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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Are you kidding? -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Over the years, I grow more cynical about Christmas and just about everything that
Touched -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2007
Sometimes two hands aren't enough. One writer tells of the morning her son came in
This is Christmas -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Psalm 96 -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
"And so this is Christmas...." Bob Geldof's musical Band Aid gift to Africa ("Do They
There is going to be an investigation -- Jeremiah 2:4-13, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14, Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2007
"There is going to be an investigation." Are there any more chilling or challenging words
Trapped in stained glass -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23, Psalm 148 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
I love stained glass. I grew up in churches that were very traditional, older structures, and
The object of the game -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2007
My little girls recently received a new board game for children as a present. They asked
Connected -- Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10, Psalm 137 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2007
The bride-to-be was obviously nervous. It was only the rehearsal, but already the pastor
Glory -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2007
William Beebe, the naturalist, used to visit fellow nature-lover, Theodore Roosevelt.
Changed -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10, Psalm 14 -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2007
When one congregation finished its building project, the dedication team wanted to place
What you are not responsible for -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 8 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2007
'Tis the season to measure up, sum up, and own up. While most sanctuaries will not be
Let your light so shine -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17, Psalm 29 -- David Kalas -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2007
Sometimes when a certain business -- perhaps an automobile dealership -- is having a big
Word on the street -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2007
Over the years, I have been impressed with how the back streets of our land as much as
A tragic turn -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35, Psalm 27 -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
For several years of our married life, my wife and I had jobs working with very different
Keeping up appearances -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42, Psalm 40:1-11 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2007
One of my favorite British situation comedies is Keeping Up Appearances. It
In search of Jacob Marley -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31, Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2007
It's quite a few weeks before Christmas, but this Sunday's sermon may evoke a pivotal
Lessons from the edge -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8 -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
Years ago, we took a trip to Chicago and whizzed up the super-fast elevators of the Sears
Political religion -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2007
"Politics are almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous!" said Winston Churchill.
Christianity, the basic course -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19, Psalm 66:1-12 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2007
A survey of Christian education resources reveals a trend toward an increasing number of
Hard to swallow -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
We are ambassadors for Christ. Well, how does it feel to have yourself sworn in and
The mountains of God -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9, Psalm 2 -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2007
Mountains occupy a strong place in our imaginations.
The easiest way to lose -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104 -- David Kalas -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2007
Most televised sporting events now feature some pre-game analysis by the commentators.
When the past gets in the way -- Isaiah 43:16-21, Philippians 3:4b-14, John 12:1-8, Psalm 126 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
Sports fans know that certain players need to have short memories. The closer coming
What's in your attic? -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
A now-famous credit card company advertisement asks, "What's in your wallet?" The
Keep looking up -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2007
In my childhood home, there was a wall plaque, unadorned except for three words: "Keep
The tipping point -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14--23:56, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2007
In his book, The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell shows how some events and

Communicating God's Love

Guest column

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Paul writes to the Thessalonians... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
Paul writes to the Thessalonians that he has been a messenger of encouragement to them and, in essen
To the Seven Deadly Sins... -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- Ron Love -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
To the Seven Deadly Sins we ought to add an eighth.
John Calvin well captures the main... -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
John Calvin well captures the main point of Jesus' teachings in the gospel: "For those who fear God.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 (2014) -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2014
Joshua 24:1-3a
Shechem was appropriate for... -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2014
Shechem was appropriate for this meeting since it was the place where they had the first covenant af
Over the years many people... -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2014
Over the years many people impacted my life for the good.
Statistics from the Center for... -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2014
Statistics from the Center for Disease Control indicate that 1 in 20 Americans are depressed.
Dressed in rags, the South... -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- Ron Love -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2014
Dressed in rags, the South Carolina delegate who signed the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Heyw
Missionary Jerry Porter wrote... -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2014
Missionary Jerry Porter wrote in a sermon titled "From Generation to Generation" that Dr. L.
This passage seems to say... -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2014
This passage seems to say that there is a time value in our faith.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2014) -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Judges 4:1-7
There are three festivals... -- Judges 4:1-7 -- Ron Love -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
There are three festivals that all male Jews living within twenty miles of Jerusalem were required t
A 2010 study of the Hartford... -- Judges 4:1-7 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
A 2010 study of the Hartford Institute for Religion Research revealed a glass ceiling for women in c
In my last pastoral assignment... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
In my last pastoral assignment I lived in a parsonage, but my congregation gave me the privilege of
Don't get caught up in times... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Don't get caught up in times and dates.
Christian Richter (1676-1711)... -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Ron Love -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Christian Richter (1676-1711) saw one steeple but many denominational expressions.
Americans do not have... -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Americans do not have a good sense of priorities.
Sermon Illustrations for Christ The King (Proper 29) (2014) -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2014
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
Ezekiel illustrates spiritual... -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2014
Ezekiel illustrates spiritual leaders as shepherds leading sheep.
Sheepherding has changed... -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Bob Ove -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2014
Sheepherding has changed.
The exalted Christ the King... -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2014
The exalted Christ the King fills all in all.
Cecil De Mille learned... -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Ron Love -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2014
Cecil De Mille learned in June 1958 that the plans to place translations of the hieroglyphics on the
Jesus must be with us... -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bob Ove -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2014
Jesus must be with us right now wherever we are here on earth, but we don't recognize him.
Oystein Brinch of Oslo, Norway... -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2014
Oystein Brinch of Oslo, Norway, wrote a devotional for the Upper Room on May 18, 2014.
Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving Day (2014) -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2014
Deuteronomy 8:7-18

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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
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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)

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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.

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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.

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