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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

From dawn 'til high noon -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
The pericopes for this Sunday challenge us to think about the difficult theological tension between
Sacrificial love -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 1998
The sacrificial love of God is the dominant theme for today's texts, providing a focal point for all
God's gift of wealth -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 1998
The Second Reading and the Gospel lesson for today both present strong cautions against the misuse o
What do you trust? -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1998
The theme for this day might be expressed in the question, "In what do we put our trust?" Individual
Gathering the harvest -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 1998
The theme for today is set by the Gospel lesson: the sending of missionaries to gather the harvest t
The prophet's task -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 1998
The theme for today may be designated "The Prophetic Task." The first lesson records the commission
The ultimacy of life -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1998
The theme for today may be summed up in the phrase, "The Difference that Easter Makes." All three le
God-centering -- Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 1998
The theme for today seems to be "centering on God," remembering in whom we have trusted, reminding o
A time to receive -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1998
There are no more shopping days until Christmas. For most people the news comes as quite a relief.
Grounded in faith -- Jeremiah 2:4-13, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 1998
There is a great deal of moral exhortation in the lessons for today, with a strong focus on the diff
Judgment -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 1998
These are hard texts and no responsible exegete can make them easy.
The Son of God -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 1998
A celebration of the baptism of Jesus always stands at the head of the Epiphany season, for it marks
Newness glorifies God -- Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1998
This Sunday will fall on Mother's Day in churches throughout the United States, but the lessons pay
Watch out that you do not fall -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1997
Now the transition from desert people to settled nation is complete.
We are one in the Spirit -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1997
Pentecost was one of three major Jewish feasts -- Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles.
Their Sunday in Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1997
Until I sat at the feet of Dr. Carl A.
Lift high the cross -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1997
SERMON FOR LENT 4Lift high the crossBy Durwood L. Buchheim
Hope fulfilled -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Mark 13:1-8 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1997
We are two weeks from Advent and the theme for today seems to be "hope." The First Lesson is a poign
Seeking and being sought -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1997
Some of us have been around long enough to remember a campaign launched by Campus Crusade for Christ
No love like this -- 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 -- 1997
We come to the core of the unraveling of David's reign.
Try the uplook -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 1997
Some prophets are preoccupied with the work of God in nature.
What is God's will? -- Job 1:1; 2:10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1997
When I was a student serving an internship in hospital chaplaincy, I was given the job of informing
Our God reigns -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), John 1:1-14 -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 1997
The Babylonian captivity provided the original context for this oracle.
Godly women -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1997
The Bible, we know, is mostly about men.
Evil is real -- so is grace -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1997
After having seen when he was a young lad the dissipation of the sons of Eli, Samuel must now witne

Communicating God's Love

Guest column

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 (2013) -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2013
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
Phil Mickelson was so excited... -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 -- Ron Love -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2013
Phil Mickelson was so excited in winning the 2004 Masters that he jumped for joy -- a reaction captu
The text reminds us... -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2013
The text reminds us how skilled we are in doing evil, in sinning.
It's usually a complaint... -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2013
It's usually a complaint. It's usually said in frustration or resignation.
Joshua Milton Blahyi... -- 1 Timothy 1:12-17 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2013
Joshua Milton Blahyi, a member of the Sarpo tribe in Liberia, was a high priest for the biggest god
God appointed Paul... -- 1 Timothy 1:12-17 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2013
God appointed Paul. He did not take on this responsibility by himself.
On the evening of... -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2013
On the evening of Sunday, August 21, 1911, three men disguised as maintenance workers broke into the
The great joy Jesus... -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2013
The great joy Jesus and the Father feel over the reclaiming of just one lost sheep and just one lost
Before becoming a great... -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Ron Love -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2013
Before becoming a great American novelist, Dashiell Hammett was a police detective for the Pinkerton
Sermons Illustrations for Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2013) -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Scott A. Bryte, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2013
Jeremiah 8:18--9:1
They are in Babylon... -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2013
They are in Babylon, and Zion is vacant with the people gone.
Ann Weems writes in her... -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2013
Ann Weems writes in her Psalms of Lament how the stars fell from her sky on the day her son w
In the musical... -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2013
In the musical Fiddler on the Roof, set in a small Jewish village in Russia on the eve of the
Bald is in... -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Ron Love -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2013
Bald is in. The 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush, has shaved his head.
At least two ways... -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2013
At least two ways present themselves for illustrating the comment in verse 4 that God desires all to
This is an odd one... -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2013
This is an odd one. I'm sure there are many today who are wasting the boss' money.
How are we managing... -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2013
How are we managing the resources with which God entrusts us? Debt in America is an embarrassment!
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 (2013) -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Scott A. Bryte, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2013
Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15
We often do not see... -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2013
We often do not see God in our everyday lives, in the work we do and in our economic transactions.
Dashiell Hammett, before... -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Ron Love -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2013
Dashiell Hammett, before becoming a great American novelist, was a police detective for the Pinkerto
The Harmonist Community... -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2013
The Harmonist Community began in Germany under "prophet" Georg Rapp in the last years of the 18th ce
Joseph Heller authored... -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2013
Joseph Heller authored the popular novel Catch 22.
Be content with what... -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2013
Be content with what you have! How many times have you heard that -- even as children growing up!
A week after his public... -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Ron Love -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2013
A week after his public confession to Oprah Winfrey acknowledging his use of performance enhancing d
Who counts? Who... -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2013
Who counts? Who is really a person?

Political Pulpit

Sermon

The Political Pulpit

UPCOMING WEEKS
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
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

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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