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Self-Care Of The Preacher -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1996
We were driving down Interstate 80 somewhere between the Sierra pass and Oakland, California.
Faith active in good works -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Faith active in good works.
Joy and anticipation concerning what God was about to do -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Joy and anticipation concerning what God was about to do.
Divine authority -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Divine authority.
Epiphany 5 -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
We note again that this passage is one of four healing stories which inaugurate Jesus' ministry.
Pulpit Therapy -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1996
There is a quiet revolution going on right now in counseling therapy.
Seek true wisdom; follow Christ -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Seek true wisdom; follow Christ.
The Advent Season -- Russell F. Anderson -- 1996
Background Of The Season
The Lord's saving help for the downtrodden and the weak -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The Lord's saving help for the downtrodden and the weak.
Epiphany 6 -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
We have before us this week another healing story as the One who brings God's reign explodes into mi
Sermon Moves According To Listener Reaction -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1996
Sermon Structure From Congregational Reaction
A warning against selfish ambition, which fractures community -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: A warning against selfish ambition, which fractures community.
Who are saints? -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Russell F. Anderson -- All Saints Day - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Who are saints? Those who rely on God for comfort and salvation.
God's cleansing presence and power, with or without water -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: God's cleansing presence and power, with or without water.
Epiphany 7 -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
This week's pericope is interconnected with many Markan stories and themes.
The Extended Metaphor As Sermon Vehicle -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1996
David Buttrick claims in his book Homiletic,
Brand Name Or Generic? -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Providing a preserving and redemptive effect on the world.
The crucified and risen Jesus has ascended to the Father -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The crucified and risen Jesus has ascended to the Father.
Forgiveness of sins -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Forgiveness of sins.
Lent 1 -- Mark 1:9-15 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
We will begin commentary here with v.
Preaching For Baby Boomers And Busters -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1996
The baby boomers, that group who were born just after World War Two, have been researched and studie
Remaining true to our covenants of faith -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Remaining true to our covenants of faith.
A call to repentance and renewal -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: A call to repentance and renewal.
The marriage covenant -- Hosea 2:14-20, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, Mark 2:13-22 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The marriage covenant in both the First Lesson and the Gospel provides an image
Lent 2 -- Mark 8:31-38, Mark 8:27-38 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
We will treat these texts as one.

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Peter -- Carl B. Rife, Harold D. Shaffer -- 2001
I denied him! I denied him! I denied him.
Expecting -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Linda Schiphorst Mccoy -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
When a woman is pregnant, we often say she is "expecting." That is a good term for it, because she's
Acting On The Absurd -- Romans 4:13-25 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2001
In his stimulating book, The Dynamics Of Belief, the beloved former pastor of the First Bapti
Dependable Faith -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Robert J. Elder -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Drop the Gordita!
Father, Forgive Them -- Luke 23:34 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2001
It was May 13, 1981.
Wise Men -- And Women -- Still Seek Him -- Matthew 2:1-11 -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2001
My sister once sent these verses as part of her annual Christmas letter:
Powerful Babies -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
... on entering the house, found the child with Mary his mother ...
A Prize Worth Waiting For - Or Worth Working For? -- Genesis 29:15-28 -- Douglas B. Bailey -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2001
Is a wife worth waiting for or worth working for?
Great Things In Unexpected Moments -- John 4:5-30 -- 2001
It was January 1991. All the news reports indicated we would
Free? Indeed! The Continuing Reformation Of The Church -- John 8:31-36 -- Mary Sue Dehmlow Dreier -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Julia, The Church Years
The Crown Of Thorns -- Carl B. Rife, Harold D. Shaffer -- 2001
We have been looking at the symbols of the cross during this season.
What To Do? -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Linda Schiphorst Mccoy -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Most of us have probably come to some major turning point in life when we're been trying to determin
Rightwised -- Romans 5:1-8 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2001
I knew that I was wrong with God and that I was scared. I was only nine years old.
Identity Crisis -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Robert J. Elder -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Recently, in a weekly Bible study, the group poured over this Exodus passage, and someone remarked,
My God, My God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me? -- Mark 15:33-34 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2001
Few of us have to be told what it means to be forsaken.
Be Born In Us Today -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2001
A family was gathered together around their Advent wreath in preparation for Christmas.
If You Build It They Will Come -- John 13:31-33, 34-35 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
"... Love one another ..." A look into the power and potential of a good example!
An Honest And Painful Wrestling Match -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- Douglas B. Bailey -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2001
Jacob's wrestling match at Peniel is much different from the wrestling matches we see on television
The Touch Of Faith -- Mark 5:25-34 -- 2001
Do you ever find yourself watching the television
A Precious, Flickering Light -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Mary Sue Dehmlow Dreier -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2001
Lucille's Grief
Judas -- Carl B. Rife, Harold D. Shaffer -- 2001
Why do you look at me that way in your smug self-righteousness?
Good News! -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Linda Schiphorst Mccoy -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2001
A young girl was driving around the city with her family, looking at the various displays of Christm
Buried, But Alive -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Baptism is a solemn, sincere, often serene, significant service of Christian worship.
The Office Of The King Was Not Vacant -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13a -- Robert J. Elder -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Not all the water in the rough rude seaCan wash the balm from an anointed king.
Today Shalt Thou Be With Me In Paradise -- Luke 23:42-43 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2001
Paradise is hard to come by these days. But then again, paradise has always been hard to come by.

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Temptation -- George A. Nye -- 1994
A prayer that's often in our heart of hearts, if not in our
Prayers Of Dedication For Lent -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
Out of the storms of life, you O God, have spoken to us and for
Cupped Hands -- George A. Nye -- 1994
Have you ever told someone something that's important to you;
Take Up Your Cross And Follow Me -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Meditation Hymn: "Above The Hills Of Time"
Behold The Glory Of The Lord -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Nursing Home Service With Holy CommunionInvocation:
Bonsai Christians -- George A. Nye -- 1994
Bonsai trees are formed by stunting normal trees through a
Lent -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
M: The Lord be with you.P: And also with you.M: Let us pray;
Reactors -- George A. Nye -- 1994
I'm intrigued by the old saw, "I don't go to church as an
Managing Disappointment -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental Meditation
Healing Of Divisions -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Prayer ServiceHymn: ''What A Friend We Have In Jesus''Call To Prayer:
Disconnected -- George A. Nye -- 1994
A person with amnesia has no past. And having no past, she has
Calls To Worship For Easter -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
L: Adonai is my strength and my song, and Jesus Christ is my salvation!
Alarms -- George A. Nye -- 1994
Someone said, "Cheryl knows her roast is ready when the
The Full Measure Of Life -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental Meditation: "Wonderful Words Of Life"A Brief Prayer: Psalm 39:4-5
Ruts -- George A. Nye -- 1994
There's a Canadian sign at a rural crossroads: "Be careful
Benedictions For Easter -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
M: Go out in joy to love and serve God in all that you do.
Today -- George A. Nye -- 1994
I'm a spring person rather than a fall person because spring
Safe Places -- George A. Nye -- 1994
In some situations, I ask people with whom I am counseling,
And Now, We Thank You, Our God -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Meditation Music: "For All The Blessings Of The Year"
Secrets -- George A. Nye -- 1994
We must have secrets in order to be individuals and to be
Common Prayers For Easter -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
Glorious God, sovereign eternal, enlighten the eyes of our hearts
Shopping Carts -- George A. Nye -- 1994
Many of us come before God in prayer like we go through the
There Is Wonderful News Today! -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Meditation Music: "O Holy Night!"(Would be excellent to set the scene as a solo)
Healthy Grief -- George A. Nye -- 1994
A widow came to the pastor at the close of the funeral service
Germination -- George A. Nye -- 1994
A couple of weeks ago, I re-seeded a portion of my lawn. As I

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 10 | OT 15 | Pentecost 5
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 11 | OT 16 | Pentecost 6
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 12 | OT 17 | Pentecost 7
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

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: You may present this message as a simple story, or have the children act it out as a role-play. I will show the role-play version, but you can ignore the acting pieces and just tell the story if you prefer.

Note: For the role-play version, you will need to select two girls and one boy to play the roles. You might also have a broom and a dust rag if you want to.

* * *

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

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For July 20, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52
Amos proclaims the word from God that punishes the people. The people are to be punished for their lack of faith, for their focus on practicing deceit, betraying honesty to their neighbors, and being impatient for the time after the Sabbath when they can focus on profit and selling their crops and wares. Oh, my! What a terrible message for people. You have been unfaithful so I will punish you. And then in the psalm, God is proclaimed to be the olive tree, that which brings blessing.
David Kalas
I have tried to find different ways of saying it so that my children don’t tire of hearing it. But the basic principle remains the same, and my kids have heard it a ton. “First things first.” They ask if they can do this or they start to do that, and I will endeavor to redirect them, saying, “Why don’t we make sure we’re doing first things first!”

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. (v. 24)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
One of Martha's earliest memories was of her little sister Mary singing and dancing in the middle of an admiring crowd of friends. Mary had always been a dancer, from the time she could walk. Privately, Martha thought she'd always been something of a show-off and ought to go on the stage, for Mary loved an audience.

SermonStudio

John E. Sumwalt
Jeanne Jones
Several years ago, before we moved to Wisconsin, I was an honorary nanny for our pastor's son, Jonathan. I took care of him from the time he was able to walk until our pastor moved, when Jonathan was about five. We had wonderful times together. One time, when I was at their house, and we had been doing some spiritual direction together, Pastor Michael asked me if I knew the name of my guardian angel.
James Evans
We are not surprised when we learn about crooks and robbers boasting about "mischief done against the godly" or "plotting destruction" all day long. The image we have in our minds about who "bad" people are, and how they conduct themselves, make such accusations completely plausible. We are less inclined to believe such things about leaders, especially respected leaders among us. We have difficulty believing someone with wealth and power would deliberately plot to do someone else harm.
Arley K. Fadness
Today's gospel from Luke 10 follows the parable of the good Samaritan. Luke positions the good Samaritan and the Mary-Martha story back to back for good reason. The parable and the story are examples of the Great Commandment "to love the Lord your God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself." The good Samaritan parable illustrates "love to neighbor," whereas the Mary-Martha story illustrates "love to God."
Kirk R. Webster
In the early 1990s, Wesley Nunley of Dallas completed a project he had dreamed of for decades. "I tell you, this could be a big thing," he explained. Wes then walked out to a concrete octagon in the middle of his backyard. With a beaming smile, arms raised up in excitement, the energetic retiree said, "This welcomes the UFO to land, which has never been done before."
John W. Wurster
It was the best of times. A time of prosperity and confidence, a time of relative peace, a time when most everything looked pretty good, a time when most everyone felt pretty good. It was a time maybe not unlike our own time.
H. Burnham Kirkland
Words Of Assurance
Our God is both wise and caring: afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted.

Pastoral Prayer
God, we bow before you this morning, knowing that you hear every prayer. We know that in all of Creation, you are the source of life. You are the one who set the light swirling between the galaxies. The breath of your Spirit pulses through all life. You have even become flesh among us. We praise you, Lord, that in all your wonder, you have not forgotten us.

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