Emphasis Contributors
Illustration Writers
Ron Love
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
M Adryael Tong
Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A
Mark Ellingsen
The happy surprises of faith — a word we need in the midst of the despair and suspicions of others which have characterized 2020.
Genesis 28:10-19a
The First Lesson is the product of one of the four distinct oral traditions which gave rise to the first five books of the Bible. This account of Jacob’s dream of the ladder is likely the work of the 8th-century BC source designated as E, for its use of the Hebrew term Elohim to designate God.
Genesis 28:10-19a
The First Lesson is the product of one of the four distinct oral traditions which gave rise to the first five books of the Bible. This account of Jacob’s dream of the ladder is likely the work of the 8th-century BC source designated as E, for its use of the Hebrew term Elohim to designate God.
M Adryael Tong
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Ron Love
Frank Ramirez
Genesis 28:10-19a
Joy in Minutiae
I love questions like, “ How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?” I realize that speculative exegesis, like angelology, is not everybody’s cup of tea. It is so easy to dismiss these kinds of question as idle speculation that edifies nobody. But, for me, it is exactly these “idle questions about stuff that doesn’t matter” that have revealed some of the most earth-shaking and paradigm-shifting theological insights.
Joy in Minutiae
I love questions like, “ How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?” I realize that speculative exegesis, like angelology, is not everybody’s cup of tea. It is so easy to dismiss these kinds of question as idle speculation that edifies nobody. But, for me, it is exactly these “idle questions about stuff that doesn’t matter” that have revealed some of the most earth-shaking and paradigm-shifting theological insights.
Lectionary Commentary and Sermon Illustrations
Emphasis Preaching Journal provides in-depth lectionary-based commentary on lectionary texts, plus thousands of sermon illustrations to help you create riveting sermons.For over 45 years, Emphasis has provided subscribers with scripturally sound, lectionary-based commentaries and sermon illustrations that connect with the people in the pews.
For each week, Emphasis writers delve into the heart of the lectionary readings, providing you with several fresh, solid ideas -- based squarely on the lectionary texts -- for creating sermons that speak powerfully to your audience. They look for overall themes that hold the readings together. Then, they zero in on the themes and the specific scripture links, suggesting directions for the sermon and worship service. Since a single idea each week may not provide what you are looking for at that particular time, writers suggest several, giving you the opportunity to select the one that matches your specific needs.
