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Keep Christmas in perspective -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1990
One may wonder why Christmas is so short a season in the church year. Four Sundays in Advent.
The continuing Advent -- Isaiah 65:17-25, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
Perhaps we have succeeded in obscuring the meaning of Advent when we have tied it to one time such a
Small, medium, or large? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- David Kalas -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
With a national election still large in our rearview mirror, it's an easy thing for us to be preoccu
The cosmic Christ -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Happy New Year!
Endings many -- Daniel 12:1-3, Hebrews 10:11-18, Mark 13:24-32 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
As the end of the church year approaches, the emphasis of the propers turns increasingly eschatologi
Lent -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Surely most readers know that the original meaning of the word "Lent" is associated with springtime
Leveraging the family genome -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Roman historian, Herodotus, told of the pride the Egyptians had in being the oldest
Poetic mysteries -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-55 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
As the mystery and wonder of Christmas draws nearer, the Sunday lessons turn to poetry.
When silence is not golden! -- Amos 5:6-7, 10-15, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
The avalanche of dealings we have had these past weeks with sin, impending judgment and the call for
The Last Enemy -- Isaiah 25:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- Easter Day - B
In 1 Corinthians 15, verse 26, Paul declares that "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death."
Do you see what I see? -- Mark 4:26-34, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, Psalm 20 -- David Kalas -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
Sellers will sometimes advertise with the initials "WYSIWYG" -- What you see is what
Rejoicing -- Psalm 126, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6 -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
Sometimes one can listen to the Christian community as it conducts its life, witness and worsh
The old and the new -- Malachi 3:1-4, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6 -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
The beginning of a new church year and a new lectionary series from the Gospel of Luke set me to mus
Proverbs 8:22-31, John 16:12-15, Romans 5:1-5 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
In all probability, most Christians have, at one time or another, agonized over the doctrine of the
Know thyself -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
While this famous Greek maxim is attributed to any number of ancient Greek
God is Where We See Him -- 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, Mark 6:1-6, Mark 5:21-43 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
Still surprised after Christmas -- Isaiah 61:10-62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- David Kalas -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
The Christmas story is so familiar to us and to our people that we may no longer see it clearly.
The Change Epiphany Brings -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:35-42 -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
In all three scriptures for today we discover that when GodÕs Spirit reveals itself, change takes p
From chills to thrills -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43, Psalm 130 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
There are words and phrases in our culture that are guaranteed to send chills up and down
We are not the light -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
By now, most congregations are in the home stretch of their pre-Christmas preparations.
The God of Initiative -- Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9, Ephesians 6:10-20, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
The God portrayed in the Hebrew Scriptures and in the life of Jesus is not only extraordinarily diff
The Danger of Walking in the Light -- 2 Kings 2:1-12a, Mark 9:2-9 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
In both the Old and New Testaments light is always associated directly with God.
Shall we dance? -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29, Psalm 24 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
In both its original Japanese and later American versions the movie, Shall We
Are we great enough? -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Can we measure up to Christmas?
Advent's long promises -- Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 21:25-36 -- First Sunday of Advent - B
The lectionary permits an easy move from the end of one church year to the beginning of another.

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Seeing into the Heart -- John 1:43-51 -- Anna Shirey -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2011
First Thoughts: Here we are looking at Jesus' first "recruiting" mission, as depicted in John
Pointing Out the Christ -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Anna Shirey -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2011
First Thoughts: I want to focus a bit on John the Baptist -- who is such an interesting chara

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The best coach -- 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
He will also strengthen you to the end. (v. 8a)
God's promise -- Mark 13:24-37 -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. (v. 31)
How do you look? -- James 1:17-27 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2006
For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look
Staying clean -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2006
... there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the
Does God care? -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2006
Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the
Take a risk -- Mark 8:27-38 -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2006
For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their
Tongues of fire -- James 3:1-12 -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2006
How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! (v. 5b)
Take a risk -- Mark 8:27-38 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2006
For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their
Nearer to God -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2006
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. (v. 8a)
Who is first? -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2006
He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "Whoever wants to be
Bringing them in -- James 5:13-20 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2006
My brothers and sisters, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and is
Who is for us? -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2006
Whoever is not against us is for us. (v. 40)
Look-alikes -- Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2006
... saying, "Will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of
A special door -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2006
Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little
Bold or quiet? -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2006
Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may
The eye of the needle -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2006
Children, how hard is it to enter the kingdom of God!
Our tears -- Hebrews 5:1-10 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2006
In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud
Serving others -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2006
But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant....

The Immediate Word

Be Ready: The Lord Is Coming! -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
(Originally published November 30, 2008)
Prepare The Way -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Robin Lostetter, Paul Bresnahan, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
(Originally published December 7, 2008)
God's Oil Change: From Mourning To Gladness -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- George Reed, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
(Originally published December 14, 2008)
The Throne Of David -- Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:1-20 -- Robin Lostetter, Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
(Originally published December 21, 2008)
Our True Name -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George Reed, Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2008
(Originally published for December 28, 2008)

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

His message is one of baptism... -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Bob Ove -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2014
His message is one of baptism. That seems to be the beginning our Christian walk.
In this scripture lesson... -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
In this scripture lesson Mary is startled by an angel, but more startling is the announcement the an
His fever rose daily until... -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
His fever rose daily until it hit 105 degrees and finally his family took him to the hospital.
The pastor of the church... -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Derl G. Keefer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2014
The pastor of the church that I attended as a child told the congregation that he would be holding a
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas Day (2014) -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
Isaiah 9:2-7
When the Panama Canal... -- 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
When the Panama Canal was originally built it was designed to accommodate a ship three times larger
We can see what Paul is... -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Bob Ove -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2014
We can see what Paul is complaining about here.
Richard Flanagan wrote a book... -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Ron Love -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
Richard Flanagan wrote a book titled The Narrow Road to the Deep North.
Impatience with God... -- 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Impatience with God, the feelings of those addressed in the first century by the lesson, is the huma
Our sexuality is God-given... -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2014
Our sexuality is God-given.
There is a lot of imbalance... -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Mark Ellingsen -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
There is a lot of imbalance of power in American society.
Teaching concerning baptism... -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Teaching concerning baptism differs within the Christian world.
One point this lesson makes... -- John 1:43-51 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2014
One point this lesson makes is that Jesus does not want miracles to be the reason for or the root of
The grace of God has... -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Bob Ove -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
The grace of God has appeared to all men but not all men (people) can see him.
So often we find the... -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Bob Ove -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
So often we find the fulfillment of the Old Testament in the New.
Jimmy Carter, in his memoir... -- John 1:43-51 -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2014
Jimmy Carter, in his memoir An Hour Before Daylight, recounted the number of tramps that freq
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.
Sermon Illustrations for Third Sunday of Advent (2014) -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 1 -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2014
Isaiah 61:10--62:3
In a Christmas sermon... -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Mark Ellingsen -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
In a Christmas sermon Martin Luther nicely explained the implications of Christ's nativity for the w
The Ice Bucket Challenge... -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
The Ice Bucket Challenge was on social media for several weeks before it became associated as a way
I'm sure we delight... -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- Bob Ove -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2014
I'm sure we delight in the Lord or we wouldn't be here on Sunday morning, but do we delight "greatly
When the University Medical... -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Ron Love -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
When the University Medical Center of Princeton was ready to construct a new building in 2014, the m
Racial and gender imbalances... -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Racial and gender imbalances continue to plague our nation.
The Menno-Hof Amish/Mennonite Museum... -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- Derl G. Keefer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2014
The Menno-Hof Amish/Mennonite Museum in Shipshewana, Indiana, relates the life of Menno Simmons, a F

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Third Sunday in Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2001
In this season of Lent, we are Sunday by Sunday approaching the foot of that executioner's cross on
Christmas Eve Day -- Isaiah 9:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2001
If we look at the context of the passage, the words that immediately precede and follow it announce
Fourth Sunday in Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2001
In today's Gospel lesson from John 3:14--21, Jesus says to Nicodemus, "As Moses lifted up the serpen
Fifth Sunday in Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2001
Few accounts are more instructive of the ways of God with his people Israel and with us than is the
Maundy/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2001
The scene in our text takes place shortly before Israel's redemption from her slavery in Egypt.
New Year's Day -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2001
The lectionary specifies the same Old Testament text for New Year's Day also in Cycles A and C.
Passion/Palm Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2001
As is well known, the text forms the third of the four Servant Songs that are found in the prophecie
Day of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2001
The scene is familiar to us by this time.
Proper 7 -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2001
Every pupil in Sunday school knows - or used to know - this story of David and Goliath.
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Watching For The Coming Of The Lord -- Mark 13:32-37 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
"But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Fa
Living For Others -- John 10:11-18 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Second Sunday After The Epiphany -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 11 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 7:1-14a (C)
Union With God And God's People -- John 15:1-8 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower.
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jonah 3:1-5, 10 (C, RC)
Proper 12 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 11:1-15 (C)
Breaking Down The Barriers To Jesus -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1999
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life.
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (C, RC, E)
Proper 13 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 11:26„12:13a (C)
Proper 14 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9,15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 (C)
Sharing With Others In Imitation Of Christ -- John 6:51-58 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1999
Jesus said, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven.
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 40:21-31 (C)

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Fifth Sunday in Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2001
Few accounts are more instructive of the ways of God with his people Israel and with us than is the

The Village Shepherd

Healing A Withered Hand -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1999
Note: There is no content for Proper 4 / OT 9 / Pentecost 2 from The Village Shepher

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Job Is For Real -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2008
We find Job on the edge of town, his money gone, his children dead, picking at his innumerable sores
Epiphany: All About You! -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Scott Suskovic -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2008
... God has given me this special ministry of announcing his favor to you Gentiles.
The Faithfulness Of God -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Mrs.
Do You Love Me? -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2008
Nikos Kazantzakis gives us a disturbing and beautiful story in his book, The Last Temptation of C
Time For The Offering -- 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 -- Nibs Stroupe -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2008
We have been blessed at our church to have had student interns in ministry for many years from Colum
Oh, That I Knew Where I Might Find Him -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17 -- Robert A. Hausman -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2008
Then Job answered, "Today also is my complaint bitter." With those words, we go from the patience of
A Grandmother's Touch -- Acts 19:1-7 -- Scott Suskovic -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2008
Then what baptism did you experience? -- Acts 19:3a (NLT)
The Christmas Message Of Hope -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2008
The wife of a poor merchant died, leaving him with five children, ranging from age six to fifteen.
Curiosity And Questions -- John 3:1-17 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2008
When I was sorting through household items in Minnesota, preparing for a move to Florida, I came acr
The Vision Of God -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2008
Chapter 10 of 2 Corinthians begins a sharp divide with the nine chapters that have preceded it, a br
An Answer Out Of The Whirlwind -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41) -- Robert A. Hausman -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2008
What does it mean to be great? That is the question our texts raise today.
Faith vs. Good Works -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Scott Suskovic -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2008
"All things are lawful for me," but not all things are beneficial.
God Makes All Things New -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2008
It was just a small, white envelope that stuck out among the branches of our Christmas tree.

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Wiping Away The Tears -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Patrick J. Rooney -- All Saints Day - B -- 2008
It is one line. A few words cast upon a sea of words.
Do You Love Me? -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2008
Nikos Kazantzakis gives us a disturbing and beautiful story in his book, The Last Temptation of C
The Missing Piece -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Scott Suskovic -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2008
He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself
God's Anthills -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2008
Note: This was originally published in 2008.
What A Way To Start A Church! -- Acts 2:1-21 -- William J. Carl, III -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2008
What a way to start a church! It's certainly not the typical format for new church development.
Tough Talk For Tentative Disciples -- John 6:56-69 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2008
This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?-- John 6:60
I've Got A Home In That Kingdom -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Nibs Stroupe -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2008
I've got a home in that kingdom -- ain't that good news.
Silence And Darkness -- John 18:1--19:42 -- John S. Smylie -- Good Friday - B -- 2008
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Job Is For Real -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2008
We find Job on the edge of town, his money gone, his children dead, picking at his innumerable sores
The Perfect Blemish -- John 2:13-22 -- John S. Smylie -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
When we think of the Lord Jesus, we tend to think of what he has done for us.
God's Great High Priest -- Hebrews 5:5-10 -- Nancy Kraft -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Redeemer, Word made flesh, Messiah, Savior, Son of God, Prince of Peace, Christ, Good Shepherd.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Why God has no grandchildren -- John 8:31-36 -- Stan Purdum -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2006
Children of pastors have their share of strange experiences. As a teenager, I went one day

Stories

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For Or Against? -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1999
Shelley looked around and took a seat in the front row.
May God Go With You -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1999
Things weren't going very well. Angelica's husband's paycheck wasn't due for another week.
Trust In God -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1999
Jancy counted her money.
One Pastor's Story -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1999
Craig Barnes has learned what it is to be a servant. And he knows what it is like to serve.
Salvador's Testimony -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1999
Salvador has a scar on his cheek that runs alongside his eye, from chin to forehead.
Where You Go, I Will Go -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1999
Riley loved her family. She was very close to her parents and sisters and brothers.
A Widow's Might -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1999
Ada's husband had died three years ago.
Close In Heart -- 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Whenever I think of Katy, I think of God's perfect timing.
God Was On Her Side -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1999
Brianna was nervous. This was a big step for her. One of the biggest steps she would ever take.
Marked By The Cross Of Christ Forever -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Blaine sat in the chair, waiting for the doctor to tell him what the problem was.
Jesus Loves Rocky Dumar, Too -- Acts 19:1-7 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1996
The new young pastor of Lake Bluff Christian Church had seen the man on the streets of the town freq
Greta's Glorious Body -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1996
Greta Schmidt huffed and puffed her way through the church hallways toward the Parish Nurse's office
The Wiles Of The Devil -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1996
Sandy Wright felt betrayed.
Sutton's Folly -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1996
Ed Weeks couldn't believe his bad luck.
Unstained By The World -- James 1:17-27 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1996
A good friend of mine lives just two blocks from the Saint Croix Casino in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin.
Casting Out Demons -- Mark 1:21-28 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1996
There was once a deeply troubled church that could not keep any pastor for more than a year or two.
Keeping Watch -- Psalm 146 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1996
A little boy named Jacob was getting ready for bed.
A Seat On Bill -- 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1996
My friend Bill Benson was a successful small town businessman.
Cross Foolishness -- Mark 8:27-38 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1996
Emma stomped up the church steps and unlocked the front door.
One In Need Of Healing: Naaman's Story -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1996
We would all be well advised to be careful where and how we tell this story.
Who Is The Greatest? -- Mark 9:30-37 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1996
A holy woman from India was traveling through the United States on a speaking tour to raise money fo
The Aqueduct -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
Years ago there was an aqueduct that brought fresh water into the center of the village, all the way
One Of These Little Ones -- Mark 9:38-50 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1996
The patrolman heard three shots fired in rapid succession and started running toward the sound as fa
Fearless Freddie -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Once upon a time there was a boy known as Fearless Freddie.
What God Has Joined Together -- Mark 10:2-16 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1996
Laurie reached for the telephone for the third time in ten minutes, but, once again, her hand recoil

The Political Pulpit

Worship

SermonStudio

God Speaks To His People -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: With all our hearts let us thank the Lord.
Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2002
First Lesson: 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Advent WreathWe hear your words, "Do not be afraid. I am with you."
Proper 24 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2002
Unison Call To Worship (Psalm 127:1-2)
God's Call To Change Our Ways -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Wait in silence for God, for our hope is from him.
Called By God -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Wait patiently for the Lord and he will hear your cry.
Accepting Responsibility For Our Failures -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Create in me a pure heart, O God,
Easter Sunday -- Psalm 118:14-24 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (Psalm 118:14-24)
Proper 18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipAll: The harvest is before us. But someone has to gather the crops.
The Beginning -- Genesis 1:1-5 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
When Our Leaders Fail Us -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Be still, so God may speak to you in the silence of your heart.
Second Sunday Of Easter -- 1 John 1:1 - 2:2 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Unison Confession Of Faith (1 John 1:1 - 2:2)
Proper 19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 8)
God Of All The People -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Arise, shine, for your light has come.
Dancing For The Lord -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: The world and all that is in it belongs to the Lord.
First Sunday Of Advent -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Advent WreathWe come with open minds.
Proper 20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship One: Lord, we call to mind the hatred and violence half a world away
The Work Goes On -- True Happiness -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Advent WreathWe come with many fears and anxieties.
Proper 21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Mark 10:35-45)
The Holy Spirit Is Available To All -- Acts 10:44-48 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Sing for joy to the Lord, all the earth;
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Advent WreathWe bring our fears into your revealing light.
Proper 15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 146)All: Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!
Good News About Jesus Brings Joy -- Acts 8:26-40 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
People: The Lord is king and he rules the nations.
The Lord Gathers All His People -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Hear the word of the Lord, O nations,
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 4
32 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christmas!
24 – Sermons
100+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – 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 December 14, 2025:

CSSPlus

Mary Kay Eichelman
Today I have rolled out the red carpet for you.  We are not famous people, movie stars or royalty, so maybe you have not had this kind of fancy treatment. But often for very important people, red carpet is actually put down for them to walk on.

You would think Jesus, the Son of God, would have had the red carpet prepare the way before Him. Do you know what He had instead? He had a man named John the Baptist. It says in Mathew 11:19,

I will send my messenger ahead of you who will prepare your way before you.

Good morning, boys and girls. What am I holding? (Let them answer.) That's right, a loaf of bread. Did any of you eat toast for breakfast this morning? Or did any of you have wheat cereal? (Let them answer.) Bread and (name a wheat cereal) are made from wheat.

Let me ask you another question. Are any of you anxious to see what might be in some of your Christmas presents under your tree? (Let them answer.) You must have great patience to wait until Christmas when you may open them.

That's why I brought this loaf of bread this morning. I want
Leah Thompson
Object: a department store magazine/catalog (or clothing store magazine/catalog)

What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. (v. 8)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
There wasn't much that Adrian was good at, except swimming. He learned to swim when he was little more than a baby, and he loved it. When he was seven he joined a swimming club. It was there that he first met Mr Stevens, the swimming coach.

StoryShare

C. David Mckirachan
Frank Ramirez
Contents
"Truckin'" by C. David McKirachan
"Heretic or Saint?" by Frank Ramirez


* * * * * * * * *


Truckin'
C. David McKirachan
Isaiah 35:1-10

SermonStudio

Elizabeth Achtemeier
This passage has many affinities with the prophecies of Second Isaiah (Isaiah 40-55), and it has often been attributed to him. But there are differences. In Isaiah 40:3, the "way" is for the Lord, here it is for the redeemed and ransomed (vv. 9-10). In Isaiah 51:11, the reference is to the return from Babylonian exile. Here in verse 10, that context is missing, and those who are returning to Zion are the members of Israel dispersed throughout the ancient Near East. Thus, this text is probably from a time after Second Isaiah and sometime after 538 B.C.
Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Isaiah 35:1--10 (C, E, L); Isaiah 35:1--6, 10 (RC)
Paul E. Robinson
Christmas has a way of bringing back memories. One that came to my mind as I was preparing this message was when my family would be driving home at night in the car and my father would lead us in singing a song. To all of us family members who remember those fun, cozy journeys toward home, there are many layers of meaning to the words. The song goes like this:

There's a long, long trail awinding,
Into the land of my dreams,
Where the nightingales are singing
And the white moon beams.
There's a long, long night of waiting
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: Be Patient
Message: In the meantime, God.... Lauds, KDM

E-mail from KDM to God. Subject: Be patient. Message: In the meantime, God.... Lauds, KDM.
Susan R. Andrews
It was a painful experience for both of us. Jane was a young mother about my age. She had been on the pastor nominating committee that called us to New Jersey. And we had shared much laughter and friendship through the years. She also was on the session - and that cold November night she seemed edgy and distant. I soon found out why. Following the meeting, she waited for me out in the parking lot. And after I locked the church door, she simply lit into me. "How dare you!" she said. "How dare you push your own political viewpoints down our throats, and abuse your privilege as a pastor!
H. Burnham Kirkland
Theme: Prepare The Way

Call To Worship
Leader: To those wandering in darkness,
People: Christ came as the Light of the World.
Leader: To those who are at odds with others and themselves,
People: Christ is the Prince of Peace.
Leader: To those who seek the presence of the divine,
People: Christ is Emmanuel, God with us.
All: Come, let us anticipate the advent of our Lord.

Invocation
Robert S. Jarboe
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.)

Date:

Reader A:

Reader B:

Introit
(As the introit is being sung, Readers A and B come forward and stand by the Advent wreath until the music is finished.)

Litany
Reader A: Please turn to the Advent litany in your bulletins.
(Pause as they do so.)
Let all who take refuge in God be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
O God, spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Coffin
Inevitably it happens to any adult or any church leader toward the end of the year, or the time their driver's license expires. Despite the well-intended efforts to try to settle it through the mail, we end up in a long line at the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Typically there is a little box with numbers one is supposed to take so they may be identified when the clerk calls for that number's turn in line. The wait can be very tedious. The workers and customers are both tired and anxious with each unique personal vehicle issue.

Special Occasion

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