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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Christ for the church -- Acts 5:12, 17-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
Immediately after Easter, the church comes to the fore.
Love -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- Ascension of the Lord - B
One of the preacher's greatest difficulties is to deal with the word love.
Have you been to the mountaintop? -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99 -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
There are only two kinds of people in the world.
Maker of heaven and earth -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, Psalm 130 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Okay, sooner or later, and more likely sooner than later, if you engage in the homiletical
Past and future -- Isaiah 43:16-21, Philippians 3:8-14, Luke 20:9-19 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
As Holy Week draws near, the lessons carry the struggle between past and present, continuity and dis
The Exalted Lord -- Ascension of the Lord - B
I imagine the world could not hold all the records of discussions about the ascension and its meanin
Triumphant suffering -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9, John 18:1-19:42 -- Good Friday - C
On this day for remembering the death of Jesus, each of the lessons portrays nobility in suffering.
A good story retold -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13, Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 -- First Sunday in Lent - C
The movie Jesus of Montreal (1989) pictures young actors working to revitalize a passion play
No spring chicken -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45, Psalm 130 -- David Kalas -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A
Each year about this time, we in the church are fond of making a misplaced analogy.
Salvation -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-13, Luke 3:7-18 -- Third Sunday of Advent - A
It is natural to expect that people will always couch any talk about salvation in terms of their own
Facing Up to Life -- Psalm 107:1, 33-43, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 16:1-13 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A
Sometimes when I hear people speak of their faith and their relationship to God, I get the idea that
Of simplicity and simpletons -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12, Psalm 15 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A
We have a prejudice in favor of things complex.
Symbols and Communication -- Exodus 34:29-35, Luke 9:28-36 -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
History is filled with stories of conflict over symbols, icons, images, and other representati
The Last Enemy -- Isaiah 25:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- Easter Day - B
In 1 Corinthians 15, verse 26, Paul declares that "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death."
The Partial Gospel -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18, Ephesians 1:11-23 -- All Saints Day - A
One of the problems faced by every preacher is the fact that one cannot say everything about everyth
The Call of Duty -- Amos 5:6-7, 10-15, Luke 17:1-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
There are those who chafe at the word duty. It seems so arbitrary, so oppressive, so binding.
Under the circumstances -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- David Kalas -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A
As I was driving home from the office the other day, I was waiting at a traffic light downtown, when
Challenging the Status Quo -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13, Luke 4:21-30 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
I never cease to be amazed at those Christians who are shocked to discover that they are not the mos
Victory -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Luke 19:28-40, Philippians 2:5-11 -- Passion Sunday - C
Once a woman came to Abraham Lincoln, after he had made a speech during the Civil War, and said, "Mr
God I ain't -- Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Luke 11:1-13, Psalm 85 -- William H. Shepherd -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C
The movie Rudy (1993) is about a football player who refuses to quit.
Table manners -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Perhaps it is the oddity that I am writing this on the Monday before Thanksgiving or it is my procli
Salvation -- Acts 3:12-19; 4:8-12, Acts 3:12-19; 4:8-12 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Easter is more than a story of the only man in history who was raised from the dead.
Mountaintop experience -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- William H. Shepherd -- Transfiguration Sunday - A
It was the most boring sermon I ever heard, until it became the most interesting.
Lenten Athletes -- Psalm 91:9-16, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13 -- First Sunday in Lent - C
Sometimes when I hear people talking about what they are going to do during Lent, it seems to me tha
King -- Jeremiah 23:2-6, Colossians 1:11-20, John 12:9-19 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A
We throw the word "king" around loosely in the church.

Communicating God's Love

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

The story of David's remarkable compassion toward his rebellious son... -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2012
The story of David's remarkable compassion toward his rebellious son Absalom is a love that seems to
Garret Keizer in his provocative book... -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2012
Garret Keizer in his provocative book, The Enigma of Anger, tells a story about his father-in
In calling himself the bread of life... -- John 6:34, 41-51 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2012
In calling himself the bread of life, Jesus was making the point about how essential he is for human
Suze Oman, financial expert and TV host... -- John 6:34, 41-51 -- Ron Love -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2012
Suze Oman, financial expert and TV host, reflected on what she thought was the most influential plac
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2012) -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-4, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-4
Debra Farrington in her book... -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-4 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
Debra Farrington in her book, Learning to Hear with the Heart, tells of the horror of an expe
Our lesson urges us to make the most of our time... -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
Our lesson urges us to make the most of our time (v. 16). Americans do not do that very well.
The early church fathers saw... -- John 6:51-58 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
The early church fathers saw the sixth chapter in the gospel of John as depicting Jesus as the sourc
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 (2012) -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
1 Kings 8 (1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43
The text leads us to the old question... -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
The text leads us to the old question -- whether God is imminent (here in and among us) or transcend
The Great Sphinx of Giza... -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Ron Love -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
The Great Sphinx of Giza is the oldest monumental sculpture on earth.
Paul writes to the Ephesians using the symbolism of the Christian soldier... -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
"Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist..." (Ephesians 6:14a).
March 25, 1965... -- John 6:56-69 -- Ron Love -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
March 25, 1965. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A 2006 Pew Foundation survey... -- John 6:56-69 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
A 2006 Pew Foundation survey and a Baylor Religion Survey of the same year found that 4 in 10 Americ
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 (2012) -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
Song of Solomon 2:8-13
The words of the Song of Solomon 2:8-13... -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
The words of the Song of Solomon 2:8-13 introduce a section of springtime love in the book.
Many Americans do not feel God to be directly involved in their lives... -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
Many Americans do not feel God to be directly involved in their lives.
The Andersons raced into church on the last verse of the opening hymn... -- James 1:17-27 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
The Andersons raced into church on the last verse of the opening hymn.
Our anatomy illustrates James' advice... -- James 1:17-27 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
Our anatomy illustrates James' advice.
So many blame God for what they do and say... -- James 1:17-27 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
So many blame God for what they do and say.
Ron Fouchier, 45, is a virologist... -- James 1:17-27 -- Ron Love -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
Ron Fouchier, 45, is a virologist.
Jesus' actions in the gospel challenge social and religious convention... -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
Jesus' actions in the gospel challenge social and religious convention in the name of a more spiritu
Lloyd Ogilvie tells the story of returning to visit New College... -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
Lloyd Ogilvie tells the story of returning to visit New College at Edinburgh University where he had
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 18 | OT 23 (2012) -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- Ron Love, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2012
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23
During the Communist witch hunt... -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2012
During the Communist witch hunt, led by Senator Joe McCarthy, many individuals in the film industry

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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Elena Delhagen
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Quantisha Mason-Doll
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For May 5, 2024:
  • Longing for Belonging by Dean Feldmeyer — “A deep sense of love and belonging is an irreducible need of all people. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love and be loved and to belong.” — Brene Brown
  • Second Thoughts: Is Blood Thicker Than Water? by Elena Delhagen based on 1 John 5:1-6 and Acts 10:44-48.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
It was a dark and stormy night. Lightning flashed and thunder crashed. Suddenly, Kimberly, our middle daughter, was standing next to our bed, sobbing in fear. My wife held and comforted her for a few minutes, and then I led her back to the room she shared with her older sister Kristyn. I tucked her tightly into the sandwich of her sheets and blankets, snugging things up for extra safety.
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Acts 10:44-48

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: Pieces you might use, like dice, a spinner, a ball, or any other “unusual” things you might find. I used a beanbag, a shoe, and a piece of paper.

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StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (v. 12-13)

You have heard the saying “We are not called to be successful; we are called to be faithful.” Jesus’ invitation to “follow me” is an invitation to faithfulness. That might be described by the old-fashioned word “fidelity.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Do you love anyone enough to offer them your last Rolo? According to the advert, Rolos are so incredibly delicious that nobody could be that selfless. Those who consider offering their last Rolo to someone they love, snatch it back at the last moment and keep it for themselves.

Or you might of course, love Terry's chocolate orange, and feel it's something which would be good to share. But at the last moment, like cuddly Dawn French, you'd say, "No, it's mine, not Terry's, it's all mine!"

SermonStudio

Schuyler Rhodes
Anyone who has made a long road trip with children singing "99 Bottles Of Beer On The Wall" can support the notion of "singing a new song." Children love the repetition of singing the same song over and over. Parents or youth group leaders who have been in this situation can identify with the need to sing a new song.
Nancy Kraft
Are you in love with God? In 1 John, the author has a lot to say about the love of God and the way that love changes our lives. We love because God first loved us. God's love fills us to overflowing so that it flows through us to other people. Annie Dillard said that we catch grace like a man filling a cup underneath a waterfall.1 That's the way we receive God's love. But there can be a problem for us when we put a lid on our cups and the water can't get inside. We're closing our hearts off to the love of God.

Harry N. Huxhold
A remarkable feature of Dwight D. Eisenhower's memoirs is the composure with which he greeted crises. He titled his autobiography At Ease, an appropriate description for not only his retirement, but the manner in which he appeared to be on top of life. Colleagues, of course, could recall how excited he could get in revealing his impatience with mediocrity and the failures of the people in his command. However, what was impressive was the way he took control in the European theater in World War II with no fear for his own life and great confidence in the Allied offensive.
E. Carver Mcgriff
Charles Wesley began one of the Methodist Church's favorite hymns with this line: "Come Holy Ghost, Our Hearts Inspire." Of course, tradition now uses the alternate term, "Holy Spirit." Wesley called it the "fountain of life and love." And so it is. Once we experience the Holy Spirit, we know it is exactly that: the source of life and love. The giving of that Spirit into the lives of us all is the point of this passage.

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