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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Whose side is God on? -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9,22-23, Mark 7:24-37 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1997
(Dr. Mark A.
Praising God -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1997
I learned a lesson about thanksgiving while working as a parish pastor.
To believe is to do -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1997
If this book were not in the canon of the Bible, one might wonder if it were any more than a collect
Love is both tough and sensitive -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1997
In Acts 8, 9, and 10 we have the stories of three conversions -- the unnamed eunuch from Ethiopia, t
Death's destruction -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- All Saints Day - B -- 1997
In most churches, All Saints' Day is the annual occasion for remembering the dead.
Set free through Christ -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1997
In the Gospels, Jesus talks more about the Kingdom of God than he does about anything else.
Growing in wisdom -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 1997
In the second century, some Christians produced popular literature that told stories of Jesus as a y
Who are God's people? -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1997
Is the world bad or good?
Are you listening? -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1997
It is not surprising that this text should be read on Transfiguration Sunday.
A house without walls -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1997
It's a shame and a judgment on us that we have to limit our worship services in such a way that we o
Grounded in hope -- Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 21:25-36 -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 1997
Many people think it strange to begin the church year with a Gospel Lesson that focuses on the secon
To believe is to trust and obey -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-1, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1997
Most biblical ideas show progression in their development.
God's myterious ways -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1997
"My ways are not your ways," God declared through the prophet Isaiah.
God wants you -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 1996
(To the reader: You will note that the format changes for these articles with this September/Octo
Severe words -- Genesis 21:8-21, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1996
I would not have minded the day off today.
What's it worth to you? -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1996
If you are a preacher who likes to pull all of the texts for the day into your sermon, this Sunday
Turning points -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1996
In the three texts today hearers meet three classic figures: Abraham, who receives a call of God and
Saints Alive -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- All Saints Day - B -- 1996
Is there a book of the Bible more abused than Revelation?
What kind of leadership do we want? -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 1996
After following Moses for many weeks, we come to the end of the line.
Better get ready -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
It is hard to believe that anyone, even a convinced atheist, could read this passage and not be move
It's time for joy and hope -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
After many weeks of heavy judgment texts we may all be ready to shout, "Give me a break!" This day,
One Spirit -- Acts 2:2-21, John 7:37-39 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1996
It would be hard to document the assertion in detail and with wealth of satisfying data.
Timing -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1996
After the bombing of a building in Oklahoma City, an earthquake or a department store implosion in
You are not alone -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1996
Janus, one of the gods, looked both ways (hence: January).
The outcome is certain -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1996
Although they come at it from very different perspectives, the texts for this Sunday all speak to

Communicating God's Love

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

Earthly powers enslave us... -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 -- Mark Ellingsen -- All Saints Day - C -- 2013
Earthly powers enslave us.
An inheritance can be... -- Ephesians 1:11-23 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- All Saints Day - C -- 2013
An inheritance can be a wonderful gift that can keep on giving.
Paul starts with himself... -- Ephesians 1:11-23 -- Bob Ove -- All Saints Day - C -- 2013
Paul starts with himself and his converts who were the first to hope in Christ.
Saints are people who live... -- Luke 6:20-31 -- Mark Ellingsen -- All Saints Day - C -- 2013
Saints are people who live by the Golden Rule. Sort of.
Katharine Hepburn, the great... -- Luke 6:20-31 -- Ron Love -- All Saints Day - C -- 2013
Katharine Hepburn, the great screen actress and person of great wealth, dressed very simply in her e
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | OT 31 (2013) -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2013
Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
An oracle... -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2013
An oracle (NRSV, NIV) is a pronouncement (tanakh) that the prophet Habakkuk "saw" (NRSV).
That's a hard passage... -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2013
That's a hard passage to take, though it is a very common one and can make some realize that they ar
In Iran today... -- 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Ron Love -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2013
In Iran today, which is returning to a theocratic nation, strict Islamic law is being imposed.
Americans like to think... -- 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2013
Americans like to think of themselves as self-made men and women.
How determined are we... -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2013
How determined are we to see our Lord? Is it worth the pain of being faithful to our church?
Zacchaeus is a common... -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2013
Zacchaeus is a common Jewish name. It means innocent, clean.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | OT 32 (2013) -- Haggai 1:5b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2013
Haggai 1:5b--2:9
"Shake it up, baby... -- Haggai 1:5b--2:9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2013
Haggai 1:5b--2:9
The great composer... -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Ron Love -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2013
The great composer George Frideric Handel sent word to the local tavern owner to prepare a dinner fo
How many times... -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2013
How many times have we read letters by some "enthusiasts" who tell us that the Lord has already come
In 1971, Carly... -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2013
In 1971, Carly Simon sang "Anticipation," which made it to the pop charts and was sung everywhere.
The great Austrian... -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Ron Love -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2013
The great Austrian composer Gustav Mahler used the beauty of the Austrian countryside to inspire his
A 2006 Scripps-Howard... -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2013
A 2006 Scripps-Howard/Ohio University poll revealed that only 36% of Americans believe in the resurr
Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving Day (2013) -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2013
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Are we in the land... -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Bob Ove -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2013
Are we in the land that the Lord has given us?
The Hebrew people were... -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2013
The Hebrew people were given instructions on how to conduct a harvest celebration with a spirit of t
In the comic strip... -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Ron Love -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2013
In the comic strip by the same name, Frank and Ernest are coming out of a high school, math class.
Giving thanks makes... -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2013
Giving thanks makes you happy.
"Sir, give us this... -- John 6:25-35 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2013
"Sir, give us this bread always." Were the disciples being a tad bit selfish? It's understandable.

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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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