Login / Signup

SermonStudio

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

Adult study

African-American History

Bible Study

Biblical Studies

Biblical Study

Candlelighting service

Children's program

Children's Resources

Children's sermon

Christian

Christian Faith

Christian Life

Church Anniversary

Church Growth

Church Leaders

Church Programs

Death

Devotional

Drama

Easter

Faith Development

Fellowship

Funeral

Gathering Prayer

Healing

Home Blessing

Humor

Illustration

Inspirational

Intercession

Lent/Easter

Liturgy

Marriage Ceremony

Meditations

Memorial

Men's Day

Monologues

Mother's Day

Observance

Pageant

Pastoral Resources

Poems

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

Rejoice in God's goodness and render thanks for all his blessings -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Rejoice in God's goodness and render thanks for all his blessings.
The institution of the covenant meal for both Jews and Christians -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The institution of the covenant meal for both Jews and Christians.
Proper 21; Pentecost 20 -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
Mary Ann Tolbert sets this week's text in its larger context:
Seeing the vision of God's glory -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Seeing the vision of God's glory.
God has come among us in the person of his Son -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- Russell F. Anderson -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: God has come among us in the person of his Son. Let us rejoice!
Proper 22; Pentecost 21 -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
We have understood this entire section of Mark's Gospel from 8:22„10:52 as a journey "on the way" to
The mystery of the divine presence -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The mystery of the divine presence.
The God of the universe takes on the form of a servant -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The God of the universe takes on the form of a servant, suffering not only abuse
Proper 23; Pentecost 22 -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
Today's text begins with the story of the man who ran to Jesus in order to ask him what he must do t
Hope for the future -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Russell F. Anderson -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Hope for the future.
The Spirit gives life -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Through the gift of the Holy Spirit the church witnesses to the saving power of
Proper 24; Pentecost 23 -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
The first thing to note about the appointment of today's text from Mark's Gospel is that which is om
God's immeasurable grace -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:1-18 -- Russell F. Anderson -- 1996
Theme For The Day: God's immeasurable grace.
The Pentecost Season -- Russell F. Anderson -- 1996
The Meaning Of The Name
Proper 25; Pentecost 24 -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
We come now to the end of Part One of Mark's Gospel. Part One goes from chapters 1-10 of Mark.
The Preacher's Edge 1 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1996
The older I get, the more convinced I am that God created preaching as much for the benefit of the p
The rule of God -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 33:12--23 (C)
The Holy Spirit -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
The Holy Spirit i -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Loving God and the neighbor -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 34:1--12 (C)
I Go To Prepare A Place For You -- John 14:1-6, Psalm 139:1-17 -- Barbara G. Schmitz -- 1995
A Funeral Homily For AscensionDay Until Pentecost DayCanticle: Nunc Dimittis
God's saints are humble in spirit -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Micah 6:1--8 (C, E, L)
Warning against religious hypocrisy -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joshua 3:7--17 (C)
Where Can I Go From Your Spirit? -- Psalm 139:1-17 -- Barbara G. Schmitz -- 1995
A Funeral Homily For PentecostMusic: Come, Gracious Spirit
God's Illuminating Spirit -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

A God Thing -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Linda Schiphorst Mccoy -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2001
Bil Keane, the creator of the Family Circus cartoon, said he was drawing a cartoon one day wh
Cheating The Reaper -- Romans 8:1-11 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation ..." (v. 1 NIV). No condemnation! No condemnation?
Slaving After Freedom -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Robert J. Elder -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2001
Preachers often wonder what to do with Palm Sunday.
Now Playing: God, Live And In Person! -- Isaiah 7:10-16 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Some years ago I was in a London theater watching a Harold Pinter play.
It's Not Fair -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
If I were to catalog the most frequent expressions mouthed by hospital patients, at the top or near
I Really Am Who I Am! -- Exodus 3:1-15 -- Douglas B. Bailey -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2001
Have you ever been driving down the road and seen something so irresistible that you ended up going
It's Never Enough -- Exodus 20:17 -- Robert R. Kopp -- 2001
"Oh, Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz? ..."
Do You Have Enough Faith? -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Marilyn Saure Breckenridge -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2001
Introduction
Positive Identification -- John 1:29-42 -- Linda Schiphorst Mccoy -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2001
A while ago, I received an invitation to my high school reunion.
All In The Family -- Romans 8:12-25 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2001
How to begin a sermon? It always is a preacher's dilemma as to how to introduce a sermon.
Some Final Words In Christ's Name! -- Richard E. Boye -- 2001
A Final Sermon Upon the Occasion of RetirementElim Lutheran Church
The Taste Of Joy! -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2001
When traveling to Israel, Jerusalem is the place!
"I Murdered My Grandmother This Morning!" -- Mark 7:31-37 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
At once, the man's ears were opened.
Strength Out Of Weakness -- Romans 8:26-39 -- Tom M. Garrison -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2001
It was the July 22, 1999, CNN live coverage of the burial at sea of John F. Kennedy, Jr.
Saved Through The Blood Of The Lamb -- Exodus 12:1-14 -- Douglas B. Bailey -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2001
Many times, especially during Lent, we hear that Jesus is the Lamb of God who shed his blood on the
Dime Store Faith -- Exodus 20:4 -- Robert R. Kopp -- 2001
Growing up in a little town which nobody has heard of across the Susquehanna River from Wilkes-Barre
Who Is Jesus To You? -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Marilyn Saure Breckenridge -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2001
Introduction
Answering The Call -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Linda Schiphorst Mccoy -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2001
A few years ago, I was on a retreat in northern Michigan, and I knew that some of our friends from h
Having High Hope -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2001
Into Thin Air is John Krakauer's grizzly account of the loss of twelve persons attempting to climb M
The Heart Of The Gospel -- Richard E. Boye -- 2001
A dear and godly parishioner once said to me about his Lord, "I am left speechless at his unending l
One Born Among Us -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Have you ever noticed the importance children play in history?
A Word Of Thanks -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
"Was there no one to return and give thanks to God?"
The Pain Of Caring -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Tom M. Garrison -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2001
Amazing statements have a powerful way of burning themselves into our memories.
Coming Through In The Clutch -- Exodus 14:19-31 -- Douglas B. Bailey -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2001
The highest compliment that can be said about an athlete is that he or she can be counted on to come
Putting Words In His Mouth -- Exodus 20:7 -- Robert R. Kopp -- 2001
Standing in the express line at Shop N' Spend can test one's soul, especially if the person just in

Spirituality

Stories

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Installation Of Pastor -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Receiving A New LeaderWe Prepare For Worship(Name of Presider)
Journeys -- George A. Nye -- 1994
There's a big risk in granting freedom to others. It becomes a
George A. Nye -- 1994
With Praise And CelebrationNumber 3
The Beauty Of Holiness -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationA Call To Worship: (May be said or sung)
George A. Nye -- 1994
With Praise And CelebrationNumber 2
Judgment -- George A. Nye -- 1994
In our pluralistic society, we're told not to judge one
Just -- George A. Nye -- 1994
"Just" is such a horrid little word. We use it most often as a
Definitions -- George A. Nye -- 1994
Who defines your life? A parent? Your friends? What society
Being -- George A. Nye -- 1994
The image comes to me of a man who looks small on a barren
Calls To Worship For Lent -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
L: Come!P: We come from lives of loneliness, pain and human loss to this
Gifts -- George A. Nye -- 1994
The story of Job doesn't work for many of us who have known
Easy Answers -- George A. Nye -- 1994
It is so frustrating! "Just tell me the answer! Don't keep
The Miracle Of Life -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationIntroductory Moments
Prayers Of Confession And Pardon For Easter -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
Holy God, before whom we kneel in awe, we confess that we have
Time -- George A. Nye -- 1994
Are you guilty of murder? Most of us are , at least to the
We Celebrate The Creator -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Opening To A Special MeetingCall To Worship
Empowerment -- George A. Nye -- 1994
The big dog is unperturbed by the incessant yapping of the
With Unwavering Trust -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationThe Call To Worship: (By the leader)
Prayers of Dedication For Easter -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
O God, guide of the meek and helper of all persons, we come now
Baptism -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Introductory Comments
Plight -- George A. Nye -- 1994
Our plight is our task. Take away our plight, and we have no
Everyone Is Searching -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationWords Of Preparation: from Deuteronomy 4:29; James 4:8, 10.
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
Reader 1: Beware of practicing your piety before others in order
Lakeside Service With Communion -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
A Galilean Service
Loneliness -- George A. Nye -- 1994
In part, Easter is the story of victory over loneliness, and

Worship Service

Youth Resources

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.

CSSPlus

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

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL