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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The year of the Lord's favor -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
If you had to pick one image from the scriptures to sum up the significance of Jesus' ministry, what
Assurance -- Psalm 67, Revelation 21:10, 22-27, John 14:23-29 -- Ascension of the Lord - C
Sometimes I think that we take assurance with a lack of seriousness.
Wrestling -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
We all love stories of courage among those who wrestle with daunting difficulties in life and actual
Knowing our limits -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15, Psalm 8 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C
During the years when Jesus was passing his childhood in Palestine, the Latin poet Ovid was writing
It may be now or never -- Amos 6:1a, 4-7, Luke 16:19-31 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C
One of the most remarkable and thrilling insights into reality which the Bible provides is the up-fr
Serving an underestimated God -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21, Psalm 14 -- David Kalas -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
From time to time in the car, especially during football season, I listen to sports talk
It came from beneath the sea -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18, Ephesians 1:11-23, Luke 6:20-31, Psalm 149 -- William H. Shepherd -- All Saints Day - C
Theaters in the 1950s were deluged with "wildlife-gone-amok" disaster films ...
Angels watching over me -- Daniel 10:10-14; 12:1-3 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A
On beyond perfection -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
On Beyond Zebra! Remember the book by Dr. Seuss?
All the time in the world -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
As a rule, you can tell how much time a person has by how quickly they move.
Sheep and Shepherds -- Psalm 23, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
It is interesting that in both Old Testament and New the parable of the sheep and shepherd is consta
Cosmic Show and Tell -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - B
The meaning of the word Epiphany is "to show forth," "to make known," "to reveal."
Building a new team -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
When Vince Lombardi was hired as head coach of the Green Bay Packers in 1958, the team was in dismal
Farmer, teacher, judge -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C
I have always thought that it is more accurate to say what God isn't than what God is.
The Spiritual Life -- Ephesians 4:30-5:2, John 6:41-51 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
If you listen to many people speak of the spiritual life it appears that to be spiritual is to becom
A Realistic Faith -- Ephesians 4:17-24, John 6:24-35 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
Sometimes one gets the idea that there is something spiritual and different from real life in real r
A new era -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, John 20:1-18 -- Easter Day - C
We are likely to think of Easter as an annual festival and indeed it is.
Giving all -- 1 Kings 17:8-16, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Each of the lessons for this Sunday has something to say about giving everything a person has.
Love -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- Ascension of the Lord - B
One of the preacher's greatest difficulties is to deal with the word love.
Maker of heaven and earth -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, Psalm 130 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Okay, sooner or later, and more likely sooner than later, if you engage in the homiletical
Have you been to the mountaintop? -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99 -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
There are only two kinds of people in the world.
Proclamation -- Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, Luke 4:14-21 -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
"He has anointed me.""He has sent me."
Beginnings -- Isaiah 61:10-62:3, Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18, John 1:1-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
On the first Sunday in the new year, a theme of beginnings seems very appropriate.
Humanity and Divinity -- Psalm 111, Hebrews 2:10-18, Luke 2:41-52 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C
As has been observed in one of the lessons, the discussion of JesusÕ humanity and divinity seems nev
Creation is Salvation -- Psalm 8, Proverbs 8:22-31, Romans 5:1-5 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C
It is interesting to discover just how many times creation and salvation seem to be concepts that ar

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

One of the early Congregational church covenants in England reads as follows... -- 2 Samuel 5:1-15, 9-10 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
"So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron; and king David made a covenant with them at
When you think big about a task bigger than yourself... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
When you think big about a task bigger than yourself, like Paul felt about his ministry, then it get
One of the ruling bodies in France was called the Estates General... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Ron Love -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
One of the ruling bodies in France was called the Estates General.
Francis of Assisi patterned his own order the Brothers Minor... -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
Francis of Assisi patterned his own order the Brothers Minor after Jesus' description of sending the
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 10 | OT 15 (2012) -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2012
2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19
A Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life poll revealed... -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2012
With reference to the lesson's description of David and his contemporaries worshiping joyfully it is
John Paul Jones, a captain in the U.S. Navy... -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 -- Ron Love -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2012
John Paul Jones, a captain in the U.S.
People of faith are often confused and unclear about... -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2012
People of faith are often confused and unclear about being "chosen" by God as Paul expresses the con
John was a prophet standing up to the corrupt establishment... -- Mark 6:14-29 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2012
John was a prophet standing up to the corrupt establishment. What might we prophesy about today?
Ali Ferzat spent years drawing political cartoons... -- Mark 6:14-29 -- Ron Love -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2012
Ali Ferzat spent years drawing political cartoons that denounced the autocratic reign of Syria's lea
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 11 | OT 16 (2012) -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2012
2 Samuel 7:1-14a
After David had consolidated his kingdom... -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2012
After David had consolidated his kingdom he decided it was time that he built a house for God.
Paul refers to Christ creating one new humanity... -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2012
Paul refers to Christ creating one new humanity, especially in the church.
Statistician Hans Rosling is recognized for his contribution to advancing the public health... -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Ron Love -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2012
Statistician Hans Rosling is recognized for his contribution to advancing the public health in Afric
Jesus desired to heal all who came to him... -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2012
Jesus desired to heal all who came to him, but his disciples tended to feel that there were some peo
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 12 | OT 17 (2012) -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2012
2 Samuel 11:1-15
Some children were taken to a nursing home... -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- Ron Love -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2012
Some children were taken to a nursing home to sing to the residents and share some time with them.
Like David, Americans do not want to acknowledge their sin... -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2012
Like David, Americans do not want to acknowledge their sin.
N.T. Wright tells the following story about Desmond Tutu... -- Ephesians 3:14-21 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2012
N.T. Wright tells the following story about Desmond Tutu's prayer life.
Astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson made an insightful comment... -- John 6:1-21 -- Ron Love -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2012
Astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson made an insightful comment that could only come from one who stud
An article in a 2010 issue of Nature magazine indicated... -- John 6:1-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2012
An article in a 2010 issue of Nature magazine indicated that we have the food resources to fe
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 13 | OT 18 (2012) -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2012
2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a
As Nathan told his story about the rich man... -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2012
William J.
In the May 2012 publication of Time magazine... -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2012
In the May 2012 publication of Time magazine, the editors devoted a special double issue to t
Our lesson speaks of our unity... -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2012
Our lesson speaks of our unity, for Christ now fills all things.

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For May 19, 2024:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Coffin
Pentecost accents the belief that the Christian church is a Spirit movement, not another world institution. Imagine a pastor who is on the denomination committee for examining pastoral candidates that are on various points along their journey toward ordination either before, during or just after completion of seminary/Bible college training. All the pastoral candidates are excited about their future of making a positive change and impression on the churches they serve.
Mark Ellingsen
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Acts 2:1-21
Martin Luther viewed Pentecost as a day of celebration, as on a sermon in the topic he noted “it was on this present Pentecost Day that the joyful blessed and lovely kingdom of Christ was established, a kingdom filled with joy, courage, and certainty.”  Complete Sermons, Vol.6, p.152) Awareness of the Holy Spirit is a big part of the joy and certainty Pentecost brings.  John Wesley, then, offers a timely warning about how not to lose a sense of the Spirit and the joy and confidence this insight offers.  He wrote:

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Peter Andrew Smith
“I’m not sure why we’re doing this,” Ollie muttered to himself as he took his place on the bandstand. He unpacked his guitar and played a few chords to make sure that it was in tune. “The acoustics are better in the church building.”

“They may be,” Todd said raising his voice over the sounds of the busy park. “Going to be a noisy afternoon from the sounds of it.”

“Huh?” Ollie looked over at his smiling friend. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to say that out loud.”

“You’re just saying what we’re all thinking, isn’t he Wendy?’

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John Jamison
Object: Today’s message will include a role-play. You will need one child to play the role of the shepherd and the rest of the children will be the people from town. I usually pick an outgoing child for my shepherd so they will act out a bit. Encourage everyone to have fun and ham it up a bit.

* * *

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
As I recall, there was a mighty, rushing wind at the last Bank Holiday weekend. It didn't herald the coming of God quite as much as the coming of a mighty, rushing rain, and for many unfortunate people, substantial flooding. And it was accompanied by considerable power, for it uprooted and destroyed one of our laburnum trees.

SermonStudio

Mark Ellingsen
Theme of the Day
The Holy Spirit gets around. Historically the church has also commemorated its origins on this festival. In some traditions, confirmation is celebrated.

Collect of the Day
Petitions are offered that the Spirit come and transform the faithful to give them language to proclaim the word. The Holy Spirit, Justification (by Grace), Sanctification, and Evangelism are emphasized.

Psalm of the Day
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
* Hymn to God the creator; praise for God's providential interventions.
James Evans
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see The Day Of Pentecost, Cycle A, for an alternative approach.)

Elizabeth Achtemeier
On the previous Sundays of this Eastertide, we have heard the risen Christ tell his followers to remain in Jerusalem until he sends the Holy Spirit upon them. That will enable them to be his witnesses in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Having promised that, he ascended into heaven, to rule over all at the right hand of the Father. That promise was spoken during the forty days that the Lord was with the apostles and disciples after his resurrection.
Arthur H. Kolsti
Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord to the breath, prophesy mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live." I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.
-- Ezekiel 37:4-10
Ron Lavin
The Holy Spirit is called "your Advocate" in the New English Bible translation of John 15:26. Other translations may be helpful in understanding the meaning of the Holy Spirit. The King James Version uses the term "The Comforter." The Revised Standard Version and the New International Version use the term "The Counselor." The Phillips translation and the Barclay translation call the Holy Spirit "The Helper." I like the title "The Advocate" best of all. This term "The Adovcate" includes comforting, counseling, and helping.

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