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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

In Christ we are whole -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1997
Again, in keeping with the theme from previous weeks, the power of the resurrected Christ predominat
How to muzzle life's storms -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1997
The books of Samuel may well be made up of several accounts that are woven together, sometimes witho
Sheer grace -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 1997
All three lessons appointed for celebrating The Nativity of Our Lord have at their heart a resoundin
The best is yet to come -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 1997
The concept of pregnancy lends itself rather naturally to metaphorical usage.
Values assessment -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1997
The January/February 1995 issue of Men's Health magazine offered a feature titled "What do me
Restoration -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1997
All three of the lessons for this day conclude cycles that have been developing for the last four we
He touched me and we talked -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1997
"The prophet of holiness" is the title often given to Isaiah.
The end of the beginning -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1997
Although the first lesson for several Sundays has come from the Acts of the Apostles, this day -- As
Preparing the way -- Malachi 3:1-4, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6 -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 1997
The theme of this day is obvious: Preparation!
Can I fall? Can I rise again? -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1997
Anselm once observed that "when one escapes from the will that commands, one does but rush under the
Rejoicing Sunday -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 1997
The third Sunday in Advent is officially called "Gaudete Sunday," which means "Rejoicing Sunday." Jo
A word to the wise -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1997
As we have noted before, the books of 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings were probably originally one
The subtleties of power and temptation -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1997
There are few texts in the Bible or illustrations from the lives of public figures that more aptly d
First Lesson Focus -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 1997
FIRST LESSON FOCUSBy James A. Nestingen
The power of the Gospel -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1997
This is one of those texts that we might wish were not in the Bible, or, at the very least, one that
Ordinary people with an extraordinary word -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1997
Beginning today and continuing for the next ten Sundays the first lesson will be from the books of
To die is the only way to live -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1997
This passage from Jeremiah has been called the most important single teaching of his prophecy, and i
Where credit is due -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1997
Between last Sunday's first lesson and today's text we have the story of the turbulent years of Saul
Free to be, to do, and not to do -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1997
This remarkable passage is nestled in the midst of a long litany of detailed legislative instruction
What restless hearts need -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1997
David thinks that he has covered his tracks.
No matter what, God will rule -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1997
This section marks the beginning of the "in-between" period in David's life.
Joel 3:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1997
FIRST LESSON FOCUSASH WEDNESDAYBy James A. Nestingen
Just us ordinary folks -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1997
This text is the conclusion of a lengthy narrative which began in 1 Samuel 16.
Obedience through suffering -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1997
Four times a week, I drive my fourteen-year-old son to a gymnastics academy where for three hours he
Blessed to be a blessing -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1997
Those who are preaching a series of sermons on the lessons from 1 and 2 Samuel will need to fill in

Communicating God's Love

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Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

We don't need any more... -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2013
We don't need any more miracles today; we already have all the ones we will ever need.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 22 | OT 27 (2013) -- Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2013
Lamentations 1:1-6
Jeremiah lost Zion... -- Lamentations 1:1-6 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2013
Jeremiah lost Zion to Babylon and weeps bitterly over her.
How sad a passage... -- Lamentations 1:1-6 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2013
How sad a passage! It looks like there is no hope for God's people. Can we ever relate to that?
There is only a photograph... -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- Ron Love -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2013
There is only a photograph of one person standing atop Mount Everest, and that is of Tenzing Norgay,
You can have your father's... -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2013
You can have your father's eyes. You can move just like your mom.
Twenty-first-century American... -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2013
Twenty-first-century American life is chaotic, comprised of meaningless meanderings.
Does that give you hope... -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2013
Does that give you hope? Even if your faith is small -- even miniscule!
We are fascinated with... -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2013
We are fascinated with volume and weight. The bigger, the better!
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 23 | OT 28 (2013) -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2013
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
O. Henry, that great... -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- Ron Love -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2013
O. Henry, that great short story writer, was born William Sidney Porter.
Speaking of the life... -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2013
Speaking of the life of Christians, a first-century anonymous treatise titled The Epistle to Diog
Paul often repeats the basis... -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2013
Paul often repeats the basis of our faith in Christ! It can't be stated often enough!
Is Paul naive?... -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2013
Is Paul naive? Or has he hit on something that we have yet to learn?
When John Deere introduced... -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Ron Love -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2013
When John Deere introduced its home lawn tractor in 1963, they were promoted as "freedom machines,"
This text testifies... -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2013
This text testifies and extols the greatness of faith. Martin Luther has a lot to say about faith.
Sermons Illustrations for Proper 24 | OT 29 (2013) -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2013
Jeremiah 31:27-34
Great introductions are... -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2013
Great introductions are bound to get one's attention.
God changes his plans... -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2013
God changes his plans for Israel when they acknowledge their sin.
Helen Hayes, the great actress... -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Ron Love -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2013
Helen Hayes, the great actress, was addressing a group of elderly individuals when she was asked how
The text's warning... -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2013
The text's warning that the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine seems ful
Leymah Gbowee, 2011 Nobel Peace... -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2013
Leymah Gbowee, 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, writes in her book Mighty Be Our Powers how p
How many times have we... -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2013
How many times have we prayed and prayed and wondered if there was any one up there to hear our pray
Sermon Illustrations for All Saints Day (2013) -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18, Ephesians 1:11-23, Luke 6:20-31 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- All Saints Day - C -- 2013
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18
It happened... -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 -- Ron Love -- All Saints Day - C -- 2013
It happened. An atomic bomb fell on America.

Political Pulpit

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The Political Pulpit

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 28 | OT 33 | Pentecost 23
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christ the King Sunday
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Thanksgiving
34 – Sermons
80+ – Illustrations / Stories
24 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
24 – 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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