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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

What must I do? -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, Psalm 30 -- David Kalas -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2007
The Philippian jailor does not appear in any of our selected readings for this Sunday, but
Why we do the things we do -- Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37, Psalm 82 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2007
Shortly after their conversion to Christianity years ago, friends of mine were looking for
A man for one season -- Malachi 3:1-4, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6, Luke 1:68-79 -- David Kalas -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
In 1967, the Academy Award for Best Picture was awarded to A Man for All
Songs of joy -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
A colleague of mine once decried the way that people in his congregation wished to sing
The Christmas crisis -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Luke 1:47-55 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
This Sunday, more than most, the heat is on to get the meaning right, hit our stride, and
Birth announcement -- Isaiah 62:6-12, Titus 3:4-7, Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20, Psalm 97 -- David Kalas -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
Christmas Day. For many of us, it is the fondest day of the year. As children, the holiday
Wise child -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52, Psalm 148 -- Wayne Brouwer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
Often a child's perspective is uncannily wise because his/her logic is so direct. A woman
Coming in waves -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Psalm 29 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2006
A major military operation is not a simple thing. No longer do we simply line up our
Wedding bells -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11, Psalm 36:5-10 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2006
A former US president and his wife were reputed to have visited their old hometown and
Primal urge -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21, Psalm 19 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2006
The texts set before us all have to do with encountering the primal and basic core of
Blocking and tackling -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30, Psalm 71:1-6 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2006
On a typical NFL football team, there are some players who get all the attention and
Looking down to see heaven -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11, Psalm 138 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2006
Some mornings, when I ride my bike, the world is still very dark. I have to pick my way
In vane, in vain, in vein -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26, Psalm 1 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
These texts deal with the vanity of life. Jeremiah lived in a time when the world, as he
The picture Bible -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), Psalm 99 -- David Kalas -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2006
Big events in our culture are generally accompanied by much picture taking.
Love that hurts -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
The story is told of a young girl whose very best friend lived just down the street. They
Getting started on the right foot -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13, Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
We now set sail for Jerusalem, the events of holy week, and the hope of Easter morning.
What's carved above your church door? -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2006
There is a certain irony here as we approach the Sunday before Labor Day and the
Practically Christian -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37, Psalm 125 -- David Kalas -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2006
I parked next to a car yesterday that looked like a bit of a junker. It was pretty banged up
Hindsight, foresight, and insight -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38, Psalm 19 -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2006
A boy in first grade came home from school and told his mother that his class had had a
Any questions -- show of hands -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2006
"Any questions?" The words hang in the air at the end of the teacher's lecture as the
Public enemy -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- David Kalas -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2006
If only he had understood his real enemy.
Defining moments -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16, Psalm 26 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2006
There are many benefits to pastoral ministry. We are invited to share with people their
Going public -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2006
Each of these texts sends us into a different sector of our lives and asks us to
The face at the center of history -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52, Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22) -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2006
My friend is an agnostic. He grew up in a Christian family where church participation
Do you really want to be in that number? -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44, Psalm 24 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- All Saints Day - B -- 2006
I have to admit that Monty Python's Flying Circus is an acquired taste. Yet,

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Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Giving thanks in all situations... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Giving thanks in all situations certainly is not easy.
U.S. Census Bureau statistics... -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
U.S.
In a The Family Circus... -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
In a The Family Circus comic strip by Bil Keane, Billy and Jeffy are walking on the sidewalk.
Sermon Illustrations for Fourth Sunday of Advent (2014) -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Nathan the prophet tells... -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Nathan the prophet tells David that God loves him and sees his lineage going on forever.
After David had a chance... -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Bob Ove -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
After David had a chance to relax and think, he compared his house to the one they had given the Lor
Paul claims that the incarnation... -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Paul claims that the incarnation has long been kept a mystery. It still is hard to believe.
In a Frank & Ernest comic... -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
In a Frank & Ernest comic strip by Bob Thaves, two little boys are sitting in a backyard.
The word "virgin" in Hebrew... -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Bob Ove -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
The word "virgin" in Hebrew can also mean "young woman." But if we translate this passage "young wom
In this scripture lesson... -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
In this scripture lesson Mary is startled by an angel, but more startling is the announcement the an
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas Day (2014) -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
Isaiah 9:2-7
Richard Flanagan wrote a book... -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Ron Love -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
Richard Flanagan wrote a book titled The Narrow Road to the Deep North.
There is a lot of imbalance... -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Mark Ellingsen -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
There is a lot of imbalance of power in American society.
The grace of God has... -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Bob Ove -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
The grace of God has appeared to all men but not all men (people) can see him.
Abraham Lincoln was in his... -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Derl G. Keefer -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
Abraham Lincoln was in his darkest hours prior to the 1864 election.
In a Christmas sermon... -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Mark Ellingsen -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
In a Christmas sermon Martin Luther nicely explained the implications of Christ's nativity for the w
When the University Medical... -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Ron Love -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
When the University Medical Center of Princeton was ready to construct a new building in 2014, the m
Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2015) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2014
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
The Byrds were inspired... -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2014
The Byrds were inspired by this text as they sang "To everything, turn, turn, turn, there is a seaso
Elisabeth Moss, who plays... -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2014
Elisabeth Moss, who plays hardworking advertising copywriter Peggy Olson, on the television show
I am not a fan of camping... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Derl G. Keefer -- New Year's Day - B -- 2014
I am not a fan of camping!
We must be careful not... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - B -- 2014
We must be careful not to take this passage too literally.
Roger Cohen wrote an article... -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Ron Love -- New Year's Day - B -- 2014
Roger Cohen wrote an article for the New York Times in which he discussed that as a child he
Over 46 million Americans... -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - B -- 2014
Over 46 million Americans live in poverty.
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 2 (2015) -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2014
Jeremiah 31:7-14

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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Tom Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For September 14, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A sheep stuffy or toy.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! Let’s get started!

Did you know that Jesus traveled around and hunted for people who were doing something illegal and breaking the laws? (Let them respond.) He really did.And when he found someone who was doing something illegal, do you know what he did with them? (Let them respond.)

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
Our text tells us that we are skilled in doing evil (v.22). An anonymous late medieval treatise titled German Theology tells us why:

It is the nature and property of the creature to seek itself and its own things, and this and that, here and there, and in all that it does and leaves undone as desire is to its own advantage and benefit. (Varieties of Mystic Experience, p.162)

Martin Luther King, Jr. offers an alternative to this vision:
David Coffin
All three of today’s texts can be viewed as good news that God never gives up on God’s people. This is despite their resistance to repent or simple straying from the community of faith. We can observe family and loved ones at various points of their faith journey through the lens of each of these texts. Jeremiah 4 informs the people their neglect of honoring their covenant with God is about to result in disastrous consequences. Paul recalls in 1 Timothy 1 how he thought he was falling God’s will until he had his literal come to Jesus moment!

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. (vv. 6-7)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus told stories to illustrate to the people God's gladness whenever anyone turned to him and chose life. There is still rejoicing in heaven whenever any one of us turns to God.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes I think I'm too insignificant for you to bother with me.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes I don't bother with you.

Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes I don't bother with other people, but only with myself.

SermonStudio

James Evans
(See Proper 12/Pentecost 10/Ordinary Time 17, Cycle B, for an alternative approach.)

The psalm writer has an interesting perspective on the origin of injustice in our world. He begins this psalm with the assertion that those who do not believe in God are "fools." He goes on to accuse them of corruption and of being incapable of doing good. Later on he writes, "Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call upon the Lord?" (v. 4).

Elizabeth Achtemeier
"Now it is I who speak in judgment upon them" (v. 12). Ours is a society that does not accept that as the Word of God. Many people do not believe that God judges anyone. Rather, the Lord is a forgiving God, a kindly deity who overlooks all wrong. As in the Gospel lesson for the morning, the Lord searches for the one lost sheep and returns it gently to the fold, or he hunts for the one lost coin until he finds it. God accepts the lost as they are, we think, overlooking Jesus' teaching about repentance and transformation of life.
Scott Suskovic
We usually don't spend too much time thinking about our own sinfulness. On occasion, of course, our feelings of guilt overwhelm us. We can't stop thinking about our sinfulness. If we are in that situation, we may need to talk that out with someone. Apart from times like that, we don't think much about our own sinfulness. We have ways of getting around that.

R. Robert Cueni
Back before the ways of the Taliban became common knowledge, there was a fascinating little article about how they jailed barbers when they didn't do culturally correct haircuts.1 The newspaper reported that young men in Kabul, Afghanistan, have started wearing their hair the way the actor Leonardo DiCaprio wears his. Long, not only on the sides, but so long in the front that hair can drop over the eyes. They call the style, "the Titanic," named for the blockbuster movie starring DiCaprio about the 1912 sinking of the cruise ship by that name.

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