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

Actions Speak Louder Than Words -- Matthew 21:28-32 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1998
"What do you think?
Proper 13 -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
We move this week from the parables of Jesus (last week's text was Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52) to Jesus
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (C)
Epiphany 3 -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
This week's Matthew text takes us from Part I to Part II in the outline of Matthew that we proposed
Nativity -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
1. Text
Proper 14 -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Jesus is busy and active in this week's appointed text.
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
The Sermon On The Mount -- Matthew 5:1--7:27 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Our outline of Matthew's Gospel presented Matthew 1:1--4:16 as Part One which introduces Jesus of Na
The Man Born Blind -- John 9-41 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
1. Text
The Epiphany Of The Lord -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 1998
The focus in Matthew 1 was on names. Name after name after name culminating in THE Name: Jesus!
Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:8-16a, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 5 -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The Gospel text appointed for this week comes from Matthew 9.
Raising Lazarus -- John 11:1-45 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
1. Text
Proper 15 -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The assigned Gospel text for this week skips over a couple of sections in Matthew's story.
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, John 18:1--19:42 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Good Friday - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 52:13--53:12 (C, RC, E)
Resurrection -- John 20:1-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Easter Day - A -- 1998
1. Text
Proper 16 -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
With the text appointed for this week we come to the climax of Part Two of Matthew's Gospel.
Miracle 1 Nativity -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
1. Text Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this
First Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Ascension -- Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1998
1. Text
Proper 17 -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
With this week's text we enter Part Three of Matthew's story.
Miracle 5 Ascension -- Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1998
1. Text
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 12:1-4a (C, RC); Genesis 12:1-8 (E)
Spirit's Coming -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
1. Text
Transfiguration -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
We need to say at the outset of our comments for this pericope that the transfiguration text contain

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Squeezing Camels Through The Eye Of A Needle -- Luke 18:25 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
America is awash in money - big money.
Too Good To Be True? -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Here's the scene.
Our Hope For Years To Come -- John 1:1-18 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2002
On January 1, 2001, our world marked the beginning of a new millennium in human history.
No Salt In The City? -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2002
Last fall the phone rang in my study.
What A Resume! -- 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2002
If you were to visit the Library of Congress and look up Jesus of Nazareth in the card catalog of au
The Battle Of The Wisdoms -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2002
In the 1960s a favorite weekend night of entertainment for many was to attend events titled "The Bat
God Is God And We Are Not, Thank God -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2002
In Twelve Step programs there is a popular saying, the origin of which is unknown: "God is God, and
Double Or Nothing -- Matthew 25:27-29 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
The financial and investment community was uneasy as the ominous day, October 19, 1988, approached.
Easter For Thomas, Too -- John 20:19-31 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
The urge to be a part of what is going on is very powerful.
Waiting And Witnessing -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Paul E. Flesner -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
My message this morning is about two biblical senior citizens and what we can learn from them about
Is Your Love Shy? -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2002
When I was in college my post office box was right next to a pretty little blonde's.
The Answer Waiting For A Question -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
A number of years ago some Christians placed bumper stickers on their vehicles stating, "Christ is t
Lethal Weapon -- James 3:1-12 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2002
A popular series of movies has been the Lethal Weapon series.
Congratulations, You've Made The Team! -- Hebrews 12:1, 2, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2002
Perhaps you remember, in high school or college, trying out for the varsity or junior varsity baseba
People See Through Us -- James 2:1-10 (11-13), 14-17 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2002
A lasting contribution to American life was made by a simple business woman who turned a small baker
True Worship Turns Us Upside Down And Inside Out -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2002
"To worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of
The Ten Percent Solution -- 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
It is believed by many that money and religion are incompatible.
Easter Transportation -- John 20:1-18 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Easter Day - B -- 2002
The eyes of our nation have, in recent time, twice been riveted on Antarctica and the need to rescue
God Is Now Here -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Paul E. Flesner -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
Theologian Reinhold Niebuhr once observed that the Christmas event can only be spoken about in poetr
Have You Gone Far Enough? -- Mark 8:27-38 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2002
When I was in divinity school some student had written graffiti on the bathroom wall.
He Came By Night -- John 3:1-17 -- David G. Rogne -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2002
I came upon Jesus quite by accident.
What Are You Going To Do With My World? -- 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2002
A friend tells of his son who asked for a globe of the world as one of his Christmas gifts last year
Don't Forget What You Look Like -- James 1:17-27 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2002
A young college graduate embarked on what he hoped would be a promising career in sales.
The Widow's Mite, The Mighty Widow -- Luke 21:3-4 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
Widows occupy a very special place in the biblical religions of Judaism and Christianity.
Heaven's Applause -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2002
Some words fall into the mud puddle, are never cleaned off, and become permanently tarnished by the

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Easter 3 -- John 21:1-19 -- John Steward -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
Since many of the followers of Jesus were fishermen, it made sense for Jesus to use fishing as an ex
Eagerly Waiting -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- John E. Sumwalt, Eileen Fink -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
In my dream, I was in my bed trying to get to sleep when I heard someone coming.
Proper 25 -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- John Steward -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C
Norman Cousins wrote a book several years ago titled Head First: the Biology of Hope.
Reasons To Live -- Mark 1:21-28 -- John E. Sumwalt, Rebecca Henderleiter -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
And the unclean spirit convulsed him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.
Easter 4 -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- John Steward -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
Violet Asquith was once sitting next to Winston Churchill at a dinner party.
A Deep Peace -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jodie And Georgia N. Hunt -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
My father died suddenly, at the age of 58, while he was on business in Canada.
Proper 27 -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 -- John Steward -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
One day late in the afternoon a missionary in Africa had a surprise visit.
Dorothy's Story -- John 15:9-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, Dorothy Kraemer -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.
Easter 5 -- John 13:31-35 -- John Steward -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C
There is a special hospital in London for those whom other hospitals consider a lost cause.
Just Let Go -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- John E. Sumwalt, Bonny J. Bailey -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain.
Proper 28 -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 -- John Steward -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C
Sometimes people do not think that their work is very important or significant.
Revelation -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- John E. Sumwalt, Iris Ninis -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
...
Easter 6 -- John 14:23-29 -- John Steward -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Henry Ford had a very important relationship with a man by the name of Charlie Steinmetz.
Overcome With Amazement -- Mark 5:21-43 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B
... he said to them, "Why do you make a commotion and weep?
Proper 6 -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- John Steward -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
College students are notorious for their laundry problems while away at college.
Shared Power -- Acts 8:26-40 -- John E. Sumwalt, Robert Maeglin -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
It had been a long day of meetings, and a group of scientists were returning from Manila to Los Bano
Epiphany Of The Lord -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- John Steward -- Epiphany of the Lord - C
Many years ago there was a play named Eagerheart.
A Sign Of God's Love -- Psalm 22:1-15 -- John E. Sumwalt, Marie Regine Redig -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Prayer 22 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Father Of Us All:
The Ascension of Christ -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1998
A Celebration Of ResurrectionInvitation to the Easter Celebration
Eighth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:8-16a, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 49:8-16aTheme: I Will Not Forget YouCall To Worship
Whom to Fear; Not Peace, But a Sword -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate The Season Of The Holy Spirit
Prayer 23 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Ever-Present, Helping God:
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:16-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
Prior to worship, ask the congregation to bring some writings about the beginning of Lent which they
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Good Friday - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 52:13--53:12Theme: Out Of AnguishCall To Worship
Rewards -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 1998
Celebrating The Presence Of GodInvitation to the Celebration
Prayer 24 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Merciful Judge And Loving Father:
Bright Monday -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
Bright Monday, also called Easter Monday, acknowledges the fact that God has the last laugh over sin
First Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7Theme: Open Your EyesCall To Worship
Comparison between Jesus and John the Baptist; Jesus' Thanks to the Father; Jesus' Invitation to Us -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Wayne H. Keller -- 1998
Celebrating The Presence Of GodInvitation to the Celebration
Prayer 25 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Source Of All Good Things:
The Judgment of the Nations -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1998
Alleluia! Alleluia!Invitation to the Celebration
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 12:1-4aTheme: ObedienceCall To Worship
Ten Healed of Leprosy -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 1998
Celebrating God's Presence And PowerInvitation to the Celebration
Prayer 26 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Compassionate Judge:
Resurrection of the Christ -- John 20:1-18 or Matthew 28:1-10 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Easter Day - A -- 1998
A Return To Good Friday For Those Who Want Life Without Death
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 17:1-7Theme: With Us Or Not?Call To Worship
The Transfiguration of Our Lord -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration
Prayer 27 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Grantor Of Responsibility:
Jesus' Appearance to the Disciples -- John 20:19-31 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
A Celebration Of ResurrectionInvitation to the Easter Celebration
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
First Lesson: 1 Samuel 16:1-13Theme: Looking On The HeartCall To Worship
The Great Commission in Response to the Trinity -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate The Trinity And Great Commission
Prayer 28 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Zealous Landlord:

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 20 | OT 25 | Pentecost 15
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 21 | OT 26 | Pentecost 16
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 22 | OT 27 | Pentecost 17
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