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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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:
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
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.
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
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
787 -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45 -- Ron Love -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
J.
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
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
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
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.
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?
Long-term ascension assurances -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- David Coffin -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2014
Nobody thought this day would happen. The longtime department supervisor was retiring.

Communicating God's Love

Guest column

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

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
They must have had... -- Exodus 24:12-18 -- Bob Ove -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2014
They must have had to sit around for seven days before the Lord made his appearance.

Political Pulpit

Sermon

The Political Pulpit

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 28 | OT 33 | Pentecost 23
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christ the King Sunday
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Thanksgiving
34 – Sermons
80+ – Illustrations / Stories
24 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
24 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
For November 16, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Coffin
Another natural disaster has flattened a number of coastal communities. Despite the weather and major television station warnings, and government disaster preparations, the dystopian destruction nightmare of Luke 21 has decimated another community. Also, it is reasonable to believe that this is not the last year for hurricanes, Tsunami’s, wildfires, mudslides and tornados. They will occur again. However, as weary citizens are interviewed in one group of people with the background of homes in rubble and streets still draining flood waters, they will not leave. This is their home.
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez

Isaiah 65:17-25 and Isaiah 12

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
“The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,” says the LORD. (v. 25)

A week after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, country singer Toby Keith — who died Feb. 5, 2024 — wrote a patriotic ballad titled “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.” It was filled with populist fighting rhetoric that matched the mood of a nation shaken by the shocking death and destruction of that day.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A blood pressure monitor. It is actually called a sphygmomanometer, and is pronounced “sfig·mow·muh·naa’·muh·tr”.

* * *

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
-- Isaiah 12:3

John W. Clarke
No reading of Luke is complete without coming to realize that Luke is concerned that the world understands that Jesus is the hope of the world and that any teaching that leads away from that fact is a false teaching. No matter what, no matter when, Jesus will be there to give us life.

Scott Suskovic
Whoever does not work should not eat!
-- 2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NLT)

Wow! Kind of takes your breath away, doesn't it? Not a lot of ambiguity in that rule. "You don't work, you don't eat." For a religion based on grace, it seems a bit unyielding.

Mark Ellingson
Freedom is such a lovely word, a compelling image. What is freedom? How would you define it? What does it mean to you? Webster's New World Dictionary defines freedom as being exempt from control or from arbitrary restrictions. Freedom is said to be the ability to choose or determine one's own actions.

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