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Derl G. Keefer

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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

Twenty--sixth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Epiphany 3 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Twenty--seventh Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - 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.
Pentecost Sunday -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Day of Pentecost - 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
Thanksgiving Day -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2002
CALL TO WORSHIPLeader: God is the ruling King of life.
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.
Transfiguration Of The Lord -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
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.
Holy Trinity -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - 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.
First Sunday After Christmas -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 148 adapted)
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.
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)
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
Upside Down Christmas -- Luke 1:46b-55 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2002
We spent much of the summer of 1994 "Down Under" in Australia and New Zealand.
Sunday Of The Passion -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP

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

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
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
Prayer
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Heaven is at the feet of mothers." (Roebuck)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"While holiness does not make it impossible for you to sin, the experience does make it impossible n
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Leadership
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Spiritual Irresponsibility
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.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God's Care
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
Faith
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
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
Prayer
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
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
Lie "A lie stands on one leg, truth on two." (Benjamin Franklin)
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Spiritual Life
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"God the Spirit, Guide and Guardian, Wind-sped flame and hovering Dove, Breath of life and voice of
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Baptism of Our Lord
29 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
40 – Children's Sermons / Resources
25 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 2 | OT 2
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 3 | OT 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
25 – 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
Christopher Keating
For January 25, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus called Simon and Andrew, James and John, to follow him. They immediately made their decision and dropped everything, for they knew the importance of their call. When Jesus calls us, do we hear him and do we respond?

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when I'm busy I find it difficult to hear you.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy, I find it difficult to respond to you.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy I'm not sure whether I want to follow you.
Lord, have mercy.
Janice B. Scott
I remember years ago watching an old film, which I think was "The Nun's Story." The young nun who was the heroine of the story had all sorts of difficulties in relationships with the other nuns. The problem was that she was super-intelligent, and the other nuns resented her. In the end the young nun went to the Mother Superior for advice, and was told that as a sign of humility she should fail her coming exams!

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "Angel of Mercy"
Shining Moments: "A Dog's Life" by David Michael Smith
Good Stories: "God's Call" by Stephen Groves
Scrap Pile: "The Way Less Taken" by Garry Deverell


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

C. David Mckirachan
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"Ordinary Time" by C. David McKirachan
"Who's the Fool?" by C. David McKirachan
"Sharing the Light" by Sandra Herrmann


* * * * * * *


Ordinary Time
by C. David McKirachan
Isaiah 9:1-4

SermonStudio

John N. Brittain
How familiar Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 1 sound! Chloe's people had reported quarreling among the believers. Imagine that -- disagreements in a church! There were rivalries and backstabbing even in the very earliest days of the Christian community.
Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
A few years ago, I was on a retreat in northern Michigan, and I knew that some of our friends from home were sailing in the vicinity. One evening I went to the local boat dock, and walked through the lines of boats calling out the names of our friends, hopeful that they might be there. I remember the joy I felt when I yelled their names, and they answered! They were actually there, and they responded to my call!
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: In Christ's Name
Message: What on earth will bring us together, God? Lauds, KDM

How long must we wait, God,
for people to stop fighting
nations and nations
buyers and sellers
big ones and little ones
in-laws and relatives
husbands and wives
sisters and brothers
for me to stop fighting with me?
How long must we wait, God,
before we let the Christ Child come here?1
William B. Kincaid, III
In some parts of the country it doesn't matter, but in many areas the snow which falls during this time of the year can bring things to a decisive halt. Schools close. Events are canceled. Travel becomes tricky. If the conditions become severe enough, the decision may be made that not everybody should try to get to work. Only those who are absolutely necessary should report.
R. Glen Miles
"There will be no more gloom." That is how our text begins today. For the ones who were in anguish, glory will replace the gloom. Light will shine in darkness. Celebration will replace oppression. A new day will dawn.

In one sense these verses offer a summary of the overall message of the scriptures, "The darkness will pass. The light of a new day is dawning and there will be joy once again." At the end of the Bible, almost as if the original collectors of these sacred texts intended to remind us again of this word of hope, the Revelation of John tells us:
Robert A. Beringer
After a service of ordination to the Christian ministry, a sad-faced woman came up to the newly-ordained pastor and said, "It's a grand thing you are doing as a young man - giving up the joys of life to serve the Lord." That woman's attitude reflects a commonly held belief that to be serious about our faith means that we expect all joy to be taken out of living. For many, Christianity appears to be a depressing faith, with unwelcome disciplines, that cramps our lifestyle and crushes our spirits.
John T. Ball
All religions offer salvation. Eastern religions offer salvation from the illusion of being separated from ultimate reality - as in Hinduism, or from the pains of desire, as in Buddhism. Nature religions preach a salvation by calling us to realize we are linked to the natural world. Humanistic religions offer a salvation tied to the call to live in dignity and justice without divine aid. The biblical religions - Judaism, Islam, and Christianity - describe salvation in somewhat different ways. Judaism sees salvation primarily as an earthly and corporate affair.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Litany Of Confession
P: Discord, dissention, strife,
C: anger, violence, hatred;
P: we confess to you, O God,
C: our schemes, our willful rebellion,
our hidden hostilities toward your children.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our lack of trust in your presence,
our need to control, our insatiable appetite for praise.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our fear of speaking the truth in love,
our self-hatred, our moments of utter despair
when we no longer believe you are at work in us.
Wayne H. Keller
Adoration And Praise

Invitation to the Celebration
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Canticle Of Light And Darkness (UM205)
To Us A Child Of Hope Is Born (CBH189)
God Of Our Strength (CBH36)
Beneath The Cross Of Jesus (CBH250, UM297, NCH190, PH92)
In The Cross Of Christ I Glory (CBH566, UM295, NCH193--194, PH84)
Lord, You Have Come To The Lakeshore (CBH229, NCH173, PH377, UM344)
Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life (PH408, CBH405, UM42, NCH543)
Jesus Calls Us, O'er The Tumult (UM398, NCH171--172, CBH398)

Anthems

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
In 1882 George MacDonald wrote a fascinating story that powerfully illumines the thought behind today's lectionary passages. MacDonald called his tale "The Day Boy and the Night Girl: the Romance of Photogen and Nycteris" (it is available online at http://www.ccel.org/m/macdonald/daynight/daynight.html). In MacDonald's fable a witch steals a newborn girl and raises her in the total darkness of a cave. The witch experiences both light and darkness, but not the girl. She is completely immersed in the black world.
Wayne Brouwer
"Politics are almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous!" said Winston Churchill. "In war you can only be killed once, but in politics many times."

In one of his essays, Albert Camus describes a powerful scene. John Huss, the great Czech reformer of the church, is on trial. His accusers twist all his ideas out of shape. They refuse to give him a hearing. They maneuver the political machine against him and incite popular passion to a lynch-mob frenzy. Finally, Huss is condemned to be burned at
David Kalas
Schuyler Rhodes
I was in the home of a church member the other day where I saw a marvelous family portrait. The picture had been taken on the occasion of a fiftieth wedding anniversary, and the entire family had gathered for the occasion. The celebrating husband and wife were seated in the center of the picture, flanked by their adult children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. It was a magnificent full-color illustration of God's design.

Special Occasion

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