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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Rejoicing Sunday -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 1997
The third Sunday in Advent is officially called "Gaudete Sunday," which means "Rejoicing Sunday." Jo
A word to the wise -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1997
As we have noted before, the books of 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings were probably originally one
The subtleties of power and temptation -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1997
There are few texts in the Bible or illustrations from the lives of public figures that more aptly d
First Lesson Focus -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 1997
FIRST LESSON FOCUSBy James A. Nestingen
The power of the Gospel -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1997
This is one of those texts that we might wish were not in the Bible, or, at the very least, one that
Ordinary people with an extraordinary word -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1997
Beginning today and continuing for the next ten Sundays the first lesson will be from the books of
To die is the only way to live -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1997
This passage from Jeremiah has been called the most important single teaching of his prophecy, and i
Where credit is due -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1997
Between last Sunday's first lesson and today's text we have the story of the turbulent years of Saul
Free to be, to do, and not to do -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1997
This remarkable passage is nestled in the midst of a long litany of detailed legislative instruction
What restless hearts need -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1997
David thinks that he has covered his tracks.
No matter what, God will rule -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1997
This section marks the beginning of the "in-between" period in David's life.
Joel 3:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1997
FIRST LESSON FOCUSASH WEDNESDAYBy James A. Nestingen
Just us ordinary folks -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1997
This text is the conclusion of a lengthy narrative which began in 1 Samuel 16.
Obedience through suffering -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1997
Four times a week, I drive my fourteen-year-old son to a gymnastics academy where for three hours he
Blessed to be a blessing -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1997
Those who are preaching a series of sermons on the lessons from 1 and 2 Samuel will need to fill in
Whose side is God on? -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9,22-23, Mark 7:24-37 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1997
(Dr. Mark A.
Praising God -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1997
I learned a lesson about thanksgiving while working as a parish pastor.
To believe is to do -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1997
If this book were not in the canon of the Bible, one might wonder if it were any more than a collect
Love is both tough and sensitive -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1997
In Acts 8, 9, and 10 we have the stories of three conversions -- the unnamed eunuch from Ethiopia, t
Death's destruction -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- All Saints Day - B -- 1997
In most churches, All Saints' Day is the annual occasion for remembering the dead.
Set free through Christ -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1997
In the Gospels, Jesus talks more about the Kingdom of God than he does about anything else.
Growing in wisdom -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 1997
In the second century, some Christians produced popular literature that told stories of Jesus as a y
Who are God's people? -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1997
Is the world bad or good?
Are you listening? -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1997
It is not surprising that this text should be read on Transfiguration Sunday.
A house without walls -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1997
It's a shame and a judgment on us that we have to limit our worship services in such a way that we o

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

O. Henry, that great... -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- Ron Love -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2013
O. Henry, that great short story writer, was born William Sidney Porter.
Speaking of the life... -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2013
Speaking of the life of Christians, a first-century anonymous treatise titled The Epistle to Diog
Paul often repeats the basis... -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2013
Paul often repeats the basis of our faith in Christ! It can't be stated often enough!
Is Paul naive?... -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2013
Is Paul naive? Or has he hit on something that we have yet to learn?
When John Deere introduced... -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Ron Love -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2013
When John Deere introduced its home lawn tractor in 1963, they were promoted as "freedom machines,"
This text testifies... -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2013
This text testifies and extols the greatness of faith. Martin Luther has a lot to say about faith.
Sermons Illustrations for Proper 24 | OT 29 (2013) -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2013
Jeremiah 31:27-34
Great introductions are... -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2013
Great introductions are bound to get one's attention.
God changes his plans... -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2013
God changes his plans for Israel when they acknowledge their sin.
Helen Hayes, the great actress... -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Ron Love -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2013
Helen Hayes, the great actress, was addressing a group of elderly individuals when she was asked how
The text's warning... -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2013
The text's warning that the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine seems ful
Leymah Gbowee, 2011 Nobel Peace... -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2013
Leymah Gbowee, 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, writes in her book Mighty Be Our Powers how p
How many times have we... -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2013
How many times have we prayed and prayed and wondered if there was any one up there to hear our pray
Sermon Illustrations for All Saints Day (2013) -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18, Ephesians 1:11-23, Luke 6:20-31 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- All Saints Day - C -- 2013
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18
It happened... -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 -- Ron Love -- All Saints Day - C -- 2013
It happened. An atomic bomb fell on America.
Earthly powers enslave us... -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 -- Mark Ellingsen -- All Saints Day - C -- 2013
Earthly powers enslave us.
An inheritance can be... -- Ephesians 1:11-23 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- All Saints Day - C -- 2013
An inheritance can be a wonderful gift that can keep on giving.
Paul starts with himself... -- Ephesians 1:11-23 -- Bob Ove -- All Saints Day - C -- 2013
Paul starts with himself and his converts who were the first to hope in Christ.
Saints are people who live... -- Luke 6:20-31 -- Mark Ellingsen -- All Saints Day - C -- 2013
Saints are people who live by the Golden Rule. Sort of.
Katharine Hepburn, the great... -- Luke 6:20-31 -- Ron Love -- All Saints Day - C -- 2013
Katharine Hepburn, the great screen actress and person of great wealth, dressed very simply in her e
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | OT 31 (2013) -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2013
Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
An oracle... -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2013
An oracle (NRSV, NIV) is a pronouncement (tanakh) that the prophet Habakkuk "saw" (NRSV).
That's a hard passage... -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2013
That's a hard passage to take, though it is a very common one and can make some realize that they ar
In Iran today... -- 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Ron Love -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2013
In Iran today, which is returning to a theocratic nation, strict Islamic law is being imposed.
Americans like to think... -- 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2013
Americans like to think of themselves as self-made men and women.

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In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 16 | OT 21 | Pentecost 11
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
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29 – Worship Resources
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4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Proper 17 | OT 22 | Pentecost 12
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
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Proper 18 | OT 23 | Pentecost 13
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

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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