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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

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.
In the boonies -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
When people ask us where we live, we like to respond by saying, "out in the boonies." Our home addr
Are your lights on? -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1999
One of the difficulties that confronts us who drive our vehicles is forgetting to turn off the light
Of servants and lambs -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 1999
While some pericopes assigned for the season of Epiphany throughout the three-year cycle show the So
The magnificence of the ordinary -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1999
Our arrival at Thursday in the week we call holy brings us face to face with the core of our faith.
Timing is everything -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1999
Our culture has a propensity to celebrate one occasion and then to move on quickly.
Focus -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 1998
A couple years ago there was a fad involving optical illusions called "Magic Eye" pictures.
Sinners ministering to sinners -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 1998
This Sunday's lessons pair two call narratives: that of Isaiah the prophet and that of Simon Peter t
Now and then -- Haggai 1:15b-2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 1998
One day, shortly after the funeral of a beloved woman, I walked through a cemetery with her widower.
Crisis of decision -- Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 1998
A crisis of decision is presented in the lessons for today, especially the first and third readings.
God's word -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 1998
Today's lessons are not necessarily connected by any particular theme, but as I read them I am moved
Don't mention it? -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 1998
Saying "thank you" is something we do ten, twenty, thirty times a day.
Celebration -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 1998
A prominent theme in today's lessons seems to be celebration of life.
Treasure in heaven -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 1998
Today's lessons contrast the emptiness of religion with the substance of faith.
Hear and heed -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 1998
Søren Kierkegaard said a long time ago now that "purity of heart is to will one thing." People who d
Repent and bear fruit -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 1998
All three lessons for this day challenge our perception of the good life, calling us to ask whether
Christ's glory revealed -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35 -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 1998
Transfiguration Sunday concludes the Epiphany season with a focus on the one biblical story that mor
Seeking spiritual fulfillment -- Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Luke 11:1-13 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 1998
Spiritual questing seems to be the theme that holds together the three lessons for today.
The Lamb as Shepherd -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1998
Although most lectionary guides (including this one) deal only with the three lessons appointed for
The triumph of humility -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Passion Sunday - C -- 1998
What exactly was Jesus doing when he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey the week that Passover festivit
God-centered worship -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13 -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 1998
The book of Deuteronomy provides us with our first lesson for this day and that book is also quoted
Christ reigns -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 1998
Although the ascension is perhaps referred to in a few other writings, it is narrated only in Luke a
Faith in God -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 1998
Will the Son of Man find faith on earth when he comes?
Can God be trusted? -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
The central issue for this week's pericopes is the question of whether God is faithful to God's prom
Sharing in Christ's suffering -- Isaiah 43:16-21, Philippians 3:4b-14, John 12:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1998
As we move to the end of this year's Lenten journey, the New Testament texts speak of Christ's suffe

Communicating God's Love

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Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2013) -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Scott A. Bryte, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
Isaiah 5:1-7
A tennis ball in the dryer... -- Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
A tennis ball in the dryer will improve the "fluffiness" of your towels.
This lesson is part of a love song... -- Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
This lesson is part of a love song.
After three years of marriage... -- Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Ron Love -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
After three years of marriage Bethany Frankel and Hoppy divorced in 2013.
We underestimate the power... -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
We underestimate the power of faith.
The Green Lantern, Superman... -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
The Green Lantern, Superman, Wonder Woman, the Incredible Hulk, Spiderman, Captain America -- superh
Though his words were directed... -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Ron Love -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
Though his words were directed against marriage equality, and though he was a Mormon, his wisdom sho
Jesus' teachings on the end... -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
Jesus' teachings on the end of the word remind us that the word of God and the world as we know it t
Sometimes we cheat... -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
Sometimes we cheat.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 7 | OT 12 (2013) -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- Scott A. Bryte, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2013
1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a
In 1952, composer John Cage... -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2013
In 1952, composer John Cage wrote a piece called 4'33" (Four minutes, 33 seconds).
A concern for the television... -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Ron Love -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2013
A concern for the television industry today is what is being referred to as "Zero TV" households.
Elijah, the great man of God... -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2013
Elijah, the great man of God, was in despair, ready to quit.
The law is not our schoolmaster... -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2013
The law is not our schoolmaster. It leads us to our teacher, who is Christ.
Humanity revels in polarization... -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2013
Humanity revels in polarization.
David Letterman, the host of... -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Ron Love -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2013
David Letterman, the host of the Late Show, suffered for decades with depression.
The real point of this story... -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2013
The real point of this story is not the miracle of healing Jesus did, but the miracle that it transf
If you are afraid of... -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2013
If you are afraid of clowns, you are coulrophobic.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 12 | OT 17 (2013) -- Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Luke 11:1-13 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem, Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2013
Hosea 1:2-10
Prophets seldom have a kindly... -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2013
Prophets seldom have a kindly word to speak to the people.
It can be shocking sometimes... -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2013
It can be shocking sometimes what God asks us to do.
When we encounter temptations... -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2013
When we encounter temptations and other ideas that contradict faith, the insights of John Calvin and
The Seventh-Day Adventist... -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- Ron Love -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2013
The Seventh-Day Adventist denomination was founded upon the anticipation of the immediate return of
To "think outside the box"... -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2013
To "think outside the box" is to be open to new ideas, free from tradition and routine and the way w
In Desmond Tutu's collection... -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2013
In Desmond Tutu's collection of stirrings from the heart, An African Prayer Book, ther

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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

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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