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Derl G. Keefer

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

Giving thanks in all situations... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Giving thanks in all situations certainly is not easy.
The Masada was Herod's... -- John 20:19-31 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
The Masada was Herod's summer palace and fortress.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2014
Exodus 32:1-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 (2014) -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
Genesis 21:8-21
Sermon Illustrations for Fourth Sunday of Advent (2014) -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 2 (2015) -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2014
1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20)
Sermon Illustrations for Easter 3 -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
Acts 2:14a, 36-41
Moses has been on Mount Sinai... -- Exodus 32:1-14 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2014
Moses has been on Mount Sinai receiving from God the two tablets of the covenant law: "the tablets o
Sermon Illustrations for Trinity Sunday (2014) -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2014
Genesis 1:1--2:4a
The story is told... -- John 20:19-23 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
The story is told how Satan called together a council of aides to discuss how to stop the Christians
Nathan the prophet tells... -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Nathan the prophet tells David that God loves him and sees his lineage going on forever.
Dr. Adam Geibel, a music... -- 1 Peter 1:17-23 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
Dr.
Over the years I have received... -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2014
Over the years I have received a variety of invitations, including for weddings, birthday parties, a
Eighty years ago... -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2014
Eighty years ago Dr. James Denny wrote about a friend living in Scotland who was an avid fisherman.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 (2014) -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Scott A. Bryte, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2014
Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67
In this scripture lesson... -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
In this scripture lesson Mary is startled by an angel, but more startling is the announcement the an
Sermon Illustrations for Easter 4 (2014) -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10 -- Derl G. Keefer, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
Acts 2:42-47
General U.S. Grant arrived... -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2014
General U.S.
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 (2014) -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2014
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
It was a complicated... -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2014
It was a complicated and time-intensive search for a wife for Isaac, son of Abraham and Sarah.
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas Day (2014) -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
Isaiah 9:2-7
The story is told... -- Acts 2:42-47 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
The story is told of Associate Justice Joseph R.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2014
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
On a segment of... -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2014
On a segment of 60 Minutes (October 6, 2013) several special operations forces personnel were
We live in a society... -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2014
We live in a society that feels self-sufficient and has no time for justice as it continues to negle

Preaching

SermonStudio

Thoughts On Leadership -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
It was interesting to read an article in Strategy & Business magazine (Booz--Allen, Inc.
What Do Your People Expect From You? -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Every pastor is anxious to know what his/her people expect from him/her.
Do We Complicate Leadership? -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
With so much material on the market regarding leadership and pastoring, one wonders what could ever
Third Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
The Challenge Of Disbelief -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
Every pastor knows the challenge: at the door after what you thought was a biblical message, someone
Fourth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
The Basics For Ministry -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
In an age of professionalism, church growth strategies, demographics, and other somewhat technical m
Fifth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Soul Conditioning -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
William Barclay tells the story of a busy Glasgow pastor who attended a service of a noted pastor.
Sixth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Doing Good To The Souls Of People -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
Alexander Whyte once reported a woman's comment to her minister, "Sir, your preaching does my soul g
Have You Considered The Price Tag? -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Stephen Covey, author of First Things First and The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Peopl
Passionless People -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
Ken Jones, in his book The Climb of Your Life, said, "Our temporal, 'throwaway' society has s
The Value Of Trust -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
The tank of trust is ebbing low. It is not a high commodity in our world.
Eighth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Purity In An Impure Age -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Someone has said that if sin were not in the vocabulary, it would have to be invented.
Ninth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Psalm 30:4--5, 12)
Men And Women Of God -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
The late Henri Nouwen had a unique insight into the shepherding skills of a pastor, and in one of hi
Tenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Psalm 85)
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPLeader: Praise!
Our Work, Our Mission Field -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Tony Campolo tells the story of an English professor who suddenly quit his job.
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPSpeaker 1: God loves the world.
Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPLeader: Hear us, God; answer us.
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPLeader: God is so good!

Sermon

SermonStudio

Anticipation Of The Destination -- Joshua 3:7-17 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2001
Several years ago Heinz created a commercial for its ketchup line that still haunts one every time a
Let's Get Committed -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2001
Living in a new millennium differs little from the last.
Deborah - A Useful Leader For God -- Judges 4:1-7 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
The great emancipator Moses and his general Joshua, who became Commander-in-Chief of Israel, both ha
Reformation To Transformation -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Have you ever gone in search of buried treasure?
Living The Thankful Life -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2001
A condition known as "amnesia" may be produced if a person bumps his/her head very hard.
How A Faithful Leader Deals With Faithless Followers -- Exodus 32:1-14 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2001
The ranchers of the 1800s would round up thousands of wild horses to tame as good riding animals for
Leaving A Legacy -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2001
Moses became God's agent during a transitional era in the Hebrew's history.
God's New Shepherd -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2001
Scanning the "Help Wanted" section of any newspaper, one would be hard pressed to find an opening fo
Leaving, Uniting, Becoming One -- Genesis 2:18-24 -- Derl G. Keefer, Cheryl Rohret -- 2000
Hear these words from the first book in the Bible, Genesis, chapter 2, verses 18--24 (TEV):
Ceremony 1 -- Derl G. Keefer, Cheryl Rohret -- 2000
Pastor: In the beginning days of creation, God was pleased with all He had created.
Ceremony 2 -- Derl G. Keefer, Cheryl Rohret -- 2000
The Prologue
For Older Couple, Who Have Been Married Previously -- Derl G. Keefer, Cheryl Rohret -- 2000
The Prologue
Ceremony 4 -- Derl G. Keefer, Cheryl Rohret -- 2000
The Prologue
Wedding With Communion -- Derl G. Keefer, Cheryl Rohret -- 2000
Pastor: Welcome to the wedding of (Groom) and (Bride).
Ceremony 6 -- Derl G. Keefer, Cheryl Rohret -- 2000
Pastor: The world we live in changes constantly; governments rise and fall; institutions expand and
For Second Marriage With Children -- Derl G. Keefer, Cheryl Rohret -- 2000
Pastor: Mr. and Mrs. (Groom's parents' name), Mr. and Mrs.
Weddings Can Be Beautiful -- Derl G. Keefer, Cheryl Rohret -- 2000
The Christian envisions marriage as a God--given direction for life.
Lighting The Unity Candle -- 1 Corinthians 13 -- Derl G. Keefer, Cheryl Rohret -- 2000
Paul, the Apostle, once wrote a letter to his Christian friends in Corinth about the nature of true
Growing A Marriage -- Ephesians 3:14-19 -- Derl G. Keefer, Cheryl Rohret -- 2000
(for an outdoor setting)
Beginning A New Climb -- Ephesians 3:14-19 -- Derl G. Keefer, Cheryl Rohret -- 2000
(for a marriage after divorce)
Rooted In Love -- Ephesians 3: 14-19 -- Derl G. Keefer, Cheryl Rohret -- 2000
(for a blended family)
Love - Gift Of God -- 1 John 4:7-12 -- Derl G. Keefer, Cheryl Rohret -- 2000
(for a couple with a baby)
Garments Of Marriage -- Colossians 3:12-14 -- Derl G. Keefer, Cheryl Rohret -- 2000
(for a formal wedding)
Faith, Hope, And Love -- 1 Corinthians 13 -- Derl G. Keefer, Cheryl Rohret -- 2000
Listen to these words of encouragement from Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter 13 (TEV)
Eternal Love -- 1 Corinthians 13 -- Derl G. Keefer, Cheryl Rohret -- 2000
Paul, the Apostle, once wrote a letter to his Christian friends in Corinth about the nature of true

Stories

SermonStudio

Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God's People
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Family Love
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"God the Spirit, Guide and Guardian, Wind-sped flame and hovering Dove, Breath of life and voice of
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Spiritual Life
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Congress
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Spirit-filled Christian's theme is "ready to go, ready to stay, ready my place to fill."
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"A mother's love is indeed the golden link that binds youth to age; and he is still a child, however
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Accountability
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The power of the resurrection of Christ is the resident power of the Spirit.
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
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Life
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, and self
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A beautiful stained-glass window in New York state has the inscription, "To a sainted mother." Let t
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Gossip
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Fasting
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God's Spirit wants to empower you for service -- Today!
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Stewardship
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Country
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit is the positive presence of Jesus.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A mother's love is the steadfast devotion to her children.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Alcohol
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
One of the jobs of the Holy Spirit is to prick the conscience of ethics and morals of people.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
An old-timer is one who can remember when a baby-sitter was called mother.
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 10 | OT 15 | Pentecost 5
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 11 | OT 16 | Pentecost 6
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 12 | OT 17 | Pentecost 7
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

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John Jamison
Object: You may present this message as a simple story, or have the children act it out as a role-play. I will show the role-play version, but you can ignore the acting pieces and just tell the story if you prefer.

Note: For the role-play version, you will need to select two girls and one boy to play the roles. You might also have a broom and a dust rag if you want to.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! Let’s get started.

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For July 20, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52
Amos proclaims the word from God that punishes the people. The people are to be punished for their lack of faith, for their focus on practicing deceit, betraying honesty to their neighbors, and being impatient for the time after the Sabbath when they can focus on profit and selling their crops and wares. Oh, my! What a terrible message for people. You have been unfaithful so I will punish you. And then in the psalm, God is proclaimed to be the olive tree, that which brings blessing.
David Kalas
I have tried to find different ways of saying it so that my children don’t tire of hearing it. But the basic principle remains the same, and my kids have heard it a ton. “First things first.” They ask if they can do this or they start to do that, and I will endeavor to redirect them, saying, “Why don’t we make sure we’re doing first things first!”

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. (v. 24)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
One of Martha's earliest memories was of her little sister Mary singing and dancing in the middle of an admiring crowd of friends. Mary had always been a dancer, from the time she could walk. Privately, Martha thought she'd always been something of a show-off and ought to go on the stage, for Mary loved an audience.

SermonStudio

John E. Sumwalt
Jeanne Jones
Several years ago, before we moved to Wisconsin, I was an honorary nanny for our pastor's son, Jonathan. I took care of him from the time he was able to walk until our pastor moved, when Jonathan was about five. We had wonderful times together. One time, when I was at their house, and we had been doing some spiritual direction together, Pastor Michael asked me if I knew the name of my guardian angel.
James Evans
We are not surprised when we learn about crooks and robbers boasting about "mischief done against the godly" or "plotting destruction" all day long. The image we have in our minds about who "bad" people are, and how they conduct themselves, make such accusations completely plausible. We are less inclined to believe such things about leaders, especially respected leaders among us. We have difficulty believing someone with wealth and power would deliberately plot to do someone else harm.
Arley K. Fadness
Today's gospel from Luke 10 follows the parable of the good Samaritan. Luke positions the good Samaritan and the Mary-Martha story back to back for good reason. The parable and the story are examples of the Great Commandment "to love the Lord your God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself." The good Samaritan parable illustrates "love to neighbor," whereas the Mary-Martha story illustrates "love to God."
Kirk R. Webster
In the early 1990s, Wesley Nunley of Dallas completed a project he had dreamed of for decades. "I tell you, this could be a big thing," he explained. Wes then walked out to a concrete octagon in the middle of his backyard. With a beaming smile, arms raised up in excitement, the energetic retiree said, "This welcomes the UFO to land, which has never been done before."
John W. Wurster
It was the best of times. A time of prosperity and confidence, a time of relative peace, a time when most everything looked pretty good, a time when most everyone felt pretty good. It was a time maybe not unlike our own time.
H. Burnham Kirkland
Words Of Assurance
Our God is both wise and caring: afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted.

Pastoral Prayer
God, we bow before you this morning, knowing that you hear every prayer. We know that in all of Creation, you are the source of life. You are the one who set the light swirling between the galaxies. The breath of your Spirit pulses through all life. You have even become flesh among us. We praise you, Lord, that in all your wonder, you have not forgotten us.

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