Login / Signup

Emphasis Preaching Journal

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

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Respons ... ibility -- Ezekiel 33:1-11, Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1-20 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
Listen to most people talk about responsibility and you will soon hear them speaking of duty and obl
The right lens, "A or B" -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
One thing that I don't look forward to is the periodic visit to the optometrist.
A Living Faith -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B
There is a general (mis)understanding, once the resurrection was perceived and understood, there imm
On the Way -- Malachi 3:14, Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11 -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
On the Wayby Ross Marrs
An urgent word from our brother, Dives -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C
In choosing from the scripture listings for this Sunday, a number of compelling reasons suggest the
It's who knows you that counts! -- Deuteronomy 10:12-22, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C
The "street-wise" will tell you, "It's who you know that counts!" It's "drag," or "pull," that gets
Prisoners for love -- John 15:9-17, 1 John 5:1-6, Acts 10:44-48, Psalm 98 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
In a scene from the current hit Broadway show, The Producers, a chorus of
Midterm exams -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
At the college where I teach in the religion department, we are just past midterm exams.
He's hyper -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C
"I worry about him," my wife said as the credits rolled for Bowling for Columbine, referring
Moving on -- Acts 14:8-18, John 13:31-35, Revelation 21:1-6 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C
One of John's contributions is his writing from the viewpoint of a later early Christian.
Lent -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Surely most readers know that the original meaning of the word "Lent" is associated with springtime
Between acts -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- David Kalas -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A
What do you do between Act 2 and Act 3 of a performance? That depends upon who you are.
The Trinity -- Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17, John 3:1-17 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Few, in their right minds, would address this subject if they could get out of it; yet it does need
The God of New Beginnings -- Psalm 104:24-34, Genesis 11:1-9, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Day of Pentecost - C
Listen to some people talk these days and you get the idea that they worship a God who is interested
Faith and Works -- Psalm 15, Ezekiel 18:1-9, 25-29, Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
One would think that one of these days the continuing discussion of these two matters would go away.
Transfiguration -- Psalm 99, Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2 -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
There is a mighty difference between the self-made perfectionist who is certain that by his perfecti
Rejoicing -- Psalm 126, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6 -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
Sometimes one can listen to the Christian community as it conducts its life, witness and worsh
Idol-rife -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A
In Garret Kreizer's novel, God of Beer (2002), the high school social studies teacher tells t
Now it's time to preach -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- David Kalas -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
The Sunday after Easter is an unenviable time for preachers in many churches.
Looking for heroes -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, Psalm 9:9-20 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
The year was 1934. Times were difficult around the world. Times were especially
In gratitude -- Micah 1:2; 2:1-10, Luke 17:11-19 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A
At the heart of most sinning is the spirit of ingratitude.
Preparing for the fulfillment -- Isaiah 28:14-22, Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-29, Luke 13:22-30 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C
If death is a closing of the eyes to the segment of life we play out this side of eternity, then lik
Getting on the right frequency -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
One of my proofs for the existence of God is that as a child I neither set the neighborhood ablaze n
Joy Versus a High -- Jeremiah 31:10-13, Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-21 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C
Surely one of the central themes of the Christmas season is the theme of joy.
No turning back -- 1 Kings 19:15-21, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C
What does it mean to us that we say our lives are in the service of God?

Communicating God's Love

Guest column

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

NULL -- Hebrews 5:1-10 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
We are awed by war stories of heroes who took a bullet for a friend.
NULL -- Hebrews 5:1-10 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
In the Hebrew Talmud is an old legend that goes as follows: Rabbi Yoshua ben Levi came upon Elijah t
NULL -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
There were many hikers who came to Nepal to challenge the tallest mountains in the world.
NULL -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Ron Love -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
J.
NULL -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
When I hear the word "servant" I think of Alice the maid in The Brady Bunch or the butlers Je
NULL -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
In the popular reality TV show The Apprentice, candidates vie for the privilege to be selecte
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 (2012) -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler, Cynthia E. Cowen, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
Job 42:1-6, 10-17
NULL -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
Job's encounter with God left him speechless, silenced him regarding all his previous questions and
NULL -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
Wesley C.
NULL -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Ron Love -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
Oftentimes new technology becomes so commonplace that we fail to realize its revolutionary social ch
NULL -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
In 70 AD, General Titus (destined to become Caesar) brought the Roman Legions to Jerusalem to quell
NULL -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
We often hear about soldiers who sacrificed for our country but seldom hear about the one who sacrif
NULL -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
The British poet Lord Byron wrote, "They never fail who die in a great cause." Over the centuries ma
NULL -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
A Russian pilgrim in the nineteenth century wandered into a church service and heard the pastor prea
NULL -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
Martin Luther suggests that Bartimaeus represents all of us who want a closer walk with God: "The bl
Sermon Illustrations for Reformation Day (2012) -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Ron Love, Bob Ove, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
Jeremiah 31:31-34
NULL -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
On Valentine's Day romantics old or young have the opportunity to declare their love.
NULL -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Bob Ove -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
Don't we really want that new contract!
NULL -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
John was furious! "Jane, how could you have done this?" Jane was mortified.
NULL -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Ron Love -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
Alecia Beth Moore, whose stage name is Pink, wrote an essay on her admiration for the singing talent
NULL -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
The heart of the Reformation message is that righteousness/salvation is not something we achieve by
NULL -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
Martin Luther was a troubled Augustinian monk trying to gain the assurance of his personal salvation
NULL -- John 8:31-36 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr.
NULL -- John 8:31-36 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
"Please give me your attention," the flight attendant announced.
NULL -- John 8:31-36 -- Bob Ove -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
Abraham was not perfect. He had his ups and downs!

Political Pulpit

Sermon

The Political Pulpit

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 23 | OT 28 | Pentecost 18
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 24 | OT 29 | Pentecost 19
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 25 | OT 30 | Pentecost 20
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

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.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL