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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

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
No pretensions -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1998
The common theme in the lessons for this day is an explication of what we might call "religion of th

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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
There are a number of passages... -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2013
There are a number of passages where Jesus is praying and his disciples can see him at prayer.

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In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 23 | OT 28 | Pentecost 18
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 24 | OT 29 | Pentecost 19
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 25 | OT 30 | Pentecost 20
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32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
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and more...
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, wild fires, 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 September 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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