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Proper 21 -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
The assigned Lukan text for this week is another uniquely Lukan story which is so very well known.
Proper 22 -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
These verses of instruction to the disciples close a discourse of Jesus that began in 15:1.
Proper 23 -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
This week's familiar story of the ten lepers begins with a travel marker.
Preaching On Controversial Subjects -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1996
Fred Craddock has written: "We will know power has returned to the pulpit when and where preaching e
The Lord sends his spokesmen to speak words of judgment against religious authorities -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The Lord sends his spokesmen to speak words of judgment against religious author
Proper 26; Pentecost 25 -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
The narrative told in Part Two of Mark's Gospel, chapters 11-16, slows down and broadens out.
Story Sermons -- George L. Murphy, Lavonne Althouse, Russell Willis -- 1996
These two science fiction story sermons are intended to
The Sermon On The Amount: Stewardship From The Pulpit 1 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1996
One of the more frightening tasks we preachers have, particularly as we're getting started in our pa
Facing the enemy -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Mark 3:20-35 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Facing the enemy. God and his servants can expect opposition.
Proper 27; Pentecost 26 -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
This week's Gospel text skips only Mark 12:35-37 from the ending of the assigned lesson for the Twen
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
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD -- Psalms 96, 97, 98 -- George L. Murphy, Lavonne Althouse, Russell Willis -- 1996
The Psalms for all three Christmas services celebrate the
Enriching And Polishing The Message -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1996
Sometimes the hardest part of sermon preparation and experiencing the edge which is ours is simply g
Life through death -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Life through death.
Proper 28; Pentecost 27 -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
In his work on Mark's Gospel, A Master of Surprise, Donald Juel joins an earlier argument made by R.
God has established his covenant with us -- Exodus 24:3-8, Hebrews 9:11-15, Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 -- Russell F. Anderson -- 1996
Theme For The Day: All three texts center around the idea that God has established his covenant wit
Free Texts -- Exodus 31:1-11 -- George L. Murphy, Lavonne Althouse, Russell Willis -- 1996
The phrase "spiritual gifts" usually suggests qualities or
Sermons For Children 1 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1996
For whom do we give the children's sermon? What is the message we are attempting to convey?
Knowing God's presence and power in the midst of the storms of life -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Knowing God's presence and power in the midst of the storms of life.
Proper 3; Pentecost 2 -- Mark 2:13-22 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
We may need to refresh our memory by noting that today's gospel text is one of four controversy stor
Through Christ's resurrection we are raised to newness of life -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Easter Day - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Through Christ's resurrection we are raised to newness of life.
The risen Christ confronts us in our doubts and fears with his living presence -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The risen Christ confronts us in our doubts and fears with his living presence,
1 ADVENT -- Mark 13:24-37 -- George L. Murphy, Lavonne Althouse, Russell Willis -- 1996
The apocalyptic imagery of such texts contrasts sharply with
Warming Up The Message And The Messenger -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1996
Homer K.
The power of God in Christ to deliver us from sickness and death -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The power of God in Christ to deliver us from sickness and death.

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Grace In The Midst Of The Crush Of Time -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2002
In the year 2000 Forbes Magazine featured a special edition on a single topic that it called "the bi
New Wine In New Wineskins -- Mark 2:13-22 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2002
We humans are often schizophrenic when it comes to the old and the new.
The Roads Less Traveled -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
A lecturer was talking about what he called "the most dangerous road in the world." Most people in t
The Wideness In God's Mercy -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2002
Many fundamentalist Christian groups would have us believe that the Bible has all the answers to the
Waiting For Godot? -- 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Frederick R. Harm -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
As we embark on another Advent Adventure we pause to remind ourselves that this sacred season holds
The Unanswered Question: Will God Be Fair? -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2002
Ancient people were terrorized by the thought of God.
Grace In The Midst Of Judgment -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2002
In his book Making Life Work, Chicago area pastor Bill Hybels cites a study that was published under
Your Sins Are Forgiven -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
This morning Mark tells us about the healing of a paralyzed man.
With A Bang Or A Whimper? -- 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Frederick R. Harm -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Back in 1925, T. S.
Are You A Taker Or A Giver? -- 2 Corinthians 8:13-14 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
It was quite a picture - on the front of the New York Times Magazine some time ago.
God Is Good All The Time -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2002
Imagine a person standing in the rain without an umbrella.
Grace In The Midst Of Suffering -- 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
For several years an earnest and energetic woman has been attempting to make August 8 a national hol
Seeing Jesus Clearly -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2002
I'd like to begin with what might seem a rather strange question.
Let George Do It -- Romans 12:6-13 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
Many will remember the decade of the '60s in America.
You Can Make It Happen -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2002
Some friends invited Brenda to go rock climbing with them.
Grace In The Midst Of Weakness -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2002
Over the centuries rank and file church members have grown up in the presence of stained glass saint
We Are Christ's -- That Is Enough -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2002
In today's Gospel, Mark tells us more about Jesus by showing his power over unclean spirits.
The Lure Of Downward Mobility -- Mark 10:43-45 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
I first heard him speak some years ago at the Beecher Lectures at Yale Divinity School.
My Life Is In You, Lord -- Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2002
When we affirm that our life belongs to God, this affirmation includes every aspect of our lives.
For The Person Who Is Everything -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2002
One of life's interesting experiences is learning how to respond to gifts.
The Adventure Of Discipleship -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2002
Today's Gospel is about Jesus' calling of his first four disciples.
When Giving Gets Personal -- Hebrews 9:11-12 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
To tell the truth, I had wondered whether the reports I had read were exaggerated.
Solid Foundation -- Proverbs 1:20-33 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2002
There was much excitement on the first night of Vacation Bible School as parents eagerly registered
The Real Thing -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2002
How do you know something is a genuine article, "The Real Thing"?
Making A Difference -- John 1:43-51 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2002
How many of you know someone who is partially or completely color blind?

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Proper 23 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Third Sunday After Epiphany -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let the redeemed of the Lord gather this day for worship!
Proper 24 -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Fourth Sunday After Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Proper 25 -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who trust in the Lord gather this day for worship!
First Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- James R. Wilson -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
Theme: Come to us, O Lord!Call To Worship
Proper 26 -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all of God's people give praise and worship the Lord!
Second Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
First Lesson: Isaiah 40:1-11
Proper 27 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who have been redeemed by the Lord come now for worship!
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let our hearts be joined together this day in praise and worship!
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- James R. Wilson -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
First Lesson: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Proper 28 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who have been blessed by the Lord gather now for worship!
A Service Of Light -- J.B. Quisenberry -- 1996
Production Notes
Eighth Sunday After Epiphany -- Hosea 2:14-20, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, Mark 2:13-22 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all of God's people give praise and worship the Lord!
Fourth Sunday In Advent -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- James R. Wilson -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: The Word of the Lord shall endure forever! Praise be to the Lord!
Proper 4 -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Christmas At Bethlehem And Beyond -- Lynda Pujado -- 1996
Call To Worship
Fourth Of July -- Genesis 12:1-8; John 8:31-36 -- James R. Wilson -- 1996
Call To Worship
All Saints' Day -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- James R. Wilson -- All Saints Day - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all of God's people give praise and worship the Lord!
Proper 5 -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Mark 3:20-35 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Observance Of The Birthday Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- Jonah 2:2-9, Revelation 21:1-7 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
(This liturgy is written intentionally for use in an interfaith setting.)
First Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- James R. Wilson -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all who have known God's mercy gather now for worship!
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- James R. Wilson -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1996
Call To Worship

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UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
New Year's Eve/Day
13 – Sermons
40+ – Illustrations / Stories
16 – Children's Sermons / Resources
6 – Worship Resources
6 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christmas 2
20 – Sermons
60+ – Illustrations / Stories
12 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
12 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany of the Lord
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

Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 4-6, 2026:
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 4-6, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
I was only just full-grown when we set out on the journey, but I was strong and eager for adventure. And by the time we returned to our own land after many years, I was older and wiser than my age might have you believe.

Don't get me wrong. I was happy in my home, living in the paddock with my brothers and sisters and the rest of the herd, for we were well looked after. We always had food and water, and the camel master almost never beat us, even when occasionally we'd spit at him, just for fun.

StoryShare

David O. Bales
Frank Ramirez
Timothy F. Merrill
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Sons from Far Away, Daughters in Nurses' Arms" by David O. Bales
"Tenting Among Us" by Frank Ramirez
"God's Resolutions" by Timothy F. Merrill


What's Up This Week
C. David Mckirachan
Larry Winebrenner
Keith Hewitt
Contents
"A Time for Everything" by Larry Winebrenner
"A Word of Hope" by Larry Winebrenner
"You Were Adopted" by C. David McKirachan
"Behold the Man" by Keith Hewitt


* * * * * * * *


A Time for Everything
Larry Winebrenner
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

Henry didn't like Jack.

Oh, he loved him like a brother. He would die for his friend. But oh, the arrogance. He always thought he was right. And he would always use authority, authority of some kind, to support his claims.

SermonStudio

Mark Wm. Radecke
This season, the boundaries of darkness are pushed back. A light shines in the darkness and the darkness is powerless to extinguish it.

Darkness has always been a potent metaphor for those things in life that oppress and enthrall us, frighten and intimidate us, cause us worry and anxiety and leech the joy from our lives.

We know darkness in our physical lives when illness is close at hand, when we lack the basic necessities of life -- food, shelter and clothing.
Paul E. Robinson
Early in January in northern Canada the sun peeks above the horizon for the first time after six weeks of hiding. An important dawn for Canada. Imagine how the lives of people in the northern latitudes would be different if they got used to the darkness and never even expected that a dawn would ever lighten their horizon again.
John N. Brittain
We lived in Florida for a while in the 1980s and it was then that we learned about Tarpon Springs. Not a large city, it has the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any place in the US. This dates back to the 1880s, when Greek immigrants moving into the area were hired as sponge divers, a trade they had plied back in the old country. Today Tarpon Springs' main claim to fame is the Greek Orthodox Church's Epiphany celebration, which is held every January 6, with the blessing of the waters and the boats.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
Early January always feels like a fresh start. The Christmas whirlwind has settled down. We still have a fighting chance to keep our resolutions for the new year. Cartoons always depict the New Year as a baby, full of possibilities and innocence. We hope that with a new year we can leave the baggage behind us, stretching toward a brighter future.

Stephen M. Crotts
Many things are written with all of the excitement of some fresh truth recently received. Other things are written from anger. And there is much these days in any pastorate to make one mad. Still other messages are delivered from depression. I'm convinced that the majority of preachers I know are over the edge into burnout. And what of this particular study? Where am I coming from? Today, I'm writing from a broken heart, a heart shattered by a fallen comrade.
William B. Kincaid, III
Did you notice that bad things did not stop happening through the holidays? And is any warning necessary that bad things will happen in every season of this year? Surely there is better news than that, but we ought to be honest about the bad news. Not even the holidays generate enough good will to stop people from blowing up airplanes and destroying people's reputations and abusing children and selling drugs to teenagers and gunning down their neighbors.
Robert A. Beringer
"So, what's new?" he asked. It happens all the time. You meet someone on the street you have not seen for awhile. "What's new?" "Oh, nothing much, really.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

When to accommodate and when not to accommodate? That's the question we face today. Most likely, the minds and hearts of our congregations will be focused on the new year. They will have just celebrated the advent not only of a new year but in this case a new millennium. With all the hype about the year 2000, our attention will doubtless be engrossed in the calendar. On the other hand, today is also an important liturgical celebration of the naming of Jesus. It provides us opportunity to acknowledge the importance of that name which has become sacred in our tradition.
Mark J. Molldrem
Schuyler Rhodes
These are the longest hours of darkness. Although the winter solstice is passed, the darkness lingers for many more weeks. The season becomes a symbol for the longing of the human spirit to "see the light." It becomes difficult to catch sight of the light, however, when so many shadows lurk at every turn of a corner we make. We claim to be an enlightened people; yet settle for clap-trap on television and spend countless hours absorbing it like a sponge under a dripping faucet. We call athletes heroes for nothing more than being good at what they do.
Cathy Venkatesh
In many countries, January 6 is a public holiday with parades, parties, and festivities celebrating the visit of the wise men. For some Christian churches, the main celebration of Christ's incarnation occurs on this day. But in the United States, Monday, January 6, 2014, is nothing special in the public sphere. For most of us, this day marks the beginning of our first full week back at work or school after the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

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Teachers: Most youngsters (and many adults) have a misconception of the wise men. The Bible does not state that the wise men visited Jesus at the manger. Even so, our tradition of gift giving at Christmas may relate to the wise men's gifts. The church celebrates the arrival of the wise men's visit to Jesus 12 days after Christmas. This event is called "Epiphany."

Take a moment to explain to your students the significance of Epiphany, the wise men, and Jesus. The lesson from Matthew states three gifts that the wise men gave Jesus: gold, frankincense and
Today we are going to be like the wise men from the East who looked for baby Jesus. They were told the wonderful story about a promised Messiah who would save the world. He was the "king of the Jews" and would be king of all people. They traveled a great distance. They wanted to see the baby. They had to see the baby! So they left and ended up in Jerusalem. There they asked about the promised king.

The man who was king became very jealous. Even though they were looking for a spiritual king -- a king of our hearts, minds,
Teachers or Parents: Have an Epiphany pageant to close off the Christmas season and the twelve days of Christmas with the children of your church. Have people stationed in various parts of the home or church building where you might go to ask the question, "Are you the Messiah?" They will, of course, say, "No." The first group might add, "Look for the star." Involve as many children as possible. Let them ask the question. Let them get into the role of wise men from the East. Help them relive the story and see that Jesus is more than king of the Jews or king of

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