Login / Signup

The Immediate Word

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

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Humanness Vs. Godliness -- Luke 22:14--23:56, Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2010
The events of Holy Week, from the triumphal entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday through the Last
Hey, Grinch -- Bring Back Christmas! -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
On this final Sunday before Christmas, the collision between the secular Christmas season and the sa
Free Sermon Illustrations For September 5, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Pope Benedict XVI is often seen wearing his signature ruby red leather shoes.
Free Sermon Illustrations For April 4, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Easter Day - C -- 2010
Make this day, Lord, a step closer to heaven.
Hating Enough To Love Completely -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Jesus stuns us this week with some words that seem at first hearing to denigrate the role of the fam
An Anti-Easter World -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Easter Day - C -- 2010
When Mary Magdalene and the other women discovered the empty tomb, it completely changed everything
When Faithfulness Counts As Righteousness -- Luke 15:1-10, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2010
Whether we look to the headlines or in the particulars of our own experiences, life is full of diffi
Seeing, Hearing, Discovering -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts feature the story of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus, and the
Fear Itself -- Luke 16:19-31, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, Mary Austin -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2010
At first glance, it seems like this week's lectionary texts are an exercise in class warfare -- ther
Conquering Fear -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts, particularly Psalm 23 and the Revelations passage, are often used at f
Faith And Trust In A World Of Fractured Relationships -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2010
Is America A Christian Nation? -- John 13:31-35, Acts 11:1-8, Revelation 21:1-6, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
The volcano in Iceland that disrupted travel and commerce throughout Europe has not been the only er
Playing The Hand We're Dealt -- Luke 17:11-19, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, Psalm 66:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2010
As you well know, these are often challenging days for the church.
Do We Really Want To Be Made Well? -- John 5:1-9, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
In the alternate gospel text (John 5:1-9) for this Sunday, Jesus heals a man "who had been ill for 3
Free Illustrations For October 17, 2010 -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2010
Click here fo
Free Sermon Illustrations For May 16, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, Acts 16:16-34, Psalm 97 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
Spiritual Wanderlust -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2010
Who Do You Trust? -- Acts 16:16-34 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
The news has recently been dominated by stories that are quite disturbing, from the attempt to set o
The Necessity Of Original Sin -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Kate Murphy, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text brings us the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector -- and
Understanding In A World Of Many Languages -- Acts 2:1-21, Genesis 11:1-9, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2010
One of the most fascinating aspects of Luke's account of the first Pentecost is the wide variety of
Who Gets To Be Mad? -- Luke 19:1-10, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2010
As if there weren't already enough reason to be outraged at the havoc the bad economy has wreaked on
Will We Suffer? -- Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15, Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2010
In this week's epistle text, Paul notes that "since we are justified by faith, we have peace with Go
A Different Plane Of Now -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text assigned for Proper 27 brings us a curious scene, as some Sadducees attem
Free Illustrations For November 14, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 21:5-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Isaiah 12 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2010
One example of bullying behavior -- and the steep price that is often paid by those whose actions ar
Intimidation Or Imitation -- Luke 21:5-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Isaiah 65:17-25, Isaiah 12 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2010
This week's Gospel text depicts a traumatic scene, as Jesus prophesies the destruction of the temple

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Conquering Fear -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts, particularly Psalm 23 and the Revelations passage, are often used at f
Faith And Trust In A World Of Fractured Relationships -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2010
Is America A Christian Nation? -- John 13:31-35, Acts 11:1-8, Revelation 21:1-6, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
The volcano in Iceland that disrupted travel and commerce throughout Europe has not been the only er
Playing The Hand We're Dealt -- Luke 17:11-19, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, Psalm 66:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2010
As you well know, these are often challenging days for the church.
Do We Really Want To Be Made Well? -- John 5:1-9, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
In the alternate gospel text (John 5:1-9) for this Sunday, Jesus heals a man "who had been ill for 3
Free Illustrations For October 17, 2010 -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2010
Click here fo
Free Sermon Illustrations For May 16, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, Acts 16:16-34, Psalm 97 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
Spiritual Wanderlust -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2010
Who Do You Trust? -- Acts 16:16-34 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
The news has recently been dominated by stories that are quite disturbing, from the attempt to set o
The Necessity Of Original Sin -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Kate Murphy, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text brings us the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector -- and
Understanding In A World Of Many Languages -- Acts 2:1-21, Genesis 11:1-9, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2010
One of the most fascinating aspects of Luke's account of the first Pentecost is the wide variety of
Who Gets To Be Mad? -- Luke 19:1-10, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2010
As if there weren't already enough reason to be outraged at the havoc the bad economy has wreaked on
Will We Suffer? -- Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15, Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2010
In this week's epistle text, Paul notes that "since we are justified by faith, we have peace with Go
A Different Plane Of Now -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text assigned for Proper 27 brings us a curious scene, as some Sadducees attem
Free Illustrations For November 14, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 21:5-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Isaiah 12 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2010
One example of bullying behavior -- and the steep price that is often paid by those whose actions ar
Intimidation Or Imitation -- Luke 21:5-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Isaiah 65:17-25, Isaiah 12 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2010
This week's Gospel text depicts a traumatic scene, as Jesus prophesies the destruction of the temple
Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t
Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t
Responsibility -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text can be a difficult one to approach -- while the final verse, in which Jesus
Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! -- Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
This week we enter the season of Advent, and while the world around us is ratcheting up into full-b
Cogito Tute -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text features the story of "doubting" Thomas, and it raises the whole issue of do
Flight Into Faith -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas offers quite a contrast from the tra
A Love-Hate Relationship -- Matthew 3:1-12, Romans 15:4-13, Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
The figure of John the Baptist is one that seems oddly discordant in the middle of our "holiday" sea
Free Sermon Illustrations For June 6, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 7:11-17, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Kings 17:1-24, Psalm 146 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2010
As followers of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are sometimes -- or even often -- called to bear sorrow an
Going Home -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2010
In the Old Testament text appointed by the lectionary for the Fifth Sunday in Lent, Isaiah addresses

Liturgy

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Hey, Grinch -- Bring Back Christmas! -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
On this final Sunday before Christmas, the collision between the secular Christmas season and the sa
Free Sermon Illustrations For September 5, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Pope Benedict XVI is often seen wearing his signature ruby red leather shoes.
Free Sermon Illustrations For April 4, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Easter Day - C -- 2010
Make this day, Lord, a step closer to heaven.
Hating Enough To Love Completely -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Jesus stuns us this week with some words that seem at first hearing to denigrate the role of the fam
An Anti-Easter World -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Easter Day - C -- 2010
When Mary Magdalene and the other women discovered the empty tomb, it completely changed everything
When Faithfulness Counts As Righteousness -- Luke 15:1-10, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2010
Whether we look to the headlines or in the particulars of our own experiences, life is full of diffi
Seeing, Hearing, Discovering -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts feature the story of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus, and the
Fear Itself -- Luke 16:19-31, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, Mary Austin -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2010
At first glance, it seems like this week's lectionary texts are an exercise in class warfare -- ther
Conquering Fear -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts, particularly Psalm 23 and the Revelations passage, are often used at f
Faith And Trust In A World Of Fractured Relationships -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2010
Is America A Christian Nation? -- John 13:31-35, Acts 11:1-8, Revelation 21:1-6, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
The volcano in Iceland that disrupted travel and commerce throughout Europe has not been the only er
Playing The Hand We're Dealt -- Luke 17:11-19, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, Psalm 66:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2010
As you well know, these are often challenging days for the church.
Do We Really Want To Be Made Well? -- John 5:1-9, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
In the alternate gospel text (John 5:1-9) for this Sunday, Jesus heals a man "who had been ill for 3
Free Illustrations For October 17, 2010 -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2010
Click here fo
Free Sermon Illustrations For May 16, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, Acts 16:16-34, Psalm 97 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
Spiritual Wanderlust -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2010
Who Do You Trust? -- Acts 16:16-34 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
The news has recently been dominated by stories that are quite disturbing, from the attempt to set o
The Necessity Of Original Sin -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Kate Murphy, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text brings us the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector -- and
Understanding In A World Of Many Languages -- Acts 2:1-21, Genesis 11:1-9, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2010
One of the most fascinating aspects of Luke's account of the first Pentecost is the wide variety of
Who Gets To Be Mad? -- Luke 19:1-10, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2010
As if there weren't already enough reason to be outraged at the havoc the bad economy has wreaked on
Will We Suffer? -- Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15, Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2010
In this week's epistle text, Paul notes that "since we are justified by faith, we have peace with Go
A Different Plane Of Now -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text assigned for Proper 27 brings us a curious scene, as some Sadducees attem
Free Illustrations For November 14, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 21:5-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Isaiah 12 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2010
One example of bullying behavior -- and the steep price that is often paid by those whose actions ar
Intimidation Or Imitation -- Luke 21:5-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Isaiah 65:17-25, Isaiah 12 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2010
This week's Gospel text depicts a traumatic scene, as Jesus prophesies the destruction of the temple
Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Hey, Grinch -- Bring Back Christmas! -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
On this final Sunday before Christmas, the collision between the secular Christmas season and the sa
Jockeying And Jostling At The Table Of Prestige -- Luke 14:1, 7-14, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Jeremiah 2:4-13, Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary gospel passage from Luke, Jesus offers some strong comments on the importa
Free Sermon Illustrations For April 4, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Easter Day - C -- 2010
Make this day, Lord, a step closer to heaven.
Free Sermon Illustrations For September 5, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Pope Benedict XVI is often seen wearing his signature ruby red leather shoes.
An Anti-Easter World -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Easter Day - C -- 2010
When Mary Magdalene and the other women discovered the empty tomb, it completely changed everything
Hating Enough To Love Completely -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Jesus stuns us this week with some words that seem at first hearing to denigrate the role of the fam
When Faithfulness Counts As Righteousness -- Luke 15:1-10, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2010
Whether we look to the headlines or in the particulars of our own experiences, life is full of diffi
Seeing, Hearing, Discovering -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts feature the story of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus, and the
Fear Itself -- Luke 16:19-31, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, Mary Austin -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2010
At first glance, it seems like this week's lectionary texts are an exercise in class warfare -- ther
Conquering Fear -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts, particularly Psalm 23 and the Revelations passage, are often used at f
Faith And Trust In A World Of Fractured Relationships -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2010
Is America A Christian Nation? -- John 13:31-35, Acts 11:1-8, Revelation 21:1-6, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
The volcano in Iceland that disrupted travel and commerce throughout Europe has not been the only er
Playing The Hand We're Dealt -- Luke 17:11-19, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, Psalm 66:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2010
As you well know, these are often challenging days for the church.
Do We Really Want To Be Made Well? -- John 5:1-9, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
In the alternate gospel text (John 5:1-9) for this Sunday, Jesus heals a man "who had been ill for 3
Free Illustrations For October 17, 2010 -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2010
Click here fo
Free Sermon Illustrations For May 16, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, Acts 16:16-34, Psalm 97 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
Spiritual Wanderlust -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2010
Who Do You Trust? -- Acts 16:16-34 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
The news has recently been dominated by stories that are quite disturbing, from the attempt to set o
The Necessity Of Original Sin -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Kate Murphy, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text brings us the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector -- and
Understanding In A World Of Many Languages -- Acts 2:1-21, Genesis 11:1-9, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2010
One of the most fascinating aspects of Luke's account of the first Pentecost is the wide variety of
Who Gets To Be Mad? -- Luke 19:1-10, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2010
As if there weren't already enough reason to be outraged at the havoc the bad economy has wreaked on
Will We Suffer? -- Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15, Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2010
In this week's epistle text, Paul notes that "since we are justified by faith, we have peace with Go
A Different Plane Of Now -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text assigned for Proper 27 brings us a curious scene, as some Sadducees attem
Free Illustrations For November 14, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 21:5-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Isaiah 12 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2010
One example of bullying behavior -- and the steep price that is often paid by those whose actions ar
Intimidation Or Imitation -- Luke 21:5-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Isaiah 65:17-25, Isaiah 12 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2010
This week's Gospel text depicts a traumatic scene, as Jesus prophesies the destruction of the temple

Worship

The Immediate Word

Humanness Vs. Godliness -- Luke 22:14--23:56, Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2010
The events of Holy Week, from the triumphal entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday through the Last
Hey, Grinch -- Bring Back Christmas! -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
On this final Sunday before Christmas, the collision between the secular Christmas season and the sa
Free Sermon Illustrations For September 5, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Pope Benedict XVI is often seen wearing his signature ruby red leather shoes.
Free Sermon Illustrations For April 4, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Easter Day - C -- 2010
Make this day, Lord, a step closer to heaven.
Hating Enough To Love Completely -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Jesus stuns us this week with some words that seem at first hearing to denigrate the role of the fam
An Anti-Easter World -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Easter Day - C -- 2010
When Mary Magdalene and the other women discovered the empty tomb, it completely changed everything
When Faithfulness Counts As Righteousness -- Luke 15:1-10, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2010
Whether we look to the headlines or in the particulars of our own experiences, life is full of diffi
Seeing, Hearing, Discovering -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts feature the story of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus, and the
Fear Itself -- Luke 16:19-31, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, Mary Austin -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2010
At first glance, it seems like this week's lectionary texts are an exercise in class warfare -- ther
Conquering Fear -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts, particularly Psalm 23 and the Revelations passage, are often used at f
Faith And Trust In A World Of Fractured Relationships -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2010
Is America A Christian Nation? -- John 13:31-35, Acts 11:1-8, Revelation 21:1-6, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
The volcano in Iceland that disrupted travel and commerce throughout Europe has not been the only er
Playing The Hand We're Dealt -- Luke 17:11-19, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, Psalm 66:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2010
As you well know, these are often challenging days for the church.
Do We Really Want To Be Made Well? -- John 5:1-9, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
In the alternate gospel text (John 5:1-9) for this Sunday, Jesus heals a man "who had been ill for 3
Free Illustrations For October 17, 2010 -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2010
Click here fo
Free Sermon Illustrations For May 16, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, Acts 16:16-34, Psalm 97 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
Spiritual Wanderlust -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2010
Who Do You Trust? -- Acts 16:16-34 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
The news has recently been dominated by stories that are quite disturbing, from the attempt to set o
The Necessity Of Original Sin -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Kate Murphy, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text brings us the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector -- and
Understanding In A World Of Many Languages -- Acts 2:1-21, Genesis 11:1-9, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2010
One of the most fascinating aspects of Luke's account of the first Pentecost is the wide variety of
Who Gets To Be Mad? -- Luke 19:1-10, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2010
As if there weren't already enough reason to be outraged at the havoc the bad economy has wreaked on
Will We Suffer? -- Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15, Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2010
In this week's epistle text, Paul notes that "since we are justified by faith, we have peace with Go
A Different Plane Of Now -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text assigned for Proper 27 brings us a curious scene, as some Sadducees attem
Free Illustrations For November 14, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 21:5-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Isaiah 12 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2010
One example of bullying behavior -- and the steep price that is often paid by those whose actions ar
Intimidation Or Imitation -- Luke 21:5-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Isaiah 65:17-25, Isaiah 12 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2010
This week's Gospel text depicts a traumatic scene, as Jesus prophesies the destruction of the temple
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 16 | OT 21 | Pentecost 11
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 17 | OT 22 | Pentecost 12
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 18 | OT 23 | Pentecost 13
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – 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
For September 21, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
Well, it’s autumn, and by now the seeds we planted in the spring either took root and produced or else the weather, pests, rabbits, or our own laziness conspired to make this year’s garden less than a success. But at one point we had to get started and actually plant seeds for the future.

Jeremiah is looking back from the perspective of our spiritual well-being and laments than our spiritual harvest has all been for naught. He wonders if it is now too late for a recovery. Is there no healing, no balm in Gilead, to apply to our wounds?
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 and Psalm 79:1-9
In the spring as farmers and gardeners prepare to plant we are looking at a summer of possibilities. Hard work, to be sure, but also potential. What will happen? What will this season be like? At summer’s end there will be no more questions. We’ll know. Maybe it was a great season, and we have canned or frozen many vegetables. Maybe the farmers have brought in a bumper crop and they got a good price besides.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message will be based on a game you will play. See the note below.

NOTE: Ask three or more adults to come up and play the role of Simon for your group. Tell them to all speak at once, asking the children to do different things. The goal is to create a nice bit of confusion for the children to experience.

* * *

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

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Hey!” Annie waved at the woman standing next to the open doorway. “Can you come here?”

The woman made her way past the other nursing home residents and stood next to Annie’s wheelchair.

“What can I do for you?”

“You look familiar.” Annie squinted at her. “Do I know your name?”

“I’m Brenda.” The woman pointed at her name tag. “I work in the kitchen and sometimes help serve the meals when they are ready.”

“That’s right. I think we’ve met before.” Annie tapped her lips with her finger. “You have the nice smile.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said, “Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much.” In our worship today let us remember the little things in our lives and ask God to help us to be utterly faithful in them.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we pretend that little sins don't matter.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we imagine that you don't notice little sins.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
This poignant prayer of lament and community grief gives expression to what it feels like to suffer as a person of faith. If we believe we are truly part of God's community, then the destruction of that community -- as was the case with Israel in 587 B.C. -- becomes a time for doubt, anger, and confusion. Furthermore, if we believe we are individual members of that community, our personal suffering also creates an opportunity for a crisis of faith: "Why didn't God protect me?" Of course, it does not take a national catastrophe to raise those sorts of questions.
Kirk R. Webster
If feedback is the breakfast of champions, perhaps we would do well to examine some of our prayer habits. If you have ever heard someone use The Just Really Prayer, you know exactly what problem we are talking about.

That prayer goes something like this, "Lord, we just really thank you for this day. We come before you and just really pray for mercy. We offer ourselves to you and just really ask that your will be done in our lives. Amen." I'm thankful this particular Just Really prayer was mercifully short, unlike the next example, The Good Guilt-Based Prayer.
John W. Wurster
Another season has come and gone. Promises that were made have not been fulfilled. Good intentions haven't yielded any tangible results. Dreams have not come true. High hopes have proven to be only wishful thinking. Nothing has really changed; nothing has really improved. The time keeps moving along, but we seem stuck in the same ruts. Old routines remain, prejudices persist, dullness and anxiety continue to be constant companions. Lingering in the air is that nagging sense that things aren't quite right, not as they could be, not as they should be.
R. Robert Cueni
In the scripture lesson for today Jesus tells a perplexing parable about a thoroughly dishonest employee who was praised for his dishonesty. In this story Jesus not only seems comfortable suggesting that it is acceptable to compromise with moral failings, but our Lord appears to commend his disciples to "go and do likewise." For centuries, preachers, commentators, and scholars have struggled to make sense of this outrageous tale.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL