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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

In Massachusetts during a youth... -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2002
In Massachusetts during a youth hockey scrimmage, two fathers found themselves in a conflict.
Because of World War II... -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2002
Because of World War II, there were innumerable government programs and procurements.
Do not worry about anything... -- Philippians 4:1-9 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2002
"Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let you
Three centuries ago, in Scotland... -- Philippians 4:1-9 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2002
Three centuries ago, in Scotland, Samuel Rutherford was a preacher of great renown.
Paul calls disciples to demonstrate... -- Philippians 4:1-9 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2002
Paul calls disciples to demonstrate forbearance.
The Marquis de Lafayette came... -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2002
The Marquis de Lafayette came to America from France to help the Continental Army in its fight for i
There is no need! at... -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2002
"There is no need!" at least, that's what the naysayers said when someone wanted to open winter shel
Tina was excited about getting... -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2002
Tina was excited about getting married. She was in love with a tremendous guy.
Minneapolis has the tallest building... -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2002
Minneapolis has the tallest building in the West. In its shadow lies St.
A Sunday school teacher was... -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2002
A Sunday school teacher was highly regarded by those who attended his young adult class.
We were driving along a... -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2002
We were driving along a country road one evening about 5:30.
Paul praised the Thessalonians for... -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2002
Paul praised the Thessalonians for a labor of love.
The child looked up at... -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2002
The child looked up at his teacher and asked, "How long have you been teaching?" The teacher sat dow
I visited a convenience store... -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2002
I visited a convenience store after a meeting of Boy Scout leaders and, as usual, I hadn't eaten sup
It was time for the... -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2002
It was time for the provincial elections in Ontario and the government was sure it had the election
Richard Jessen, a now retired... -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2002
Richard Jessen, a now retired Lutheran bishop in Omaha, Nebraska, understood that responsibility wel
The GAP (Grace Action Program... -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2002
The GAP (Grace Action Program) program at Grace Church finds one local family a year to help.
Jessie was the only child... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2002
Jessie was the only child of parents who were determined that she would become a great success.
My boyhood pastor was a... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2002
My boyhood pastor was a model for me in ministry.
The Apostle knew from hard... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2002
The Apostle knew from hard, and sometimes bitter, experience that those who do a good thing will nev
In a conversation with 12... -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2002
In a conversation with 12-year-old Tommy, his grandmother mentioned that their minister baptized him
We remember the day when... -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2002
We remember the day when we were in northern Michigan, in Sault Sainte Marie.
Jesus provides a righteousness that... -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2002
Jesus provides a righteousness that we, who lack any of our own, can borrow.
No! No! No! the rabbi... -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2002
"No! No! No!" the rabbi cried. "That is not right.
William Henry Seward was Secretary... -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2002
William Henry Seward was Secretary of State under Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson.

Political Pulpit

Sermon

The Political Pulpit

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 13 | OT 18 | Pentecost 8
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 14 | OT 19 | Pentecost 9
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 15 | OT 20 | Pentecost 10
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
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?

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