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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

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
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:
Dance, Rosa, Dance -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Mary Sue Dehmlow Dreier -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Rosa's Gift
Powerful Babies -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
... on entering the house, found the child with Mary his mother ...
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.
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
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
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.
Free? Indeed! The Continuing Reformation Of The Church -- John 8:31-36 -- Mary Sue Dehmlow Dreier -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Julia, The Church Years
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
A Precious, Flickering Light -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Mary Sue Dehmlow Dreier -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2001
Lucille's Grief

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SermonStudio

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)
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:
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"
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:
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!
Managing Disappointment -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental Meditation
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.
The Full Measure Of Life -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental Meditation: "Wonderful Words Of Life"A Brief Prayer: Psalm 39:4-5
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
And Now, We Thank You, Our God -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Meditation Music: "For All The Blessings Of The Year"
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
There Is Wonderful News Today! -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Meditation Music: "O Holy Night!"(Would be excellent to set the scene as a solo)
Grace -- George A. Nye -- 1994
There's a popular slang phrase that begs another to ease up

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 23 | OT 28 | Pentecost 18
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 24 | OT 29 | Pentecost 19
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 25 | OT 30 | Pentecost 20
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 November 2, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message involves roleplay. You will need a chair for Zach to stand on, unless it is ok for him to stand on a front pew. For the best fun, you will also want to have an adult volunteer play the role of Jesus and walk in when it is time. Whether he is in costume is up to you.

* * *
John Jamison
Object: You will need one or more pictures of people recognized as saints. You may find some pictures by Googling “public domain pictures of saints” and printing images from the results.

* * *

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4 and Psalm 119:137-144
Walter Elwell in the Shaw Pocket Bible Handbook notes of righteousness that it is, “Right standing, specifically before God. Among the Greeks, righteousness was an ethical virtue. Among the Hebrews it was a legal concept; the righteous man was the one who got the verdict of acceptability when tried at the bar of God’s justice.” God is a righteous God, even when is people are not righteous.
Frank Ramirez
One of the features of Synagogue worship is the Shema. The Hebrew word is “Hear!” and is the opening for Deuteronomy 6:4-5, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” God’s people are commanded to “hear” these words. They come from the Lord. And these three scriptures invite us to hear God and each other, something that is lacking in our society today.
Wayne Brouwer
Fred Craddock tells of a vacation encounter in the Smokey Mountains of eastern Tennessee years ago that moved him deeply. He and his wife took supper one evening in a place called the Black Bear Inn. One side of the building was all glass, open to a magnificent mountain view. Glad to be alone, the Craddocks were a bit annoyed when an elderly man ambled over and struck up a nosey conversation: “Are you on vacation?” “Where are you from?” “What do you do?”
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 and Psalm 149

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, but your commandments are my delight. Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live. (vv. 143-144)

When I was an associate pastor in Janesville, Wisconsin one of my responsibilities was to give a lecture on spirituality once a month at a drug treatment facility. The students who attended were persons who had been convicted of drunk driving and were required to attend the class as a condition of their sentence. Attendance was always good.
Frank Ramirez
Call them the good old days. Call it the Golden Age. It’s not unusual for people to look back in their youth, or to the youth of their country, as somehow more perfect, honorable, or simpler. C.S. Lewis was always skeptical about claims that chocolate was better in one’s youth. It wasn’t better. Our taste buds were stronger and more receptive.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
The Roman Catholic Church's canonisation of Edith Stein some years ago, fuelled considerable controversy. Edith Stein was born and bred into a Jewish family, becoming a Roman Catholic Christian at the age of 31. She was also a leading German intellectual in the early thirties, during the run-up to World War 2, although she gave up that career in order to become a Carmelite nun. But she didn't deny her Jewish roots, for in 1933 she petitioned the Pope, Pious XI to write an encyclical in defence of the Jews.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus didn't reject anyone, even those who were liars and cheats. By a simple act of friendship Jesus turned Zaccheus' life around. In our worship today let us consider friendship and all that it means.


Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, there are some people I don't like.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, there are some people I reject.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, there are some people I keep out of my circle of friends.
Lord, have mercy.


Reading:

SermonStudio

Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
The world offers many blessings, but none of these things will save us: only the blessing of God in Jesus Christ can do that.

Old Testament Lesson
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18
Daniel's Apocalyptic Dream
Perry H. Biddle, Jr.
Comments on the Lessons
John W. Clarke
This chapter of Luke brings us ever closer to the end of Jesus' public ministry. Jesus enters Jericho, just fifteen miles or so from the holy city of Jerusalem. It is here that Jesus transforms the life of Zacchaeus, the tax collector. This is one of the few stories that is peculiar to Luke and is a wonderful human-interest story. The fact that Zacchaeus is willing to climb a tree to see Jesus is a clear indication that he really wanted to see and meet the carpenter from Nazareth. His eagerness to see Jesus is rewarded in a very special way.
Scott A. Bryte
Then he looked up at his disciples and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.
Mark Ellingson
This is a story written for people who had been or were about to be persecuted, if not enslaved. (The book of Daniel was probably written in the mid-second century B.C. during a period of Seleucid [Syrian] domination in Palestine.) It tells them and us how their ancestors had once faced a similar slavery under the oppression of the Babylonians centuries earlier. The implication was that if these ancestors could endure and overcome such bondage, so could they and so can we.
Gary L. Carver
Ulysses S. Grant fought many significant battles as commander of the Union forces in the War Between the States. He also served as President of the United States where he probably engaged in as many battles as he did while he was a general. Toward the end of his life he fought his toughest battle -- with cancer and death.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
There is an apocryphal story told that after completing his masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, the famous Italian Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci went to a nearby tavern to celebrate the event with his friends. While in conversation and sipping a little of the local wine, Leonardo noticed that many in the tavern were making sport of an ugly fool who made his living going from tavern to tavern, entertaining patrons for a spare coin or a crust of bread. This man truly was an ugly person; he seemed to be more of a troll than a man. His small beady eyes were not centered in his oversized head.

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