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Taking the Step of Faith -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2023
Joe took a deep breath of the sea air as he walked down the ramp onto the dock.
Blessed Are You -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
Teresa stood reading the new sign outside of the church.
There is Crying in Baseball -- Genesis 45:1-15 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2023
Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out,
A Salt of the Earth Christian -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2023
You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored
A Call for Religious Tolerance -- Romans 12:1-8 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2023
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, on the basis of God’s mercy, to present your bo
The Anger of Will Smith -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2023
You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder,’ and ‘whoever
What's In A Name? -- Exodus 3:1-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2023
God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” He said further, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘I a
Because God is There -- Exodus 24:12-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2023
Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. (v. 15)
That Simple, That Difficult -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2023
Kay checked her phone and then put it on the desk in front of her.
Giving Anonymously -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2023
“The charter group out of Florida isn’t available to take us either.” Joanne hung up the phone.
Forgiveness is Hard and Necessary -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2023
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister
Crazy Gerald -- Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- John E. Sumwalt -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
“Then I acknowledged my sin to you,    and I did not hide my iniquity;
Listen to the Quiet Voices on Abortion -- Philippians 1:21-30 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2023
Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see
Don't Look Away From Evil -- John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
“The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
Sour Grapes -- Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2023
What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, “The parents have eate
Gave As Good As She Got -- John 4:5-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Just then his disciples came.
Rules for Life -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2023
Teddy thought for a moment and then shook his head. “I appreciate you asking but no thanks.”
In The Presence Of My Enemies -- Psalm 23 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
John took a deep breath and walked into the diner.
Who May Come To The Banquet? -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2023
'The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy.
Are There Tractors in Heaven? -- Romans 8:6-11 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you.
My Rock of Ages Moment -- Exodus 33:12-23 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2023
I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand... (v. 22)
I Will Not Be Ashamed -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- John E. Sumwalt -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2023
The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced;
Impostor Syndrome? -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2023
Never since has there arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.
Footwear and Foot Care -- John 13:1-7, 31b-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2023
(Jesus) poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet… (v. 5)
Another Side of Prayer -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2022
Luke moved to one side of the walking trail without looking up.

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The Suffering Servant -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Good Friday - A -- 2023
Jenna frowned as she looked at the textbook in front of her.
Blessed Are You -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- All Saints Day - A -- 2023
John sat in the park bench and watched the people going into church.
An Easter Moment -- John 20:1-18 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Easter Day - A -- 2023
When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know tha
Let the Redeemed Tell Their Story -- Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2023
Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—
I Will Not Be Shaken -- Psalm 16 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (v.
Loved Ones Appear in Dreams -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2023
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so tha
Seeing And Not Seeing -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight.
Peace and Security -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2023
When they say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, as la
An Impromptu Thanksgiving Meal -- 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2023
The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bou
The Gatekeeper -- John 10:1-10 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Carl pulled his car into a parking space and sighed.
The King's Love -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2023
Jason shifted his shopping bags to the other hand.
Called Out of Darkness -- 1 Peter 2:2-10 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that
A Soldier Waits for God -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- John E. Sumwalt -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
From ages past no one has heard,    no ear has perceived,
Memorial Day Hope -- John 14:15-21 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you.
Fruits of Repentance -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
“I think that was probably the best dinner we’ve ever had with your parents.” Stephen finished wipin
Into Thin Air -- Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2023
According to Acts 1:9, as the disciples watched, Jesus “…was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of
Praying for A Good Death -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
The spirit of the Lord God is upon me,because the Lord has anointed me;
Being One -- John 17:1-11 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
David frowned as he reread the passage of scripture. He read it slowly and carefully.
What We Need -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, “Go and tell my serva
Pentecost in Ukraine -- Acts 2:1-21 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2023
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.
A Voice Came from the Light -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- John E. Sumwalt -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2023
Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and th
Divine Shimmers: The Wind from God -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, Psalm 8 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2023
When God began to create the heavens and the earth, earth was complete chaos, and darkness cover
Preparing for the Future -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2023
John stared out the window at the softly falling snow.
Sign Here -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2023
As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax-collection station….
The Plentiful Harvest -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2023
Paul watched the people streaming through the door of the church hall for the community meal.
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 28 | OT 33 | Pentecost 23
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christ the King Sunday
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Thanksgiving
34 – Sermons
80+ – Illustrations / Stories
24 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
24 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
For November 16, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Coffin
Another natural disaster has flattened a number of coastal communities. Despite the weather and major television station warnings, and government disaster preparations, the dystopian destruction nightmare of Luke 21 has decimated another community. Also, it is reasonable to believe that this is not the last year for hurricanes, Tsunami’s, wildfires, mudslides and tornados. They will occur again. However, as weary citizens are interviewed in one group of people with the background of homes in rubble and streets still draining flood waters, they will not leave. This is their home.
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez

Isaiah 65:17-25 and Isaiah 12

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
“The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,” says the LORD. (v. 25)

A week after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, country singer Toby Keith — who died Feb. 5, 2024 — wrote a patriotic ballad titled “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.” It was filled with populist fighting rhetoric that matched the mood of a nation shaken by the shocking death and destruction of that day.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A blood pressure monitor. It is actually called a sphygmomanometer, and is pronounced “sfig·mow·muh·naa’·muh·tr”.

* * *

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.

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
-- Isaiah 12:3

John W. Clarke
No reading of Luke is complete without coming to realize that Luke is concerned that the world understands that Jesus is the hope of the world and that any teaching that leads away from that fact is a false teaching. No matter what, no matter when, Jesus will be there to give us life.

Scott Suskovic
Whoever does not work should not eat!
-- 2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NLT)

Wow! Kind of takes your breath away, doesn't it? Not a lot of ambiguity in that rule. "You don't work, you don't eat." For a religion based on grace, it seems a bit unyielding.

Mark Ellingson
Freedom is such a lovely word, a compelling image. What is freedom? How would you define it? What does it mean to you? Webster's New World Dictionary defines freedom as being exempt from control or from arbitrary restrictions. Freedom is said to be the ability to choose or determine one's own actions.

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