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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Living the Gift of Faith -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2023
Genesis 29:15-28
Jesus Is Our Only Way Out -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
This is a Sunday for reminders that Jesus is our only way out.
Wrestling with the Undeniable -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2023
This is really happening. No, really. This is really happening.
Fulfillment in Darkness -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- David Coffin -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness.
When Nothing Else Can Help -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- David Kalas -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2023
When I was a little boy, my dad would sometimes sing me to sleep at night, and he would usually sing
What the Choir Needs to Hear -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2023
We have an idiom in our day that was born in the church but has worked its way into the broader cult
Faith in God's Word -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 -- David Coffin -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2023
A person is a sincere Christian who prays for God’s will in their life at a young age.
Social Circles -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2023
Here is a great poem by Edwin Markham. Listen closely!
Which Leader Should We Follow? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2023
Coaching is nothing without a team that responds.
Sight and Sound -- Matthew 17:1-9, Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2023
Although I still think a bare stage is the most effective form of theater, there’s no denying that p
The Road Less Traveled -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2023
Robert Frost wrote a poem titled “The Road Less Traveled,” about making a choice between one turn in
We Dare Not Duck Our Sinfulness -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2023
All the lessons and the theme of the day remind us that we dare not duck our sinfulness.
How God Keeps Us Together -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2023
Exodus 12:1-14
Relationships Tested -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19 -- David Coffin -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Imagine a young couple about to be married who have just processed up the aisle of a traditional Chr
All Rise -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- David Kalas -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2023
I was summoned for jury duty recently.
Traveling with Abraham -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
You remember the story... Abraham was a great old man, probably 125 or so!
Belonging Grace -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- David Coffin -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2023
At first glance, one common thread that ties all three of these texts together is that of God’s grac
Rendezvous With God -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11 -- David Kalas -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
A colleague of mine and I decided to meet one day for lunch.
Seeing is Believing, Right? -- John 9:1-41, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
We like to say “seeing is believing” as if the evidence of our eyes will automatically convince us o
Authority and Obedience -- Matthew 21:23-32, Philippians 2:1-13, Exodus 17:1-7 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2023
An ice storm on Saturday night! Everything was cancelled.
Sooner or Later -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14--23:56 -- David Kalas -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2022
I have fond associations with Palm Sunday.
Of Bedtimes and Discipleship -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- David Kalas -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2022
Our youngest children are twin nine-year-old girls.
Fast Food, Past and Present Tense, Future Indicative -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2022
The late science fiction writer Robert A.
Life or Death: Make A Choice -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2022
Choices matter.
How the Cross Changes Everyday Life -- Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9, John 18:1--19:42, Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Good Friday - C -- 2022
Isaiah 52:13--53:12

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2023) -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2023
Exodus 16:2-15
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 (2023) -- Exodus 17:1-17, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:28-32, Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2023
Exodus 17:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 (2023) -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2023
Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 (2023) -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14, Isaiah 25:1-9, Psalm 23 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2023
Exodus 32:1-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 (2023) -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2023
Exodus 33:12-23
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 (2023) -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46, Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18, Psalm 1 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2023
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Illustrations for All Saints Day (2023) -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- All Saints Day - A -- 2023
Revelation 7:9-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2023) -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2023
Joshua 3:7-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 (2023) -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2023
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2023) -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2023
Judges 4:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving Day (2023) -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2023
Deuteronomy 8:7-18
Sermon Illustrations for Christ The King (Proper 29) (2023) -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2023
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 1 (2023) -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
Isaiah 64: 1-9
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 2 (2023) -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
Isaiah 40:1-11
Sermon Illustrations for Third Sunday of Advent (2023) -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Sermon Illustrations for Fourth Sunday of Advent (2023) -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
2 Samuel 7:1-11,16
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas Day (2023) -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Psalm 96, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2023
Isaiah 9:2-7
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 1 (2023) -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2023
Isaiah 61:10--62:3
Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2022) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - C -- 2022
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 2 (2022) -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2022
Jeremiah 31:7-14
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany of the Lord (2022) -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2022
Isaiah 60:1-6
Sermon Illustrations for Baptism of Our Lord (2022) -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2022
Isaiah 43:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 2 | OT 2 (2022) -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2022
Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Psalm 138
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 3 (OT 3) Cycle C (2022) -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2022
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 4 (OT 4) Cycle C (2022) -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2022
Jeremiah 1:4-10

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Proper 23 | OT 28 | Pentecost 18
30 – Sermons
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Proper 24 | OT 29 | Pentecost 19
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
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29 – Commentary / Exegesis
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Proper 25 | OT 30 | Pentecost 20
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

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The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Tom Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For October 26, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
I am a scoreboard watcher. I follow a lot more games than I actually watch, but since technology makes it easy to check scores on a moment’s whim, I watch a lot of scoreboards of teams and games that I am at least mildly interested in. And as I check those scores, I find myself having immediate reactions: “Great!” “Oh, that's too bad.” “Excellent!” “Nuts.” And in the midst of that sports-fan roller coaster, I must continually remind myself that not all scores are final.
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Joel 2:22-32
Martin Luther sings the praises of God’s love revealed in this lesson. He wrote:

The love of God which lives in man loves sinners, evil persons, fools and weaklings in order to make them righteous, good, wise, and strong. Rather than seeking its own good, the love of God flows forth and bestows good. (Luther’s Works, Vol. 31, p.57)

John Wesley nicely summarizes the Spirit’s role in fighting the lure of our old sinful habits:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message is a role-play story. You will need two children to play the roles of the Pharisee and the tax collector. I usually ask two children if they will help me as they are all coming forward for the message, but you may select them however you choose.

* * *

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, but your commandments are my delight.
Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live.
(vv. 143-144)

When I was an associate pastor in Janesville, Wisconsin one of my responsibilities was to give a lecture on spirituality once a month at a drug treatment facility. The students who attended were persons who had been convicted of drunk driving and were required to attend the class as a condition of their sentence. Attendance was always good.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

We all dislike people who blow their own trumpets, although sometimes we may be in awe of them. Jesus too deplored such behaviour and was never in awe of those who practised it. In our worship today let us open ourselves to Jesus, allowing him to see what is in our hearts.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we allow other people's behaviour to intimidate us.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes we refuse to reach our own fullest potential because we are afraid.

SermonStudio

Schuyler Rhodes
Every morning when sleep leaves and waking comes there is cause for praising God. Caught up, as we are, in the currents and eddies of our lives, this is easy to forget. This wonderful psalm is a reminder. God's bounty and abundance spill into our lives like waters over a causeway. God's delight in creation explodes in a million different colors. In every moment there is reason to give God praise.
Robert R. Kopp
When I was a little boy growing up in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania's First Presbyterian Church, one of those Christian chalk artists with black light, neon colors, and black felt canvas who made pictures of Jesus look like those Elvis portraits for sale on the side of the road at the beach showed up as entertainment for a Sunday evening potluck dinner.
John E. Berger
Today's sermon begins with this little one-person drama.
Mark Ellingson
Have you ever felt that you were absolutely at the end of your rope, left without hope? Sometime during the years of 539 B.C. to 331 B.C. that is the way the people of Judah felt. It seems that their land had been ravaged by a plague of locusts which had had catastrophic consequences.

Once a harvest has been destroyed, you cannot repair it. If a building has burned to the ground, you cannot repair it. In those instances you need to start from scratch with a fresh start.

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