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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The joy of the kingdom community -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 1999
The front page of any newspaper in the land can bring despair to its readers.
The world's a stage -- Genesis 1:1-2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 1999
In his play As You Like It William Shakespeare wrote those familiar words: "All the world's a
How do we love God? -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 1999
The question about how we love God in our lives is essential to the meaning of life itself.
For you and for me -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1-19:42 -- Good Friday - A -- 1999
In his wonderful collection The Moral Compass: Stories for a Life's Journey, William J.
Whoever laughs last -- Hosea 5:15-6:6, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 1999
The Scriptures convey such powerful testimony about nothing less than life and death and eternity th
Managing what has been entrusted -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1999
In many congregations October is stewardship month.
Knowing where the stones are -- 1 Kings 19:9-18, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1999
The walking on water jokes abound.
God's kind of trouble -- Jeremiah 20:7-13, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1999
In our society being Christian does not in itself lead to rejection and persecution.
A kingdom of priests and apostles of the kingdom -- Exodus 19:2-8a, Romans 5:1-8 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 1999
In our society, full as it is of rugged individualists, we tend to highlight the superstars of any f
Distinguishing the good from the bad -- Isaiah 44:6-8, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1999
There are certainly times when we can readily distinguish good folks from bad folks.
The mystery revealed -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
In the second lesson for this Sunday, Paul speaks of "the revelation of the mystery that was kept se
Can these bones live? -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45 -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1999
There are many people in our society who know little or nothing about the joys we experience on Sund
God's unknowing servants -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 1999
In these days as political campaigns for various offices clutter our highway landscapes, our televis
Imagining possibilities -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
There is no prescription for how people change.
Journey into the world -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1999
Jules Verne wrote some fascinating books about journeys.
Where the heart is -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1999
This day has become an important one in the church year.
The Stranger and we strangers -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 1999
Knowing Jesus, that is, in the biblical sense of knowing, assumes that we are in an intimate relatio
What pleases God? -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1999
Throughout the Scriptures the will of God is asserted again and again, particularly in the preaching
The trouble with grace -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1999
Let's face it. Not everyone is happy about God's generosity.
A shining moment -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
To be perfectly frank, we have always found the high celebrations of the church year, most espec
Isn't there something we must do? -- Isaiah 51:1-6, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1999
Living in a world that runs on the basis of rewards and punishments, many people have difficulty wit
The wondrous mixture of joy and fear -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, Matthew 28:1-10 -- Easter Day - A -- 1999
We are accustomed to greeting others and to hearing others greet us at this time of year with the wo
Successful or faithful? -- Jeremiah 28:5-9, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 1999
Many church folks feel the congregation and its pastor are not doing a good job if church membership
Of Shepherd and sheep -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1999
We do not give much thought to shepherds and sheep these days.
What's in it for me? -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 1999
On this tenth day of Christmas we might well wonder what gifts are left to enjoy.

Communicating God's Love

Guest column

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

As United States troops... -- Amos 8:1-12 -- Ron Love -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2013
As United States troops were pulling out of Afghanistan, the Taliban continued its insurgency operat
The situation in Amos' context... -- Amos 8:1-12 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2013
The situation in Amos' context was like our own: Free market capitalism exploits the poor, while the
In a math problem... -- Amos 8:1-12 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2013
In a math problem it is the final answer. It is the total.
There are major proteins... -- Colossians 1:15-28 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2013
There are major proteins in most living organisms. One group is called laminins.
You can't help but notice... -- Colossians 1:15-28 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2013
You can't help but notice that there is a purpose in each of Paul's letters.
The Seventh-Day Adventist... -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Ron Love -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2013
The Seventh-Day Adventist denomination is one of the fastest growing today, especially in Latin Amer
This text redirects our priorities... -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2013
This text redirects our priorities, pushing us toward more appreciation of receiving instruction in
In order to become a lawyer... -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2013
In order to become a lawyer, you have to take a lot of classes, write a bunch of papers, get the rig
Sermons Illustrations for Proper 13 | OT 18 (2013) -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Scott A. Bryte, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
Hosea 11:1-11
In the comic strip... -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
In the comic strip Frank & Ernest, those two motley characters are sitting behind a build
The book of Hosea... -- Hosea 1:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
The book of Hosea is all about forgiveness -- the forgiveness of the prostitute, of the whore Israel
When people reach their teens... -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
When people reach their teens, their twenties, and beyond, they often complain that their parents st
If we claim Christ... -- Colossians 3:1-11 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
If we claim Christ as our Lord, then we should set our minds on heavenly things.
Scientists are always trying... -- Colossians 3:1-11 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
Scientists are always trying to unify observations into theories and then gather many theories into
Matt Damon is a devoted... -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
Matt Damon is a devoted husband and father.
They say that you can't... -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
They say that you can't take it with you, but that hasn't stopped people from trying.
The parable of the rich fool... -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
The parable of the rich fool provides opportunity to reflect on the abuses of capitalism.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 14 | OT 19 (2013) -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Scott A. Bryte, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2013
Isaiah 1:1, 10-20
The opener appears to be... -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2013
The opener appears to be an introduction to the whole book, as Isaiah's life of prophecy appears to
"Hands, hands, fingers, thumb... -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2013
"Hands, hands, fingers, thumb; dum ditty dum ditty dum dum dum!" Dr.
We can't see gravity... -- Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2013
We can't see gravity, but we know it is there because we can see what it does. We can prove it.
The Seventh-Day Adventist... -- Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- Ron Love -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2013
The Seventh-Day Adventist denomination celebrated their 150th anniversary in May.
The text is all about faith... -- Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2013
The text is all about faith. But we make too much of faith, according to Martin Luther.
It sounds like God has already... -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2013
It sounds like God has already given us our inheritance -- his kingdom.
Marjorie Jillson has written... -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2013
Marjorie Jillson has written a hymn text that in simple measure expresses the comfort and resolve of

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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
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Easter 7
20 – Sermons
170+ – Illustrations / Stories
26 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
20 – Commentary / Exegesis
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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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