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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

System requirements -- Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10, Psalm 137 -- David Kalas -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C
Before you buy a new piece of software, you check the side of the box where it lists the system requ
Faithful finances -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Reformation Sunday - C
They are almost universally despised and ridiculed in our country, but it is impossible to avoid at
Search and preserve mission -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23, Psalm 148 -- William H. Shepherd -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
"Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty," says the bumper sticker.
Snake oil religion and tunnel vision -- Jeremiah 2:4-13, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C
Browsing through a friend's collection of antique botties I came across a bottle of patent medicine.
Ashes -- Psalm 51:1-12 -- Ash Wednesday - C
Most of us are aware of ashes as a symbol of a repentant heart and spirit and have heard this theme
Vocation -- Isaiah 42:1-7, Acts 10:34-38, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
In most of Christian history, the church has needed to stress the calling to service within its own
For there's no other way -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, Psalm 50:7-15 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A
When I sit down to plan the worship services for this Sunday, I will start by penciling in John H.
What God Is Like -- Acts 13:15-33, John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
The Bible has God as its single subject.
Providence -- 1 Kings 19:1-8, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
God's love is never described as an emotion in the Scriptures.
Faithful finances -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Reformation Sunday - C
They are almost universally despised and ridiculed in our country, but it is impossible to avoid at
Christmas Comes All the Time -- Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Probably the worst thing we do at Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Christ.
We are not the light -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
By now, most congregations are in the home stretch of their pre-Christmas preparations.
The Jealous God -- Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A
Most of us are convinced that jealousy is not a Christian or godly virtue so we are a bit put off, e
Appearance and/or reality? -- Acts 9:1-20, Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19 -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
A common phrase rightly reminds us that "appearances can be deceiving." In fact, experience has ofte
The peace treaty -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - A
In our nation, we are proud to say that nobody has any right to tell us what to do.
Dust off the throne -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- David Kalas -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
When I was a kid, my parents would host several Christmas parties each year -- one for each of the a
Amazing grace how sweet the sound -- Genesis 18:10-33, Colossians 2:6-15, Luke 11:1-13 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C
The Bible, Old Testament and New, is filled with words for forgiveness in its original tong
School days, school days -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14 -- William H. Shepherd -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
Good old golden rule days.
By what authority? -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- William H. Shepherd -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A
They rang the church doorbell insistently.
The Eternal Coming -- Jeremiah 33:14-16, Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 -- First Sunday of Advent - C
Promises are made.Everybody looks for signs. Many set dates and devise calendars.
Revelation -- Acts 9:1-20, John 21:1-14, Revelation 5:11-14 -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
By Ross Marrs
The Danger Of Good Times -- Joel 2:23-30, Luke 16:19-31, 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A
Most of us dream of the day when all our problems will be solved, we will have plenty of money, and
God brought laughter -- Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Romans 5:1-8, Psalm 100 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A
A few years back, the religious media was filled with reports of "holy laughter." Some charismatic c
Testimonies -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A
In Susan Howatch's novel, Absolute Truths, the main character is a rather perfect man.
Glory -- Exodus 34:29-35, Exodus 34:29-35 -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
When I was young, I knew an old man, bedfast in his terminal illness, who would say to the pastor, "

Communicating God's Love

Guest column

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Jose Guadalupe Posada, renowned Mexican cartoonist and illustrator... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mark J. Molldrem -- All Saints Day - B -- 2012
Jose Guadalupe Posada, renowned Mexican cartoonist and illustrator, used calaveras (animated
Ruby looked forward to church potlucks... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- All Saints Day - B -- 2012
At 103, Ruby looked forward to church potlucks.
There was much lamenting that had Jesus come sooner... -- John 11:32-44 -- Mark Ellingsen -- All Saints Day - B -- 2012
There was much lamenting that had Jesus come sooner Lazarus might not have died (v. 32).
Doris Donnelly, challenges the stigma of weeping... -- John 11:32-44 -- Richard A. Hasler -- All Saints Day - B -- 2012
Doris Donnelly, in her book Spiritual Fitness, challenges the stigma of weeping and shows how
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 1 (2012) -- Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 21:25-36 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
Jeremiah 33:14-16
When you read those words... -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Bob Ove -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
When you read those words that seem to imply that the city Jerusalem will live in safety, do you won
The proof is in the pudding... -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
"The proof is in the pudding." This is a shortened version of "the proof of the pudding is in the ea
Their crime was simple enough... -- 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 -- Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
Corrie ten Boom, along with 35 family members and friends, were all marched into the police station'
Paul speaks of a love abounding... -- 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 -- Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
Paul speaks of a love abounding (v.
Those are terrifying words!... -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Bob Ove -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
Those are terrifying words! What about the safety we should find in Christ?
The Hollywood movie 2012 is about the end of the world... -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
The Hollywood movie 2012 is about the end of the world on December 21, 2012, based on the pre
Sermon Illustratins for Advent 2 (2012) -- Malachi 3:1-4, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
Malachi 3:1-4
Advent is a time for looking ahead... -- Malachi 3:1-4 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
Advent is a time for looking ahead, a time to plan for the future, just like Malachi plans for the c
Though in the pastorate for a number of years... -- Malachi 3:1-4 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
Though in the pastorate for a number of years, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, still harbored
Advent is a time of waiting, longing, expecting, hoping... -- Philippians 1:3-11 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
Advent is a time of waiting, longing, expecting, hoping.
I like the way Paul begins all his epistles with a compliment... -- Philippians 1:3-11 -- Bob Ove -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
I always like the way Paul begins all his epistles with a compliment.
The ancient theologian Saint Augustine... -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
The ancient theologian Saint Augustine helps us see that John is a model for how we might be messeng
When the word of the Lord came to John the Baptist... -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
When the word of the Lord came to John the Baptist it brought him a spiritual peace and a desire to
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 3 (2012) -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
Zephaniah 3:14-20
What would it sound like to hear God sing? -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
What would it sound like to hear God sing?
Sermon illustrations for New Year's Eve/Day (2012/2013) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Sermon Illustrations for First Sunday after Christmas Day (2012) -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
NULL -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
Over the holidays Connie lost her watch -- a special gift from her father.
NULL -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
What time is it? Maybe it is whatever time we make it to be!
NULL -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
There have been so many ways invented to keep track of time.

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The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Elena Delhagen
For June 2, 2024:

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John Jamison
Object: This message includes a game to play together. Have fun with having the children shout out their answers. It makes the message memorable.

* * *

Hello, everyone! Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) But instead of just telling you the story, I thought it would be more fun if we played a game that told the story. Are you ready to play the game? (Let them respond.)  

StoryShare

Frank Ramirez
Then the Lord called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!” (v. 4)

Back in those days dark was dark.

Really dark.

In a moonless sky, the stars would shine brighter than most of us have ever seen, all the more awe-inspiring their majesty, paradoxically emphasizing all the more the darkness that reigned.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

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1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20)
The call to prophecy came directly to Samuel. We all have a calling from God and living out that call is what life is all about. Billy Graham once made that point:

Our world is obsessed with success. But how does God define success? Success in God’s is faithfulness to his calling.

John Calvin offers reflections on how responding to God’s call makes life easier and meaningful, no matter how routine the job seems to be. The Genevan reformer wrote:
From one point of view in his time, Jesus played fast and loose with the law. We, who believe in his deity, might easily explain that he was superior to all human institutions. While that element is present in his teachings, he did not intend his uniqueness to destroy the proper role of law.

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Stephen P. McCutchan
Deuteronomy 5:12-15
Observe the sabbath day and keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you.
-- Deuteronomy 5:12

Schuyler Rhodes
There's something about someone who knows you really well. It is a state of grace that slices across all other interactions. Sit across the table from a spouse of twenty years, a best friend of half a century, a sister or brother who has grown with you through the victories and the defeats. It's an amazing moment to look into the eyes of such a person and know ... that they know.
Michael D. Wuchter
Out of darkness the light shall shine! God's glory shining in the face of Christ. Yet we who have this spiritual gift are like common clay pots.
-- 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 (paraphrased)

Charles Curley
It was a time of distrust and disillusionment in the land of Israel. People did not trust those who governed them. Those in positions of leadership were thought to be inept or corrupt, and often both. There was a lack of vision about the future of the people. Because those in leadership seemed helpless, hopeless and corrupt, God looked outside the tents of power to find new leadership with vision.
William G. Carter
A few years ago, I was asked to serve as the worship leader at a regional church conference for teenagers. The enthusiastic recruiter told me about the wonderful experience I could expect from the gathering. "Every summer," she said, "the conference brings together about a hundred or so young people at a camp that has no swimming pool. We gather during the dog days of August. The conference is so much fun, nobody misses the pool!"

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