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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.
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.
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.
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.
Self-Care Of The Preacher -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1996
We were driving down Interstate 80 somewhere between the Sierra pass and Oakland, California.
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
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 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.
The Advent Season -- Russell F. Anderson -- 1996
Background Of The Season
Pulpit Therapy -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1996
There is a quiet revolution going on right now in counseling therapy.
Epiphany 7 -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
This week's pericope is interconnected with many Markan stories and themes.
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.
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.
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.
Sermon Moves According To Listener Reaction -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1996
Sermon Structure From Congregational Reaction
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.
The Extended Metaphor As Sermon Vehicle -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1996
David Buttrick claims in his book Homiletic,
Lent 1 -- Mark 1:9-15 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
We will begin commentary here with v.
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.
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.
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.
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
Lent 2 -- Mark 8:31-38, Mark 8:27-38 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1996
We will treat these texts as one.
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.
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

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Dependable Faith -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Robert J. Elder -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Drop the Gordita!
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:
Great Things In Unexpected Moments -- John 4:5-30 -- 2001
It was January 1991. All the news reports indicated we would
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
Powerful Babies -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
... on entering the house, found the child with Mary his mother ...
Father, Forgive Them -- Luke 23:34 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2001
It was May 13, 1981.
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?
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
Dance, Rosa, Dance -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Mary Sue Dehmlow Dreier -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Rosa's Gift
The Crown Of Thorns -- Carl B. Rife, Harold D. Shaffer -- 2001
We have been looking at the symbols of the cross during this season.
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,
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.
The Touch Of Faith -- Mark 5:25-34 -- 2001
Do you ever find yourself watching the television
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.
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!
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.
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
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
Free? Indeed! The Continuing Reformation Of The Church -- John 8:31-36 -- Mary Sue Dehmlow Dreier -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Julia, The Church Years
Judas -- Carl B. Rife, Harold D. Shaffer -- 2001
Why do you look at me that way in your smug self-righteousness?
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.
The Christmas Prophet -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Isaiah. It's a strong name. A good Hebrew name.
The Touch Of Human Kindness -- Matthew 8:14-15 -- 2001
It was a cold and icy day in January as a gasoline truck
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.
Catfish -- Romans 8:1-5 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
... we even boast of our afflictions ...

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Cupped Hands -- George A. Nye -- 1994
Have you ever told someone something that's important to you;
Prayers Of Dedication For Lent -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
Out of the storms of life, you O God, have spoken to us and for
What Are You Doing With The Rest Of Your Life? -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationWords Of Preparation: from Psalm 90:1-2, 10, 12 (NRSV)
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
Reactors -- George A. Nye -- 1994
I'm intrigued by the old saw, "I don't go to church as an
Lent -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
M: The Lord be with you.P: And also with you.M: Let us pray;
Take Up Your Cross And Follow Me -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Meditation Hymn: "Above The Hills Of Time"
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
Alarms -- George A. Nye -- 1994
Someone said, "Cheryl knows her roast is ready when the
Calls To Worship For Easter -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
L: Adonai is my strength and my song, and Jesus Christ is my salvation!
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
Today -- George A. Nye -- 1994
I'm a spring person rather than a fall person because spring
Benedictions For Easter -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
M: Go out in joy to love and serve God in all that you do.
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
Safe Places -- George A. Nye -- 1994
In some situations, I ask people with whom I am counseling,
Common Prayers For Easter -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
Glorious God, sovereign eternal, enlighten the eyes of our hearts
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
Shopping Carts -- George A. Nye -- 1994
Many of us come before God in prayer like we go through the
He Has Come Back To Life! -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationWords Of Preparation (By the Worship Leader)

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Christ the King Sunday
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Thanksgiving
14 – Sermons
80+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Advent 1
30 – Sermons
90+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – 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
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For November 23, 2025:

StoryShare

Frank Ramirez
In 2014 Hannah Cotton, professor emerita of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, was volunteering her time at the Israel Antiquities Authority’s scrolls laboratory, looking through some ancient documents written in Nabatean, a form of ancient Arabic. It was one of many documents which have been discovered in the desert caves of Judea, where people stashed valuables both during the Jewish War of 67-70 AD (in which the temple was destroyed), as well as the Bar Kokhba Rebellion of 132-135 AD.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 23:1-6 and Luke 1:68-79
Frank Ramirez
God reigns, now and always, but that is not always immediately apparent. Jeremiah warns the false shepherds, earthly rulers who plunder the flock, that God is watching, and someday the true Shepherd will be revealed! Paul reveals to the Colossians, who have no idea that the geological clock is ticking and an earthquake will devastate their city, that the man on the cross is the head of the body, the beginning and the end, and the first-born of the dead. And in Luke’s gospel we see that Jesus reigns, even from the cross, dispensing mercy and reward to a fellow sufferer.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A simple gift for each child. Depending on your group, this could be a piece of candy, a cookie, a simple toy or book, or any other object you choose to give. Have them in a bag or box.

* * *

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

A thief asked Jesus to remember him when Jesus came into his kingdom. In our worship today, let us explore those qualities which make Jesus a king.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes I fail to worship you as king.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes I'm not interested in any kind of royalty.

Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.

Lord, have mercy.


Reading:

SermonStudio

Constance Berg
I admit I like it when people are articulate. I like a leader to show a wealth of knowledge on a certain subject. Many people feel the same way. We like the flamboyant skater with a glittery costume and dramatic moves. We like the politician who shakes hands, has good debates, and shows up in the right photos. We admire the celebrity who gives selflessly.

So then, why have we been attracted to Jesus as our authority? Jesus was born in a barn. His father could not hold a job and was therefore demoted to the lowest trade at that time: carpenter. His mother was a teenager.
Schuyler Rhodes
"Be still and know that I am God."

How difficult it is to be still. The world in which we live conspires to make of us a blur as we rush about doing all the things we feel called to do. Indeed, it is difficult to be still. Today, the average worker in the American work force puts in fifteen to twenty more hours a week than a worker did a generation ago. Today, the demands of parenting and community are overwhelming as many find themselves also caring for aging parents. Being still? Sounds nice, but when would that happen? During sleep?
John W. Clarke
Although we are going to concentrate on Jeremiah 23:1-6, it is important to note that these verses are a part of a larger section that is best understood in its entirety. This section contains a collection of prophecies concerning the Davidic kings. It is not important that it be broken down verse by verse, but rather theme by theme.
Scott Suskovic
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created ... in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell...
-- Colossians 1:15-16, 19

Julia Ross Strope
If we love the Lord with all our hearts, minds, and strength,
we are going to have to stretch our hearts, open our minds,
and strengthen our souls ... God cannot lodge in a narrow mind;
God cannot lodge in a small heart. To accommodate God they must be palatial.
-- William Sloan Coffin, Credo

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