Login / Signup

Derl G. Keefer

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Lent 2 (2018) -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Genesis 17:1-7 15-16
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 3 (2015) -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2015
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Preaching can be defined as... -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2015
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
In a sermon that I wrote... -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2015
Mark 1:14-20
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 4 (2015) -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2015
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 5 (2015) -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2015
Isaiah 40:21-31
Sermon Illustrations for The Transfiguration (2015) -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2015
2 Kings 2:1-12
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2015) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2015
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 1 (2015) -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Genesis 9:8-17
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2015) -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17 -- Mark Ellingsen, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Exodus 20:1-17
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2015) -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Mark Ellingsen, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Numbers 21:4-9
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 5 (2015) -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Mark Ellingsen, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 2 (2015) -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
Sermon Illustrations for Passion/Palm Sunday (2015) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 14:1--15:47 -- Mark Ellingsen, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2015
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Sermon Illustrations for Maundy Thursday (2015) -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Frank Ramirez, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2015
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
Sermon Illustrations for Good Friday (2015) -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Frank Ramirez, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen -- Good Friday - B -- 2015
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
Sermon Illustrations for Easter Day (2015) -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Derl G. Keefer, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove -- Easter Day - B -- 2015
Acts 10:34-43
Sermon Illustrations for Second Sunday of Easter (2015) -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
Acts 4:32-35
Sermon Illustrations for the Third Sunday of Easter (2015) -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
Acts 3:12-19
Sermon Illustrations for the Fourth Sunday after Easter (2015) -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
Acts 4:5-12
Sermon Illustrations for the Fifth Sunday after Easter (2015) -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
Acts 8:26-40
Sermon Illustrations for the Seventh Sunday of Easter (2015) -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
Sermon Illustrations for Ascension of the Lord (2015) -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2015
Acts 1:1-11
Sermon Illustrations for Pentecost (2015) -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2015
Acts 2:1-21
Sermon Illustrations for Trinity Sunday (2015) -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2015
Isaiah 6:1-8

Preaching

SermonStudio

Epiphany 3 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Twenty--sixth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Epiphany 4 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Baby Talk -- Hebrews 1:1-14 -- Derl G. Keefer -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
Luther said it: When God speaks to humanity, God always speaks in baby talk.
Twenty--seventh Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
They Are Our Music -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
I read the story of a Mr. Holland who had written a symphony for his high school orchestra.
Where Is Your Heart? -- Mark 3:1-6 -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
We live in a very crazy world. Did you know
Pentecost Sunday -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
First Sunday In Lent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Ash Wednesday -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2002
Object: A blindfold and a member of the choir with a loud speaking voice.
Thanksgiving Day -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2002
CALL TO WORSHIPLeader: God is the ruling King of life.
Second Sunday In Lent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Evangelism In The Local Church -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
The church battles constantly to keep the main thing, the main thing.
Transfiguration Of The Lord -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Junk In Our Souls -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Jim Cymbala, in his refreshing book, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, states this: "The first step in
The Battle Of Discouragement -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
Everyone, at one time or another, faces discouragement. It can be devastating to one's ministry.
Holy Trinity -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
A Word About Change -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
The big word today is change. It is both the most used word and the most emotional word.
First Sunday After Christmas -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 148 adapted)
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
The Pastor's Spiritual Life -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
One of the great resources overlooked in some church growth materials is the personal and spiritual
Proper 25 / Ordinary Time 30 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Hebrews 4:12--16)
Sunday Of The Passion -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Thoughts On Leadership -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
It was interesting to read an article in Strategy & Business magazine (Booz--Allen, Inc.

Sermon

SermonStudio

Why Did Jesus Come? -- Luke 21:25-36, Luke 2:23-56 -- Derl G. Keefer -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
My parents did not attend church when I was a child.
A Commitment To Hope -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
The story is told of young boy in a church Christmas program who had one line to remember.
A Commitment To Righteousness -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
Moline, Illinois, September, 1977 was the place and date for a special gift that Terry Schafer purch
The Song Of Servanthood -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Derl G. Keefer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
Weddings are beautiful and exciting events with an abundance of anticipation.
It's All About The Messiah -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Derl G. Keefer -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2018
I read an old legend about a Christmas party that Satan and his pack of demons were having in hell.
God's Gift -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Derl G. Keefer -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
Margery Tallcott relates that during the Depression she and her husband were barely making the money
Finding Redemption In The Midst Of Judgment -- Malachi 3:1-4 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
A vase shatters, brushed by a careless elbow; a toy breaks, handled roughly by young fingers; and fa
Hope Again! -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
Charles Swindoll wrote a book titled Hope Again, with the subtitle "When Life Hurts and Dream
Born In Bethlehem -- Light -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Derl G. Keefer -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2009
Have you ever awakened in the early hours before dawn? Thick darkness covers the earth.
Hidden Potential -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Derl G. Keefer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2009
Home and Garden television produces a program titled Hidden Potential hosted by Brandie Malay
From Tragedy To Salvation -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
On January 13, 1982, Washington DC and the surrounding area experienced a blizzard that paralyzed ev
To God Be The Glory! -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2009
One of the most prolific songwriters of the nineteenth century was Fanny Crosby.
A New Life -- Isaiah 43:1-7 -- Derl G. Keefer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2009
The old traditional idea of camping out under the stars with only a blanket or sleeping bag next to
A New Name -- Isaiah 62:1-5 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2009
Let's play a game. I am going to say a name and you think about that person.
The Winning Word -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2009
Tom Barnard tells of his great love for sports stories, especially where an athlete survives an ugly
The Call Of Holiness -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13) -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2009
These were not the best of times for Israel. Bleakness, despair, and frustration ruled the day.
Born At Bethlehem -- Hope -- Micah 5:2-5a -- Derl G. Keefer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
Ellyn Sanna was twelve years old when she went on a camping trip to New England with her family.
The Call Of God -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2009
Jeremiah had a task, a vision, and a promise from God.
Lessons From A Hurricane -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2009
It developed as a tropical wave leaving the coast of Africa on September 9, 1989, and within a few d
Breaking The Cycle -- God's Answer In Forgiveness -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
People often mistake forgiveness for a feeling, but it goes much deeper.
Restarting Joy -- Rejoice -- Isaiah 55:10-13 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2009
Joy does not depend on the external events of life.
The Radiant Life -- Exodus 34:29-35 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2009
We are not citizens of this world trying to make our way to heaven; we are citizens of heaven try
Strengthening Your Grip On Prayer -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2009
In 1982, Chuck Swindoll wrote a book titled Strengthening Your Grip.
Called To Be Saints -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Derl G. Keefer -- All Saints Day - A -- 2001
Today the church world observes what is called All Saints' Day.
Where Are We Without God? -- Exodus 33:12-23 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2001
Moses stood in the presence of Almighty God on Mount Sinai.

Stories

SermonStudio

Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Competition
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"God could not be everywhere, and so He made mothers." (Jewish proverb)
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Leadership
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"While holiness does not make it impossible for you to sin, the experience does make it impossible n
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Heaven is at the feet of mothers." (Roebuck)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"In everything set them an example by doing what is good." (Titus 2:7 NIV)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A holy person finds God at the center of the storm.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Faith
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Conflict
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children." (William Makepeace Thackeray
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Lie "A lie stands on one leg, truth on two." (Benjamin Franklin)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The distinctives of holiness include: a separation from sin, a dedication to God, a call to service.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Acceptance
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"I think it must somewhere be written that the virtues of mothers shall occasionally be visited on t
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God's Care
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A mother should never make differences between her children, but love them all.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The Holy Spirit is the divine energy that produces the spiritual life." (Bertha Munro)
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Spiritual Irresponsibility
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"No language can express the power and beauty and heroism and majesty of a mother's love.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness is practical living.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Faith
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Congress
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The sweetest face in all the world to me, Set in a frame of shining golden hair, With eyes whose la
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 13 | OT 18 | Pentecost 8
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 14 | OT 19 | Pentecost 9
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 15 | OT 20 | Pentecost 10
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 August 10, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A treasure chest containing photos of some of your family members and friends, and a small, worn-out bag or purse. The treasure chest could be as simple as a small, metal lockbox, or you could have some fun with a larger box that actually looks like a treasure chest.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! But before I tell you the story, I have something that I want to show you. (Show the treasure chest.)

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
Personal rant here — since childhood I’ve been annoyed that the winners of the 100-meter dash at the Olympics are hailed as the world’s fastest humans. To me it’s been obvious that the greatest, and fastest, athletes are the women and men who endure the trials and tribulations throughout the 26.2-mile marathons, and who then somehow find it within themselves to sprint to the finish line.
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 and Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23

StoryShare

Frank Ramirez
Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return… (Luke 12:35-36)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus calls us to be ready for him, for we shall encounter him at unexpected times and in unexpected ways. In our worship today, let us prepare to meet with Jesus.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we don't bother to make ourselves ready for you.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes it doesn't occur to us that we might meet with you.

Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we miss you because we haven't expected you.

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
Those who bring thanksgiving as their sacrifice honor me; to those who go the right way I will show the salvation of God.
-- Psalm 50:23

Clayton A. Lord Jr.
I want to talk about heroes today. We all have them. Our heroes are men and women that we look up to. Our heroes are those individuals that inspire us and help us to strive to be our very best.

There is a cute story about a Texan who was trying to impress on a Bostonian, the valor of the heroes of the Alamo. After finishing his story about Sam Houston, Davy Crockett, and countless others, he says "I'll bet you never had anyone so brave around Boston."

"Did you ever hear of Paul Revere?" asked the Bostonian.

Thomas A. Renquist
Jesus tells us, "Don't be afraid," but it seems to me there is a lot to be afraid of. "Sell your possessions," he says, "give alms ... risk ... be dressed for action ... have your lamps lit ... be prepared ... be alert." Sounds very ominous, quite scary to me.

Christopher Reeves, the actor, knows what it is to be afraid. On Memorial Day weekend, 1995, in a tragic fall from his horse, he was instantly paralyzed from the neck down and fighting for his every breath.
John W. Wurster
"Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom. Listen to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah" (1:10; cf. Genesis 19).

Sodom. Gomorrah. Remember? Places of wickedness, of violence, of perversity. Do you know any place like that? Places where sexuality is twisted and relationships are corrupted and social order is breaking down? Places where people seek to gratify personal desires at the expense of others, where individual pursuits take precedence over common well-being, where anything goes as long as it feels good?

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL