Login / Signup

Emphasis Preaching Journal

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

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The tenth leper -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C
When Jerusalem fell to the Chaldeans the significant portion of the population forcibly resettled in
Wonder -- Exodus 15:1-11, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- Easter Day - C
By Ross Marrs
The wrong anthem -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 26:14-27:66 -- William H. Shepherd -- Passion Sunday - A
The choir director was aghast. "I just didn't realize," she said. "It was totally inappropriate.
Teaching -- Nehemiah 8:1-10, Luke 4:14-21 -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
This week, all three lessons present the teaching ministry for the people of God.
Night watch -- Isaiah 62:6-12, Titus 3:4-7, Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Rembrandt's grand painting of The Company of Captain Frans Cocq has captured lingering reflec
Help wanted -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- David Kalas -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A
A friend, who was about to become a father, asked me about the relationship I had with my father whe
The Broken Heart -- Hosea 6:1-6, Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9, John 19:17-30 -- Good Friday - C
Much discussion has gone on in the church regarding God's attitude on Good Friday. Where was he?
Act for tomorrow today! -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
In the parables of last Sunday Jesus presented two central characters who would discombobulate the s
Christian community -- Acts 15:1-2, 22-29, Revelation 21:10, 22-27, John 14:23-29 -- Ascension of the Lord - C
Here we see community formation in action.
The Presence of the Spirit -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
Whether considering the Hebrew or New Testament selections, one is made fully aware that all the wr
Judges and Judgment -- Zephaniah 3:1-9, Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Reformation Sunday - A
By taking a swatch of Scripture here and there, many have created much confusion when it comes to ta
Still surprised after Christmas -- Isaiah 61:10-62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- David Kalas -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
The Christmas story is so familiar to us and to our people that we may no longer see it clearly.
Lost and found -- Joshua 5:9-12, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
This week the Old Testament lesson might remind us of homeless people who have found a decent place
On being a nuisance -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C
Revealed through his parables is the unique ability of Jesus to present us with cameo glimpses of th
The land is the Lord's -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
A man was typing away at a computer with a stack of video cassettes by his side, when a friend walke
The True and the False -- Jeremiah 28:1-9, Luke 13:22-30, Hebrews 12:18-29 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A
Much of the guidance given in Scripture has to do with enabling us to distinguish the true from the
Kings, servants and the Savior! -- Isaiah 7:10-14 (15-17), Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-24 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
In the play St.
Anatomy of a sermon -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21 -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
Here's a riddle. What is both common and precious? Both priceless and free?
The Presence -- Acts 4:8-12, 23-33, John 10:11-18 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
Whether one speaks of the powerful manifestations of the presence of GodÕs spirit as is evidenced in
What makes a king? -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Passion Sunday - C
By the time this issue of Emphasis reaches your desk, we will probably know whether Peter Jac
Rejection -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-32 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
The debilitating effects of rejection may be felt by the unemployed and the homeless, by deserted or
Keeping Others in Mind -- Isaiah 35:4-7a, Mark 7:31-37 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Those of you who read my material know that I am always insistent that we keep the people and the ev
Getting to yes -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
A number of years ago, a colleague and I were in a kind of leadership stalemate.
Beyond compare -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- David Kalas -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Much of the rest of our culture is unapologetic about sacrifice.
The power of life and death -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- William H. Shepherd -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
In the sci-fi classic The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), the alien Klaatu, having been sho

Communicating God's Love

Guest column

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

NULL -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
This is not a text about making New Year's resolutions, but a description of the new reality God has
NULL -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
The word "amen" used by the church was incorporated directly from the Jewish synagogue, with no alte
NULL -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
We see so many appeals in magazines and on television for many causes both at home and in other coun
NULL -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
In her book God Never Blinks, Regina Brett recounts her upbringing in parochial school.
NULL -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
When driving through farm country, have you ever seen llamas grazing with horses?
NULL -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
The idea of giving things up for Jesus seems rather quaint; not very fashionable these days.
NULL -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Ron Love -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
The Moravian community of Herrnhut in Saxony was well established by the year 1727.
NULL -- Colossians 3:12-17 -- Bob Ove -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
Great advice! Memorize this passage and try to fulfill it.
NULL -- Colossians 3:12-17 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
When we dress for the day's activities, we do not put on just one piece of clothing.
NULL -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Ron Love -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
The belief of a military apocalyptic Messiah that would come from the House of David was so dominant
NULL -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
The boy Jesus was focused on the things of God, so much so that he even overlooked his parental ties
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 2 | OT 2 (2013) -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2012
Isaiah 62:1-5
The lesson refers to the people of faith relating to God like in a marital union... -- Isaiah 62:1-5 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2012
The lesson refers to the people of faith relating to God like in a marital union.
When I began my career as a pastor... -- Isaiah 62:1-5 -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2012
When I began my career as a pastor my dad gave me only one word of advice.
In most baptismal services, a ritual of stirring up God's spirit is performed... -- 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2012
In most baptismal services, a ritual of stirring up God's spirit is performed.
We saw statues of those gods all over... -- 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 -- Bob Ove -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2012
That passage may sound strange to those who have never left the US, but when I lived in Nepal, it wa
The most watched and most popular international sport is soccer... -- 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2012
The most watched and most popular international sport is soccer, with the World Cup being the bigges
The early church fathers affirmed the Christological title of Amen... -- John 2:1-11 -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2012
The early church fathers affirmed the Christological title of "Amen" as it was bestowed upon Jesus.
The gospel reports on Jesus' first miracle... -- John 2:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2012
The gospel reports on Jesus' first miracle (at the wedding at Cana).
Sermon illustrations for Transfiguration Sunday, Cycle C (2013) -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2012
Exodus 34:29-35
When we come home from church... -- Exodus 34:29-35 -- Bob Ove -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2012
When we come home from church, is there a radiance in our face that others can see?
Bob finally had his opportunity... -- Exodus 34:29-35 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2012
Bob finally had his opportunity to corner Jane after the presentation.
Jesus was transparent... -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2 -- Ron Love -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2012
Jesus was transparent when he declared himself to be the Son of Man, by substituting this title for
The common experience of God's glory... -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2012
Our text deals with both the glory of Christ (3:18) and the freedom He brings (3:17).
Imagine having Oscar Robertson... -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2012
Imagine having Oscar Robertson (Cincinnati Royals in the 1960s), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Los Angeles La

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

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