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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The wide-angled lens of faith -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 1999
Our vacation to Arizona elicited a continuing expression of awe and wonder at the exquisite scenery
Goal-oriented prayer and preaching -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1999
People have been known to listen to profound preaching of the biblical message and come out of churc
The ways of God -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1999
People tend to say in times of personal or community disaster, "God works in mysterious ways." The p
About the Spirit -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1999
Perhaps it is inevitable that as Christians we focus on the second article of the Apostles' Creed so
A way to the future -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Advent shifts our attention to the future.
Church and world -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1999
Perhaps no issues are more difficult in Christian preaching and teaching than the relationship of th
Time for celebration -- Zechariah 9:9-12, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 1999
As we join our fellow citizens to celebrate the 223rd birthday of our country, we also join our sist
On sowing the word -- Isaiah 55:10-13, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1999
Perhaps the most humbling and, at the same time, thrilling moments of the liturgy occur for me when
Our need for God and for one another -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1999
Conducting a workshop for a statewide gathering of Ph.D.s in psychology, my colleague and I asked th
The servant king -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- Passion Sunday - A -- 1999
Perhaps we lose the punch of the imagery of "servant" in the Bible when we in our day view on cable
A breath of fresh air -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1999
Fresh air is precisely what many people feel they never get in church.
On not loving a wall -- Isaiah 56:1, 6-8, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 1999
Robert Frost begins his poem called "Mending Wall" with the line "Something there is that doesn't lo
Guess who's coming to dinner -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 1999
God's gracious invitations to people have always ruffled the feathers of those who would rather have
If you are the children of God -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1999
Some stories from the Bible sound strange, disconnected from our lives and our frames of reference.
Mountaintop experiences -- Exodus 24:12-18, Matthew 17:1-9, 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 1999
I can't begin to enumerate the number of times I have attended a retreat somewhere off in a secluded
The trouble with religion -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 1999
Speaking out against religion is as popular as ridiculing the American flag, motherhood, and apple p
Coloring outside the lines -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1999
(Dr. Foster R. McCurley has had a distinguished career as St.
Tuning the engine -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 1999
Thanksgiving is a strange celebration. On the one hand, it is a national holiday.
What is our place in the world? -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1999
[Dr. Foster R. McCurley has had a distinguished career as St.
Seeing is not believing -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1999
The connection between sight and belief in Christianity is as old as the insistence of Thomas to see
Community! Community! Community! -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1999
(Dr. Foster R. McCurley has had a distinguished career as St.
Who's in charge here? -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1999
The eschatological quality of the lessons for Proper 28 continues this Sunday.
What's to become of us? -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- All Saints Day - A -- 1999
(Myrna and Robert Kysar are the co-authors of "Charting The Course." Myrna is pastor of Christ Lu
Loving God with our minds -- 1 Kings 3:5-12, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1999
The first great commandment that we should "love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all
Identity and function -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 1999
In discussions of modern architecture we often hear the expression that form follows function.

Communicating God's Love

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

It could sound like Elisha... -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2013
It could sound like Elisha was being tested.
Halo Nation is a video game... -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2013
Halo Nation is a video game franchise that has as a basis for its storyline a responsibility
The freedom that Paul... -- Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2013
The freedom that Paul describes in this text is a word we need badly in America today, as according
Don't run in the house... -- Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2013
Don't run in the house. Don't chew with your mouth open. Don't drive through a red light.
Ryan Fry has more than... -- Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- Ron Love -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2013
Ryan Fry has more than 250 poisonous lizards and snakes in his yard in Australia.
Luke includes a number... -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2013
Luke includes a number of stories of Jesus' last week that no other gospels contain.
Farmers know that you do not... -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2013
Farmers know that you do not look back when you are plowing the field.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 9 | OT 14 (2013) -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Scott A. Bryte, Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2013
2 Kings 5:1-14
Many people are getting tattoos... -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Ron Love -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2013
Many people are getting tattoos to express their Christian faith.
This story reveals that we... -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2013
This story reveals that we find faith in unexpected places, including in Naaman, the army commander
It's an odd thing to ride... -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2013
It's an odd thing to ride in an electric car. There is essentially no noise. There's no vibration.
Reaping what you sow... -- Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2013
Reaping what you sow is a metaphor that comes from the fields.
No, we are no longer bound... -- Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2013
No, we are no longer bound by the law, but the law shows us that we have messed up!
In Latin the word "pastor"... -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Ron Love -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2013
In Latin the word "pastor" means "shepherd." It came from the same base that produced pascere
What if those vacation resorts... -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2013
What if those vacation resorts that claim to include everything actually included everything?
In our gospel, Jesus would... -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2013
In our gospel, Jesus would have those he sends out to do mission to tread on snakes and overcome all
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 10 | OT 15 (2013) -- Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2013
A builder uses a plumb line to determine true vertical from the gravitational center of the earth, n
A builder uses a plumb line... -- Amos 7:7-17 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2013
A builder uses a plumb line to determine true vertical from the gravitational center of the earth, n
Even though the Lord is merciful... -- Amos 7:7-17 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2013
Even though the Lord is merciful and loving, He still has his exact requirements for us.
The Human Genome Project... -- Colossians 1:1-14 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2013
The Human Genome Project, which mapped all the various combinations of human genes, teaches us that
Gregg Marshall is the basketball... -- Colossians 1:1-14 -- Ron Love -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2013
Gregg Marshall is the basketball coach for the Wichita State Shockers.
The dog comes whining to you... -- Colossians 1:1-14 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2013
The dog comes whining to you in the middle of the night, requesting to be let outside.
Even every confirmand... -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2013
Even every confirmand could probably quote this passage or a list of other passages that he might be
There are four different paradigms... -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2013
There are four different paradigms functioning on the path to Jericho.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 11 | OT 16 (2013) -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42 -- Scott A. Bryte, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2013
Amos 8:1-12

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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

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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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