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Ron Love

Ronald H. Love was called into the ordained ministry from a career as a state trooper. He has served Methodist churches in rural, inner-city and suburban settings for 20 years, and also served for four years as an Army chaplain. Dr. Love has also been a corporate librarian for a Fortune 500 company and been a university professor for ten years, teaching history and theology. His writing experience includes denominational publications, magazine articles on religion, and a newspaper devotional column. He holds a bachelor's degree in sociology (Slippery Rock State College), master's degrees in library and information science (University of Pittsburgh), secondary education (Duquesne University), church history (Indiana University of Pennsylvania), and theology (Wesley Theological Seminary), as well as a doctorate in homiletics (Pittsburgh Theological Seminary). Dr. Love now resides in South Carolina.
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Commentary

Children's sermon

Illustration

The Immediate Word

On The Other Hand -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary reading from the Hebrew scriptures, a clearly frustrated Elijah pleads wit
Confronting Shame With Guerrilla Grace -- Luke 7:36--8:3, 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21 -- Christopher Keating, Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2016
Both of his week’s lectionary Old Testament passages depict ordinary people who find themselves in d
Fit For The Kingdom -- Luke 9:51-62, 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2016
At first glance, Jesus’ actions in this week’s lectionary gospel passage hardly seem like those we u
Kiss -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary passage from Second Kings features the intriguing tale of the healing of Naam
Licensed Fruit Inspectors -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2016
The last week has been a tumultuous one that has highlighted the divisions in American society.
Snakes And Scorpions -- Luke 11:1-13, Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- Mary Austin, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus teaches the disciples how to pray -- and, he sugg
Living In A Selfie Culture -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary texts have a great deal to say about the misplaced priorities of contemporary
Constructing A Platform For Justice -- Luke 12:32-40, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Christopher Keating, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2016
The news cycle during the past two weeks has been dominated by the political conventions -- gatherin

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for The Transfiguration (2015) -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2015
2 Kings 2:1-12
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2015) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2015
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
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 Proper 27 | OT 32 (2015) -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Bob Ove, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2015
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 2 (2015) -- Malachi 3:1-4, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6 -- R. Robert Cueni, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
Malachi 3:1-4
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 18 | OT 23 (2015) -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2015
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 4 (2015) -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- R. Robert Cueni, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
Micah 5:2-5a
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 (2015) -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2015
Proverbs 1:20-33
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2015) -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2015
Proverbs 31:10-31
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 (2015) -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2015
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 (2015) -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2015
Job 1:1; 2:1-10
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 (2015) -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2015
Job 23:1-9, 16-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 (2015) -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45 -- Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2015
Job 38:1-7 (34-41)
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 (2015) -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2015
Job 42:1-6, 10-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2015) -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2015
Ruth 1:1-18
Sermon Illustrations for All Saints Day (2015) -- Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Bill Thomas, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- All Saints Day - B -- 2015
Isaiah 25:6-9
Sermon Illustrations for Reformation Day (2015) -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Ron Love, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2015
Jeremiah 31:31-34

Preaching

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Worship

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Baptism of Our Lord
29 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
40 – Children's Sermons / Resources
25 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 2 | OT 2
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 3 | OT 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
Nazish Naseem
For February 1, 2026:
  • What the Lord Requires by Dean Feldmeyer. The world’s requirements are often complex and difficult. God’s requirements are simple and easy. Kinda.
  • Second Thoughts: Resisting The Storms of Winter by Chris Keating. Jesus does not offer a cheery optimism to those enduring the cold blasts of injustice. More than an insulating blanket of hope, the Beatitudes create communities of resistance.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the people how they could be blessed by God and experience God's kingdom. In our worship today let us explore the Sermon on the Mount.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm full of pride instead of being poor in spirit.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm overbearing and pushy, instead of being meek.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm not exactly pure in heart.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
Stories to Live By: "You Fool"/ "Us Who Are Being Saved"
Shining Moments: "A Comforting Dream" by Harold Klug
Good Stories: "Mercy, Mercy" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: "The Souper Bowl of Caring" by Jo Perry-Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

Sandra Herrmann
John Jamison
Contents
"Child Sacrifice" by Sandra Herrmann (Micah 6:1-8)
"Ka-Chang" by John B. Jamison (Matthew 5:1-12)


* * * * * * * *


Child Sacrifice
Sandra Herrmann
Micah 6:1-8

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles....
-- 1 Corinthians 1:23-24

Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Micah 6:1--8 (C, E, L)
John N. Brittain
The other day I stumbled onto a Discovery Channel show about underwater archaeology (not basket weaving). The archaeologist described the process of identifying the probable location of an underwater wreck site, the grueling work involved in beginning the process, and the same kind of methodical work that characterizes all scientific archaeology. But then her eyes twinkled as she described the joy of uncovering the first artifact, or recognizing a significant discovery. And that of course is what it is all about, the final product of discovery.
Tony S. Everett
Late one night, Pastor Bill was driving home after spending the past 23 hours in the hospital with his wife, celebrating the birth of their son. It had been a glorious day. His wife was peacefully resting. His extended family was ecstatic. His son was healthy. Surely God was in heaven and all was right with the world.

Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
When I'm teaching a class, and want to get a discussion going, I often begin with something that's called a sentence stem. I start a sentence and let the participants complete it. This morning, if I were to ask you to complete this sentence, what would you say? "Happy are those who...." What would you use to complete the thought?
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: Demands On God
Message: All these demands don't make sense, God. Lauds, KDM
R. Glen Miles
What does God want from us? The answer is simple, but it is not easy to put into practice. What God wants is you. What God wants is me. God wants our whole selves. The prophet Micah makes it fairly clear that ultimately God does not care too much about religion and the things that come with it. Religion isn't a bad enterprise. It is okay as a way of reminding us about what God wants, but in the long run being good at religion is not what God desires. What God requires is us. It is simple to understand but not necessarily the thing we would offer to God first.
John B. Jamison
It was a strange sound. Some said it was a kind of "clanging" sound, while others said it was more of a "ka-ching," or more accurately, a "ka-chang!" It sounded like the result of metal hitting metal, which is exactly what it was.

In the valley off to the west from the hillside is a steep cliff rising up the face of Mount Arbel. The face of the cliff is covered with hundreds of caves, with no good way to get to them without climbing straight up the cliff. That's why the Zealots liked them. They were safe.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Prayer Of Dedication/Gathering
P: Our Lord Jesus calls each of us to a life of justice, kindness, and humility. We pray that in this hour before us our defenses would fall and your love would be set free within us.
Father, Son, + and Holy Spirit, your mercy knows no end.
C: Amen.

Intercessory Prayers

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
We have a prejudice in favor of things complex. Not that we necessarily desire complexity, but somehow we trust it more. We figure that complexity is the prevailing reality in our world, and so we feel obliged to be in touch with it. We would love to hear that this thing or that is really quite simple, but doctors, politicians, futurists, ethicists, economists -- and even some preachers -- keep discouraging us. It's actually quite complicated, we are told, and there is no simple answer.
People tend to say in times of personal or community disaster, "God works in mysterious ways." The point they are making is that when we can't figure out any logical answer to a situation, it must be the work of God. It is one way of making sense out of an inexplicable event.
Schuyler Rhodes
In 1993 brothers Tom and David Gardner began a financial information service they named The Motley Fool. Dressed in their trademark court jester hats, the motley fools can be seen and heard offering their advice and warnings concerning the stock market on a variety of talk shows and financial news channels.

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have spent time around babies? (let them answer) Babies are so cute when they are happy but hard to please when they are upset. Babies can't talk, can they? (let them answer) So when they don't get what they want they cry. When they are hungry they cry. When they are sleepy they cry. When a stranger tries to hold them they cry. How do we know if babies are sick, hungry, or tired? (let them answer) Most of the time a baby's mom can figure out what's wrong even when we can't.
Teachers or Parents: Have the children sit on the floor and pretend that they are on a mountaintop and learning at Jesus' feet. Ask: "How is this classroom different from classrooms you have seen?" "How is it like them?" Read various portions of the "Sermon on the Mount" (Matthew 5-7) that they might understand (such as Matthew 7:7-11 -- prayer; 7:12 -- the Golden Rule; 7:15 -- being true). Be careful -- many parts of the Sermon on the Mount are difficult for children to understand and may lead to great misunderstanding and perhaps fear.

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