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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The land is the Lord's -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
A man was typing away at a computer with a stack of video cassettes by his side, when a friend walke
Anatomy of a sermon -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21 -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
Here's a riddle. What is both common and precious? Both priceless and free?
The True and the False -- Jeremiah 28:1-9, Luke 13:22-30, Hebrews 12:18-29 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A
Much of the guidance given in Scripture has to do with enabling us to distinguish the true from the
Still surprised after Christmas -- Isaiah 61:10-62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- David Kalas -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
The Christmas story is so familiar to us and to our people that we may no longer see it clearly.
The Presence -- Acts 4:8-12, 23-33, John 10:11-18 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
Whether one speaks of the powerful manifestations of the presence of GodÕs spirit as is evidenced in
What makes a king? -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Passion Sunday - C
By the time this issue of Emphasis reaches your desk, we will probably know whether Peter Jac
The power of life and death -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- William H. Shepherd -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
In the sci-fi classic The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), the alien Klaatu, having been sho
Keeping Others in Mind -- Isaiah 35:4-7a, Mark 7:31-37 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Those of you who read my material know that I am always insistent that we keep the people and the ev
Getting to yes -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
A number of years ago, a colleague and I were in a kind of leadership stalemate.
Hide and seek -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Hide and seek may be a child's game, but we adults spend a lot of time playing our own version of it
Beyond compare -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- David Kalas -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Much of the rest of our culture is unapologetic about sacrifice.
Rejection -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-32 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
The debilitating effects of rejection may be felt by the unemployed and the homeless, by deserted or
When the grip begins to slip! -- Genesis 32:22-30, 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5, Genesis 32:22-30 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
Who hasn't seen the sign on a billboard or auto bumper, "He is coming soon!" The "He" is obviously J
Are we great enough? -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Can we measure up to Christmas?
And now, introducing ... -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- David Kalas -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
In the United States just now, we're in the period between the election and the inauguration of the
Renewal -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Luke 4:1-13 -- First Sunday in Lent - C
Since the Sundays in Lent are a time for renewal, rather than for mourning or self-negation, the scr
New Things -- Acts 14:8-18, John 13:31-35, Revelation 21:1-6 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C
To hear some people talk, one might conclude it is the task of the church to call people back to som
What triumph? -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, 9:9, 10, Philippians 2:5-11 -- Passion Sunday - B
A scared band of disciples anxiously watching out of the corner of their eyes as they come into Jer
Cross and church -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11 -- Passion Sunday - C
Holy Week always makes me realize how inadequate I am in finding ways to express or even to think ab
Family privilege -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
My daughters know the direct access code to my office phone.
Goal or gift -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C
The ethical injunctions in the gospel lesson from Luke for this Sunday, like their parallels in the
Called before born -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42, Psalm 40:1-11 -- William H. Shepherd -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A
"Who's your family?" Southerners know this greeting well, but it is not unheard of above, beside, an
School of rock(s) -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- William H. Shepherd -- First Sunday of Advent - A
Christianity is, among other things, an intellectual quest. The curriculum to know God truly.
The Greatest Space Shuttle of All -- Ephesians 5:21-31, John 6:60-69 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C
In this series I have put much emphasis on the matter of keeping body and mind and spirit, heaven an
Faith -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Luke 12:32-40 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A
So many definitions have been given for faith it seems impossible to talk or write about it without

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

In most baptismal services, a ritual of stirring up God's spirit is performed... -- 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2012
In most baptismal services, a ritual of stirring up God's spirit is performed.
We saw statues of those gods all over... -- 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 -- Bob Ove -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2012
That passage may sound strange to those who have never left the US, but when I lived in Nepal, it wa
The most watched and most popular international sport is soccer... -- 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2012
The most watched and most popular international sport is soccer, with the World Cup being the bigges
The early church fathers affirmed the Christological title of Amen... -- John 2:1-11 -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2012
The early church fathers affirmed the Christological title of "Amen" as it was bestowed upon Jesus.
The gospel reports on Jesus' first miracle... -- John 2:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2012
The gospel reports on Jesus' first miracle (at the wedding at Cana).
Sermon illustrations for Transfiguration Sunday, Cycle C (2013) -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2012
Exodus 34:29-35
When we come home from church... -- Exodus 34:29-35 -- Bob Ove -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2012
When we come home from church, is there a radiance in our face that others can see?
Bob finally had his opportunity... -- Exodus 34:29-35 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2012
Bob finally had his opportunity to corner Jane after the presentation.
Jesus was transparent... -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2 -- Ron Love -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2012
Jesus was transparent when he declared himself to be the Son of Man, by substituting this title for
The common experience of God's glory... -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2012
Our text deals with both the glory of Christ (3:18) and the freedom He brings (3:17).
Imagine having Oscar Robertson... -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2012
Imagine having Oscar Robertson (Cincinnati Royals in the 1960s), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Los Angeles La
Did you notice two interesting things about this passage... -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Bob Ove -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2012
Did you notice two interesting things about this passage that can make you wonder?
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2013) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
NULL -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
Martin Luther began his famed Ninety-Five Theses with this statement: "...
NULL -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ron Love -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
Martin Luther King Jr. affirmed the majesty of God in a telling speech.
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
There are 193 ambassadors from other countries to the United States.
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Bob Ove -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
When we think of Jesus as having no sin and yet being tempted in every way that we are, I think of P
NULL -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ron Love -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
Jesus never spoke of equality with God.
NULL -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
Jesus is right. Our piety is full of hypocrisy.
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 2 (2013) -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2012
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
NULL -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2012
Jeremiah Denton, a Navy pilot who was held captive in the Hanoi Hilton during the Vietnam War, under
NULL -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2012
The American Dream seems to be in shambles today.
NULL -- Philippians 3:17--4:1 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2012
It has been said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
NULL -- Philippians 3:17--4:1 -- Bob Ove -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2012
Where is your citizenship? Day to day we think only of what we are going to do this day.
NULL -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2012
John Calvin calls attention to the implication that Jesus' reference to being like a hen who gathers

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Proper 23 | OT 28 | Pentecost 18
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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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