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Wayne Brouwer

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Wayne Brouwer is a pastor of the Christian Reformed Church in North America and is an Associate Professor of Religion at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, as well as a member of the faculty of Western Theological Seminary. Brouwer has been the lead pastor in three different congregations. He is a graduate of Dordt College and holds degrees from Calvin Theological Seminary and McMaster University. Over 700 of his articles have been published as well as over a dozen books. Previous CSS Publishing titles by Pastor Bouwer include Political Christianity and Humming Till the Music Returns. He has been a consistent contributor to Emphasis: A Preaching Journal since 2004 and is one of several authors featured in Navigating the Sermon. Pastor Brouwer resides in Holland, Michigan, with his wife Brenda and they are the parents of three daughters.
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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Style and Class -- Jeremiah 2:4-13, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2022
Stan Wiersma, writing under his pen name “Sietze Buning,” explored the religious roots of being cons
Only the Grateful Believe -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2022
In 1637, Eilenburg, Saxony, was surrounded by the dark night of the soul. Europe was at war.
Anticipation -- Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19, Isaiah 12 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2022
Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl often wrote about the meaninglessness of his patients’ lives.
Back to the garden -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, John 20:1-18, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Easter Day - C -- 2022
Note: This installment was originally published in 2007.
Hints and Anticipations -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2022
There is a powerful scene in Herman Melville’s great epic, Moby Dick, where Captain Ahab st
Saints -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18, Ephesians 1:11-23, Luke 6:20-31, Psalm 149 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- All Saints Day - C -- 2022
Note: This installment was originally published in 2010.
New World in the Morning... -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2021
It was 1971 when Kenyan-born British singer Roger Whitaker released his “New World in the Morning” a
Gifting -- Isaiah 62:6-12, Titus 3:4-7, Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20 -- Wayne Brouwer -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2021
What did you get for Christmas?
Imperative -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2021
Recently, British researchers discovered that 42 percent of the church-goers in that country fall as
Transformation -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Oscar Wilde penned a powerful story about behaviors and definitions and justice called The Pictu
Witnesses -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Note: This installment was originally published for April 22, 2012.
Faces at a Funeral -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, John 18:1--19:42, Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Good Friday - B -- 2021
Today is Good Friday. Or Death Day. Or the day of tragedy.
Getting It Right -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Someone has suggested a powerfully illuminating analogy.
The Winning Team of Losers -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Psalm 138 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2021
Ernest Gordon’s book To End All Wars (Zondervan, 2002) is the true tale of what took place
Compassion -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2021
A wonderful story is told about Fiorello La Guardia.
Honesty -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2021
Sometimes society asks us to judge with care our words.
Security -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2021
When a young girl came home from Sunday school, her parents asked her about the lesson.

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Perspective -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2022
We live in a pluralized world where all opinions seem valid, and the only perspective about which we
Glow -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Wayne Brouwer -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2022
During the time of the Reformation, John Foxe of England was impressed by the testimony of the early
Connected and Ready -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Wayne Brouwer -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2022
A noted businessman was in high demand on the speakers’ circuit.
Only the Grateful Believe -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2022
In 1637, Eilenburg, Saxony, was surrounded by the dark night of the soul. Europe was at war.
Hints and Anticipations -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2022
There is a powerful scene in Herman Melville’s great epic, Moby Dick, where Captain Ahab st
Imperative -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2021
Recently, British researchers discovered that 42 percent of the church-goers in that country fall as
Transformation -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Oscar Wilde penned a powerful story about behaviors and definitions and justice called The Pictu
Faces at a Funeral -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, John 18:1--19:42, Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Good Friday - B -- 2021
Today is Good Friday. Or Death Day. Or the day of tragedy.

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Sermon

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Postmarked In Heaven -- 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1999
Some time ago a friend called me in the middle of a very busy day.
Choices Of The Heart -- 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1999
Tony Campolo tells of the weekend he spent in Las Vegas, speaking at a church conference.
Home For Christmas -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Wayne Brouwer -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
Beverly Elliot hadn't seen her son Russell Love in more than four years.
Anti-Venom Serum -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- Wayne Brouwer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1999
Years ago, when we lived in Alberta, Sunday nights were very special for us.
Finding The Right Superlatives -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1999
When Bob Zuppke was football coach at the University of Illinois, the team thrived under his enthusi
Beautiful Music On The Human Stereo -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1999
I had lunch with a pastor of another congregation who wanted to welcome me to the community.
Promises, Promises, Promises -- 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Somewhere today a woman picks up another dirty shirt and tosses it into the laundry basket.
The Brink Of Eternity -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Creating a sermon is a funny thing.

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The Brink Of Eternity -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Creating a sermon is a funny thing.

Stories

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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
For November 30, 2025:
  • Time Change by Chris Keating. The First Sunday of Advent invites God’s people to tell time differently. While the secular Christmas machine keeps rolling, the church is called to a time of waiting and remaining alert.
  • Second Thoughts: What Time Is It by Tom Willadsen based on Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
According to Martin Luther our thanksgiving is brought about only by justification by grace:

But bringing of tithes denotes that we are wholly given to the service of the neighbor through love…  This, however, does not happen unless, being first justified by faith. (Luther’s Works, Vol.9, p.255)

The Reformer also wants us to be happy, what with all the generous gifts we have been given.  He wrote:
Wayne Brouwer
A schoolteacher asked her students to make a list of the things for which they were thankful. Right at the top of Chad’s list was the word “glasses.” Some children resent having to wear glasses, but evidently not Chad! She asked him about it. Why was he thankful that he wore glasses?

“Well,” he said, “my glasses keep the boys from hitting me and the girls from kissing me.”

The philosopher Eric Hoffer says, “The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings!” That’s true, isn’t it?
William H. Shepherd
Christianity is, among other things, an intellectual quest. The curriculum to know God truly. The lesson plans interact creatively with other aspects of faith: worship is vain if not grounded in truth, while service is misguided if based on faulty premises. While faith certainly cannot be reduced to knowledge, it cannot be divorced from it, either.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (v. 6)

We just received word about the passing of our friend, Rosmarie Trapp. We had lost touch with her in recent years, so I was shocked when I stumbled onto her obituary in The New York Times from May 18, 2022.
David E. Leininger
John Jamison
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Reason for the Season" by David Leininger
"Time's Up" by John Jamison


What's Up This Week

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John Jamison
Object: The activity for this message is the Be Thank You! game.

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The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Rosemary was 33 years old. She'd been married to James for four years and they had two children, Sam who was two and the baby, Elizabeth, who was just three weeks old. Apart from the baby blues and extreme fatigue, both of which got her down a bit when James was at work, Rosemary was happy. They had recently moved to the London suburbs and James commuted each day by train.

SermonStudio

Carlos Wilton
This brief psalm is among the most familiar in the psalter, but that is primarily because its verses have been excerpted in so many hymns and liturgical texts. There is something to be gained from looking at Psalm 100 in its entirety, and trying to recover its ancient liturgical context.

James Evans
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem" (v. 6). What better way could there be for us to begin the Advent season than by focusing our prayers on peace? The word, shalom, translated "peace," means much more than the mere absence of conflict. And of course, it is not only Jerusalem that is in need of peace; the whole world needs the shalom that the psalmist dreams about. So perhaps we should expand the breadth of this prayer, and deepen it with our awareness of the various meanings of the Hebrew idea of peace.

John R. Brokhoff
THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Isaiah 2:1--5 (C, RC, E)
Tony S. Everett
A popular skit at church camps involves about a dozen folks lined up side-by-side, looking anxious and frustrated facing the audience. Each person rests a left elbow on the right shoulder of their neighbor. Then, from left to right, each member asks, "Is it time yet?" When the question arrives at the end of the line, the last person looks at his/her wristwatch and responds, "No." This reply is passed, one-by-one each with bored sighs, back to the first questioner. After a few moments, the same question is passed down the line (left elbows remaining on the right shoulders).
Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
Just a few days before writing this message, I conducted a memorial service for a 60-year-old man who was the picture of health until three months before his death. He was active, vibrant, only recently retired, and looking forward to years of good life with his wife and family and friends. Nonetheless, pancreatic cancer had done its work, and quickly, and he was gone. It was the general consensus that it was too soon for his life to end; he was too young to die.
John W. Clarke
In this the sixth chapter of John's Gospel, Jesus begins to withdraw to the east side of the Sea of Galilee. He has fed the 5,000, and he has walked on water. The press of the crowds had become all consuming and he needs some solitude to prepare himself for what lay ahead. Considering that the crowds that followed him more than likely knew of the feeding of the 5,000, and some may even have heard of the miraculous walking on water, it is difficult to explain why in these verses, they would doubt anything he had to say -- but they do.
Robert R. Kopp
My favorite eighth grader just confessed his aspiration for becoming President of the United States.

When I foolishly asked the inspiration of his lofty goal, he replied, "Bill Clinton." Then my hormone-raging adolescent proceeded to list perceived presidential perks that have nothing to do with God or country.

My prayer list has been altered.

And my attitude about prayer in public schools has changed too.

I used to be against prayer in public schools.
John E. Berger
Thanksgiving, according to one newspaper columnist, has kept its original meaning better than any other holiday. That original meaning, he wrote, was family reunions around large dinner tables.

In contrast, Christmas has changed into Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Easter has come to emphasize new spring clothes and the Easter bunny. Even our national holidays -- Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day -- have become cook-outs and summer travel get-aways.
Mark Ellingson
Thanksgiving: How do we say thanks authentically and not lapse into the platitudes so often associated with this holiday? There are several dangers associated with the holiday. Ever since it was instituted as a national holiday by Abraham Lincoln, and even before when various state governors instituted it in their states, Thanksgiving has not been a strictly Christian holiday. There has been a lot of nationalism and self-congratulations associated with this day. What is the distinctively Christian way to give thanks to God for all the good things that we have?

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