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Emphasis Preaching Journal

An annual reminder -- Mark 16:1-8, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Acts 10:34-43 -- David Kalas -- Easter Day - B
In the opening verse of our passage from the epistles, the Apostle Paul writes, "Now I would remind
The Blood -- Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
One of the interesting things about blood, as it is presented in the New Testament, is the fact that
Invitations -- Acts 4:32-35; 3:13-15, 17-26, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35; 3:13-15, 17-26 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
One of the interesting things about the Old and New Testaments is their use of the word "therefore."
Table manners -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Perhaps it is the oddity that I am writing this on the Monday before Thanksgiving or it is my procli
Ultimately! -- Psalm 80:1-7, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
One of the little books that ought to be required reading for every Christian is The Will of God
Starting over -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
A college professor presented his class syllabus on the first day of the new semester.
Self--Denial -- Genesis 17:1-10, 15-19; 28:10-17 (18-22);, Mark 8:31-38 -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
One of the most easily recognizable activities most associated with Lent is the practice of self--de
Prescription on a pole -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- David Kalas -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
We have so many aisles of medications in our country today that home remedies may be a vanishing art
Love -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- Ascension of the Lord - B
One of the preacher's greatest difficulties is to deal with the word love.
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
The Affirmation of Life -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:11b-19 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B
One of the reasons so many are skeptical about Christianity is what they see and hear from people wh
Getting to yes -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
A number of years ago, a colleague and I were in a kind of leadership stalemate.
What goes up -- Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:15-23, Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47 -- David Kalas -- Ascension of the Lord - B
"What goes up must come down." So goes the old saying, in an axiomatic testament to the gravitationa
The right lens, "A or B" -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
One thing that I don't look forward to is the periodic visit to the optometrist.
What triumph? -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, 9:9, 10, Philippians 2:5-11 -- Passion Sunday - B
A scared band of disciples anxiously watching out of the corner of their eyes as they come into Jer
Tri-focusing -- John 3:1-17, Romans 8:12-17, Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
On a scale of one to ten, rate the influence of the "one in three" and "the three in one" of the Tri
Night watch -- Isaiah 62:6-12, Titus 3:4-7, Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Rembrandt's grand painting of The Company of Captain Frans Cocq has captured lingering reflec
Changing times -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
Advent reminds us of the flow of time. We are all bound by time.
Spiritual chinook -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Romans 8:22-27, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Wayne Brouwer -- Day of Pentecost - B
In northern parts of the United States winter weather reports include phrases like "cold
Living in faith -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Luke 2:41-52 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
After Christmas, with its striking combination of trying human circumstances and glorious divine rev
Prisoners for love -- John 15:9-17, 1 John 5:1-6, Acts 10:44-48, Psalm 98 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
In a scene from the current hit Broadway show, The Producers, a chorus of
Covenant -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:7-10, John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Sometimes I hear persons talking about their relationship to God as though they're bargaining with h
All the time in the world -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
As a rule, you can tell how much time a person has by how quickly they move.
Looking for heroes -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, Psalm 9:9-20 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
The year was 1934. Times were difficult around the world. Times were especially
A Realistic Faith -- Ephesians 4:17-24, John 6:24-35 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
Sometimes one gets the idea that there is something spiritual and different from real life in real r

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Invited to join a party with Jesus -- Romans 8:12-17 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you enjoy going to
Not so foolish! -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning! I want you to look at this old wallet. It's
House rules -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
We bow before God -- Ephesians 3:14-21 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
Good morning! I brought this plant with me this morning to
Christ is our cornerstone -- Ephesians 2:13-22 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
(Note: As a variation of this lesson, invite your church
Three in one -- Romans 8:12-17 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Good morning! Today is "Trinity Sunday." Can anyone tell me
Celebrity Jesus -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Do you know anyone famous?
God's light shines forth -- 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have ever played
The source of our knowledge -- John 1:10-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Good morning! Have any of you ever met _______________?
The just-right plan -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
Good morning! How many of you had a wonderful Christmas?
God's temple -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
I have here a toy church building. We often think that God
A permanent reminder -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Do you remember how we talked about me last week?
God's valentine -- John 3:13-17 (L)
Today is September 14. There is a holiday on the fourteenth
Promises, promises -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
Good morning! Have you ever broken a promise that you made?
Love your neighbor -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you ever have to
God's testimony -- 1 John 5:9-13 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning! Imagine this is a picture of a famous person
A verse to remember -- John 3:1-17 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Have you ever seen anyone with a
He can do it! -- John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning! Once, when Jesus was in Jerusalem, he went to
Prophet Jesus -- John 6:1-21 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
I'm sure you had breakfast this morning. But can you
Where's Jesus? -- Mark 6:30-34 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have ever played
Who is the Spirit? -- John 3:1-17 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Good morning! Today is "Trinity Sunday." Can anyone tell me
A growing faith -- Ephesians 3:14-21 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of your parents have a garden?
Transforming vacation -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you like to go on
Revealing the mystery -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - B
Good evening! Why are we in church on a Thursday evening?
Customs that make us wise -- Luke 2:22-40 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
Merry Christmas four days later! Nothing stands still.

Children's Story

Communicating God's Love

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

When my nephew was very young... -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- Craig Kelly -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
When my nephew was very young, I tried teaching him how to play checkers.
Our anatomy illustrates James' advice... -- James 1:17-27 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
Our anatomy illustrates James' advice.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 (2012) -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Cynthia E. Cowen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
Job 38:1-7 (34-41)
Lloyd Ogilvie one day was pondering this passage... -- Acts 3:12-19 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Lloyd Ogilvie one day was pondering this passage about Peter's sermon in the temple after Peter and
Suze Oman, financial expert and TV host... -- John 6:34, 41-51 -- Ron Love -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2012
Suze Oman, financial expert and TV host, reflected on what she thought was the most influential plac
The Wisdom of Solomon from the Apocrypha... -- Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9 -- Richard A. Hasler -- All Saints Day - B -- 2012
The Wisdom of Solomon from the Apocrypha, those writings that illuminate the period between the Old
NULL -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
Vera was a unique woman. During her marriage she birthed two natural sons.
NULL -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
There is a saying: "Mind your thoughts for they become words.
God's ways are not our ways... -- 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2012
God's ways are not our ways.
How many times have we seen grown men crying... -- John 2:13-22 -- Craig Kelly -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
How many times have we seen grown men crying after winning a Super Bowl or the World Series?
So many blame God for what they do and say... -- James 1:17-27 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
So many blame God for what they do and say.
NULL -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41) -- Ron Love -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
In the comic strip The Born Loser, Brutus Thornapple is staring at his computer console.
I wonder why it is that so many... -- Acts 3:12-19 -- Craig Kelly -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
I wonder why it is that so many in the body of Christ see so many events in scripture as only being
Debra Farrington in her book... -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-4 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
Debra Farrington in her book, Learning to Hear with the Heart, tells of the horror of an expe
Exhausted from having spent a weekend working... -- James 3:1-12 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2012
Exhausted from having spent a weekend working in a Minneapolis food pantry, a homeless shelter, and
The lesson refers to grace and mercy... -- Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- All Saints Day - B -- 2012
The lesson refers to grace and mercy being on God's holy ones (v. 9).
Sermon Illustrations for Second Sunday of Easter (2012) -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Acts 4:32-35
Ken and Carol Dorushka were having their morning cup of coffee... -- John 17:6-19 -- Ron Love -- 2012
Ken and Carol Dorushka were having their morning cup of coffee, when Carol mentioned she needed some
NULL -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
We all have favorites. Jesus' favorite disciple was John.
NULL -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
When we lived in Nepal there were families being torn apart by intermarriage.
Jesus in his debate with the scribes... -- Mark 3:20-35 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2012
Jesus in his debate with the scribes showed how absurd their claim was that he is associated with Sa
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2012) -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Numbers 21:4-9
Ron Fouchier, 45, is a virologist... -- James 1:17-27 -- Ron Love -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
Ron Fouchier, 45, is a virologist.
NULL -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41) -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
The book of Job shows us the face of suffering.
Susanna Wesley defined... -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Susanna Wesley defined for her son, who would become the founder of Methodism, the meaning of sin.

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Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 (C, E); Joel 2:12-18 (RC)
Proper 8 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 (C)
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 1:1-5 (C)
Proper 9 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 (C)
Christ The King -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 23:1-7 (C)
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Kings 2:1-12 (C)
Corpus Christi -- Exodus 24:3-8, Hebrews 9:11-15, Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 24:3-8
The Holy Trinity -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 6:1-8 (C)
The Resurrection Of Our Lord (Easter Day) -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 or Mark 16:1-8 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Easter Day - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 10:34-43 (C, RC, E)
First Sunday After Christmas/Holy Family -- Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 61:10„62:3 (C, E)
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS Lesson 1: Acts 4:32-35 (C, RC)
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:1-18 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 31:7-14 (C, E)
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 3:12-19 (C); Acts 3:13-15, 17-19 (RC)
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 4:5-12 (C); Acts 4:8-12 (RC)
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 8:26-40 (C, E)
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
The Baptism of Jesus and Baptism of the Spirit. -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- Russell F. Anderson -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The baptism of Jesus and baptism of the Spirit.
The difficulty of entering the kingdom of heaven when material things have a hold on you. -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The difficulty of entering the kingdom of heaven when material things have a hol
Bread For Life -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1996
Friends told me recently that they had bought a bread-making machine.
we pay homage to Christ as our king through his cross -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: At this end of the Church year we pay homage to Christ as our king through his c
Our human pride gets in the way of our worshiping and serving the Lord -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Our human pride gets in the way of our worshiping and serving the Lord.
Eating Living Bread -- John 6:51-58 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1996
Most Americans eat well. Three square meals a day is not uncommon.
Healing and eternal life through the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1-19:42 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Good Friday - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Healing and eternal life through the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ, God's

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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
Healing A Withered Hand -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1999
One sabbath he was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to

Sermon

SermonStudio

Watch! -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
Mark 13 speaks to those who expect too much and to those who expect too little.
Dave, Tell Me About The Cross -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- John T. Ball -- Good Friday - B -- 2005
Dave, having just finished seminary, and before leaving for doctoral studies on the west coast, drov
April Love -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2005
It's a bit odd that the lectionary committee placed this reading from the Song of Solomon in late su
The Unsuccessful Jesus -- John 6:56-69 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2005
John 6:56-69 is a great passage from John's Gospel.
Those Other Sheep -- John 10:11-18 -- David T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Sometimes a familiar scriptural text begs for our attention. We may have read this text many times.
Setting All The Idols Down -- Hosea 2:14-20 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2005
Setting All The Idols Down
Practicing God's Presence -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2005
In the early years of the sixteenth century, a young adventurer named Nicolas Herman left his parent
Repent! -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
A new beginning is a valuable thing. A fresh start is a great relief.
Listening To Minority Voices -- 1 Peter 3:18-22 -- John T. Ball -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
The endurance of humanity and even the whole cosmos could depend upon giving a serious listening of
The Spiritual Gateway -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2005
Picture this: You are on your way to the airport to catch a flight to a wedding where you are in the
Time For A Minimalist Faith -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2005
Some years ago, a San Francisco author who often worked as a stevedore on the city's docks, wrote,
Nothing But Plunging In -- John 15:1-8 -- David T. Ball -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Commenting on our lection, John 15:1-8, a great American preacher wrote, "There is nothing for it bu
It's All About Jesus -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Ron Lavin -- Good Friday - B -- 2005
It's All About Jesus
Looking In All The Wrong Places -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2005
Author's Note: a fun way to animate this sermon might be to play sections of the several hit
Rejoice! -- Psalm 126, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
I keep coming back to it time after time, so it is never going to stop being one of the most signifi
Abraham: The Near Death Of God's Promise -- Romans 4:13-25 -- John T. Ball -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Since Dr.
Nice Guys Finish First -- Proverbs 1:20-33 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2005
One day, a Sunday school teacher asked her class of children about their favorite Bible verses.
A Healing Ministry For The Modern Church -- Mark 7:24-37 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2005
The mission and ministry of Jesus was preaching, teaching, and healing.
The Power Of Jesus' Death -- John 15:9-17 -- David T. Ball -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
There is an old saying that nothing is inevitable except death and taxes.
Chocolate Cake, Flooded Waters, And Baptism -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- Ron Lavin -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Chocolate Cake, Flooded Waters, And Baptism
Our Prayers Are Our Thanksgiving -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2005
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it
Proclaiming Jesus Christ -- 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2005
It is not easy to promote someone else. Human nature rises up against it.
Worship! -- Luke 1:26-56 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
"My soul magnifies the Lord," Mary said, and I think that she meant it.
Finding Our Salvation In Today's World -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- John T. Ball -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
One of Louis Armstrong's vocal hits went like this:
Mrs. Proverbs -- Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2005
It's a question you've probably not thought much about, but were any parts of the Bible written by w

Stories

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A Mother's Prayer -- John 17:6-19 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
It was the same every night when Ruth Kristmon got into her bed.

SermonStudio

Music Box Dancer -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1993
David stared at the music box nostalgically as his sister held it out to him.
The Lost Notebook -- James 5:13-20 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1993
They entered the house drained from the night.
Mazuza Consciousness -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Peter C. Garrison -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1993
Jim brought in the last of the boxes from the moving van.

StoryShare

Seeing Jesus -- John 20:26, John 20:19-31 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
ContentsA Story to Live By: "Seeing Jesus"
Assurance -- Mark 1:10 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- First Sunday in Lent - B
ContentsSharing Visions: "Assurance" by Janet Beltman
My Eyes Have Seen Your Salvation -- Luke 2:29a -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Contents
Carrying The Cross -- Mark 8:34b, Mark 8:35 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
ContentsSharing Visions: "Carrying the Cross" by Kenneth Lyerly
Christmas Communion -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Contents1 Sharing Visions, "Christmas Communion" by John Sumwalt
Telling Personal Stories In Sermons -- Psalm 107:19 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Contents"Telling Personal Stories in Sermons" by John Sumwalt
God Gives Me Weeds -- Psalm 111: 4-6 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
ContentsSharing Visions: "God Gives Me Weeds" by Laura Hoff
He Was A Saint -- Luke 24:36-37 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
ContentsA Story to Live By: "He Was a Saint"
No One Is Lost -- Psalm 147:2b-3 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
ContentsSharing Visions: "No One Is Lost" by Keith R. Eytcheson, Sr
Say I Love You -- 1 John 3:18 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
ContentsA Story to Live By: "Say I Love You"
A Healing Presence -- Mark 1:40-41 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
ContentsSharing Visions: "A Healing Presence" by Lynette Metz
A Hazelnut -- 1 John 4:7 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
ContentsA Story to Live By: "A Hazelnut"
A Source Of Comfort -- Psalm 41:8, 10a -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
ContentsSharing Stories: "A Source of Comfort" by Kendall W. Anderson
The Fruit Of Trouble -- John 15:16 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
Easter 6, May 25, 2003Edited by John Sumwalt and Jo Perry-Sumwalt
Consolation -- Jeremiah 31:9a, John 1:14 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
ContentsSharing Visions, "Consolation" by Lori Hetzel
A Triumph Of The Spirit -- Mark 10:17-31, Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Contents
Blessed At The Core -- Mark 4:10 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
ContentsSharing Visions, "Blessed at the Core" by Manda R. Stack
Are Ye Able? -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c, Hebrews 5:1-10 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Contents
The Call Of God -- 1 Samuel 3:10 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
ContentsSharing Visions: "The Call of God" by Bill Dow
The Fruit Of Forgiveness -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Psalm 26, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
Contents A Note from John
A Call To Ministry -- Mark 1:16-18 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
ContentsSharing Visions: "A Call to Ministry" by Nancy Nichols

The Political Pulpit

Worship

SermonStudio

Firstborn -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:1-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Where On Earth Are You? -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: Where are you when we need you, God?
Upon All -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
You Upstart! -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Replacement -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1999
First Lesson: Job 42:1-6, 10-17 Theme: Seeing For Ourselves
Both Ears Tingling -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: We listen for the way God calls to us.
Secure -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Get Up -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
god or God? -- 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1999
Theme: god or God?Call To Worship
Strategy -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Words In Your Mouth -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
What Makes You Change? -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1999
Theme: What Makes You Change?Call To WorshipLeader: What changes us?
A Sad Heart -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Waiting For God -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
God's Kids Hope -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Calling Your Name? -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship Leader: Who is calling your name?
If Only ... -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Alive, I Say -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Listen To Their Voice -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
The Blotter -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
On The Heart -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
A Door Of Hope -- Hosea 2:14-20, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, Mark 2:13-22 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
The Lion's Paw -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship Leader: Who is your Goliath?
Sonrise -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
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

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
Nazish Naseem
For February 1, 2026:
  • What the Lord Requires by Dean Feldmeyer. The world’s requirements are often complex and difficult. God’s requirements are simple and easy. Kinda.
  • Second Thoughts: Resisting The Storms of Winter by Chris Keating. Jesus does not offer a cheery optimism to those enduring the cold blasts of injustice. More than an insulating blanket of hope, the Beatitudes create communities of resistance.

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 E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
Stories to Live By: "You Fool"/ "Us Who Are Being Saved"
Shining Moments: "A Comforting Dream" by Harold Klug
Good Stories: "Mercy, Mercy" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: "The Souper Bowl of Caring" by Jo Perry-Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

Sandra Herrmann
John Jamison
Contents
"Child Sacrifice" by Sandra Herrmann (Micah 6:1-8)
"Ka-Chang" by John B. Jamison (Matthew 5:1-12)


* * * * * * * *


Child Sacrifice
Sandra Herrmann
Micah 6:1-8

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles....
-- 1 Corinthians 1:23-24

Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Micah 6:1--8 (C, E, L)
John N. Brittain
The other day I stumbled onto a Discovery Channel show about underwater archaeology (not basket weaving). The archaeologist described the process of identifying the probable location of an underwater wreck site, the grueling work involved in beginning the process, and the same kind of methodical work that characterizes all scientific archaeology. But then her eyes twinkled as she described the joy of uncovering the first artifact, or recognizing a significant discovery. And that of course is what it is all about, the final product of discovery.
Tony S. Everett
Late one night, Pastor Bill was driving home after spending the past 23 hours in the hospital with his wife, celebrating the birth of their son. It had been a glorious day. His wife was peacefully resting. His extended family was ecstatic. His son was healthy. Surely God was in heaven and all was right with the world.

Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
When I'm teaching a class, and want to get a discussion going, I often begin with something that's called a sentence stem. I start a sentence and let the participants complete it. This morning, if I were to ask you to complete this sentence, what would you say? "Happy are those who...." What would you use to complete the thought?
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: Demands On God
Message: All these demands don't make sense, God. Lauds, KDM
R. Glen Miles
What does God want from us? The answer is simple, but it is not easy to put into practice. What God wants is you. What God wants is me. God wants our whole selves. The prophet Micah makes it fairly clear that ultimately God does not care too much about religion and the things that come with it. Religion isn't a bad enterprise. It is okay as a way of reminding us about what God wants, but in the long run being good at religion is not what God desires. What God requires is us. It is simple to understand but not necessarily the thing we would offer to God first.
John B. Jamison
It was a strange sound. Some said it was a kind of "clanging" sound, while others said it was more of a "ka-ching," or more accurately, a "ka-chang!" It sounded like the result of metal hitting metal, which is exactly what it was.

In the valley off to the west from the hillside is a steep cliff rising up the face of Mount Arbel. The face of the cliff is covered with hundreds of caves, with no good way to get to them without climbing straight up the cliff. That's why the Zealots liked them. They were safe.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Prayer Of Dedication/Gathering
P: Our Lord Jesus calls each of us to a life of justice, kindness, and humility. We pray that in this hour before us our defenses would fall and your love would be set free within us.
Father, Son, + and Holy Spirit, your mercy knows no end.
C: Amen.

Intercessory Prayers

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
We have a prejudice in favor of things complex. Not that we necessarily desire complexity, but somehow we trust it more. We figure that complexity is the prevailing reality in our world, and so we feel obliged to be in touch with it. We would love to hear that this thing or that is really quite simple, but doctors, politicians, futurists, ethicists, economists -- and even some preachers -- keep discouraging us. It's actually quite complicated, we are told, and there is no simple answer.
People tend to say in times of personal or community disaster, "God works in mysterious ways." The point they are making is that when we can't figure out any logical answer to a situation, it must be the work of God. It is one way of making sense out of an inexplicable event.
Schuyler Rhodes
In 1993 brothers Tom and David Gardner began a financial information service they named The Motley Fool. Dressed in their trademark court jester hats, the motley fools can be seen and heard offering their advice and warnings concerning the stock market on a variety of talk shows and financial news channels.

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have spent time around babies? (let them answer) Babies are so cute when they are happy but hard to please when they are upset. Babies can't talk, can they? (let them answer) So when they don't get what they want they cry. When they are hungry they cry. When they are sleepy they cry. When a stranger tries to hold them they cry. How do we know if babies are sick, hungry, or tired? (let them answer) Most of the time a baby's mom can figure out what's wrong even when we can't.
Teachers or Parents: Have the children sit on the floor and pretend that they are on a mountaintop and learning at Jesus' feet. Ask: "How is this classroom different from classrooms you have seen?" "How is it like them?" Read various portions of the "Sermon on the Mount" (Matthew 5-7) that they might understand (such as Matthew 7:7-11 -- prayer; 7:12 -- the Golden Rule; 7:15 -- being true). Be careful -- many parts of the Sermon on the Mount are difficult for children to understand and may lead to great misunderstanding and perhaps fear.

Special Occasion

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