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Derl G. Keefer

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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
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.
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
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 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
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
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 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
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
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.
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.
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
Dr. Adam Geibel, a music... -- 1 Peter 1:17-23 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
Dr.
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
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
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
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 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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
Eighth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
The Value Of Trust -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
The tank of trust is ebbing low. It is not a high commodity in our world.
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)
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.
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)
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
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.
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPLeader: Praise!
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.
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.
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!
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP

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
Congress
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Spiritual Life
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Spirit-filled Christian's theme is "ready to go, ready to stay, ready my place to fill."
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.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Life
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Pardon is not enough; we want sanctification.
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
God's People
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
Family Love
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
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
Country
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Stewardship
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit is the positive presence of Jesus.
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.
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
An old-timer is one who can remember when a baby-sitter was called mother.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Gossip
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God's Spirit wants to empower you for service -- Today!
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Lent 2
20 – Sermons
170+ – Illustrations / Stories
26 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
20 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 3
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 4
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A rock about the size of a tennis ball, baseball, or even a softball.

* * *

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

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
George Reed
Mary Austin
For March 30, 2025:

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
Paul reread the parable again and sighed. Why had he agreed to lead the Bible study this week? When Pastor Luke asked him, he had been all excited and enthusiastic. He knew the parable of the prodigal son inside and out having read commentaries and stories about it before. He had actually preached a sermon on the passage when Pastor Luke was away and received great feedback from the congregation.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Joshua 5:9-12
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Joshua 9:5-12

SermonStudio

Bonnie Bates
It is a well-known cliché that “God never gives us more than we can handle”, but I have sometimes found that not to be so. When my youngest brother died of brain cancer at age five, it was more than I could handle. When my first husband was emotionally and physically abusive, it was more than I could handle. When my second husband and I lost our twin sons at birth, it was more than I could handle. The COVID pandemic was more than we could handle. Wars and violence are often more than we can handle. Homelessness, poverty, grief, and loss are often more than we can handle.
John N. Brittain
I suppose we are all a little bit nervous about the prospect of a sermon on a Bible story as familiar and sometimes as overworked as the Parable of the Prodigal Son. "What can I possibly say that hasn't been said before?" And I know what's going through your minds: "Are we going to be subjected to the same old sermon yet another time?" Confronting a familiar Bible passage like this mid-Lent really serves to address the discipline of reading Scripture as part of our devotional life, particularly passages that are very familiar.
Charles D. Reeb
A. A. Milne, the creator of Winnie the Pooh, wrote a simple, yet telling poem in his work, Now We Are Six:

When I was One, I had just begun.
When I was Two, I was nearly new.
When I was Three, I was hardly Me.
When I was Four, I was not much more.
When I was Five, I was just alive.
But now I am Six, I'm as clever as ever.
So I think I'll be six now for ever and ever.1

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to worship:

 While the Prodigal Son was still far off, his father saw him, ran to him, put his arms around him and kissed him. In our worship today, let us turn to God so that he may run to us, put his arms around and kiss us.

Invitation to confession:

 Jesus, for the times when we run away from you,

Lord, have mercy.

 Jesus, for the times when we have wasted our inheritance on dissolute living,

Christ, have mercy.

 Jesus, when we return to you,

Lord, have mercy.

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