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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The root of courage -- Acts 4:8-12, 1 John 3:18-24, John 10:11-18 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1991
There are those in our midst who are quite threatened by many things in life and cannot seem to must
The invitation -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:35-42 -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1991
All of us ought to be constantly reminded that it is the purpose of the gospel writers not just to p
Sacrifice -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:7-10, John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1991
There are those who get all tangled up in incorrect understandings of the sacrificial system of Juda
Death and duty -- Job 28:20-28, James 3:13-18, Mark 9:30-37 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1991
At the beginning of Fall most of us are colorful foliage and expecting bright days for some time to
Shedding light on the subject -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1991
Though the season of epiphany traditionally takes its rationale from the coming of the wise men to t
Growth -- 2 Samuel 12:1-14, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-15 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1991
Church growth has been a topic of concern for some time.
Possessions bring responsibility -- Genesis 3:8-19, Hebrews 4:1-3, 9-13, Mark 10:17-30 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1991
Today's lessons introduce the issue of material wealth with almost as much stringency as the issue o
Creation then and now -- 2 Samuel 5:1-12, 2 Samuel 5:1-12 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1991
Differences between biblical views of the world and modern views are always a challenge to the inter
Good? -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9, John 18:1-19:42 -- Good Friday - B -- 1991
What is good about Good Friday?
Jesus' followers face change -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:46-53 -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1991
During a lifetime, changes come that shake us up and require major adjustments.
Reality -- 2 Samuel 18:24-33, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1991
What is reality? Is it material and physical so it may be tested by our senses?
Conflict and caring -- 1 Samuel 16:14-23, 1 Samuel 16:14-23 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1991
During the past six months, the mobilization for war showed how demanding and severe conflict can be
Called by God -- 2 Samuel 7:18-29, Ephesians 1:1-10, Mark 6:7-13 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1991
When I read about Amos' certainty of his call from God, I wonder.
Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11 -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1991
Each year we take time during Lent to follow Jesus along his road from high admiration to the cross.
Commitment -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Ephesians 5:21-33, John 6:55-69 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1991
Where should our commitments focus?
Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-12, John 15:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1991
Easter is a stark reminder that nothing we can do can overcome the power of God.
Three for the show -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1991
You remember that child's game that requires someone to say, "One for the money, two for the show, t
God in the commonplace -- 2 Kings 2:1-12a, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1991
Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote these lines in her poem Aurora Leigh.
Miracle -- 2 Samuel 12:15b-24, Ephesians 4:1-6, John 6:24-35 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1991
For the month of August, lessons from the Gospel of John will explore insights related to Jesus' fee
What role for law? -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1991
From one point of view in his time, Jesus played fast and loose with the law.
Getting along -- Proverbs 2:1-8, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:31-37 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1991
Getting along, just getting along, that is how most of us live most of the time.
Commanded to love -- Exodus 24:3-8, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 1991
How can love be commanded? Is it not supposed to be spontaneous?
Service and ambition -- Isaiah 23:7-12, Mark 10:35-45 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1991
How serious is the contrast between the biblical teaching of sacrificial service and the worldly com
Self denial -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2 (3-10) -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1991
I have a missionary friend who has spent most of his adult life in India working as a missionary-edu
Repetition -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1991
If you are on course with your preaching, you will sometimes notice how it seems you are saying the

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

When John Wesley, the founder of Methodism... -- John 3:14-21 -- Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
When John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, was six years old, the parsonage in which the Wesley fam
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 5 (2012) -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Jonathan Edwards once wrote... -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Jonathan Edwards once wrote: "There must be light in the understanding as well as fervency of heart,
Anyone who has dedicated his or her life to... -- Hebrews 5:5-10 -- Ron Love -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Anyone who has dedicated his or her life to the service of the Lord is a priest who has emulated the
Fyodor Dostoevsky... -- John 12:20-33 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Fyodor Dostoevsky, in his novel, The Brothers Karamazov, has Father Zossima preach a sermon o
In 2008, Rajo Devi Lohan of India made worldwide headlines... -- Romans 4:13-25 -- Craig Kelly -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
In 2008, Rajo Devi Lohan of India made worldwide headlines by becoming the world's oldest new mom at
When my nephew was very young... -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- Craig Kelly -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
When my nephew was very young, I tried teaching him how to play checkers.
How many times have we seen grown men crying... -- John 2:13-22 -- Craig Kelly -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
How many times have we seen grown men crying after winning a Super Bowl or the World Series?
We celebrated Christmas sometime back... -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Craig Kelly -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
We celebrated Christmas sometime back, and of course, one of the common sights at Christmas is the t
The United States has seen three distinct instances... -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Craig Kelly -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
The United States has seen three distinct instances of religious revival in its history, known as Gr
In a couple of months... -- John 12:20-33 -- Craig Kelly -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
In a couple of months, the world's eyes will look to a lit cauldron atop a massive stadium in the ci
Sermon Illustrations for Passion Sunday (2012) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11 -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2012
Isaiah 50:4-9a
First Lady Michelle Obama became... -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Ron Love -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2012
First Lady Michelle Obama became defensive with the publication of the book The Obamas, by
In 1722 a group of persecuted Protestants... -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2012
In 1722 a group of persecuted Protestants from the area of Bohemia and Moravia moved to the estate o
Having majored in English in college... -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Craig Kelly -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2012
Having majored in English in college, I have a deep affection for literature.
When the Pittsburgh Steelers were in the dark days... -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- Ron Love -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2012
When the Pittsburgh Steelers were in the dark days of defeat, broadcaster Myron Cope tried to do som
Sermon Illustrations for Maundy Thursday (2012) -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2012
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
So many different holidays... -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Craig Kelly -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2012
It's interesting how we have so many different holidays on our calendar, many of which have little r
Christopher H. Evans, co-author of the book... -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2012
Christopher H.
There is an uncompromising difference between Catholics and Protestants... -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Ron Love -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2012
There is an uncompromising difference between Roman Catholics and Protestants in the interpretation
Douglas Steere taught philosophy at Haverford College... -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2012
Douglas Steere taught philosophy at Haverford College near Philadelphia for many years, but Steere w
We don't have professional foot washers... -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Craig Kelly -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2012
We don't have professional foot washers in twenty-first-century North America, so it's rather diffic
Sermon Illustrations for Good Friday (2012) -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Good Friday - B -- 2012
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
Ken and Carol Dorushka went to Safeway that morning... -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Ron Love -- Good Friday - B -- 2012
Ken and Carol Dorushka went to Safeway that morning to get a few items for lunch and to greet their
From the early years of the church... -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Good Friday - B -- 2012
From the early years of the church people of faith have been responding to the call of the writer of

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UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 20 | OT 25 | Pentecost 15
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 21 | OT 26 | Pentecost 16
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Proper 22 | OT 27 | Pentecost 17
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

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For September 28, 2025:
  • Money! Money! Money! by Dean Feldmeyer based on Acts 2:1-21. “This is the even-handed dealing of the world! There is nothing on which it is so hard as poverty; and there is nothing it professes to condemn with such severity as the pursuit of wealth!” — Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
The president of the college I attended was the kind of man who always said what was on his mind. He had a very healthy self-image and wasn’t concerned about how people might take him. At one of the graduation ceremonies, he stood at the podium, looked out over the huge crowd of people, shook his head, and said to himself (right into the microphone, of course), “All these Christians in one place, and no one’s taking an offering!”
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15
The lesson makes clear that God is present in the world of business, in our daily work.  John Wesley offered thoughtful reflections on the nature of work; he noted:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. (vv. 14-15)

One morning last October, Bruce Klemm got up and sang a song to his wife, Virginia, as he has done every morning of the 42 years they have been married. Little did he know that within a few hours, he would be calling her to say goodbye.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus told a story about a rich man and a beggar to illustrate the way in which we fail to notice those who are poor. In our worship today let us remember the poor and ask God to teach us a real concern for them.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we fail notice some people.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we deliberately leave people out.

Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we care only about ourselves.

SermonStudio

James Evans
(See Lent 1, Cycle C, for an alternative approach to vv. 1-2 and 9-16.)

The writer of this psalm deftly employs a striking image, that at once offers us hope in times of trouble -- but at the same time, redefines for us what it means to be a human being in the world.

Schuyler Rhodes
Many Christians can be heard in or out of worship these days as they lift up their voices and say, "Praise the Lord!" The phrases are familiar, almost rote. Mouths open and words emerge. Pastors and liturgists remind the faithful that this God is not only worthy of our praise; this God sort of requires it of us. This God is a jealous God (Exodus 20:5) who brooks no competition from other gods we might pursue. Yes, God is worthy of praise. Right?
Clayton A. Lord Jr.
It always amazes me when I read about a sports figure who decides to hold out for more money. With salaries that are often in the millions, they feel underpaid unless they are at the next level. I heard one player say to a reporter on Sports Center, "It's not about the money. It is about respect." A few moments later, the host of the show made the comment, "When they say it isn't about the money, it's always about the money."

Chrysanne Timm
As we conclude several weeks of readings in the book of the prophet Jeremiah and next week look at the companion text from the book of Lamentations, a common thread begins to emerge. It is the thread of grief. Jeremiah has been called by God to a truly thankless job -- that of accompanying the people of his homeland into a time of loss and grief. Because of decades of idolatry and treaties with neighboring nations, the people of Judah will lose the land God once graciously gave to their ancestors.
R. Robert Cueni
The lesson for today continues the discussion on the proper use of material possessions by describing what happens when a person tries to "serve both God and wealth" (Luke 16:13). Today's Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus leaves us repulsed by the gory details, puzzled by the literal description of eternal life, and hopeful that the Lord didn't really mean all those terrible things about the punishment due us "Haves" for our treatment of the "Have Nots."

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Good morning, boys and girls. I brought some coins with me this morning. (Show the coins.) How many of these coins would it take to be rich? (Let them respond.) I think it would take millions of these coins before you would really be rich. How many of you would like to be rich? (Wait for show of hands.) I think most of us would like to be rich. What would you think if you had a wish that everything you touched turned to gold? (Let them respond.) You would soon have lots and lots of gold and you would quickly be very, very rich. There's a famous story about a man who had

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