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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Choosing to love -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2014
Here we are, the Sunday after the sentimentality and excesses of Valentine's Day.
A holy Lent -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
Imagine life in a northern farming community a couple of centuries ago. It's early March.
Do I dare to preach this? -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- David Kalas -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2014
The preacher lives in a privileged place.
Tough beginnings -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Wayne Brouwer -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
Ancient Israel's calendar of daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly markers was not so much a schedule o
Endings and transitions -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2014
As we approach the end of the year and the days get shorter and darker, many people have a difficult
Father of the faithful -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- David Kalas -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
When we meet him, his name is simply "Abram." In Hebrew, it means "exalted father." Along the way, t
White grave markers -- white robes -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Ron Love -- All Saints Day - A -- 2014
The Arlington House was a mansion built as a living memorial to George Washington by the first presi
The love of God poured out -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The Old Testament lesson and the gospel for the Third Sunday in Lent tie closely together in that th
Law and life -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
God gives the law to the Israelites as a blessing and guidance for new life after generations of pro
New light in darkness -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- David Coffin -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
A group of younger workers are seated next to one another at a workplace where they have to deal wit
Live like you were dying -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2014
A well-rounded biblical moral lifestyle is established on four primary foundational principles:
Jesus the Christ -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- Ron Love -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2014
Painted on the president's chair at the Constitutional Convention, assembled at the Pennsylvania Sta
His favorite strange and mysterious way -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- David Kalas -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
The phrase is not found in scripture, but it has worked its way into common parlance.
787 -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45 -- Ron Love -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
J.
Our responsibility to the world -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2014
The passages for the feast of Christ the King sum up the responsibilities of the people of God to ou
A world turned upside down -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2014
In 17th-century England, under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell and his righteous Puritanism, Parli
Mature thanksgiving faith -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- David Coffin -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2014
It is Thanksgiving or any one of the winter holidays, and certain couples who have no children are c
The one from whom men hide their face -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- David Kalas -- Good Friday - A -- 2014
Set Christmas and Good Friday side by side in your mind.
Anticipation -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Wayne Brouwer -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
A well-rounded biblical "Screw your courage to the sticking-place," says Lady Macbeth to her doomed
An open, empty tomb -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18 -- Sandra Herrman -- Easter Day - A -- 2014
Many years ago, this pastor was invited to Easter dinner in the home of a parishioner.
Pound of flesh demanded -- Acts 2:14a; 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- David Coffin -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
It is the time of year for the last push of demands before the summer season beckons upon the horizo
A time to reflect -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
Jimmy Carter, in his memoir An Hour Before Daylight, recounted the number of tramps that freq
Easter living -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
"A grave is a sobering thing," said Wordsworth.
Which parade? -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2014
This Palm Sunday afternoon, I will be joining a festive Walk for Affordable Housing organized by a l
Lives transformed -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
What if the resurrection happened and no one told anyone about it?

Communicating God's Love

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Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

On April 14, 1902... -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Ron Love -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
On April 14, 1902, J.C. Penney opened his first Golden Rule store in Kemmerer, Wyoming.
Baptism makes living... -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
Baptism makes living the Christian life easy. Americans do not want to believe that.
My exercise advisor... -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
My exercise advisor mentioned that I needed to do core exercises...
Jesus' life could... -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
Jesus' life could shame us all. We might not stoop to wash anyone's feet.
On November 28, 1660... -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a -- Ron Love -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2014
On November 28, 1660, a group of twelve men met at Gresham College in London to listen to a lecture
Trying to relate... -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a -- Mark Ellingsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2014
Trying to relate the Creation accounts in Genesis with modern science is tricky but not impossible.
That biblical word... -- 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 -- Bob Ove -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2014
That biblical word "perfection" has puzzled me.
As the Nicene Creed... -- 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2014
As the Nicene Creed declares, there is one living and true God...
This account of the... -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2014
This account of the great commission in this text gets us thinking about evangelism.
James Edwin Orr was... -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Ron Love -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2014
James Edwin Orr was born on January 15, 1912, in Belfast, Ireland.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 (2014) -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2014
Genesis 21:8-21
Sermon Illustrations for Trinity Sunday (2014) -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2014
Genesis 1:1--2:4a
We have a confession... -- Micah 6:1-8 -- Bob Ove -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2014
We have a confession in the common service.
Eighty years ago... -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2014
Eighty years ago Dr. James Denny wrote about a friend living in Scotland who was an avid fisherman.
God does great things... -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2014
God does great things with ordinary people.
A few years ago... -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2014
A few years ago Paris Hilton, while promoting her ITV2 program Paris Hilton's British Best Friend
When Jesus saw... -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Bob Ove -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2014
When Jesus saw the crowd he went on a mountain so he could be heard better -- like us preachers from
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 (2014) -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Derl G. Keefer, Ron Love -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2014
Micah 6:1-8
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 (2014) -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2014
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
It looks like we... -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20 -- Bob Ove -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2014
It looks like we have two options: life or death. That should be a simple choice!
The ultimate meaning... -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2014
The ultimate meaning and goal in modern life is to care more about being envied than what is accompl
On a segment of... -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2014
On a segment of 60 Minutes (October 6, 2013) several special operations forces personnel were
An infirm lady... -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2014
An infirm lady from a nursing home wrote Billy Graham a letter asking his permission to die, as her
Wow! We might obey... -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Bob Ove -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2014
Wow! We might obey the letter of the law, but Jesus carries it at least one step "too" far.
Sermon Illustrations for Transfiguration Sunday (2014) -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Derl G. Keefer, Scott A. Bryte -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2014
Exodus 24:12-18

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In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
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160+ – Illustrations / Stories
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New & Featured This Week

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A job description. I have attached a sample you can use if you wish. I have highlighted a few of the items that might be good to use as examples during the message, but feel free to pick the ones you want to use.

* * *

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
George Reed
Mary Austin
For June 8, 2025:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
    may the Lord rejoice in his works—
 who looks on the earth and it trembles,
    who touches the mountains and they smoke.
 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
    I will sing praise to my God while I have being. (vv. 31-33)

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Coffin
An older couple is given an eight-month eviction notice to leave their residence. They are living on a fixed income. After exploring an advertised senior living community in the next county, the news is grim. They cannot afford to live in such a community despite the extravagant advertising publicity they saw about amenities and community recreation on television. Both the man and woman have worked many jobs for decades with small pensions, lower wages in a roller coaster job market for a couple decades. The man calls a small-town pastor in the area.
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
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Bonnie Bates
Genesis 11:1-9

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

On the day of Pentecost, six weeks after Jesus had risen from death, when the disciples were gathered together in one place, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. As we gather together on the day of Pentecost, let us ask God that we too might be filled with his Holy Spirit.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, forgive us our sins and fill us with your Holy Spirit. Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, forgive us our apathy and fill us with your Holy Spirit. Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Schuyler Rhodes
Today is Pentecost. The creative power of God's Spirit (v. 30) flows today like no other day. The Spirit that is poured out on this day is the same Spirit that hovered over the waters (Genesis 1:2) at the dawn of creation. This is the same Spirit that possessed Gideon as he lifted up his horn (Judges 6:4). And it is the same Spirit that the risen Jesus told us would arrive as an advocate to accompany us (John 14:16) forever.
John Jamison
It wasn't their first fight. Like most fathers and sons they had their disagreements. But this time, something was different. A line had been crossed that had never been crossed before. They sat there, staring at each other, both realizing they were in new territory, neither of them sure that they really wanted to be there.

David R. Cartwright
That first Pentecost was a grand and glorious day. It was a new beginning. On that special day, God's people were reborn through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It was an extraordinary event.

Robert Leslie Holmes
A seminary student writing a term paper about confession of sin started to type, "When we confess, Christ takes away our guilt." However, he was a bit thick-fingered and hit the letter q instead of the letter g on his computer keyboard. Now his sentence read, "Christ takes away our quilt." He didn't notice his error but his professor did and wrote in the margin, "Fear not, little one, you'll not freeze for God has given us a Comforter!" Using his keen wit, the professor conveyed a profound spiritual truth that is at the heart of Pentecost. God has given us a Comforter.
Alex A. Gondola, Jr.
There's an old story about a man who found a pig. It seems that as this man was driving into the city in his station wagon, a stray hog suddenly ran out in front of him. The man stopped the car, jumped out, caught the pig, and put it in the back. Not knowing what to do with the animal, he flagged down the first policeman he saw, explained the situation and asked, "What should I do with this hog?"

"Take him to the zoo," was the officer's response.

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