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Mark Ellingsen

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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, Dialoguing With Critical Race Theory: Constitutional and Christian Links (Vernon Press). He and his wife have three grown children. When he is not writing or teaching, Ellingsen enjoys discussing politics, sports, and playing guitar.
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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Inspired By the Saints and Love of God -- Matthew 5:1-12, Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3 -- Mark Ellingsen -- All Saints Day - A -- 2023
The text for this festival concerns how in our walk of faith we are inspired by the saints and love
The Power of Gratitude -- Luke 17:11-19, Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2023
All the lessons provide insight into what thankfulness does for us.
Why the Incarnation Matters -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Mark Ellingsen -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2023
This is a set of lessons that explores why the Incarnation matters.
From Evil to Grace and Wisdom -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2022
Jeremiah 8:18--9:1
God Will Make Things Better -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2022
Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
The Peace of Christmas -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Mark Ellingsen -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2022
Isaiah 9:2-7
Christ Is In Control -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2022
Jeremiah 31:7-14
Called To Respond -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2022
Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13)
The Lord Changes You -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
Hanging around the Lord changes you.
How the Cross Changes Everyday Life -- Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9, John 18:1--19:42, Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Good Friday - C -- 2022
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
The Great Things God's Love Does -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, John 5:1-9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
The great things God’s love does.
Embracing Second Place -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62, Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2022
This is a Sunday to consider the theme of discipleship.
The Life of Faith -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2022
The theme of the lessons for this Sunday is the life of faith.
The Light of Grace Alone Shows the Way -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2021
Isaiah 60:1-6
Christ and His Love Be Glorified -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2021
2 Kings 2:1-12
With God, You Get More Than What You Asked For -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Jeremiah 31:31-34
The Resurrection Gets Us All Together -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Historically, this is the first Sunday during which newly baptized members on Easter would be admitt
How the Ways of God Make Christians Counter Cultural -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
God Delivers -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2021
There are lots of reasons to be grateful!
United in the Grace of Christ -- 2 Samuel 19:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2021
2 Samuel 19:5-9, 15, 31-33
It Takes God To Get Our Relationships Right -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2021
Proverbs 31:10-31
There's Always Somebody to Help -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2021
Ruth 1:1-18

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Jesus Is Our Only Way Out -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
This is a Sunday for reminders that Jesus is our only way out.
Living the Gift of Faith -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2023
Genesis 29:15-28
The Life of Faith -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2022
The theme of the lessons for this Sunday is the life of faith.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Illustrations for Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 (2024) -- Mark 2:23--3:6, 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2024
1 Samuel 3:1-10, (11-20)
Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2024) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - B -- 2024
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Illustrations for Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 (2024) -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20, Psalm 138, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, Mark 3:20-35 -- Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2024
1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15)
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany of the Lord (2024) -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2024
Isaiah 60:1-6
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 3 (2024) -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2024
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 6 | OT 11, Cycle B (2024) -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2024
1 Samuel 15:34--16:13
Sermon Illustrations for Baptism of Our Lord (2024) -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2024
Genesis 1:1-5
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 4 (2024) -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2024
Micah 5:2-5a
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 7 | OT 12, Cycle B (2024) -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41, Psalm 9:9-20, Psalm 133 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2024
1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 2 (2024) -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2024
1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20)
Sermon Illustrations for The Nativity of Our Lord (2024) -- Isaiah 62:6-12, Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20, Titus 3:4-7 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2024
Isaiah 62:6-12
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 8 | OT 13 (2024) -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2024
2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 3 (2024) -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2024
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Sermon Illustrations for First Sunday after Christmas Day (2024) -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2024
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 9 | OT 14 (2024) -- 2 Samuel 5:1-15, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2024
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 10 | OT 15 (2024) -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2024
2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 4 (2024) -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2024
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 11 | OT 16 (2024) -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2024
2 Samuel 7:1-14a
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 5 (2024) -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2024
Isaiah 40:21-31
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 12 | OT 17 (2024) -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21, Psalm 14 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2024
2 Samuel 11:1-15
Sermon Illustrations for Transfiguration Sunday (2024) -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2024
2 Kings 2:1-12
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 13 | OT 18 (2024) -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2024
2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2024) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2024
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 1 (2024) -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Genesis 9:8-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 14 | OT 19 (2024) -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:34, 41-51 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2024
2 Samuel 18:5-8, 15, 31-33

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Preaching

SermonStudio

Baptism of Our Lord -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- Mark Ellingsen -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayBaptism and new life! Collect of the Day
Proper 7 / Pentecost 4 / Ordinary Time 12 -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayPay attention: God's ways are marvelous.
Epiphany 2 -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayGod is present unexpectedly in all spheres of life!
Epiphany 4 -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayProphetic authority. Collect of the Day
Epiphany 5 -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayGod's in control, even in tough and changing times.
Epiphany 6 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayGod finds surprising ways to heal.
Lent 1 -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day
Transfiguration of Our Lord -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayChrist be glorified! Collect of the Day
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.
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2011
Theme of the DaySorrow for sin in the midst of meaninglessness.
Easter 6 -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayGod's love brings us together. Collect of the Day
Lent 2 -- Genesis 17:1-7, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayRemembering the spiritual roots of grace.
Lent 3 -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayLook! God doesn't do things our way.
Proper 11 / Pentecost 8 / Ordinary Time 16 -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayAll are one. Collect of the Day
Lent 5 -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayWith God, you get more than what you asked for.
Proper 12 / Ordinary Time 17 / Pentecost 9 -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21, Psalm 14 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayWe're all in the same boat! Collect of the Day
Passion / Palm Sunday (Lent 6) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 14:1--15:47 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayGod's love shines through the cross and changes us.
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
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Good Friday - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayA vulnerable God struggles to overcome our sin.
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
Easter 2 -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day
Proper 14 / Pentecost 11 / Ordinary Time 19 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayUnited in the grace of Christ. Collect of the Day
Easter 3 -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayGod cares for the poor. Collect of the Day
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

Sermon

SermonStudio

What Makes Those Disciples So Darn Happy? -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1992
"I tell you, those disciples had it made! I sure wish that I had been alive in those days.
The Majesty Of God's Love -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1992
Today we celebrate Jesus' ascension into heaven.
Are You Born Again? -- John 3:1-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1992
It was late, almost bedtime, when the Jewish leader came to Jesus' residence.
Where Have All The Visible Miracles Gone? -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1992
Today we celebrate the miracle of transfiguration.
The Meeting Of Marriage Partners At The Well -- John 4:5-42 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1992
Jesus and his weather-beaten band of wandering disciples were still heading north and had been for s
We Must Be Blind! -- John 9:1-41 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1992
What is the matter with you? Why do you never seem to understand what I say?
Competition In The Kingdom? -- Matthew 20:17-28 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1992
Jesus and his faithful band had begun their final journey to Jerusalem; it was the last trip that th
The Resurrection Is Freedom -- John 11:1-45 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1992
We have all lived through the death of a loved one.
The Road To The Cross -- Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Passion Sunday - A -- 1992
Passion Sunday, the whole story of the dastardly plots and betrayals that brought Jesus to the cross

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In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Ash Wednesday
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100+ – Illustrations / Stories
23 – Children's Sermons / Resources
16 – Worship Resources
19 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Lent 1
31 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
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32 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
35 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Tom Willadsen
For March 16, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
There is an ancient legend first told by Christians living in the catacombs under the streets of Rome which pictures the day when Jesus went back to glory after finishing all his work on earth. The angel Gabriel meets Jesus in heaven and welcomes him home. “Lord,” he says, “Who have you left behind to carry on your work?”

Jesus tells him about the disciples, the little band of fishermen and farmers and housewives.

“But Lord,” says Gabriel, “what if they fail you?! What if they lose heart, or drop out?! What if things get too rough for them, and they let you down?!”
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Today interactions are handled through contracts. Contracts are legal agreements that involve work, services, or pay. Contracts can be (and sadly often are) broken when one party does not live up to the terms of the contract. Contracts are important, but they are not the way God interacted with Abraham. God’s way was deeper than the letter of the law on a contract.

StoryShare

Frank Ramirez
While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. (v. 34)

Remember Pet Rocks? Some marketing genius in the mid-seventies packed rocks as pets that provided solid companionship and required next to no maintenance. The rocks came in boxes with ventilation holes and instructions for their care. Though the fad was short-lived, it lasted long enough to make its creator a millionaire.  And more recently, they’ve become a craze again in South Korea.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
As you all know, Terry Waite, the Archbishop of Canterbury's special envoy from 1980, was involved in negotiations to secure the release of hostages held in the Middle East. Between 1982 and the end of 1986, 14 hostages, for whom he was interceding, were released. But he himself was kidnapped in Beirut in January 1987 while involved in secret negotiations to win the release of hostages held in Lebanon, and he wasn't released until November 1991.

SermonStudio

David E. Leininger
The story of the transfiguration is one of those passages that have given the phrase "mountaintop experience" to our language. Peter, James, and John had joined Jesus and escaped from the crowd for some spiritual "R and R" up in the wilderness of (probably) Mount Hermon. Night had fallen and their eyes were heavy. Suddenly, they awoke with a start. Just yonder they saw Jesus take on something of a supernatural "glow" -- his face and clothes "as bright as a flash of lightning" (Luke 9:29). Then Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with the master.
George M. Bass
The Church Year Theological Clue
Gregory L. Tolle
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh -- my adversaries and foes -- they shall stumble and fall.

Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident.

One thing I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.

Donald Charles Lacy
Boldness is necessary to accomplish ministry, especially that which is prophetic and points to judgment. Our dear Lord is boldly assertive and wants there to be no doubt about what his Father has sent him to accomplish. He provides both a lesson and model for us.

Our timidity in the face of odds is not becoming to those who profess to follow Christ. Only when it covers a determined soul for the faith is it in keeping with our commitment. Let's face it, some of the most timid souls in church can be downright raucous at athletic events!

Barbara Brokhoff
You have all made promises; and kept them, but some you have broken. Maybe you didn't intend to break it, but when the time came to fulfill it, it simply wasn't in your power to keep it. Or, upon re-thinking it, you decided it wasn't a good promise, so you reneged upon it.
And, you've had promises made to you; and they've been kept - some of them, but who has not been hurt by having a promise made, and then broken?

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