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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Not only the builders -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- David Kalas -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
Take a survey of your congregation. Ask your folks to list their favorite Bible verses.
The life of trust and courage -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
Acts 17:22-31
The lion roars -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Ron Love -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
Encratis lived in Portugal, but her father had given her in marriage to a nobleman in Roussillon, Fr
Harvest time -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
An ancient Jewish legend declares, "Pentecost is the day on which Torah was given." One wonders whet
A faith journey -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Ron Love -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2014
Two players. Two teammates. Same team. One is known for "Tebowing." One is known for murder.
All that he is -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- David Kalas -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2013
The Psalmist cries out "O, magnify the Lord with me" (Psalm 34:3), and we make take that as our invi
Miracles -- 1 Kings 17:8-16 (17-24), Galatians 1:11-24, Luke 7:11-17 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2013
Charles Darwin grew up in a Christian home, yet later in life he rejected Christianity's hold on him
God's love and trust in us -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Sandra Herrmann -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
The Christmas season is over in the secular world.
Trust for the journey -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3 -- David Coffin -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2013
So who do we trust while taking our journey of faith during the season of Pentecost?
God's timing -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- David Coffin -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
Another year has gone by as one awakens on New Year's Day.
Commitment -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2013
When Louis Pasteur was researching the deadly anthrax virus, he found that once a cow that had the d
144,000 + 1 -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2013
With the dawning of another world war, Irving Berlin was concerned about the spirit of our nation.
God's possibility -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2013
When we encounter the living God we always find a new possibility open to us.
From centripetal to centrifugal -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Wayne Brouwer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2013
In God's initial encounter with Abram, recorded in Genesis 12, it is clear that the relationship bet
Baseline of faith -- Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37 -- David Coffin -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2013
"Who would ever have dreamed that we are now raising our grandchildren rather than living out our re
Light enters into darkness -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- David Coffin -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2013
An older woman is homebound because of a bad hip.
Defining our destinies -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2013
During World War II the English government knew that Hitler was planning to invade the British Isles
Fasting, faith, and focus -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2013
Bernarr Macfadden, who once had a wide following in North America, said that everybody should fast n
A matter of values -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
So much of the matter of living the Christian life comes down to a matter of values.
Foundations for mature faith -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- David Coffin -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2013
It might happen in any given church or nonprofit organization in the middle of the winter months, or
Trust -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2013
Some years ago, when Dick Shepard was the vicar of an Anglican parish in London, England, he had a d
The lessons of Epiphany -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2013
In many countries, January 6 is a public holiday with parades, parties, and festivities celebrating
Created to be God's people -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- David Coffin -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
A congregation has started a new ministry to work with younger children.
Called to be faithful witnesses -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2013
Isaiah 49:1-7The Servant's Mission (NRSV)
Judgment -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2013
This week's lessons are all about judgment: the judgment of God, our judgments of others, our judgme

Communicating God's Love

Guest column

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The author of our... -- 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2014
The author of our lesson warns against myths when thinking about Christ's glory.
Brussels sprouts are... -- 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2014
Brussels sprouts are disgusting. Star Wars movies are better than Star Trek.
A story circulated... -- 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2014
A story was circulated that during the last great persecution of the early church there was a discus
Like all personal... -- 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- Ron Love -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2014
Like all personal attributes, pride in and of itself is not bad; but it becomes a sin when it become
I always wonder about... -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Bob Ove -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2014
I always wonder about Andrew.
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2014) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Scott A. Bryte, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
We come together... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
We come together for birthday parties, weddings and funerals, and retirement celebrations.
Anthony Campolo, a college... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ron Love -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
Anthony Campolo, a college sociology professor who writes extensively on theology, offered a cure fo
Dr. Ed Young tells... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
Dr. Ed Young tells the story of Dr. Clovis Chappell as a college student.
Ash Wednesday is a... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
Ash Wednesday is a time for repentance, for turning around.
When I was in Nepal... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Bob Ove -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
When I was in Nepal as a missionary it was illegal to be a Christian until 1992; I met the first Chr
We are full of... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
We are full of pride and hypocrisy.
As a child coming... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
As a child coming home from school one afternoon, I heard my mother talking to someone.
In the 1970s... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ron Love -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
In the 1970s Karl Menninger wrote a book that was widely read, studied, and discussed.
The old saying goes... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
The old saying goes that if you put lipstick on a pig, it's still a pig.
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 1 (2014) -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Bob Ove, Ron Love, Derl G. Keefer, Scott A. Bryte, Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
God has given us... -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 -- Bob Ove -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
God has given us free will! Some have said that was his big mistake!
During my seminary career... -- Romans 5:12-19 -- Derl G. Keefer -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
During my seminary career, I was pastor of a rural church with a parsonage for us to live in.
In the year 590... -- Romans 5:12-19 -- Ron Love -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
In the year 590, Pope Gregory I, also known as Pope Gregory the Great, established the list that is
Americans do not want... -- Romans 5:12-19 -- Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
Americans do not want to hear much about sin.
You can make a call... -- Romans 5:12-19 -- Scott A. Bryte -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
You can make a call without first having to build your own telephone.
This was a sequel... -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Bob Ove -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
This was a sequel to the fall of Adam. Adam was tempted and fell.
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 2 (2014) -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Scott A. Bryte, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
Genesis 12:1-4a
The dog bounds... -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Scott A. Bryte -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The dog bounds into the car as soon as the door is open.
God elected/loved... -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
God elected/loved Abraham without reservation.

Political Pulpit

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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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