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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Follow-through -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2000
As we write this column, we are trying to sneak in as much time as possible to watch the tennis matc
The way up is down -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1-19:42 -- Good Friday - B -- 2000
The shroud of death covers our world. The sanctuary is dark, and the Table bare.
Polarities -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2000
Your writers were not good students of physics, and consequently we both marvel at the power of ele
Be glad -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2000
At the founding of our country, George Washington issued a presidential proclamation, establishing T
Worthy lives -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2000
The thread which your authors find curling through these lessons is expressed in Ephesians 4:1 when
Our stories -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2000
Biographies and autobiographies are always fascinating to read.
Might -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2000
There are all kinds of power and might displayed in our world.
Change -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2000
Change is seldom easy.
Hearing the message -- Malachi 3:1-4, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6 -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
There are many ways of sending messages these days: Western Union, singing telegrams, snail-mail, ai
To be clean -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2000
"Cleanliness is next to Godliness." We don't hear that old proverb much any more, but its meaning is
Finding peace -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Luke 3:7-18 -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
There are plenty of circumstances in which to feel anxious today.
Worthy adversaries -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2000
Complacency is surely one of the many problems plaguing contemporary Christianity in the United Stat
Written on the heart -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2000
There are some experiences that make indelible marks on our lives.
From grasshoppers to eagles -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2000
"Does God really care about me?
Parenting -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2000
Two of the important issues facing our society today are the matters of the family (see our column f
Dreams and visions -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2000
Ever since Freud, dreams have taken on new, but very important functions.
Cut it out! -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2000
We began Lent with our baptisms and proceeded to a discussion of the faith that both motivates and s
The call to holiness -- Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 21:25-36 -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Every year the church struggles with the same question.
Togetherness -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2000
We humans are gregarious creatures, aren't we?
World News -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2000
Everyone is welcome! So read many of our church signs and announcement boards.
Extreme measures -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2000
We live in a world of extremes.
Fear and faith -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2000
Fear is everywhere in our society. We fear for our safety both in our homes and on the highways.
Wise up! -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2000
We live in an era of an explosion of knowledge.
Understanding -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2000
Have you ever heard a joke and didn't "get it"?
Where shall we begin? -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2000
We may find it hard sometimes to know where to begin.

Communicating God's Love

Guest column

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Jesus reasoned that worrying will contribute neither to the length nor the quality of life... -- Romans 8:14-17 -- Ron Love -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2013
Jesus reasoned that worrying will contribute neither to the length nor the quality of life.
'In' is an interesting preposition... -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2013
"In" is an interesting preposition.
We need to emphasize that we have only one God... -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Bob Ove -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2013
We need to emphasize that we have only one God. The Trinity means that he is in three persons.
Sermon Illustrations for Trinity Sunday (2013) -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2013
Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
NULL -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2013
Our text is all about Wisdom and how we might understand the Son of God as the Wisdom of God.
NULL -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 -- Ron Love -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2013
Abraham Lincoln and his family often sought solace at the Soldier's Home in Washington DC.
NULL -- Romans 5:1-5 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2013
In the popular story The Hunger Games (which is like a futuristic Coliseum of gladiators), th
NULL -- Romans 5:1-5 -- Bob Ove -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2013
Being justified is what faith is all about.
NULL -- John 16:12-15 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2013
All that the Father has is Christ's, and the Spirit will take what is Christ's and declare it (v.
NULL -- John 16:12-15 -- Ron Love -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2013
Bob Keeshan entertained children for years as the jovial Captain Kangaroo.
Sermon illustrations for Easter 4 (2013) -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Acts 9:36-43
NULL -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
In the late 1860s, George F. Gates built a home in Independence.
NULL -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The miracle of the resurrection of Dorcas came as quite a surprise for the faithful, who it is repor
NULL -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Bob Ove -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The Bible is full of visions. Some will look to psychiatrists to find out what really happened!
NULL -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Everyone knows the stain that blood can leave on clothing.
NULL -- John 10:22-30 -- Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, was an Anglican priest in England.
NULL -- John 10:22-30 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The gospel's reference to the unity of Son and Father (v. 30) provides wonderful assurance.
Sermon illustrations for Ascension of the Lord (2013) -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Acts 1:1-11
NULL -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
In their book Metaphors We Live By, authors George Lakoff and Mark Johnson describe orient
NULL -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Bob Ove -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
First we might question who Theophilus is.
NULL -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Christ's ascension gives us a glimpse at the awesomeness of God.
NULL -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Ron Love -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
To be empowered and inspired in our Christian lives, we must identify with the name of Jesus.
NULL -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Jesus speaks of Jerusalem as the launch pad from which the Christian witness is to go to all nations
NULL -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Bob Ove -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
In order to understand all the New Testament, we have to be familiar with the Old Testament also.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 4 | OT 9 (2013) -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10 -- Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Scott A. Bryte, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39

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...
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.

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