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Frank Ramirez

Frank Ramirez is a native of Southern California and is the senior pastor of the Union Center Church of the Brethren near Nappanee, Indiana. Frank has served congregations in Los Angeles, California; Elkhart, Indiana; and Everett, Pennsylvania. He and his wife Jennie share three adult children, all married, and three grandchildren. He enjoys writing, reading, exercise, and theater.
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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Who? Me? -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2025
I occasionally include short clips from a movie in order to illustrate a point.
Excuses Versus Repentance -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2025
Ash Wednesday is a day for remembering our sins, asking for forgiveness, and resolving to change.
Something New Something New -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
This is not the same old thing. This is something new.
The Story Continues -- Acts 5:27-32, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
Sometimes movies end with the “happily ever after moment.” Finally — Hooray!
Do You Want to Be Made Well? Make it Happen! -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 5:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
The church is a work in progress — and we are expected to be a critical part of that church’s work.
The Road Less Traveled -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2025
Robert Frost is famous, if for nothing else, for his poem “The Road Not Taken.” In it he reflects:
The Times They Are A Changing -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2024
Back in 1963 Bob Dylan, at that time coming into his own at a folk singer, wrote and recorded a folk
Water, Water, Everywhere -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
I apologize if you’re living in one of the areas recently hit by unprecedented storms, but as one wh
Written On The Heart -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
This week’s lectionary scriptures invite us to seek perfection — not in the sense of being perfect,
Living in Faith -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:23-37, 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
Living by faith implies both belief and action.
Listen Carefully -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
Today’s scriptures call upon us to listen carefully — to Jesus, through his words in the New Testame
Out With the Old, In With the New -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2024
Out with the old, and in with the new. That’s easily said, but not so easily done.
Star of the Show -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Ephesians 2:11-22, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2024
In each of these scriptures it is up to recognize who is the star of the show.
Temples of Stone, Flesh, and Bread -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2024
The first temple, built under the leadership of King Solomon, was sacred in memory.
Disaster Averted -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2024
In the book of Esther, the tables are turned on Haman’s genocidal plot and the people emerge triumph
The Death of Death -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Frank Ramirez -- All Saints Day - B -- 2024
Most ancient cosmologies began with some sort of primordial battle between the gods and chaos, and w
Thanks For What? -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2024
Thanksgiving is one of the most blessed, most anticipated, and most dreaded holidays on our calendar
Ready or Not... -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Baruch 5:1-9, Malachi 3:1-4 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2024
Ready or not, the holidays are rushing upon us. In many ways I’m sure they are already here.
A Late Christmas Card -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2024
Just when you thought the holidays were over, when the last of the holiday snacks, Chex Mix and cook
Talk Me Down -- Matthew 22:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Exodus 32:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2023
“Talk me down.” Have you heard that saying?
Are You Ready? -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2023
When people say there is peace and security, look out. Be ready! Something is coming!
Apocalypse Now! -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
Shakespeare’s stage was pretty simple and bare — an open space out of doors where comedies, tragedie

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Excuses Versus Repentance -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2025
Ash Wednesday is a day for remembering our sins, asking for forgiveness, and resolving to change.
The Times They Are A Changing -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2024
Back in 1963 Bob Dylan, at that time coming into his own at a folk singer, wrote and recorded a folk
Ready or Not... -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Baruch 5:1-9, Malachi 3:1-4 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2024
Ready or not, the holidays are rushing upon us. In many ways I’m sure they are already here.

Drama

SermonStudio

The Living Advent Wreath -- Frank Ramirez -- 2008
Material Used Through Five WeeksThe Living Advent Wreath
The Mouse Christmas -- Frank Ramirez -- 2008
The Mouse Christmas
The Ad Vent Wheat -- Frank Ramirez -- 2008
The Ad Vent WheatCharacters Courtney Alexis
The Bee Attitudes -- Frank Ramirez -- 2007
Cast Crystal Doris Garrison Vanessa Olivia Taylor
Witnesses To The Light: Mary of Magdala -- I Have Seen The Lord! -- Luke 8:1-3 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2007
Characters Angels Fantastic Marvelous Wonderful Gabriel
Holy Water -- Frank Ramirez -- 2007
Characters Youth Group: Ernie Errol Earl Emmett
Holy Ground -- Frank Ramirez -- 2007
Cast Sunday School Teacher Sunday School Students: Chris Wilson
Considerable Provocation -- Frank Ramirez -- 2007
And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds....
Noah's New Ark -- Frank Ramirez -- 2007
Characters Narrator (perhaps an adult) Elijah Noah Child One
M.I.H. -- Missing In Heaven -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Easter Sunrise ServiceOrder Of WorshipPrelude
Gabriel's Horn -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Characters Angel Marvelous Angel Wonderful Angel Gabriel
The Honeymooners -- Genesis 12:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Characters Angel Marvelous Angel Wonderful Angel Gabriel Abram
The Cleanup Crew -- Haggai 1:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Characters Angel Marvelous Angel Wonderful Angel Gabriel
The Reading Club -- Nehemiah 8:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Characters Angel Marvelous Angel Wonderful Angel Gabriel Hannah
Step Up To The Plate -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Characters Angel Marvelous Angel Wonderful Angel Gabriel Mary

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 7 (OT 7) Cycle C (2025) -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38 -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2025
Genesis 45:3-11, 15
Sermon Illustrations for Transfiguration Sunday, Cycle C (2025) -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2025
Exodus 34:29-35
Sermon Illustrations for Easter 2 (2025) -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
Acts 5:27-32
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2025) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2025
Isaiah 58:1-12
Sermon Illustrations for Easter 3 (2025) -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
Acts 9:1-6 (7-20)
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 1 (2025) -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Sermon illustrations for Easter 4 (2025) -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
Acts 9:36-43
Sermon Illustrations for Easter 5 (2025) -- Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
Acts 11:1-18
Sermon Illustrations for Easter 6 (2025) -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
Acts 16:9-15
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 2 (2025) -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Sermon illustrations for Ascension of the Lord (2025) -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2025
Acts 1:1-11
Sermon Illustrations for Easter 7 (2025) -- Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, John 17:20-26 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
Acts 16:16-34
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2025) -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
Joshua 9:5-12
Sermon Illustrations for Day of Pentecost (2025) -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2025
Genesis 11:1-9
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 5 (2025) -- Isaiah 43:16-21, Philippians 3:4b-14, John 12:1-8 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
Isaiah 43:16-21
Sermon Illustrations for Trinity Sunday (2025) -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2025
Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Psalm 8
Sermon Illustrations for Palm/Passion Sunday (2025) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2025
Isaiah 50:4-9
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 7 | OT 12 (2025) -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2025
1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a and Psalm 42-43
Sermon Illustrations for Maundy Thursday (2025) -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2025
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 8 | OT 13 (2025) -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2025
2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 and Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20
Sermon Illustrations for Good Friday (2025) -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Good Friday - C -- 2025
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 9 | OT 14 (2025) -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, Psalm 30 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2025
2 Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 30
Sermon Illustrations for Easter Day (2025) -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, John 20:1-18, Luke 24:1-12, Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Easter Day - C -- 2025
Isaiah 65:17-25
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 10 | OT 15 (2025) -- Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2025
Amos 7:7-17 and Psalm 82
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 2 (2025) -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2025
Jeremiah 31:7-14

Prayer

SermonStudio

Prayers For Peace -- Frank Ramirez -- 2006
One: Lord, we come before you humbly, without all the answers, but trusting in your goodness
Prayers In Ordinary Times -- Frank Ramirez -- 2006
God of light, God of truth, abide with us as evening falls.

Sermon

SermonStudio

There's Still Time -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2009
Nowadays the cost of a dinner and a movie keeps going up, and a vacation can be especially expensive
Hit Me With Your Best Shot -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
Harry Houdini (1874-1926) was an expert at sleight of hand, a skeptic when it came to the spirituali
Oh, Jerusalem -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
Nowadays we have 24-hour news stations, satellite radio, email alerts, and other ways of finding out
The Tower Of Siloam -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
It was over forty years ago, in the middle of December 1963, when my aging father retired from the N
This Fellow Welcomes Sinners -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
In the old Soviet Union it was common for people who had fallen out of favor with the communist regi
No Pleasing Some People -- John 12:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
Secretly I'm on Judas' side on this one. You probably don't want to admit it, but so are you.
No ... On -- Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2009
I've tried to get a handle on this Holy Week thing.
Holy Ground -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2009
The Bible -- under $10 if you do a little shopping.
You Are Here -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - C -- 2009
Maybe you've seen the drawing on a T-shirt or poster.
Another Mary, Another Martha -- John 20:1-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - C -- 2009
December 6, 2002, was my birthday, and I had no idea what a great birthday present was in the offing
Believing Thomas -- John 20:19-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
They say history is written by the victors, but I'm not always so sure.
Low-Carb Christians -- John 21:1-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
It was over thirty years ago that someone handed me a book that seemed to have the answer to the gre
How Much Of An Honor? -- John 10:22-30 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
Whether you are in school, hanging around the water cooler at work, or just talking around the table
Simple Enough? -- John 13:31-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
In the fall of 1862, the United States was reeling from one defeat after another at the hands of the
Advocate And Redeemer -- John 14:23-29 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
Imagine the wind rushing through an open door while the roar of the propeller in an aging old Ford T
The End Of The Beginning -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2009
Three decades ago my nephew, Nathaniel, was a toddler when he discovered the full moon for the first
That We May All Be One! -- John 17:20-26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
In the nineteenth century, most American denominations felt pretty smug that theirs was the real fai
Priceless -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
The Island of Rodriguez in the Pacific Ocean, not that far from Zanzibar, has mainly managed to stay
The Easter Era -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - C -- 2006
Most of us probably enjoy taking part in Easter rituals both here at church and at home.
Who? -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
My guess is that unless you're a fan of Elizabethan theater you've never heard of Robert Greene (156
Fruit With Feet -- Acts 9:1-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
There has rarely been a transformation from sinner to saint as dramatic as that of Paul, former pers
God's Call For All -- Acts 9:35-43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
A church in Pennsylvania reported the death of one of their members recently.
Jumping Through Hoops -- Acts 11:1-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is a place where the old ways matter.
What Church Looks Like -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
There's the story of the man who was lost on a desert island for a decade.
Jailhouse Rock -- Acts 16:16-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Do you remember the old folk tune that went something like this? (sing or recite)

Stories

StoryShare

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
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
Spoiler Alert! -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2025
I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. (v. 4)
Pet Clouds -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were terrified as they en
Running on Empty -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2025
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he existed in the form of God,
The Speed of News -- Revelation 1:4-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
Every eye will see him…. (v. 7)
Dream a Little Dream -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
(This particular installment of StoryShare is adapted from a review of “Seven Psalms” that I wro
Hail and Farewell -- John 16:12-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2025
A little while, and you will no longer see me…. (v. 12)
Brother-Sister Act -- Psalm 82 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2025
I say, “You are gods,    children of the Most High, all of you;
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
Who Knew? -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. (v. 1)
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
Here I Am! -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2024
Then the Lord called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!” (v. 4)
Forward -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2024
Your glory, O Israel, lies slain upon your high places! How the mighty have fallen! (v.
Earthly Kings -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2024
In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle…. (v. 1)
The Value of Wisdom -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2024
At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I should giv
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.
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
Wait! Who Wrote That? -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2024
But Ruth said, “Do not press me to leave you, to turn back from following you!
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
Origin Stories -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2024
Then I said, ‘See, I have come to do your will, O God’ (in the scroll of the book it is written
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[
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

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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
Pet Clouds -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were terrified as they en

Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 19/Ordinary Time 24 -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 15:1-10Theme: Looking To Find
Maundy Thursday -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26Theme: PricelessMeditation
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Ephesians 3:1-12Theme: Mystery Solved
Reformation Sunday -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Romans 3:19-28Theme: Rock Solid And Sure
The Holy Trinity -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31Theme: Roll Call
Proper 20/Ordinary Time 25 -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 8:18--9:1Theme: Real Relief
Maundy Thursday -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 13:1-17, 31b-35Theme: Why Is This Night So Different?
Proper 9/Ordinary Time 14 -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 10:1-11, 16-20Theme: You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 6:17-26Theme: Joys And WoesCall To Worship
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Matthew 2:1-12Theme: Stopping For Directions
Reformation Sunday -- John 8:31-36 -- Frank Ramirez -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 8:31-36Theme: Here's The Key -- Let Yourself Out
The Holy Trinity -- Romans 5:1-5 -- Frank Ramirez -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Romans 5:1-5Theme: SST (Serious Spiritual Training)
Proper 20/Ordinary Time 25 -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 2:1-7Theme: Pray For Who?
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 52:13--53:12Theme: Vindication. Trust Me.
Proper 10/Ordinary Time 15 -- Amos 7:7-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Amos 7:7-17Theme: Got A LifeCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Genesis 45:3-11, 15Theme: Slow Burn
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 43:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 43:1-7Theme: For I Am With You
All Saints -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- All Saints Day - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18Theme: History Class
The Holy Trinity -- John 16:12-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 16:12-15Theme: Much More To Say
Proper 20/Ordinary Time 25 -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 16:1-13Theme: Follow The Money
Good Friday -- Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9Theme: Approach ...
Proper 10/Ordinary Time 15 -- Colossians 1:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Colossians 1:1-14Theme: Victory Parade
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Acts 8:14-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Acts 8:14-17Theme: The Spirit Even Here!
All Saints -- Ephesians 1:11-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- All Saints Day - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Ephesians 1:11-23Theme: Seal Of Approval
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

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Tom Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
For August 3, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: The object of the lesson is a gesture you will teach the children.

Note: The gesture used both hands. Hold both hands in front of you and make the thumbs-up sign with both hands with both thumbs pointing back at your chest. This is the “ME!” gesture. Then simply rotate your hands back so your thumbs are pointing straight up in the air, like two “OK” signs. This is the “US” gesture.

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StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator. (vv. 9-10)

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Hosea 11: 1-13
The prophet compares Yahweh to a father who exercises compassion despite his original plan to punish Israel. John Calvin nicely explains these dynamics:
Mark Ellingsen
Hosea 11:1-11

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus warned against with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich towards God. Through our worship today let us pledge ourselves to seek our treasure only in God.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we envy others because of all they possess.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we desire all that money can buy.
Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things.... Let those who are wise give heed to these things, and consider the steadfast love of the Lord.
-- Psalm 107:9, 43

Kirk R. Webster
How do you focus on something unseen? How can we set our minds on that which we can't touch, or taste, or verify scientifically? Most practical people want proof. Abstract propositions are difficult to get our arms around, especially if they are from another time and place.
Thomas A. Renquist
This story begins with gift -- with blessed gift -- with miraculous, blessed giftedness. And I will even tell you now the theme of the story: if you keep your eye on the giftedness of everything, then you yourself can be a gift, you can be a giver, rather than a hoarder.
John W. Wurster
" 'It was I who taught Ephraim how to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them' (11:3). They did not know me. Do you?

" 'I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them.' (1:4). But they did not know me. Do you?

Special Occasion

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