Login / Signup

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

God Is Going Before Us -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
The texts for the Third Sunday After Epiphany are that God goes before us.
Tables Turned -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2020
As plot devices go, tables turned depends on a radical change of perspective.
Long Term Change -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2020
An epiphany is a moment of clarity.
Things Look Better Up Ahead -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2020
Exodus 3:1-15
Lifestyle Evangelism -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2020
Fred Craddock told of a vacation encounter in the Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee that moved hi
Putting In The Time -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2020
Exodus 12:1-14
Right Turns -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2020
Where you and I live, intersections are clearly marked.
Discipleship after Deliverance -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- David Coffin -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2020
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the
Waiting for the Light to Shine -- Matthew 17:1-9, Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2020
Mark Twain once said that his pious, sainted mother never missed a Sunday’s service her whole life l
Complaint Department -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2020
A woman who works at Weight Watchers said that a new client had begun her diet.
Awareness of Sin and The Urgency of Repentance -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2020
Ash Wednesday is time to stress our sorrow for sin and the way out, a chance to stimulate our awaren
Mirror, Mirror, On The Shelf -- Matthew 21:23-32, Philippians 2:1-13, Exodus 17:1-7 -- David Kalas -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2020
The mirror on the wall gets a lot of looks.
Calling New Disciples -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19 -- Sandra Herrmann -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
The scriptures for today bind together the beginning of sin in the world, our salvation from sin, an
Not As Entitled As You Think -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
“Me and the man upstairs have an understanding.”
Worthwhile Journey -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Matthew 17:1-9 -- David Coffin -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
It is the second Sunday in Lent!
Give Yourself Away -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) -- Sandra Herrmann -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
After the Resurrection, Jesus met with his disciples in many places and situations.
Lord of New Life -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- David Coffin -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
In this season of new life, we are always reminded that Jesus as Lord found in the Christian scriptu
Discomforting Words -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2019
Note: This installment was originally published in 2013.
Changed by Love -- John 13:31-35, Acts 11:1-8, Revelation 21:1-6 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
The bride-to-be was obviously nervous.
What Do You Value? -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- David Coffin -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2019
A pastor has been called to a certain congregation with one major mandate in mind: “Revitalize our y
Coming and Going -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- David Kalas -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
Perhaps on this holiday weekend, which culturally marks the beginning of summer, it is right for us
Purchasing Wisely -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2019
Remember the story of Robin Hood?
Let The Reign Begin -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2019
The Reign of Christ has begun, even though it may not be immediately apparent to the world at large.
High Calling in an Upside-Down World -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6 -- David Kalas -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2019
A colleague and I were talking some years ago about how we do premarital counseling with the couples
Plans Beyond Our Own Little Boxes -- Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, John 17:20-26 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
The lessons for the last Sunday of Easter witness to how we might live by the awesome vision of God

Communicating God's Love

Guest column

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 (2020) -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2020
Exodus 14:19-31
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2020) -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2020
Exodus 16:2-15
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 (2020) -- Exodus 17:1-17, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:28-32, Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2020
Exodus 17:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 (2020) -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 (2020) -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14, Isaiah 25:1-9, Psalm 23 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2020
Isaiah 25:1-9, Psalm 23
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 (2020) -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2020
Exodus 33:12-23
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 (2020) -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46, Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18, Psalm 1 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2020
Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18; Psalm 1
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2020) -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2020
Joshua 3:7-17
Illustrations for All Saints Day (2020) -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- All Saints Day - A -- 2020
Revelation 7:9-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 (2020) -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2020
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2020) -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2020
Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 and Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12
Sermon Illustrations for Christ The King (Proper 29) (2020) -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2020
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving Day (2020) -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2020
Deuteronomy 8:7-18
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 1 (2020) -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Isaiah 64:1-9
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 2 (2020) -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Isaiah 40:1-11
Sermon Illustrations for Third Sunday of Advent (2020) -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Sermon Illustrations for Fourth Sunday of Advent (2020) -- 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 -- 2020
2 Samuel 7: 1-11, 16
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas Day (2020) -- 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 -- 2020
Isaiah 9:2-7
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 1 (2020) -- 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 -- 2020
Isaiah 61:10--62:3
Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2019) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bill Thomas, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - C -- 2019
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany of the Lord (2019) -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2019
Isaiah 60:1-6a
Sermon Illustrations for Baptism of Our Lord (2019) -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2019
Isaiah 43:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 2 | OT 2 (2019) -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2019
Isaiah 62:1-5
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 3 (OT 3) Cycle C (2019) -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2019
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 4 (OT 4) Cycle C (2019) -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2019
Jeremiah 1:4-10

Political Pulpit

Sermon

The Political Pulpit

UPCOMING WEEKS
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
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 17 | OT 22 | Pentecost 12
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 18 | OT 23 | Pentecost 13
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
For September 7, 2025:

StoryShare

Frank Ramirez
For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it?  Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him…. (vv. 28-29)

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A pair of heavy gloves you might use to protect your hands when you are working or gardening.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! But I need to warn you that this story can be really tough to understand, so let’s see if we can figure it out.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Jeremiah 18:1-11
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 18:1-11 and Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said that we must be utterly committed to him, even to facing danger and pain, if we want to follow him. In our worship today, let us ask him for help in this formidable task.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we are scared to stand up for you.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we love other things more than you.

Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we are more concerned with our own image than with you.

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away.
-- Psalm 139:1-2

Schuyler Rhodes
It would be an easy thing to read through this psalm and nod in assent before moving on to the next. It all seems pretty obvious. "Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread...." It is tantamount to what the young people refer to as a "no-brainer." Much of this bad advice could be avoided by turning off our televisions. And the sinner's well-worn walkways? They too seem fairly apparent. Yet somehow they continue to be well worn.
Paul E. Robinson
Another world, another day, another time. The bright sun cast its long dark shadows along streets filled with carts and animals, never once falling on automobile, trolley or McDonald's litter in the gutter.
Lee Ann Dunlap
What would you do if you opened your mailbox one day to find a letter from the city or county announcing that you have to move? That land your grandparents worked so hard to till, or for which you struggled so long to purchase is deemed the best land available for a new shopping mall. The appraisers will soon be checking out your home to determine its fair market value and you are expected to vacate.
Rick McCracken-Bennett
I remember as I was growing up, before gas became more precious than gold, that our family would go on buggy rides, as we called them, on Sunday afternoons after church and dinner. It was a great time for the entire family to be together, to wander back roads aimlessly, and to talk about just about anything you could imagine.
Gary L. Carver
The old man is about to retire for the evening. Closely he clutches a collection of correspondence as he replaces the worn letter he had read back into the bundle. It is the most treasured possession that he owns. As he hits his knees, he shakes his head in wonder and amazement at what God had done in his life. Only God could have taken him from where once he was to where he is now. And his prayer is one of gratitude.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL