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Migration Toward Life, Love, And Hope -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2025
See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the farthest parts
Promises and Reality -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2025
Ted looked out over the field behind his grandparent’s house and sighed.
God Saves Humans And Animals -- Psalm 36:5-10 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2025
Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.
Behind The Scenes -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2025
Did you ever notice in most of the old movies how the credits are at the front and they don’t share
Love Never Ends -- 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2025
Love never ends.
Be Not Afraid -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2025
Henry peeked through the curtain and saw the crowd of people waiting. “Wow!”
Beyond the Sunset -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2025
If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile, and you are still in your sins. Then those
The Christian Way -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2024
“It’s just wrong,” Martha whispered. “He needs to take off his hat in church.”
Rich Toward God -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2024
Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters.
If I Should Wake Before I Die -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2024
As we work together with him, we entreat you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he
Heads or Tails -- James 3:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2024
So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits.
Facing Temptation -- Mark 1:9-15 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Jack swung at the ball and missed again.
Frank Brown, Legendary Cattle Trucker -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2024
“Who is wise and knowledgeable among you?
We Live By Faith -- Romans 4:13-25 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants th
Being For the Gospel -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2024
Lou leaned on his shovel. “I’m honestly not sure.”
See What You Want To See -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishin
About Angels -- Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2024
Now God did not subject the coming world, about which we are speaking, to angels.  
Where Have You Gone Joe DiMaggio? -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were de
Whether You See It Or Not -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2024
“If I go forward, he is not there; or backward, I cannot perceive him; on the left he hides, and
Seeing Jesus -- John 12:20-33 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Kirk shouted as he ran through the doors of the school after his friend. “Hey, Johnny!”
Dark Mysteries of the Universe -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41) -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2024
Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understand
Troubling Religious Cliches -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- John E. Sumwalt -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2024
The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with
Hearing Jesus' Call -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2024
“God hates me,” Tim announced to the empty room.
Deliverance from Hell -- 1 Peter 4:1-8 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Good Friday - B -- 2024
For this is reason the gospel was proclaimed even to the dead, so that, though they had been jud
Back and Forward -- John 20:1-18 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Easter Day - B -- 2024
“Dad?” Susan flipped on a light in the living room.

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Migration Toward Life, Love, And Hope -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2025
See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the farthest parts
Promises and Reality -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2025
Ted looked out over the field behind his grandparent’s house and sighed.
God Saves Humans And Animals -- Psalm 36:5-10 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2025
Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.
Behind The Scenes -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2025
Did you ever notice in most of the old movies how the credits are at the front and they don’t share
Love Never Ends -- 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2025
Love never ends.
Be Not Afraid -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2025
Henry peeked through the curtain and saw the crowd of people waiting. “Wow!”
Beyond the Sunset -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2025
If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile, and you are still in your sins. Then those
Death Will Be No More -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- John E. Sumwalt -- New Year's Day - B -- 2024
Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and th
No Rest for This Beloved -- Psalm 127 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2024
It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,
Not Quite A Dial of Destiny -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2024
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, Magi[
Facing Today -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2024
“I wish I knew when all of this would be over,” Ben said.
Do Angels Really Exist? -- Psalm 23 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and
Babies Are Powerful -- Mark 1:4-11 -- John E. Sumwalt -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2024
In those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And j
Held in the Arms of Love -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2024
Look, he is coming with the clouds,    and “every eye will see him,
Abiding in Jesus -- John 15:1-8 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
“Dad, I think you worked a miracle.” Rolf slowly walked around the tree.
The Invitation -- John 1:43-51 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2024
Tim walked up the stairs of the church and paused. He hadn’t been to church in so many years.
Don't Worry. Be Happy. -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2024
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or
Infidelities R Us -- John 15:9-17 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
The Evil in All of Us -- Mark 1:14-20 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2024
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the good news[
It Felt Like the End of the World -- Luke 21:25-36 -- John E. Sumwalt -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2024
People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bod
Defying Gravity -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2024
When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of thei
I Can See Clearly Now -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2024
We use the word epiphany to refer to moments when we really see people, places, or things for what t
Preparing the Way -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2024
Jean sat by the hospital bed watching her brother sleep.
Eternity Was In the Room -- 1 John 5:9-13 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
…God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his son. (v. 11b)
Casting Out Demons in Ohio -- Mark 1:29-39 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2024
And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demo
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Epiphany 4 (OT 4)
28 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 5 (OT 5)
31 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 6 (OT 6)
32 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
35 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – 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

Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For February 16, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
Valentine’s Day isn’t likely a prominent part of our liturgical calendar, and it doesn’t factor into our lectionary assignments. Yet it is part of our culture and therefore on our people’s radar. There’s a better chance that they personally observe Valentine’s Day, after all, than Transfiguration Sunday or Christ the King Sunday.  
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
Jeremiah 17:5-10
John Wesley nicely describes our sinful condition implied in this text. He writes:

There is nothing so false and deceitful as the heart of man. It is deceitful in the apprehension of things, in the hopes and promises which it nourishes, in the assurances that it gives us. It is unsearchable by others, deceitful with reference to ourselves, and abominably wicked so that neither can a man know his own heart nor can any other know that of his neighbor's. (Commentary On the Bible, p.344)

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John E. Sumwalt
If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile, and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have died in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. (vv. 17-20)

Gertie Frye was my Sunday School teacher in the Beginners Class at the Loyd Evangelical United Brethren Church in 1954. Gertie was a small, humble, sweet, quiet woman who exuded a joy and warmth that drew children to her.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A mirror. Ideally, find a large mirror like you would put on the back of a door to use when dressing. Any mirror will do, but a large one that everyone can see easily will be more fun.

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The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority The local community Those who suffer The communion of saints

These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

SermonStudio

Gregory L. Tolle
If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have died in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. (vv. 17-19)

In the 1994 movie, The Shawshank Redemption, Tim Robbins plays Andy Dufresne, a young, hotshot banker in the 1940s. His life changes drastically when he is convicted for the murder of his wife and her secret lover and is sentenced to life imprisonment at Shawshank Prison.

James Evans
(See Proper 20/Pentecost 18/Ordinary Time 25, Cycle B for an alternative approach.)

The writer of Psalm 1 has created a timeless image of human existence as a tree. The image of a tree allows the poet to proclaim in graphic terms the effects of having, and not having, a viable relationship with God. The tree, as a durable life form, symbolizes well the significance and importance of seeking and living a faithful life.

Gary L. Carver
One of my all-time favorite television programs was M*A*S*H. In the early episodes, Frank Burns and Hot Lips Houlihan were an item. Often they were pitted against Trapper John and Hawkeye. In one such episode, Frank and Hot Lips had been trying to "do-in" Hawkeye but had failed. Hawkeye now had the upper hand, and Radar said, "Why don't you do to them what they were trying to do to you?" Hawkeye said, "Look at them! They're each just one-half of a person and when they come together, they barely make a whole person. They have enough troubles of their own."

Steven E. Albertin
It was the dirty secret. We were never supposed to talk about it openly. When it was discussed, it was in hushed whispers behind the closed doors of private homes. No, it had nothing to do with sex. It had to do with why my best friends would never eat meat on Fridays. It had to do with that strange ritual called the Rosary. It had to do with those strange women dressed in black and white who looked like penguins. I grew up in a small southeastern Wisconsin town in the 1950s where the majority of the population was either Lutheran or Roman Catholic.

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