Login / Signup

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Commentary

Communicating God's Love

Guest column

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Former Congresswoman Pat Schroeder is... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2003
Former Congresswoman Pat Schroeder is an example of how repentance, which means "turning around," ca
Christianity seemed as foolish to... -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2003
Christianity seemed as foolish to the educated pagans of the first century as would be inviting a sp
All have faults and fall... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2003
All have faults and fall short.
The Gospel brings freedom, while... -- Romans 4:13-25 -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2003
The Gospel brings freedom, while the Law can suffocate us.
Harry Houdini was one of... -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- Easter Day - B -- 2003
Harry Houdini was one of the greatest escape artists of all time.
Because these hope-filled words... -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2003
Because these hope-filled words of the Lord come at a dark time in Judah, the people are justifiably
The writer of Hebrews calls... -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Good Friday - B -- 2003
The writer of Hebrews calls the faithful to hold fast to what is right without wavering.
Irving Lazar, a well-connected... -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2003
Irving Lazar, a well-connected literary agent, worked with former President Richard Nixon in plannin
Paul knew his teaching would... -- 2 Corinthians 4:3-6<br> -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2003
Paul knew his teaching would be greeted by some with indifference.
Jesus' example of humility and... -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2003
Jesus' example of humility and servitude is not easily patterned among us.
The ministry of the kingdom... -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2003
The ministry of the kingdom is shared ministry and the responsibility for the ministry is shared res
Sitting in the waiting room... -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2003
Sitting in the waiting room at the obstetrician's office, Dave took a hard look at his life.
Jesus liked children. John Kemble... -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2003
Jesus liked children. John Kemble should have learned from him.
Salt is one of the... -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2003
Salt is one of the most important minerals for both human and animal life.
Did you learn some of... -- James 5:13-20 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2003
Did you learn some of the lines written by Alfred Lord Tennyson?
In the midst of a... -- James 5:13-20 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2003
In the midst of a Nebraska drought, some thirsty soul sent the following prayer to the Lincoln Jo
Sitting in church in February... -- James 5:13-20 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2003
Sitting in church in February 1998, Hunter Tylo, star of The Bold and the Beautiful, gave tha
There were but six adults... -- James 5:13-20 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2003
There were but six adults, three teenagers and 11-year-old Caleb at the healing service in the shelt
While we may despise Haman... -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2003
While we may despise Haman for what he was plotting to do, let us not overlook what Americans did in
Haman would have liked Judge... -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2003
Haman would have liked Judge Isaac C. Parker.
One veritable litany that echoes... -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2003
One veritable litany that echoes over and over in this section of the gospel is the "last shall be f
Haman joins others who have... -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2003
Haman joins others who have been hanged as punishment for crimes against humanity.
You've probably seen his picture... -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2003
You've probably seen his picture in all the guidebooks.
Nowhere is Jesus' saying about... -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2003
Nowhere is Jesus' saying about the last finishing first and the first finishing last bantered around
The easiest thing in the... -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2003
The easiest thing in the world to do is to create discord.

Political Pulpit

Sermon

The Political Pulpit

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 10 | OT 15 | Pentecost 5
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 11 | OT 16 | Pentecost 6
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 12 | OT 17 | Pentecost 7
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

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Tom Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
For August 3, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: The object of the lesson is a gesture you will teach the children.

Note: The gesture used both hands. Hold both hands in front of you and make the thumbs-up sign with both hands with both thumbs pointing back at your chest. This is the “ME!” gesture. Then simply rotate your hands back so your thumbs are pointing straight up in the air, like two “OK” signs. This is the “US” gesture.

* * *

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator. (vv. 9-10)

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Hosea 11: 1-13
The prophet compares Yahweh to a father who exercises compassion despite his original plan to punish Israel. John Calvin nicely explains these dynamics:
Mark Ellingsen
Hosea 11:1-11

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus warned against with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich towards God. Through our worship today let us pledge ourselves to seek our treasure only in God.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we envy others because of all they possess.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we desire all that money can buy.
Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things.... Let those who are wise give heed to these things, and consider the steadfast love of the Lord.
-- Psalm 107:9, 43

Kirk R. Webster
How do you focus on something unseen? How can we set our minds on that which we can't touch, or taste, or verify scientifically? Most practical people want proof. Abstract propositions are difficult to get our arms around, especially if they are from another time and place.
Thomas A. Renquist
This story begins with gift -- with blessed gift -- with miraculous, blessed giftedness. And I will even tell you now the theme of the story: if you keep your eye on the giftedness of everything, then you yourself can be a gift, you can be a giver, rather than a hoarder.
John W. Wurster
" 'It was I who taught Ephraim how to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them' (11:3). They did not know me. Do you?

" 'I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them.' (1:4). But they did not know me. Do you?

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL