Login / Signup

Mark J. Molldrem

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Jesus Rules! -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2022
Note: This installment was originally published in 2001
Blessing the rich man's proceeds -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2022
Note: This installment was originally published in 2001.
Jesus versus family values -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2022
Note: This installment was originally published in 2007.
Christ conquers death -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Elizabeth Achtemeier -- All Saints Day - B -- 2018
Note: Because of a scheduling error, we are highlighting this commentary from 2000 by Mark J.
Reclaiming hope in sorrow -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Good Friday - C -- 2013
The names are burned into our recent memories: Columbine, Aurora, Newtown.
The changing landscape -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
With Ahab's marriage to Jezebel, Israel experienced a changing
True wealth -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2013
"What's in your safe?" This question from an advertisement about investing in gold queries the human
Re-forming the church -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2013
Was the Christian church ever one?
Be glad -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2012
At the founding of our country, George Washington issued a presidential proclamation establishing Th
God's gift of time -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 8 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Schuyler Rhodes -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2011
Every January 1 there is a sense of freshness.
Experience Jesus and know God -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14--23:56, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Schuyler Rhodes -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2010
In this age of computers and the internet, there is so much information "out there" to access.
How can the dead testify? -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Schuyler Rhodes -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
We have an affair with death that ranges from fascination to revulsion.
Jilted in Jerusalem -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10, Psalm 14 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2010
If the lost is lost, it is not found. If it is found, it is no longer lost.
Faith for the world that is -- Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2010
Who would not want the power of telekinesis? Obstacle in the way? Remove it with a thought.
The Glory of God -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2010
These are the longest hours of darkness.
A chance to be better -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2001
Missing the point of what Jesus is about is a common occurrence.
"Up" is not the only heavenly direction -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2001
Annual meetings, whether for a business corporation, a nonprofit agency, or a local congregation, us
One God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2001
Christians are "stewards of the mysteries of God" (1 Corinthians 4:1).
Living forward in the present -- Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2001
"I felt almost guilty thinking too much of heaven." That is what David Burton, a Southern Baptist tu
Dutiful servants of all -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-7, 31b-35 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2001
Do we ever really get together anymore? Think about it.
Searching for truth in all the wrong places -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2001
Gods and goddesses are plentiful these days, luring adherents into strange expressions of faith.
Love is mercy unending -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, Luke 6:27-38 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2001
Every year at this time, younger and older lovers alike enjoy the rituals of Valentine's Day.
The goodness that roared -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2001
In the study of the martial arts, the student learns the difference between the good, the higher goo
Tuning the fourth turning -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2001
People often think more highly of themselves than their behavior in fact reflects.
After the handshake and the hug -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2001
The master brought his disciples into a darkened room with one instruction: "Find the truth." One di

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 9 | OT 14 (2013) -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Scott A. Bryte, Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2013
2 Kings 5:1-14
NULL -- Revelation 1:4b-8, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
There are all sorts of keys: musical keys, piano keys, the top of the key on a basketball court, a k
Sermon Illustrations for Reformation Day (2013) -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2013
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany of the Lord (2013) -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Mark Ellingsen, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2013
Isaiah 60:1-6
Just as Jeremiah... -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2013
Just as Jeremiah was called by God to speak a reforming word to the people of his day who were livin
Leymah Gbowee, Nobel Peace Laureate... -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2013
Leymah Gbowee, Nobel Peace Laureate, describes in her book Mighty Be Our Powers how sisterhoo
Reaping what you sow... -- Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2013
Reaping what you sow is a metaphor that comes from the fields.
Sermon illustrations for Easter 3 (2013) -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19 -- Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Acts 9:1-6 (7-20)
In our system of government... -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2013
In our system of government, as well as in many other systems around the world, there is the positio
One of the best... -- John 8:31-36 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2013
One of the best illustrations of freedom in Christ comes from the life of Zacchaeus.
What rejoicing words... -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2013
What rejoicing words would the crowd utter after Jesus healed the crippled woman?
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 10 | OT 15 (2013) -- Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2013
A builder uses a plumb line to determine true vertical from the gravitational center of the earth, n
NULL -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Radiation therapy seeks to burn out the cancer that is within the body.
Sermon illustrations for Epiphany 4 (OT 4) Cycle C (2013) -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2013
Jeremiah 1:4-10
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 (2013) -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2013
Joel 2:23-32
Contentment is not easily achieved... -- Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2013
Contentment is not easily achieved in our consumer society, where the art of advertising is to get u
A builder uses a plumb line... -- Amos 7:7-17 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2013
A builder uses a plumb line to determine true vertical from the gravitational center of the earth, n
NULL -- John 21:1-19 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
There is a church in the inner city of Philadelphia that takes literally Jesus' command to "Feed my
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 1 (2013) -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Coach Johnson was... -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2013
Coach Johnson was about training character.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 (2013) -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Scott A. Bryte, Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2013
Jeremiah 18:1-11
There are four different paradigms... -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2013
There are four different paradigms functioning on the path to Jericho.
Sermon illustrations for Easter 5 (2013) -- Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Acts 11:1-18
NULL -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
The small West African country of Liberia experienced 14 years of devastating civil war from 1990 th
Sermon Illustrations for Christ the King / Proper 29 (2013) -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2013
Jeremiah 23:1-6

Sermon

SermonStudio

God Wants Her Back Home -- Mark 5:21-23, 35-42 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a child who died at the hand of her mother
Heimgang -- John 14:1-4 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a person who died from cancerHeimgang
Questions -- Psalm 13 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young woman following a brief illnessQuestions
Frayed Ends And Torn Seams -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a man killed by a hit-and-run driver
We Weep For Our Children -- John 8:12, Psalm 13 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young man at ChristmasWe Weep For Our Children
Love In Action -- 1 John 3:16-24 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
One of the enduring images of both the Old Testament and New Testament scriptures is that of the goo
Love And Friendship -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
A boy was asked about his family, when he enrolled for church school.
The Victory Of Faith -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
Planes drop out of the sky, killing all passengers.
Life In His Name -- 1 John 5:9-13 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
In 1922, a marvelous treasure was unearthed in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt.
Friday -- The Good One -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
A youngster in Sunday School asked the pastor, "If Jesus died on Friday, why do we call it good?"
Adoption Into God's Family -- 1 Peter 3:18-22 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
Any parent who has adopted a child knows the joy of bringing a new member into the family.
Prayer Clothes -- Hebrews 5:5-10 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
Going to northern Canada? Bring your parka.
As Is -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
Once upon a long time ago, a friend of mine owned a yellow Datsun.
Made -- Lost -- And Found -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
The most personal question anyone can ask is "Who am I?" It is the fundamental question of our huma
Obedience -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
Sunday was a day in Jesus' life that started the week off with palms and praises -- a week that ende
The Righteousness Of God -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
"Hardships -- beatings -- imprisonment --sleepless nights -- hunger -- in dishonor -- in ill repute
The Gospel Of Our Calling -- Romans 4:13-25 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
A friend related to me how, when he was a youngster, he spent a lot of time on the other side of the
The Word Of The Cross Is The Power of God -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
When Neil Armstrong was on the moon, an American flag was planted to signify the accomplishment of h
Witnesses -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
In a play about the crucifixion of Jesus, playwright John Masefield creates a conversation between P
New Life From Old -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
Easter is in springtime for a reason.
The Name Of Names -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
Mark -- warlikeShirley -- bright meadowJennifer -- fair lady

Free Access

Adoption Into God's Family -- 1 Peter 3:18-22 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
Any parent who has adopted a child knows the joy of bringing a new member into the family.
Made -- Lost -- And Found -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
The most personal question anyone can ask is "Who am I?" It is the fundamental question of our huma
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
New Year's Eve/Day
13 – Sermons
40+ – Illustrations / Stories
16 – Children's Sermons / Resources
6 – Worship Resources
6 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christmas 2
20 – Sermons
60+ – Illustrations / Stories
12 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
12 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany of the Lord
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

Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
George Reed
For January 11, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
At Jesus' baptism God said, "This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased." Let us so order our lives that God may say about us, "This is my beloved child in whom I am well pleased."

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when I fail to please you,
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm sure I have pleased you, but have got it wrong,
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when I neither know nor care whether I have pleased you,
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

Argile Smith
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Welcoming Mr. Forsythe" by Argile Smith
"The Question about the Dove" by Merle Franke


What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

Constance Berg
"Jan wasn't baptized by the spirit, she was baptized by spit," went the joke. Jan had heard it all before: the taunting and teasing from her aunts and uncles. Sure, they hadn't been there at her birth, but they loved to tell the story. They were telling Jan's friends about that fateful day when Jan was born - and baptized.


Elizabeth Achtemeier
The lectionary often begins a reading at the end of one poem and includes the beginning of another. Such is the case here. Isaiah 42:1-4 forms the climactic last stanza of the long poem concerning the trial with the nations that begins in 41:1. Isaiah 42:5-9 is the opening stanza of the poem that encompasses 42:5-17. Thus, we will initially deal with 42:1-4 and then 42:5-9.

Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Isaiah 42:1--9 (C, E); Isaiah 42:1--4, 6--7 (RC); Isaiah 42:1--7 (L)
Tony S. Everett
Jenny was employed as an emergency room nurse in a busy urban hospital. Often she worked many hours past the end of her shift, providing care to trauma victims and their families. Jenny was also a loving wife and mother, and an excellent cook. On the evening before starting her hectic work week, Jenny would prepare a huge pot of soup, a casserole, or stew; plentiful enough for her family to pop into the microwave or simmer on the stove in case she had to work overtime.

Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
Bil Keane, the creator of the Family Circus cartoon, said he was drawing a cartoon one day when his little boy came in and asked, "Daddy, how do you know what to draw?" Keane replied, "God tells me." Then the boy asked, "Then why do you keep erasing parts of it?"1
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: Being Inclusive
Message: Are you sure, God, that you show no partiality? Lauds, KDM

The haughty part of us would prefer that God be partial, that is, partial to you and to me. We want to reap the benefits of having been singled out. On the other hand, our decent side wants God to show no partiality. We do yield a little, however. It is fine for God to be impartial as long as we do not need to move over and lose our place.
William B. Kincaid, III
There are two very different ways to think about baptism. The first approach recognizes the time of baptism as a saving moment in which the person being baptized accepts the love and forgiveness of God. The person then considers herself "saved." She may grow in the faith through the years, but nothing which she will experience after her baptism will be as important as her baptism. She always will be able to recall her baptism as the time when her life changed.
R. Glen Miles
I delivered my very first sermon at the age of sixteen. It was presented to a congregation of my peers, a group of high school students. The service, specifically designed for teens, was held on a Wednesday night. There were about 125 people in attendance. I was scared to death at first, but once the sermon got started I felt okay and sort of got on a roll. My text was 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter, as some refer to it. The audience that night was very responsive to the sermon. I do not know why they liked it.
Someone is trying to get through to you. Someone with an important message for you is trying to get in touch with you. It would be greatly to your advantage to make contact with the one who is trying to get through to you.
Thom M. Shuman
Call To Worship
One: When the floods and storms of the world threaten
to overwhelm us,
All: God's peace flows through us,
to calm our troubled lives.
One: When the thunder of the culture's claims on us
deafens us to hope,
All: God whispers to us
and soothes our souls.
One: When the wilderness begs us to come out and play,
All: God takes us by the hand
and we dance into the garden of grace.

Prayer Of The Day
Your voice whispers
over the waters of life,
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
A Service Of Renewal

Gathering (may also be used for Gathering on Epiphany 3)
A: Light shining in the darkness,
C: light never ending.
A: Through the mountains, beneath the sea,
C: light never ending.
A: In the stillness of our hearts,
C: light never ending.
A: In the water and the word,
C: light never ending. Amen.

Hymn Of Praise
Baptized In Water or Praise And Thanksgiving Be To God Our Maker

Prayer Of The Day

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. What am I wearing this morning? (Let them answer.) I'm wearing part of a uniform of the (name the team). Have any of you gone to a game where the (name the team) has played? (Let them answer.) I think one of the most exciting parts of a game is right before it starts. That's when all the players are introduced. Someone announces the player's name and number. That player then runs out on the court of playing field. Everyone cheers. Do you like that part of the game? (Let them answer.) Some people call that pre-game "hype." That's a funny term, isn't it?
Good morning! Let me show you this certificate. (Show the
baptism certificate.) Does anyone know what this is? (Let them
answer.) Yes, this is a baptism certificate. It shows the date
and place where a person is baptized. In addition to this
certificate, we also keep a record here at the church of all
baptisms so that if a certificate is lost we can issue a new one.
What do all of you think about baptism? Is it important? (Let
them answer.)

Let me tell you something about baptism. Before Jesus
Good morning! How many of you have played Monopoly? (Let
them answer.) In the game of Monopoly, sometimes you wind up in
jail. You can get out of jail by paying a fine or, if you have
one of these cards (show the card), you can get out free by
turning in the card.

Now, in the game of life, the real world where we all live,
we are also sometimes in jail. Most of us never have to go to a
real jail, but we are all in a kind of jail called "sin." The
Bible tells us that when we sin we become prisoners of sin, and

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL