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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Living forward in the present -- Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2001
"I felt almost guilty thinking too much of heaven." That is what David Burton, a Southern Baptist tu
Tuning the fourth turning -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2001
People often think more highly of themselves than their behavior in fact reflects.
Disciplines to live by -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13 -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2001
[Rev. Dr. Mark J.
Signs of hope, signs in life -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10 -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Perhaps it's time for the annual rant about the commercialization of Christmas, and the incredibly e
How can the dead testify? -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2001
[Rev. Dr. Mark J.
Wannabes -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Peter Nichols' most recent book, A Voyage For Madmen, traces the journeys of nine men who, in
God's gift of time -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2001
[Rev. Dr. Mark J.
Where will there be faith? -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2001
Will Our Children Have Faith? was the title of John H. Westerhoff III's book in 1976.
Finding ourselves in being found by Jesus -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19 -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2001
Socrates' famous dictum, "Know thyself," has been passed down through the ages in philosophy classes
Jilted in Jerusalem -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10 -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2001
If the lost is lost, it is not found. If it is found, it is no longer lost.
TEOTWAWKI -- Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2001
TEOTWAWKI (The End Of The World As We Know It) speculation and predictions are nothing new.
After the handshake and the hug -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2001
The master brought his disciples into a darkened room with one instruction: "Find the truth." One di
Humbled by grace -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2001
In Life Together, Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes, "It is part of the discipline of humility that
Called to a different life -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2001
The summer of 2000 was a devastating one for the western United States.
Jesus is the sign of the times -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2001
In our consumer culture, advertising plays an extremely vital role.
Fullness by any other name ... -- Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Luke 11:1-13 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2001
"The whole experience was dirty, draining, and depressing." That's how George Stephanopoulos, in his
Help us! -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2001
In the movie The Deep End of the Ocean, there is a toddler who is "lost" in a hotel lobby.
Call to repentance -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2001
There is more and more conversation these days about road rage and how rude our culture has become.
The glory of God -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2001
These are the longest hours of darkness.
A chance to be better -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2001
Missing the point of what Jesus is about is a common occurrence.
The unveiled glory of the gospel -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35 -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2001
Throughout the year there are special ceremonies in which certain people shine.
From much love comes much love -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2001
About this time of year, the seeds that were planted in the spring are sprouting up through the grou
Making no distinction -- Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2001
We are a people who love to differentiate ourselves from others.
The surprise of Baby Grace -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Psalm 96 -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2001
And so it comes to this: After days of cooking and baking, planning and preparing, buying and wrappi
Living on the edge of eternity -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
We in the industrialized west of the twenty-first century have achieved a remarkable security.

Communicating God's Love

Guest column

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

NULL -- 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Easter Day - C -- 2013
The good news of Easter is the heart of Christian faith.
NULL -- John 20:1-18 -- Bob Ove -- Easter Day - C -- 2013
It was a woman who first made contact with the risen Lord.
NULL -- John 20:1-18 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Easter Day - C -- 2013
Mary -- first to arrive and last to leave. Two others also:
Sermon Illustrations for Maundy Thursday (2013) -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2013
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
NULL -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2013
There are days to remember: birthdays, wedding anniversaries, Independence Day, tax day, election da
NULL -- Exodus 12 1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Bob Ove -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2013
Whenever we see a lamb mentioned in the Old Testament, we think of Jesus, the lamb of God who was in
NULL -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2013
Students of evolution have observed that sharing common rituals enhances trust and social solidarity
NULL -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Ron Love -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2013
During the meeting of the Continental Congress, George Washington was the only attendee to wear a mi
NULL -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2013
It is said that mimicry is the highest form of flattery.
NULL -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Bob Ove -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2013
There is enough in this passage to fill your whole ministry!
Sermon illustrations for Easter 2 (2013) -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Acts 5:27-32
The negative reaction of the Sanhedrin and Jewish leaders... -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The negative reaction of the Sanhedrin and Jewish leaders to Peter's witness is in direct contradict
In a desperate need to have a battlefield victory... -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
In a desperate need to have a battlefield victory against the British, George Washington crossed the
NULL -- Revelation 1:4b-8, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
There are all sorts of keys: musical keys, piano keys, the top of the key on a basketball court, a k
NULL -- Revelation 1:4b-8, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Bob Ove -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The seven churches are not listed until the next chapter.
It is so easy to demonize his lack of faith... -- John 20:19-31 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The story of Doubting Thomas: It is so easy to demonize his lack of faith.
John Quincy Adamswould arise at 4 AM every day... -- John 20:19-31 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States, would arise at 4 AM every day.
Sermon illustrations for Easter 3 (2013) -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19 -- Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Acts 9:1-6 (7-20)
NULL -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Radiation therapy seeks to burn out the cancer that is within the body.
NULL -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) -- Bob Ove -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
There are some people and some denominations that believe God only comes to us dramatically, as he d
NULL -- Revelation 5:11-14 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Reference to the praise offered by all living creatures and animals to God warrants ecological conce
NULL -- Revelation 5:11-14 -- Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
When George Washington retired from public service as President of the United States, he returned to
NULL -- John 21:1-19 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
There is a church in the inner city of Philadelphia that takes literally Jesus' command to "Feed my
NULL -- John 21:1-19 -- Bob Ove -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
I was telling a Muslim I know why we were so sure Jesus was raised from the dead.
Sermon illustrations for Easter 5 (2013) -- Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Acts 11:1-18

Political Pulpit

Sermon

The Political Pulpit

UPCOMING WEEKS
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Proper 28 | OT 33 | Pentecost 23
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4 – Pastor's Devotions
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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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