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SermonStudio

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

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

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!
Peter -- Carl B. Rife, Harold D. Shaffer -- 2001
I denied him! I denied him! I denied him.
Great Things In Unexpected Moments -- John 4:5-30 -- 2001
It was January 1991. All the news reports indicated we would
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?
Father, Forgive Them -- Luke 23:34 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2001
It was May 13, 1981.
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
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:
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!
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,
The Crown Of Thorns -- Carl B. Rife, Harold D. Shaffer -- 2001
We have been looking at the symbols of the cross during this season.
The Touch Of Faith -- Mark 5:25-34 -- 2001
Do you ever find yourself watching the television
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
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.
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
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.
Catfish -- Romans 8:1-5 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
... we even boast of our afflictions ...
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.
Judas -- Carl B. Rife, Harold D. Shaffer -- 2001
Why do you look at me that way in your smug self-righteousness?
The Touch Of Human Kindness -- Matthew 8:14-15 -- 2001
It was a cold and icy day in January as a gasoline truck
When Life Is The Pits! -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 -- Douglas B. Bailey -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2001
Joseph got thrown in a big hole by his brothers, and he quickly discovered what life is like down in

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SermonStudio

Prayers Of Dedication For Lent -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
Out of the storms of life, you O God, have spoken to us and for
Temptation -- George A. Nye -- 1994
A prayer that's often in our heart of hearts, if not in our
Litany Of Freedom -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Memorial Day ObservanceIntroductory Comments:
Reactors -- George A. Nye -- 1994
I'm intrigued by the old saw, "I don't go to church as an
Take Up Your Cross And Follow Me -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Meditation Hymn: "Above The Hills Of Time"
Lent -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
M: The Lord be with you.P: And also with you.M: Let us pray;
Bonsai Christians -- George A. Nye -- 1994
Bonsai trees are formed by stunting normal trees through a
Behold The Glory Of The Lord -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Nursing Home Service With Holy CommunionInvocation:
Alarms -- George A. Nye -- 1994
Someone said, "Cheryl knows her roast is ready when the
Managing Disappointment -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental Meditation
Calls To Worship For Easter -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
L: Adonai is my strength and my song, and Jesus Christ is my salvation!
Disconnected -- George A. Nye -- 1994
A person with amnesia has no past. And having no past, she has
Healing Of Divisions -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Prayer ServiceHymn: ''What A Friend We Have In Jesus''Call To Prayer:
Today -- George A. Nye -- 1994
I'm a spring person rather than a fall person because spring
The Full Measure Of Life -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental Meditation: "Wonderful Words Of Life"A Brief Prayer: Psalm 39:4-5
Benedictions For Easter -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
M: Go out in joy to love and serve God in all that you do.
Ruts -- George A. Nye -- 1994
There's a Canadian sign at a rural crossroads: "Be careful
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"
Common Prayers For Easter -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
Glorious God, sovereign eternal, enlighten the eyes of our hearts
Secrets -- George A. Nye -- 1994
We must have secrets in order to be individuals and to be
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 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

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For September 28, 2025:
  • Money! Money! Money! by Dean Feldmeyer based on Acts 2:1-21. “This is the even-handed dealing of the world! There is nothing on which it is so hard as poverty; and there is nothing it professes to condemn with such severity as the pursuit of wealth!” — Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
The president of the college I attended was the kind of man who always said what was on his mind. He had a very healthy self-image and wasn’t concerned about how people might take him. At one of the graduation ceremonies, he stood at the podium, looked out over the huge crowd of people, shook his head, and said to himself (right into the microphone, of course), “All these Christians in one place, and no one’s taking an offering!”
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15
The lesson makes clear that God is present in the world of business, in our daily work.  John Wesley offered thoughtful reflections on the nature of work; he noted:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. (vv. 14-15)

One morning last October, Bruce Klemm got up and sang a song to his wife, Virginia, as he has done every morning of the 42 years they have been married. Little did he know that within a few hours, he would be calling her to say goodbye.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus told a story about a rich man and a beggar to illustrate the way in which we fail to notice those who are poor. In our worship today let us remember the poor and ask God to teach us a real concern for them.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we fail notice some people.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we deliberately leave people out.

Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we care only about ourselves.

SermonStudio

James Evans
(See Lent 1, Cycle C, for an alternative approach to vv. 1-2 and 9-16.)

The writer of this psalm deftly employs a striking image, that at once offers us hope in times of trouble -- but at the same time, redefines for us what it means to be a human being in the world.

Schuyler Rhodes
Many Christians can be heard in or out of worship these days as they lift up their voices and say, "Praise the Lord!" The phrases are familiar, almost rote. Mouths open and words emerge. Pastors and liturgists remind the faithful that this God is not only worthy of our praise; this God sort of requires it of us. This God is a jealous God (Exodus 20:5) who brooks no competition from other gods we might pursue. Yes, God is worthy of praise. Right?
Clayton A. Lord Jr.
It always amazes me when I read about a sports figure who decides to hold out for more money. With salaries that are often in the millions, they feel underpaid unless they are at the next level. I heard one player say to a reporter on Sports Center, "It's not about the money. It is about respect." A few moments later, the host of the show made the comment, "When they say it isn't about the money, it's always about the money."

Chrysanne Timm
As we conclude several weeks of readings in the book of the prophet Jeremiah and next week look at the companion text from the book of Lamentations, a common thread begins to emerge. It is the thread of grief. Jeremiah has been called by God to a truly thankless job -- that of accompanying the people of his homeland into a time of loss and grief. Because of decades of idolatry and treaties with neighboring nations, the people of Judah will lose the land God once graciously gave to their ancestors.
R. Robert Cueni
The lesson for today continues the discussion on the proper use of material possessions by describing what happens when a person tries to "serve both God and wealth" (Luke 16:13). Today's Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus leaves us repulsed by the gory details, puzzled by the literal description of eternal life, and hopeful that the Lord didn't really mean all those terrible things about the punishment due us "Haves" for our treatment of the "Have Nots."

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Good morning, boys and girls. I brought some coins with me this morning. (Show the coins.) How many of these coins would it take to be rich? (Let them respond.) I think it would take millions of these coins before you would really be rich. How many of you would like to be rich? (Wait for show of hands.) I think most of us would like to be rich. What would you think if you had a wish that everything you touched turned to gold? (Let them respond.) You would soon have lots and lots of gold and you would quickly be very, very rich. There's a famous story about a man who had

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