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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, 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

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
It Takes Good Messengers -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Baruch 5:1-9, Malachi 3:1-4 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2021
We knew it all along, but it takes good messengers if we are to hear it again.
God Is Going Before Us -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
The texts for the Third Sunday After Epiphany are that God goes before us.
Awareness of Sin and The Urgency of Repentance -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2020
Ash Wednesday is time to stress our sorrow for sin and the way out, a chance to stimulate our awaren
God’s Love Shines Through the Cross and Changes Us -- Matthew 26:14--27:66, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 27:11-54 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2020
God’s love shines through the cross and changes us.
We Need God In Charge of Our Lives -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
God takes charge!
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!
The Happy Surprises of Faith -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2020
The happy surprises of faith — a word we need in the midst of the despair and suspicions of others w
Things Look Better Up Ahead -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2020
Exodus 3:1-15
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.
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

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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 Good Messengers -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Baruch 5:1-9, Malachi 3:1-4 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2021
We knew it all along, but it takes good messengers if we are to hear it again.
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

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

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 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 Lent 2 (2024) -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
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
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2024) -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Exodus 20:1-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2024) -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-4, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2024
1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 (2024) -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2024
1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2024) -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Numbers 21:4-9
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 (2024) -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2024
Song of Solomon 2:8-13
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 5 (2024) -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 18 | OT 23 | Pentecost 16 (2024) -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2024
Proverbs 22: 1-2, 8-9, 22-23
Sermon Illustrations for Passion Sunday (2024) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 14:1--15:47 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2024
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 (2024) -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2024
Proverbs 1:20-33
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2024) -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2024
Proverbs 31:10-31
Sermon Illustrations for Maundy Thursday (2024) -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2024
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 (2024) -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2024
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10, 9:20-22
Sermon Illustrations for Good Friday (2024) -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen -- Good Friday - B -- 2024
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 (2024) -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2024
Job 1:1; 2:1-10
Sermon Illustrations for Easter Day (2024) -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Easter Day - B -- 2024
Acts 10:34-43
Sermon Illustrations for Second Sunday of Easter (2024) -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
Acts 4:32-35
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 (2024) -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2024
Job 38:1-7 (34-41)
Sermon Illustrations for the Third Sunday of Easter (2024) -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
Acts 3:12-19
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 (2024) -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2024
Job 42:1-6, 10-17
Sermon Illustrations for Easter 4 (2024) -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
Acts 4:5-12
Sermon Illustrations for All Saints Day (2024) -- Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- All Saints Day - B -- 2024
Isaiah 25:6-9

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Preaching

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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
Proper 23 / Pentecost 21 / Ordinary Time 28 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayTaking sin seriously. 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.
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
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
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.
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 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
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 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 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 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
Proper 15 / Pentecost 12 / Ordinary Time 20 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayMore about the bread that brings life, wisdom, and unity.

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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...
Lent 5
20 – Sermons
170+ – Illustrations / Stories
26 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
20 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Passion/Palm Sunday
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Maundy Thursday
15 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
11 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Good Friday
20 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – 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: A small pillow or cushion, a bowl, and a jar.

NOTE: This is a simple role-play story. You will need one boy to play the role of Jesus, and one girl to play the role of Mary. Since these are not speaking roles, this may be an opportunity to have a child help who might be hesitant to do a more involved role.

* * *

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

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
This is not the same old thing. This is something new. Isaiah tells us to forget the old standards of life and truth. Our God conquers, so no longer judge the old way. Paul in prison says pretty much the same thing. And in the first supper, which takes place in the home of Martha, with Mary, Jesus, and the newly resurrected Lazarus in attendance, we see the world turned upside down as well. Something new. Something new.

Isaiah 43:16-21
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Isaiah 43:16-21

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
“Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” (vv. 7-8)

The first time I saw one of the “He Gets Us” Jesus ads during the Super Bowl two years ago, I sat up and said to my wife, Jo, “This is great! I wonder who is sponsoring this.” When I found out who, and what their motives were, I was deeply disappointed.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to worship:

 When Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus' feet with oil, the whole house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. As we worship God today, may this whole church be filled with the fragrance of our prayers.

Invitation to confession:

 Jesus, sometimes we fail to notice or appreciate beauty.

Lord, have mercy.

 Jesus, sometimes we resent the actions of others and are spiteful towards them.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Gregory L. Tolle
For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own. (vv. 8b--12)
Schuyler Rhodes
There's nothing quite as wonderful as looking at an old car that's been restored to its former luster. A 1932 Ford Victoria Coupe, rumbling down the road brings a thrill. The rust has been cleaned off, the torn upholstery replaced, and missing windows have been installed. It is a work of art. It is also a work of love. Such restoration projects, as anyone involved in them can attest, are not for the weak of heart. Restoring a classic automobile requires painstaking attention to detail and the patience of Job.
Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
Worship is a blessed waste of time.

Old Testament Lesson
Isaiah 43:16-21
A New Thing
Donald Charles Lacy
In our spiritual voyages, surprises -- sometimes outlandishly -- come to us. We scratch our heads and wonder if what we are experiencing is fact or fiction. It may or may not be a time of inspiration. However, it may be one of instruction, as we view it in retrospect. You and I are to remember that every occurrence may very well be a teaching event.

David Kalas
In December of every year, the Downtown Athletic Club in New York City awards the coveted Heisman Trophy. Voted on by over 800 media members, the Heisman is awarded to the most outstanding college football player during that season. Past recipients have included such notables as Roger Staubach, Marcus Allen, and Barry Sanders. It is a great honor, and it represents the broad and non-partisan recognition of a player's outstanding season.
Julia Ross Strope
You shall pass judgment on yourself. That is the hardest thing of all ...
If you succeed in judging yourself, it is because you are truly wise.
(The king on a planet to the prince)
-- Saint Exupery, The Little Prince

Call To Worship
Leader: You're here! Winter seems displaced by the new growth of spring. This is the fifth Sunday in Lent -- with one more to come: Palm Sunday.

(Candles counting the Sundays in Lent can be lighted.)

Special Occasion

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