in son
A Mighty Wind -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2009
Note: This installment was originally published in 2009.
Now I lay me down to love -- John 10:11-18, 1 John 3:16-24, Acts 4:5-12, Psalm 23 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
I have three young daughters. One of them in particular would say that she is an animal

Preaching

SermonStudio

Psalm 71:1-6 -- Psalm 71:1-6 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Martin Luther wrote it. Many have sung it lustily on Sunday morning.
Psalm 138 -- Psalm 138 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Few people write thank-you notes anymore.
Psalm 45:10-17 -- Psalm 45:10-17 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Here is a woman who is given over to a new "Lord." The advice is clear, even curt.
Psalm 16 -- Psalm 16 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
This psalm is a beautiful utterance of loyalty.
Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The world in which we live is awash in a media frenzy of image and hype.
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
One of the marvelous things about a long and happy marriage is that the partners really come to know
Psalm 118:14-29 -- Psalm 118:14-29 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Anyone can throw a party.
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
This psalm hits the reader with laser-like precision.
Psalm 67 -- Psalm 67 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There is a popular bumper sticker that most everyone has seen of late.
Psalm 30 -- Psalm 30 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Sometimes it seems like God has taken a powder.
Psalm 19 -- Psalm 19 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"The law of the Lord is perfect...." In a suspicious and cynical generation like this one, such a cl
Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The definition of a true friend is someone who knows all there is to know about you and still loves
Psalm 119:97-104 -- Psalm 119:97-104 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
A devotee of the writings of the apostle Paul might look at such a psalm as this and shake his head
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
What a prayer is uttered here!
Psalm 51:1-12 -- Psalm 51:1-12 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Once in a while, it occurs to us that we can be real stinkers.
Psalm 2 -- Psalm 2 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There is an old preacher's joke that asks the question, "How do you make God laugh?" The answer that
Psalm 19 -- Psalm 19 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Saint Paul gave the Christian church a great legacy, and that gift is the truth we proclaim: that gr
Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The words of the ancient Sunday school teacher still ring clear in memory.
Psalm 119:105-112 -- Psalm 119:105-112 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
A fond memory emerges of a young child attending church camp, walking darkened pathways each night f
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
This psalm takes aim, not only at a once and long ago world, but also places the contemporary scene
Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 -- Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Today we live in a world where all our leaders are "deconstructed." Every frailty of every hero is l
Psalm 22 -- Psalm 22 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Good Friday - B -- 2009
The opening words of this psalm are etched in the minds of millions of people.
Psalm 19 -- Psalm 19 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
What a potent poem is rendered in this psalm.
Psalm 146 -- Psalm 146 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Many Christians can be heard in or out of worship these days as they lift up their voices and say, "
Psalm 119:137-144 -- Psalm 119:137-144 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Protestant Christians love to talk about grace.

Sermon

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Signup for FREE!
(No credit card needed.)
Easter 4
28 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
23 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 5
33 – Sermons
140+ – Illustrations / Stories
34 – Children's Sermons / Resources
30 – Worship Resources
35 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 6
30 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
23 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Signup for FREE!
(No credit card needed.)

New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
In the sometimes-tiresome debate over science and scripture with respect to creation, it’s easy to become distracted. While the argument typically requires a focus on the how, we may lose sight of the what. And so, for just a moment, let me invite us to think for a moment about what God created.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Acts 8:26-40
As a local church pastor, I was often asked if I would baptize a child whose family were not members of the church. Some churches rebelled against this, but I remember this scripture — the hunger for understanding and inclusion of the Eunuch and Philp’s response — to teach and share and baptize in the name of our God. How could we turn anyone away from the rite of baptism?

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Dad, I think you worked a miracle.” Rolf slowly walked around the tree. “After that windstorm, I assumed this tree was as good as gone.”

“We just needed to give the branches time to heal and come back,” Michael replied.

 “I know, but so many of them were battered and broken I figured that it couldn’t recover. Now though it looks just like it did before the storm.” Rolf paused. “Do you think it will bear any fruit this summer?”

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A live plant that produces fruit, and a broken branch from that plant. I used a tomato plant from a local greenhouse. Ideally, find a plant with blossoms or small fruit already growing. If you use a different kind of fruit-producing plant, just change the script to fit.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent!

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Elena Delhagen
Dean Feldmeyer
Quantisha Mason-Doll
For April 28, 2024:
  • On The Way To Gaza by Chris Keating based on Acts 8:26-40. On the way to Gaza, Philip discovers the startling ways the Spirit of God moves across borders, boundaries, customs, and traditions.
  • Second Thoughts: Abiding by Katy Stenta based on John 15:1-8.
  • Sermon illustrations by Mary Austin, Tom Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is the vine, we are the branches. In our service today, let us absorb from the vine all the nourishment we need.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes our branches become cut off from the vine.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes our branches are withered.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we fail to produce good fruit.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
We will meet Psalm 22 in its entirety on Good Friday, but here the lectionary designates just verses 23-31. The lectionary psalms generally illuminate the week's First Lesson, which in this case is about the covenant initiated by God with Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 17. The nine verses from this psalm, while not inappropriate, nonetheless leave us looking for an obvious connection with the First Lesson.

John S. Smylie
I think some people are natural-born gardeners. Our Lord grew up in a society that was familiar with agriculture. The images that he used to explain the ways of his Father in heaven are familiar to his audience. Growing up, my closest experience to agriculture was living in, "the Garden State." Most people, when they pass through New Jersey, are surprised to see that expression on the license plates of vehicles registered in New Jersey. Most folks traveling through New Jersey experience the megalopolis, the corridor between New York City and Washington DC.
Ron Lavin
A pastor in Indiana went to visit an 87-year-old man named Ermil, who was a hospital patient. A member of his church told the pastor about this old man who was an acquaintance. "He's not a believer, but he is really in need," the church member said. "I met him at the county home for the elderly. He's a lonely old man with no family and no money."

Paul E. Robinson
"Love is a many splendored thing...." Or so we heard Don Cornwall and the Four Aces sing time and again. Of course you or I might have other words to describe love, depending on our situation.

Love. "I love you." "I love to play golf." "I just love pistachio lush!" "It's tough to love some people." "Jesus loves me, this I know."

Love.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL