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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-12, John 15:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1991
Easter is a stark reminder that nothing we can do can overcome the power of God.
Three for the show -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1991
You remember that child's game that requires someone to say, "One for the money, two for the show, t
God in the commonplace -- 2 Kings 2:1-12a, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1991
Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote these lines in her poem Aurora Leigh.
Miracle -- 2 Samuel 12:15b-24, Ephesians 4:1-6, John 6:24-35 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1991
For the month of August, lessons from the Gospel of John will explore insights related to Jesus' fee
What role for law? -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1991
From one point of view in his time, Jesus played fast and loose with the law.
Getting along -- Proverbs 2:1-8, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:31-37 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1991
Getting along, just getting along, that is how most of us live most of the time.
Commanded to love -- Exodus 24:3-8, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 1991
How can love be commanded? Is it not supposed to be spontaneous?
Service and ambition -- Isaiah 23:7-12, Mark 10:35-45 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1991
How serious is the contrast between the biblical teaching of sacrificial service and the worldly com
Self denial -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2 (3-10) -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1991
I have a missionary friend who has spent most of his adult life in India working as a missionary-edu
Repetition -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1991
If you are on course with your preaching, you will sometimes notice how it seems you are saying the
God's kingdom and growth -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1991
In the northern hemisphere, June is an ideal time to think of growing things.
Reading the other side of the New Testament -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:35-48 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1991
It is important that we never forget that the New Testament was written in the midst of real life, r
Marriage and divorce -- Genesis 2:18-24, Mark 10:2-16 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1991
Jesus' teaching about divorce has seemed too austere, even legalistic, to Christians in modern socie
Not for graveyards -- Isaiah 25:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Easter Day - B -- 1991
No doubt you have heard me say it before, "Easter is not for graveyards."
Limits of legalism -- 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12, Ephesians 6:10-20, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1991
Once again, as on the second Sunday of Pentecost, the lesson reports how Jesus faced criticism for b
What is the Law? -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:22-25, John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1991
One of the difficult things we do around the church is to use the same word when we mean different t
Getting it straight -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1991
One of the things that interests me as one who loves to teach classes on the Bible is to discover ho
Fulfillment in spite of delay -- 2 Samuel 6:1-15, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1991
Our expectations may be ordered according to a plan scheduled over time.
Handling rejection -- 2 Samuel 7:1-17, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, Mark 6:1-6 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1991
Rejection can be so subversive of one's self-confidence as to threaten a person's equilibrium.
Hope against hope -- Jeremiah 31:7-9, Hebrews 5:1-6, Mark 10:46-52 -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1991
Some might call the Old Testament lesson an unfulfilled prophecy.
Witnesses -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Mark 1:14-20 -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1991
The Bible will not let us alone. To have the faith is not to have it as an exclusive possession.
When will Jesus come? -- Isaiah 63:16-64:8, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:32-37 -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
For a time we have been having some respite from those who see every world event as the herald of th
Christ mass -- Isaiah 62:6-7, 10-12, Titus 3:4-7, Luke 2:8-20 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1990
How we conceive Christmas is critical to our faith.
Watching the expanding claims of the New Testament -- 2 Samuel 7:8-16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
Just back away from the New Testament for a moment and take a broad look at what is portrayed here.
Keep Christmas in perspective -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1990
One may wonder why Christmas is so short a season in the church year. Four Sundays in Advent.

Communicating God's Love

Guest column

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

When the Pittsburgh Steelers were in the dark days... -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- Ron Love -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2012
When the Pittsburgh Steelers were in the dark days of defeat, broadcaster Myron Cope tried to do som
Sermon Illustrations for Maundy Thursday (2012) -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2012
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
So many different holidays... -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Craig Kelly -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2012
It's interesting how we have so many different holidays on our calendar, many of which have little r
Christopher H. Evans, co-author of the book... -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2012
Christopher H.
There is an uncompromising difference between Catholics and Protestants... -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Ron Love -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2012
There is an uncompromising difference between Roman Catholics and Protestants in the interpretation
Douglas Steere taught philosophy at Haverford College... -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2012
Douglas Steere taught philosophy at Haverford College near Philadelphia for many years, but Steere w
We don't have professional foot washers... -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Craig Kelly -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2012
We don't have professional foot washers in twenty-first-century North America, so it's rather diffic
Sermon Illustrations for Good Friday (2012) -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Good Friday - B -- 2012
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
Ken and Carol Dorushka went to Safeway that morning... -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Ron Love -- Good Friday - B -- 2012
Ken and Carol Dorushka went to Safeway that morning to get a few items for lunch and to greet their
From the early years of the church... -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Good Friday - B -- 2012
From the early years of the church people of faith have been responding to the call of the writer of
I love going to concerts... -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Craig Kelly -- Good Friday - B -- 2012
I love going to concerts. It always thrills me to hear bands I love playing my favorite songs live.
There seems each year that there is a doomsayer... -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Ron Love -- Good Friday - B -- 2012
There seems each year that there is a doomsayer who is predicting the end of the world.
Sermon Illustrations for Easter Day (2012) -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Easter Day - B -- 2012
Acts 10:34-43
Leonard Sweet tells an old story... -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Easter Day - B -- 2012
Leonard Sweet tells an old story about three African elders visiting the West.
Our system of justice is... -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Craig Kelly -- Easter Day - B -- 2012
Our system of justice is based to a great degree on testimony.
Paul reminded the constituents... -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- Ron Love -- Easter Day - B -- 2012
Paul reminded the constituents in the church at Corinth "of the good news that I proclaimed to you,
The boy was saddened and cried... -- John 20:1-18 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Easter Day - B -- 2012
Chuck Swindoll in his book, Growing Deep in the Christian Life relates the story about a Sund
There is something fascinating about illusionists... -- John 20:1-18 -- Craig Kelly -- Easter Day - B -- 2012
There is something fascinating about illusionists like David Copperfield or Penn and Teller.
Sermon Illustrations for Second Sunday of Easter (2012) -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Acts 4:32-35
It was a spirited Wednesday for the 55,528 fans gathered in Metrodome... -- Acts 4:32-35 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
It was a spirited Wednesday for the 55,528 fans gathered in Metrodome.
Whether it's from the perspective of the prosecution... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Craig Kelly -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Whether it's from the perspective of the prosecution, such as Law and Order, or from the defe
One of the major heresies... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
One of the major heresies that threatened the early church was the heresy of Gnosticism which over-e
Roger Bannister is the first man to run the four-minute mile... -- John 20:19-31 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Roger Bannister is the first man to run the four-minute mile.
Sermon Illustrations for the Third Sunday of Easter (2012) -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Acts 3:12-19
Lloyd Ogilvie one day was pondering this passage... -- Acts 3:12-19 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Lloyd Ogilvie one day was pondering this passage about Peter's sermon in the temple after Peter and

Political Pulpit

Sermon

The Political Pulpit

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 4
32 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christmas!
24 – Sermons
100+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – 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
Nazish Naseem
For December 21, 2025:

SermonStudio

Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson
Pastor: Advent God: We praise and thank you for the word of promise spoken long ago by your prophet Isaiah; as he bore the good news of the birth of Immanuel–so may we be bearers of the good news that Immanuel comes to be with us. God of love:

Cong: Hear our prayer.
Dallas A. Brauninger
1. Text

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this
way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.18 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.19 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the
James Evans
(See Advent 1, Cycle B, and Proper 15/Pentecost 13/Ordinary Time 20, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)

The recurring phrase, "let your face shine" (vv. 3, 7, 19), offers an interesting opportunity to reflect on the meaning of God's presence in our world. This reflection takes on a particular significance during the Advent season.

Richard A. Jensen
Our Matthew text for this week comes from the first chapter of Matthew. Matthew's telling of the Jesus' story is certainly unique. Matthew tells of the early years of our Savior stressing that his name is Jesus and Emmanuel; that wise sages from the East attend his birth; that Joseph and Mary escape to Egypt because of Herod's wrath. No other Gospel includes these realities.
Mark Wm. Radecke
In the Jewish tradition there is a liturgy and accompanying song called "Dayenu." Dayenu is a Hebrew word which can be translated several ways. It can mean: "It would have been enough," or "we would have been grateful and content," or "our need would have been satisfied."

Part of the Dayenu is a responsive reading that goes like this:

O God, if thy only act of kindness was to deliver us from the bondage of Egypt, Dayenu! -- It would have been enough.
Stephen M. Crotts
Some years ago I was in a London theater watching a Harold Pinter play. The drama was not very good really. I was getting bored. Then right in the middle of the play the theater manager walked on stage, excused himself, and made an announcement. The actors stared. The audience looked shocked. Me? I thought it was all part of the play. Such interruptions are rare in a theater. But nonetheless, the stage manager felt that it was necessary this time. His announcement was nothing trivial like, "Some owner has left his car lights on." Nor was it a terrifying message like, "Fire! Fire!
Timothy J. Smith
It is easy to get so caught up in the sentimentality and nostalgia of Christmas that we neglect the true reason we celebrate. We receive Christmas cards portraying a cute infant Jesus lying in a manger filled with straw. The Baby Jesus is pictured in the center with Mary and Joseph on one side, the shepherds and Magi on the other. We know this scene: animals are in the background, in the distance angels can be seen hovering, as a star shines brightly overhead. However, there is more to Advent and Christmas than celebrating the birth of a baby.
William B. Kincaid, III
If we cannot relate to Joseph and appreciate his situation, then our lives are simple, easy lives indeed. Now, by relating to Joseph or understanding what he endured, I don't mean to suggest that we all either have been engaged or married to someone impregnated by the Holy Spirit. Even in our frantic search for ways to explain how such a thing might have happened, we probably didn't think of blaming the Holy Spirit!
R. Glen Miles
"The Lord himself will give you a sign" is the way Isaiah begins his recitation of the promise containing all promises. Isaiah is talking to Ahaz. Ahaz is the king who is stuck in a political mess. It looks like Assyria is about to invade some of the countries neighboring Judah. Isaiah is recommending that the king refuse to sign on with these other countries and their armies and trust only in Yahweh, the Lord of all. Today's reading is a reminder of the promise of God to be with Ahaz and his people, no matter what happens, no matter who invades.
John T. Ball
Religion is a mutual relationship. We pledge loyalty and devotion to God and God blesses us. This is how Moses worked it out with Yahweh and his people who had recently escaped from Egyptian captivity. If the Israelites prove loyal to this mysterious Sinai god, then God would bless them with prosperity and well being. Those who deal with many gods are no different. Even though they have gods for various concerns, they still expect blessings and security in exchange for loyalty.
Susan R. Andrews
According to tradition, Joseph was the strong, silent type - an older carpenter who willingly submitted to impotent fatherhood - a second--string player in the drama of God's human birth. But according to scripture, none of this is true. All that is actually recorded in the Bible is that Joseph was a dreamer - a righteous man who transformed the meaning of righteousness by taking seriously his dreams.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (UM211, PH9, LBW34, CBH172, NCH116)
The God Of Abraham Praise (UM116, PH488, NCH24)
O Hear Our Cry, O Lord (PH206)
Hail To The Lord's Anointed (UM203)
Blessed Be The God Of Israel (UM209)
Emmanuel, Emmanuel (UM204)
People Look East (PH12, UM202)
Savior Of The Nations, Come (LBW28, CBH178, PH14, UM214)
The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy (CBH202)
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (PH1, 2,UM196, NCH122)

Anthem

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.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Just before the first Christmas, an angel appeared to Joseph to tell him that Jesus would also be called "Emmanuel", meaning "God With Us." Let us listen to the guidance of the angels today as we prepare to receive God With Us once again.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, fill me with the awe of Christmas.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with the mystery of Christmas.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with Emmanuel -- God with us.
Lord, have mercy.

StoryShare

Argile Smith
C. David Mckirachan
Scott Dalgarno
Stan Purdum
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Samantha" by Argile Smith
"I'm Pregnant" by C. David McKirachan
"You'd Better Watch out..." by C. David McKirachan
"Terribly Vulnerable to Joy" by Scott Dalgarno
"The Great Christmas-Tree Battle" by Stan Purdum


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Over the years, I grow more cynical about Christmas and just about everything that goes along with it. I have not become a scrooge, although the advancing years have made me more careful with my pennies. It is not that I cannot be moved by the lights, the music, and the fellowship of the holidays. I have not become an insensitive, unfeeling clod. My problem is that the language and the images and the music seem to have fallen short in expressing what must have been the feelings of the real human beings going through the events recounted in this story.

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What an exciting day this is! Today is the day before Christmas and tonight is Christmas Eve! People have different ways of doing things. Some people open their presents on Christmas Eve. How many of you do that? (Let them answer.) Others open their presents on Christmas Day. Which of you will open your presents tomorrow? (Let them answer.) Some open gifts on other days. Would any of you like to share another time when you open presents? (Give them the opportunity to answer.)

Why do you suppose we open gifts at this time of the year? (Let them answer.)

Special Occasion

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