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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

New directions -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1994
Note: Charting The Course and illustrations are provided for both Ascension Day/Sunday and Easter 7.
Where? How? What? When? Why? -- Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53 -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1994
NOTE: Charting The Course and illustrations are provided for both Ascension Day/Sunday and Easter 7.
The scandal of servanthood -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 1994
On the solemn evening of what has come to be called Maundy Thursday, we customarily gather to recall
Where do we stand? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1994
On this last Sunday of the church year the gospel lesson brings us face to face with Pontius Pilate.
"One feast, of holy days the crest" -- Solomon 3:1-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- All Saints Day - B -- 1994
"One feast, of holy days the crest, I, though no Churchman, love to keep,
On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Luke 3:7-18 -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
One homiletical key for using either the Old Testament or gospel lesson for this Sunday is to keep i
Scandalous behavior! -- Exodus 20:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Robert A. Beringer -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1994
When Paul wrote, "We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to the Gentiles,"
From boredom to boldness -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1994
One of the dangers the followers of Jesus face in any age is staying alert to the magnificence of ou
Forever is a long time -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Mark 3:20-35 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1994
About the author
From death to life! -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1994
One of the moral dilemmas that has to be dealt with in these days when human organs are being transp
A necessary mid-course correction -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1994
About the author Michael L.
Magnetic appeal -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1994
One of the strange paradoxes of the human race is that we should be so strongly attracted to the cro
A mystery of active love -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1994
After the festivities of Pentecost, this Sunday presents another mystery to worshipers.
God remembers in a rainbow -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1994
"Pastor," he began, "I want to tell you how distressed I am that we continue to have a prayer of con
The epiphanies along life's way -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1994
As we move toward the end of the season of Epiphany, it is good to examine those ways that the Lord
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 -- 1994
The account of the building of the temple in 1 Kings 5-7 leaves no doubt it was Solomon's project fr
Appearance isn't everything -- 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 -- 1994
At one time, Barbara Streisand briefly considered having plastic surgery performed on her face.
A new chapter opens -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1994
The first portion of the Old Testament lesson closes one chapter in the history of Israel while the
Hey, this is serious! -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1994
Baptism has been a point of contention and controversy almost since the beginning of the church.
Life is precious -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1994
Concern, excitement, awe, wonder, relief, joy.
Look beyond the cradle -- Malachi 3:1-4, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6 -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
The lessons for this Sunday have been variously linked together in the Advent lectionaries of the ch
Salvation is in sight -- Isaiah 61:10__62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1993
Reality orientation characterizes the readings for this day after Christmas.
Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 1993
SERMON FOR THANKSGIVING DAY SUNDAYA thankful heart
Great David's greater son -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1993
The trio of readings today are traditional in many communions.
Rhapsodies in faith and expectation -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8 -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1993

Communicating God's Love

Guest column

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

With the dawn... -- 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2013
With the dawn of the Second Industrial Revolution in the late 1800s public education was made availa
There is a marked... -- 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2013
There is a marked decline in human faithfulness in contemporary America.
Ever wonder what God... -- 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2013
Ever wonder what God looks like?
A lamb was slaughtered... -- John 1:29-42 -- Bob Ove -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2013
A lamb was slaughtered in remembrance of the escape from Egypt.
The angels announced to the shepherds... -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Mark J. Molldrem -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2012
The angels announced to the shepherds that Jesus is the savior.
Women and children and unsaved into the lifeboats... -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Ron Love -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2012
"Women and children and unsaved into the lifeboats!" Note in this cry the rescuer's word "unsaved."
How we feel like doing loving things this time of year... -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Mark Ellingsen -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2012
The Christmas spirit. How we feel like doing loving things this time of year.
Why did they have to bring up taxes?... -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Bob Ove -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2012
Why did they have to bring up taxes? Where was the Tea Party back then?
This past fall a new TV series was introduced... -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2012
This past fall a new TV series was introduced: Revolution.
At last the darkness has passed... -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Bob Ove -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2012
At last the darkness has passed: our shopping is over. The gifts are wrapped. The tree is lit.
Sermon Illustrations for The Nativity of Our Lord (2012) -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2012
Isaiah 9:2-7
In a comic strip that appears regularly... -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
In a comic strip that appears regularly in the Sunday newspaper, a man is greeted by his wife as he
The earliest Jewish belief shared by the Greeks... -- Micah 5:2-5a -- Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
The earliest Jewish belief, shared by the Greeks, was that the firmament was a solid dome.
This lesson is a prophecy of the Messiah... -- Micah 5:2-5a -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
This lesson is a prophecy of the Messiah.
We need to ask our Lord about the sacrifices we make every week... -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Bob Ove -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
This passage is a quote from the Psalms.
When we look over the political landscape... -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
When we look over the political landscape, before and after the recent election, we wonder what inte
Mary's famous prayer, The Magnificat, is a profound... -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
Mary's famous prayer, The Magnificat, is a profound and moving celebration of God's merciful treatme
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 4 (2012) -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
Micah 5:2-5a
There are at least a couple surprises... -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Bob Ove -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
There are at least a couple surprises in this lesson.
Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan (374-397)... -- Philippians 4:4-7 -- Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan (374-397), is one of our most prominent church fathers.
Paul urges the Philippians... -- Philippians 4:4-7 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
Paul urges the Philippians and us to rejoice in the Lord that they need not worry about anything and
Our text was before the days of political correctness!... -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Bob Ove -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
Our text was before the days of political correctness!
John the Baptist is on the same team with Jesus -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
John the Baptist is on the same team with Jesus, but he is not Jesus.
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 2 (2012) -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
Angelo Siciliano was a 97-pound weakling from Brooklyn... -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
The story is true. Angelo Siciliano was a 97-pound weakling from Brooklyn.

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...
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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