Login / Signup

Mark Ellingsen

Mark Ellingsen, a minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), has been a professor of Church History at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, since 1993. He graduated magna cum laude from Gettysburg College (Pennsylvania) and Yale University, from which he received three master's degrees in divinity, arts, and philosophy, as well as his Ph.D. He has authored 26 books including his latest, Wired for Racism? How Evolution and Faith Move Us to Challenge Racial Idolatry, published by New City Press and Reality and Waves: A Quantum Physics Cosmology, Philosophy of Religion, and Ethic (Lexington Books). He and his wife have three grown children. When he is not writing or teaching, Ellingsen enjoys discussing politics, sports, and playing guitar.
Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sometimes God Defies the World’s Expectations -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2020
Serving God his way, noting how God sometimes defies the world’s expectations.
Hearing the Prophets and Becoming One of Them -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
We Cannot Help But Follow Him -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2019
All the lessons testify to how when confronted by God’s word, we cannot help but follow him, a theme
Occasions for Rejoicing -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
Since the Fourth Sunday in Lent has been historically identified as Laetare (Rejoicing Sund
The Magnificence Of God’s Activating, Future-oriented, Forgiving Love -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
This Sunday’s lessons proclaim that God and his resurrection have their way with us.
Plans Beyond Our Own Little Boxes -- Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, John 17:20-26 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
The lessons for the last Sunday of Easter witness to how we might live by the awesome vision of God
God Keeps Us On The Move -- Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2019
All the lessons for this Sunday testify that God keeps us on the move, gets us away from our p
How Devotion to God Changes Things -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2019
The key to this Sunday’s lessons is how they aim to get us to appreciate how devotion to God changes
Freedom! -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2019
The theme for this celebration of the Reformation is, appropriately enough, Freedom!
Christ Already Reigns! -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2019
It is appropriate that the celebration of Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday of the church year
Focusing On Jesus -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
The difference the coming baby makes is the overall theme of Advent 4.
God is with us everywhere -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2018
In accord with the Epiphany season, all the lessons deal with the issue of where God is to be found,
We need prophets -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2018
As Epiphany season pertains to living the Christian life, these lessons direct us to consider a part
Remembering our spiritual roots -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
The Second Sunday in Lent was typically devoted to the theme of “remembering” [Remiscere].
How God gets us to love him -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2018
The theme common to these texts for Maundy Thursday is to consider what God does to get us to love h
The Goodness of God -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Historically the Third Sunday of Easter has been a Sunday to celebrate the Goodness of God.
God does not abandon us -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Transpiring in the week when the Festival of Jesus’ Ascension is commemorated, it is not surprising
The Greatest and Truest Father -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2018
All the lessons for this Sunday early in the Pentecost Season proclaim the good news that God finds
All Are One -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2018
This is a Sunday for celebrating that All are One.
Christ Fills Us Up -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2018
This Sunday’s lessons in taking their bearings from the Gospel’s report of Jesus identifying with th
The Love God Creates Makes Life Better -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16, Psalm 26 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2018
All the lessons for this Sunday will lead to reflections on the love of God – in creation, human nat

Free Access

Life-changing Triune God -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2020
An eternally loving, life-changing Triune God!
A God Who Defies Our Expectations -- Matthew 22:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Exodus 32:1-14 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2020
Celebrations with an awesome God, focusing on a God who defies our expectations.
Hearing the Prophets and Becoming One of Them -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Plans Beyond Our Own Little Boxes -- Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, John 17:20-26 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
The lessons for the last Sunday of Easter witness to how we might live by the awesome vision of God

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 (2023) -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2023
Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 (2023) -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14, Isaiah 25:1-9, Psalm 23 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2023
Exodus 32:1-14
Sermon Illustrations For Easter 2 (2023) -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Acts 2:14a, 22-32
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 (2023) -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2023
Exodus 33:12-23
Sermon Illustrations For Easter 3 (2023) -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Acts 2:14a, 36-41
Sermon Illustrations For Easter 4 (2023) -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10, Psalm 23 -- Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Acts 2:42-47
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 (2023) -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46, Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18, Psalm 1 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2023
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Sermon Illustrations For Easter 5 (2023) -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Acts 7:55-60
Illustrations for All Saints Day (2023) -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- All Saints Day - A -- 2023
Revelation 7:9-17
Sermon Illustrations For Easter 6 (2023) -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Acts 17:22-31
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2023) -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2023
Joshua 3:7-17
Sermon Illustrations for Ascension of the Lord (2023) -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2023
Acts 1:1-11
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 1 (2023) -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
Isaiah 63:7-9
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 (2023) -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2023
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
Sermon Illustrations For Easter 7 (2023) -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Acts 1:6-14
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany of Our Lord (2023) -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2023
Isaiah 60:1-6
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2023) -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2023
Judges 4:1-7
Sermon Illustrations For Day Of Pentecost (2023) -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2023
Acts 2:1-21
Sermon Illustrations for Baptism of Our Lord (2023) -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2023
Isaiah 42:1-9
Sermon Illustrations For Trinity Sunday (2023) -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2023
Genesis 1:1--2:4
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 (2023) -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2023
Isaiah 49:1-7
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 3 (2023) -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
Isaiah 9:1-4
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 5 | OT 10 (2023) -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2023
Genesis 12:1-9
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 4 | OT 4 (2023) -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
Micah 6:1-8
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 6 | OT 11 | Pentecost 3 (2023) -- Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Romans 5:1-8, Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2023
Genesis 18:1-15, (21:1-7)

Political Pulpit

Preaching

SermonStudio

Easter 4 -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day
Easter Sunday -- Isaiah 25:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Easter Day - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayEaster surprises. Collect of the Day
Easter 5 -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayWhat God's love does to us. Collect of the Day
Reformation Day -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayFreedom! Collect of the Day
Ascension of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark Ellingsen -- 2011
Theme of the DayThe heavenly power and cosmic presence of Christ.
All Saints -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Mark Ellingsen -- All Saints Day - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayHow Christ makes us saints. Collect of the Day
Easter 7 -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayThe awesome ways of God. Collect of the Day
Proper 26 / Pentecost 23 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayThere's always somebody to help.
Pentecost Sunday -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day
Proper 28 / Pentecost 25 / Ordinary Time 33 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day
Holy Trinity Sunday -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayAn eternally loving triune God! Collect of the Day
Thanksgiving Day -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayWhy we should be thankful. Collect of the Day
Proper 5 / Pentecost 2 / Ordinary Time 10 -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, Mark 3:20-35 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayWe never get it right 'til we're right with God.
Christ the King (Proper 29) / Pentecost 26 / Ordinary Time 34 -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayChrist already reigns! Collect of the Day
Proper 6 / Pentecost 3 / Ordinary Time 11 -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayA way out of no way. Collect of the Day
Proper 27 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 32 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayDistributing our Lord's treasures.
Proper 8 / Pentecost 5 / Ordinary Time 13 -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayGod delivers: there are lots of reasons to be grateful!
Proper 9 / Pentecost 6 / Ordinary Time 14 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayGod and His people get in the trenches.
Proper 10 / Pentecost 7 / Ordinary Time 15 -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayIt's all in God's hands! Collect of the Day

Free Access

Maundy Thursday / Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayWhat God does to get us to love.

Sermon

The Political Pulpit

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Signup for FREE!
(No credit card needed.)
Easter 4
28 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
23 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 5
33 – Sermons
140+ – Illustrations / Stories
34 – Children's Sermons / Resources
30 – Worship Resources
35 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 6
30 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
23 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Signup for FREE!
(No credit card needed.)

New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
In the sometimes-tiresome debate over science and scripture with respect to creation, it’s easy to become distracted. While the argument typically requires a focus on the how, we may lose sight of the what. And so, for just a moment, let me invite us to think for a moment about what God created.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Acts 8:26-40
As a local church pastor, I was often asked if I would baptize a child whose family were not members of the church. Some churches rebelled against this, but I remember this scripture — the hunger for understanding and inclusion of the Eunuch and Philp’s response — to teach and share and baptize in the name of our God. How could we turn anyone away from the rite of baptism?

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Dad, I think you worked a miracle.” Rolf slowly walked around the tree. “After that windstorm, I assumed this tree was as good as gone.”

“We just needed to give the branches time to heal and come back,” Michael replied.

 “I know, but so many of them were battered and broken I figured that it couldn’t recover. Now though it looks just like it did before the storm.” Rolf paused. “Do you think it will bear any fruit this summer?”

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A live plant that produces fruit, and a broken branch from that plant. I used a tomato plant from a local greenhouse. Ideally, find a plant with blossoms or small fruit already growing. If you use a different kind of fruit-producing plant, just change the script to fit.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent!

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Elena Delhagen
Dean Feldmeyer
Quantisha Mason-Doll
For April 28, 2024:
  • On The Way To Gaza by Chris Keating based on Acts 8:26-40. On the way to Gaza, Philip discovers the startling ways the Spirit of God moves across borders, boundaries, customs, and traditions.
  • Second Thoughts: Abiding by Katy Stenta based on John 15:1-8.
  • Sermon illustrations by Mary Austin, Tom Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is the vine, we are the branches. In our service today, let us absorb from the vine all the nourishment we need.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes our branches become cut off from the vine.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes our branches are withered.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we fail to produce good fruit.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
We will meet Psalm 22 in its entirety on Good Friday, but here the lectionary designates just verses 23-31. The lectionary psalms generally illuminate the week's First Lesson, which in this case is about the covenant initiated by God with Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 17. The nine verses from this psalm, while not inappropriate, nonetheless leave us looking for an obvious connection with the First Lesson.

John S. Smylie
I think some people are natural-born gardeners. Our Lord grew up in a society that was familiar with agriculture. The images that he used to explain the ways of his Father in heaven are familiar to his audience. Growing up, my closest experience to agriculture was living in, "the Garden State." Most people, when they pass through New Jersey, are surprised to see that expression on the license plates of vehicles registered in New Jersey. Most folks traveling through New Jersey experience the megalopolis, the corridor between New York City and Washington DC.
Ron Lavin
A pastor in Indiana went to visit an 87-year-old man named Ermil, who was a hospital patient. A member of his church told the pastor about this old man who was an acquaintance. "He's not a believer, but he is really in need," the church member said. "I met him at the county home for the elderly. He's a lonely old man with no family and no money."

Paul E. Robinson
"Love is a many splendored thing...." Or so we heard Don Cornwall and the Four Aces sing time and again. Of course you or I might have other words to describe love, depending on our situation.

Love. "I love you." "I love to play golf." "I just love pistachio lush!" "It's tough to love some people." "Jesus loves me, this I know."

Love.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL