Login / Signup

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Pentecost Sale - Save $131!
Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Glory in the cross -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
Constantine Caesar was advancing his legions through the northern Italian mountains toward Rome.
Motivational speaking -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30, Psalm 123 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2002
The tradition of "fire and brimstone" preaching runs deep.
Always lots of room -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
Do we have room for people?
Binding blood -- Exodus 12:1-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Psalm 23 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2002
The Unity Ribbon. Never heard of it?
The harmony of the Spirit -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2002
Do you know the name L. L. Zamenhof? It's not a name you hear every day.
The hardest job of all? -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2002
There are lots of hard jobs in the world, things that are tough to do, work that requires long years
Plowed human furrows -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Psalm 119:105-112 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2002
Early in human history, people discovered that they could stir up soil, drop seeds in the stirred up
A journey of a thousand miles -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2002
There are many books describing amazing journeys, but one of the most fascinating for me was Enduran
Old life, new life, different life -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Easter Day - A -- 2002
Easter is a joyous time, a time of new life and new hope, of spring after winter, of the holiday aft
Question me an answer -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
There is an old show tune, made popular by Bobby Van, whose chorus goes like this:
Decorations, calendars, and piped-in music -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38, Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Everybody knows that Christmas decorations go up earlier every year.
Where is God? -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), John 1:1-14, Psalm 98 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
There was a delightful article from the Associated Press some time ago that claimed God had been fou
Of clones and bones and the Spirit of life -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
From The Washington Post, November 25, 2001: "Scientists in Massachusetts said today they had succee
Don't do the math! -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35, Psalm 114 -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2002
Two of the top women's tennis players in the world are the sisters Venus and Serena Williams.
God is so good! -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2002
"God is so good, God is so good, God is so good, God's so good to me." So go the words to a popular
Arise and shine -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2002
When I was a youngster, my mother would awaken my siblings and me every morning with a call from the
Expecting the unexpected -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2002
I have a confession to make -- I am a member of Packrats Anonymous.
Choose each day -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2002
When my son was about 4, he spotted my wedding ring on my finger and asked about it.
Heart witnesses -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2002
The People's Court, Judge Judy, Judge Mills Lane, Power of Attorney.
Be prepared -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Whether or not they have ever been personally involved in scouting, most people with even a passing
Religious jabberwocky -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42, Psalm 40:1-11 -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2002
'Twas brillig, and the slithy tovesDid gyre and gimble in the wabe;
The sacrifice Isaac offered -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42, Psalm 13 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2002
Without question the story of "The Sacrifice of Isaac" is one of the most horrific in the whole Bibl
The tools of the blessing trade -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, Psalm 33:1-12 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2002
I used to work with a guy named Jack.
Non-Hollywood love -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Psalm 149 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2002
In June the American Film Institute released its list of the top 100 romance movies of all time.
Tuning in -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2002
It has gotten very crowded out there in the last century.

Communicating God's Love

Guest column

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus, the son of Joseph. Jesus, the carpenter.... -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2013
Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus, the son of Joseph. Jesus, the carpenter.
Paul claims that all are part of the Body... -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2013
Paul claims that all are part of the Body, all our jobs are equally esteemed and indispensable.
Why was the whole countryside so excited about Jesus coming?... -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Bob Ove -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2013
Why was the whole countryside so excited about Jesus coming? Was it because he gave good sermons?
The Greek philosopher Aristotle said... -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2013
The Greek philosopher Aristotle said, "Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life." The French
The service was over and while the pastor walked up the aisle... -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2013
The service was over and while the pastor walked up the aisle to put away his vestments, he could he
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 1 (2013) -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
NULL -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
The small West African country of Liberia experienced 14 years of devastating civil war from 1990 th
NULL -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Bob Ove -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
We might have said we lived in a land flowing with milk and honey except for those in the Midwest wh
"Son of Man" was the most deliberately chosen title... -- Romans 10:8b-13 -- Ron Love -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
"Son of Man" was the most deliberately chosen title that Jesus selected for himself.
NULL -- Romans 10:8b-13 -- Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Paul's concern with confessing that Jesus is Lord (v.
NULL -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Bob Ove -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Aren't we tempted more when we are hungry or thirsty or have some other urgent need?
NULL -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
In one of Shakespeare's more unpleasant plays, Measure for Measure, Isabella learns that her
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2013) -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Isaiah 55:1-9
NULL -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Water is life!
NULL -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Bob Ove -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Reading this passage, you wonder if your thoughts can contain what God has said.
NULL -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This is a Sunday historically related to the theme of repentance, when candidates for Baptism held o
NULL -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 -- Ron Love -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
George Washington, though he may have had a dour look because of his false teeth, was a man who enjo
NULL -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
When the Twin Towers collapsed in New York City after the 9/11 terrorist attack, many were wondering
NULL -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Bob Ove -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
The innocent often die with the guilty.
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2013) -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Joshua 5:9-12
NULL -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This is a text about freedom, the first experience celebrating the Passover feast of freedom for the
NULL -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
George and Martha Washington had a very endearing relationship.
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
It is important to have the right perspective when viewing something.
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Bob Ove -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
A man was going to court over bankruptcy. He had no means of covering the huge debt he owed.
NULL -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
We are all prodigal sons in a way.

Political Pulpit

Sermon

The Political Pulpit

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Ascension of the Lord
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 7
20 – Sermons
170+ – Illustrations / Stories
26 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
20 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Pentecost
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

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
Frank Ramirez
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.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL