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Derl G. Keefer

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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
Love is an overused word... -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2014
Love is an overused word in the English language.
Sermons Illustrations for Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove, Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2014
Exodus 12:1-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2014
Genesis 22:1-14
The story is told... -- Romans 6:12-23 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2014
The story is told that at the close of a Sunday morning sermon one of the members felt the Holy Spir
Chuck Swindoll wrote... -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
Chuck Swindoll wrote about a young couple he counseled many years ago.

Sermon

SermonStudio

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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Reformation To Transformation -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Have you ever gone in search of buried treasure?
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
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.
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

Preaching

SermonStudio

Soul Conditioning -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
William Barclay tells the story of a busy Glasgow pastor who attended a service of a noted pastor.
The Basics For Ministry -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
In an age of professionalism, church growth strategies, demographics, and other somewhat technical m
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
Do We Complicate Leadership? -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
With so much material on the market regarding leadership and pastoring, one wonders what could ever
Thoughts On Leadership -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
It was interesting to read an article in Strategy & Business magazine (Booz--Allen, Inc.
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
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.
The Battle Of Discouragement -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
Everyone, at one time or another, faces discouragement. It can be devastating to one's ministry.
Evangelism In The Local Church -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
The church battles constantly to keep the main thing, the main thing.
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.

Stories

SermonStudio

Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A mother's love is the steadfast devotion to her children.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Mothers put the music in our hearts.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
There is no stare like a mother's stare.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Motherhood holds the keys to the soul.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"A mother never realizes that her children are no longer children." (Holbrook Jackson)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Every mother is like Moses.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"What the mother sings to the cradle goes all the way down to the coffin." (Henry Beecher)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"A mother is not a person to lean on, but a person to make leaning unnecessary." (Dorothy Herbert)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
One new mom wrote back to her mother that she had worked without ceasing from son-up to son-down!
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The joy of motherhood is what a mom experiences when the kids have gone to bed.
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Maundy Thursday
15+ – Sermons
70+ – Illustrations / Stories
20+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
15+ – Worship Resources
10 – Commentary / Exegesis
and more...
Good Friday
16+ – Sermons
70+ – Illustrations / Stories
20+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
15+ – Worship Resources
10 – Commentary / Exegesis
and more...
Easter!
30+ – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
30+ – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Nazish Naseem
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
George Reed
For April 5, 2026:
  • Rattled by Resurrection by Chris Keating. Jesus’ resurrection becomes the earth-shattering good news which reshapes our understandings of power, inequity, and hope.

CSSPlus

Bethany Peerbolte
There are many things in faith that only make sense if we understand the connection. Things like loving one another is the same as loving God, or God’s voice may come to us through the physical voice of a parent or close friend. Making connections in faith is important.
Mary Kay Eichelman
How many of you like to have a snack before you go to bed. Some kids like to eat cereal not only for breakfast but also for a nighttime snack.

There was a family of four hungry boys and every night they would eat cereal before going to bed. But this one night they accidently left the milk jug out on the counter. OOPS! Mom came into the kitchen in the morning and was not very happy. She had planned to make pancakes for everyone but the milk was all spoiled as it had been left out on the counter all night.  

SermonStudio

Marian R. Plant
David G. Plant
You and I come here for a variety of different reasons this Easter morning. For some, you come because of a deep abiding expectation that yearns to be reminded that our Lord died, but then out of death, God granted life. And in turn you know, therefore, that nothing is impossible with our Lord.
Thomas A. Pilgrim
Bishop Walter L. Underwood wrote a book a few years ago called Being Human Being Hopeful. The last chapter is on the subject of death. He refers to a statement made by actor Woody Allen, who said, "I don't want immortality through my work. I want immortality through not dying."1 I read that book with great interest. Then I learned that Bishop Underwood died not long after I had read his book, and I went back and read that last chapter again. It is a great affirmation of our faith in the face of life's greatest question.
Tony S. Everett
What a joyful day! Throughout the world Christians are gathered to celebrate resurrection... new life emerging from the grave; new light bursting forth from a darkened tomb.
Schuyler Rhodes
May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you!

May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you!
Lee Griess
There once was a majestic cathedral in Northern Europe that was known for its magnificent organ. Unlike the pipe organs and electronic organs of our day, the organs in the old churches of Europe depended upon air pumped by hand to produce sound. When they had services or wanted to play the organ, an assistant to man the pumps was needed in addition to an organist to press the keys.
Richard L. Sheffield
The Lord is risen!

He is risen indeed!

The Lord is risen!

He is risen indeed!

The Lord is risen!

He is risen indeed!

Indeed he is! Really is! For real!
You know about the only place anybody ever says "indeed" is in church. Let's say it like we really mean it. Like we would say it anyplace else.

I'll say, "The Lord is risen!" You say, "He really is!"
Let's try that: "The Lord is risen!" ("He really is!")
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
Tradition is an integral part of being human. All nations, peoples, cultures, and families celebrate many traditions in special and unique ways. In the United States there are many traditions, some of which have become so much a part of what we are as a nation that we don't even think of them as traditions. For example, we use a Roman form of law where the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty. Under our system of law people have rights guaranteed to them by the law of the land, the Constitution.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
Once in a far-off land there was a great king whose dominion extended far and wide. His power and authority were absolute. One day a young man, a commoner, committed a grave offense against the king. In response the king and his counselors gathered together to determine what should be done. They decided that since the offense was so grave and had been committed by a commoner against someone so august as the king, the only punishment that would satisfy justice was death.
Albert G. Butzer, III
As part of my preparation for ministry, I participated in a program called Clinical Pastoral Education, or C.P.E. for short. The purpose of C.P.E. is to teach clergy to become more effective pastors: to make better hospital visits, to counsel people who are dying, to comfort those who are grieving. One day during class our instructor asked us to take out a piece of paper and a pen. Then he gave us these instructions:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
All of the texts for this Easter’s celebration of the resurrection direct us to consider the resurrection’s reality and impact. This will lead to sermons focusing primarily on Sanctification.

Acts 10:34-43
The first lesson (Acts 10:34-43), which may also serve as the second lesson, reports on Peter’s confession of the gospel justifying his efforts to convert the Gentile Cornelius in Caesarea. The message of this lesson is a good example of Luke’s concern to highlight the universal outreach of Paul’s mission (1:8).

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
The angel said, "Jesus has been raised from the dead, and is going ahead of you." Jesus still goes ahead of us today. In our worship, let us find out where Jesus is going and follow him.


Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, help me to listen for your voice.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, call me and enable me to hear you.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, lead me in the way in which I should go.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

Craig Kelly
Peter Andrew Smith
Contents
"No Respecter of Persons" by Craig Kelly
"The Difference the Third Day Makes" by Peter Andrew Smith


* * * * * * * *


No Respecter of Persons
by Craig Kelly
Acts 10:34-43

Aden clutched the paper bag a little tighter as he walked down the street.

Try to look calm. You have nothing to hide.
Keith Hewitt
Contents
"Get Your Boots On" by C. David McKirachan
"The King Is Dead..." by C. David McKirachan
"Washing One Another's Feet" by Larry Winebrenner
"Repaying God" by Larry Winebrenner
"The Garden at Twilight" by Keith Hewitt
"Jesus in His Disturbing Disguise" by Sandra Herrmann


* * * * * * * *


Get Your Boots On
by C. David McKirachan
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
C. David Mckirachan
Larry Winebrenner
Contents
"Get Your Boots On" by C. David McKirachan
"The King Is Dead..." by C. David McKirachan
"Washing One Another's Feet" by Larry Winebrenner
"Repaying God" by Larry Winebrenner
"The Garden at Twilight" by Keith Hewitt
"Jesus in His Disturbing Disguise" by Sandra Herrmann


* * * * * * * *


Get Your Boots On
by C. David McKirachan
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14

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