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Wesley T. Runk

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Children's sermon

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A Greater Baptism -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Wesley T. Runk -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2018
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
Time with God -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Wesley T. Runk -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2018
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went of
Respecting God's House -- John 2:13-22 -- Wesley T. Runk -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and others sitting at
How Much is Your Soul Worth? -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Wesley T. Runk -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2017
What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?
Who's In Charge? -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Wesley T. Runk -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2017
Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the e
Who's The Greatest? -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Wesley T. Runk -- All Saints Day - A -- 2017
The greatest among you will be your servant.
When will it be time? -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Wesley T. Runk -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but on

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A Greater Baptism -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Wesley T. Runk -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2018
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
Who's The Greatest? -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Wesley T. Runk -- All Saints Day - A -- 2017
The greatest among you will be your servant.
When will it be time? -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Wesley T. Runk -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but on

The Immediate Word

The Risk Of Being A Peacemaker -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," Jesus tells us in the Beatit

SermonStudio

Growing Up In God -- Wesley T. Runk -- 2005
Growing Up In God
Celebrating Jesus' Birth -- Wesley T. Runk -- 2005
Celebrating Jesus' Birth
The Spear -- John 19:31-35 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object:A spear
The Empty Tomb -- Matthew 28:2-6 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object:A picture of an empty tomb
The Ladder And The Sponge -- Matthew 27:45-49 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object:A ladder and a sponge
The Dice And The Robe -- John 19:23-24 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object:Dice and a robe
The Crown Of Thorns -- Matthew 27:26b-30 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object:A crown of thorns
The Rope -- John 18:12-13 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object:A rope
The Lantern -- John 18:3 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object: A lantern
LET JESUS FORGIVE YOU! -- Romans 3:21-28 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Object:a magnifying glass, a piece of wood, and some wood filler.
MUSTARD ON MASHED POTATOES? -- Galatians 5:16-24 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Object:salt, vinegar, and mustard.
God's Thermometer -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Good morning, boys and girls.
DO THE TOUGH THINGS FIRST -- Romans 8:18-23 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
(For use on the Sunday nearest July 4)Object:a shovel and a bucket.
1,943 CANDLES ON THE BIRTHDAY CAKE! -- Acts 2:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Object: candles for each child and anything else that will help to make this a birthday party.

Illustration

The Immediate Word

The Risk Of Being A Peacemaker -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," Jesus tells us in the Beatit
All Trees Are Christmas Trees -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- George L. Murphy, Larry Hard, Wesley T. Runk -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Nothing Hid From Its Heat -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Psalm 19 -- Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
It's the nature of the news business that gripping human interest stories and immediate crises domin
Speaking Of Peace -- Mark 6:14-29, Ephesians 1:3-14, 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Psalm 24 -- Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
It's not news that many places in the world are torn apart by war -- nevertheless, recent headlines
It Is Evening... -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, Psalm 9:9-20 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan, Wesley T. Runk -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
When the first storm of the 2006 hurricane season posed a threat to Florida last week, many media st

Political Pulpit

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Moderate Islam needs to take a stand -- Wesley T. Runk -- 2011
When the news broke concerning Juan Williams being fired for his comment on the O'Reiley Factor

Preaching

The Immediate Word

The Risk Of Being A Peacemaker -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," Jesus tells us in the Beatit
All Trees Are Christmas Trees -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- George L. Murphy, Larry Hard, Wesley T. Runk -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Nothing Hid From Its Heat -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Psalm 19 -- Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
It's the nature of the news business that gripping human interest stories and immediate crises domin
Speaking Of Peace -- Mark 6:14-29, Ephesians 1:3-14, 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Psalm 24 -- Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
It's not news that many places in the world are torn apart by war -- nevertheless, recent headlines
It Is Evening... -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, Psalm 9:9-20 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan, Wesley T. Runk -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
When the first storm of the 2006 hurricane season posed a threat to Florida last week, many media st

Sermon

The Immediate Word

The Risk Of Being A Peacemaker -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," Jesus tells us in the Beatit
All Trees Are Christmas Trees -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- George L. Murphy, Larry Hard, Wesley T. Runk -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Nothing Hid From Its Heat -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Psalm 19 -- Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
It's the nature of the news business that gripping human interest stories and immediate crises domin
Speaking Of Peace -- Mark 6:14-29, Ephesians 1:3-14, 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Psalm 24 -- Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
It's not news that many places in the world are torn apart by war -- nevertheless, recent headlines
It Is Evening... -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, Psalm 9:9-20 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan, Wesley T. Runk -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
When the first storm of the 2006 hurricane season posed a threat to Florida last week, many media st

SermonStudio

Service For The Fiftieth Anniversary -- Michael B. Goldner, Wesley T. Runk -- 1997
Order Of ServiceOrgan Prelude Music "Sinfonia" - J.S. Bach
The Nail Of Pride -- Mark 12:38-40 -- Wesley T. Runk, Thomas W. Lentz -- 1993
One Sunday morning following the divine worship, the pastor
The Nail Of Infidelity -- Matthew 26:47-56 -- Wesley T. Runk, Thomas W. Lentz -- 1993
Friendship is an ancient virtue, highly valued among
The Nail Of Envy -- Matthew 27:18 -- Wesley T. Runk, Thomas W. Lentz -- 1993
When the grand hall was being built in Florence, the committee
The Nail Of Indecision -- Matthew 27:15-26 -- Wesley T. Runk, Thomas W. Lentz -- 1993
Pilate was caught: he wanted to make the best of two worlds.
The Nail Of Hatred -- Luke 6:22, 32-35 -- Wesley T. Runk, Thomas W. Lentz -- 1993
Hatred rings out in the world like the shrill clash of metal
The Nail Of Cruelty -- Isaiah 53:4-5 -- Wesley T. Runk, Thomas W. Lentz -- 1993
I don't know of any time in my life when I have sought more

Stories

SermonStudio

EBENEEZER: The Satisfied Pig -- Luke 15:11-32 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
Have you ever felt greedy?
JASON: One of God's Signs -- Exodus 8:2 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
How many children like to keep the promises that they make?
HERMON: The Camel Who Was Humbled -- Matthew 19:24 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
Do you know what it means to be humble?
REUBEN:The Rooster With a Reminder -- Matthew 26:34 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
How many boys and girls know what I mean when I talk about reminders?
REHOBOAM: The Lion Who Learned About God -- Daniel 6:21-23 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
Who are you supposed to listen to?
ISHMAEL - The Lost Sheep -- Matthew 18:12-14 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
How many boys and girls have ever been lost? Were you afraid? It's awful to be lost and I know it.
BENJAMIN: The Little Peoples Friend -- Luke 19:28-40 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
How many people here this morning wish that they were older than they are?

The Political Pulpit

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Our call for freedom -- Wesley T. Runk -- 2008
Click here
Are the candidates really concerned? -- Wesley T. Runk -- 2008
If there is one issue that confronts every American it is our health. We are dismayed to
The health-care crisis: Are the candidates really concerned? -- Wesley T. Runk -- 2008
If there is one issue that confronts every American it is our health.

Worship

The Immediate Word

The Risk Of Being A Peacemaker -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," Jesus tells us in the Beatit
All Trees Are Christmas Trees -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- George L. Murphy, Larry Hard, Wesley T. Runk -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Nothing Hid From Its Heat -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Psalm 19 -- Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
It's the nature of the news business that gripping human interest stories and immediate crises domin
Speaking Of Peace -- Mark 6:14-29, Ephesians 1:3-14, 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Psalm 24 -- Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
It's not news that many places in the world are torn apart by war -- nevertheless, recent headlines
It Is Evening... -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, Psalm 9:9-20 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan, Wesley T. Runk -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
When the first storm of the 2006 hurricane season posed a threat to Florida last week, many media st
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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