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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Learning hard lessons -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2007
Arthur Clutton-Brock, who was for many years an art critic for the London
Passing the mantle -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62, Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2007
Just about any time I find myself sitting in a pew rather than standing at the pulpit during
What must I do? -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, Psalm 30 -- David Kalas -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2007
The Philippian jailor does not appear in any of our selected readings for this Sunday, but
Why we do the things we do -- Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37, Psalm 82 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2007
Shortly after their conversion to Christianity years ago, friends of mine were looking for
A man for one season -- Malachi 3:1-4, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6, Luke 1:68-79 -- David Kalas -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
In 1967, the Academy Award for Best Picture was awarded to A Man for All
Songs of joy -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
A colleague of mine once decried the way that people in his congregation wished to sing
The Christmas crisis -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Luke 1:47-55 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
This Sunday, more than most, the heat is on to get the meaning right, hit our stride, and
Birth announcement -- Isaiah 62:6-12, Titus 3:4-7, Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20, Psalm 97 -- David Kalas -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
Christmas Day. For many of us, it is the fondest day of the year. As children, the holiday
Wise child -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52, Psalm 148 -- Wayne Brouwer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
Often a child's perspective is uncannily wise because his/her logic is so direct. A woman
Coming in waves -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Psalm 29 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2006
A major military operation is not a simple thing. No longer do we simply line up our
Wedding bells -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11, Psalm 36:5-10 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2006
A former US president and his wife were reputed to have visited their old hometown and
Primal urge -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21, Psalm 19 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2006
The texts set before us all have to do with encountering the primal and basic core of
Blocking and tackling -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30, Psalm 71:1-6 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2006
On a typical NFL football team, there are some players who get all the attention and
Looking down to see heaven -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11, Psalm 138 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2006
Some mornings, when I ride my bike, the world is still very dark. I have to pick my way
In vane, in vain, in vein -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26, Psalm 1 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
These texts deal with the vanity of life. Jeremiah lived in a time when the world, as he
The picture Bible -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), Psalm 99 -- David Kalas -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2006
Big events in our culture are generally accompanied by much picture taking.
Love that hurts -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
The story is told of a young girl whose very best friend lived just down the street. They
Getting started on the right foot -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13, Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
We now set sail for Jerusalem, the events of holy week, and the hope of Easter morning.
What's carved above your church door? -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2006
There is a certain irony here as we approach the Sunday before Labor Day and the
Practically Christian -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37, Psalm 125 -- David Kalas -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2006
I parked next to a car yesterday that looked like a bit of a junker. It was pretty banged up
Hindsight, foresight, and insight -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38, Psalm 19 -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2006
A boy in first grade came home from school and told his mother that his class had had a
Any questions -- show of hands -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2006
"Any questions?" The words hang in the air at the end of the teacher's lecture as the
Public enemy -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- David Kalas -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2006
If only he had understood his real enemy.
Defining moments -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16, Psalm 26 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2006
There are many benefits to pastoral ministry. We are invited to share with people their
Going public -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2006
Each of these texts sends us into a different sector of our lives and asks us to

Communicating God's Love

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

Racial and gender imbalances... -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Racial and gender imbalances continue to plague our nation.
How many of us are always... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Bob Ove -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
How many of us are always happy?
Giving thanks in all situations... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Giving thanks in all situations certainly is not easy.
U.S. Census Bureau statistics... -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
U.S.
In a The Family Circus... -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
In a The Family Circus comic strip by Bil Keane, Billy and Jeffy are walking on the sidewalk.
Sermon Illustrations for Fourth Sunday of Advent (2014) -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Nathan the prophet tells... -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Nathan the prophet tells David that God loves him and sees his lineage going on forever.
After David had a chance... -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Bob Ove -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
After David had a chance to relax and think, he compared his house to the one they had given the Lor
Paul claims that the incarnation... -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Paul claims that the incarnation has long been kept a mystery. It still is hard to believe.
In a Frank & Ernest comic... -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
In a Frank & Ernest comic strip by Bob Thaves, two little boys are sitting in a backyard.
The word "virgin" in Hebrew... -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Bob Ove -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
The word "virgin" in Hebrew can also mean "young woman." But if we translate this passage "young wom
In this scripture lesson... -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
In this scripture lesson Mary is startled by an angel, but more startling is the announcement the an
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas Day (2014) -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
Isaiah 9:2-7
Richard Flanagan wrote a book... -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Ron Love -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
Richard Flanagan wrote a book titled The Narrow Road to the Deep North.
There is a lot of imbalance... -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Mark Ellingsen -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
There is a lot of imbalance of power in American society.
The grace of God has... -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Bob Ove -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
The grace of God has appeared to all men but not all men (people) can see him.
Abraham Lincoln was in his... -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Derl G. Keefer -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
Abraham Lincoln was in his darkest hours prior to the 1864 election.
In a Christmas sermon... -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Mark Ellingsen -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
In a Christmas sermon Martin Luther nicely explained the implications of Christ's nativity for the w
When the University Medical... -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Ron Love -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
When the University Medical Center of Princeton was ready to construct a new building in 2014, the m
Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2015) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2014
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
The Byrds were inspired... -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2014
The Byrds were inspired by this text as they sang "To everything, turn, turn, turn, there is a seaso
Elisabeth Moss, who plays... -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2014
Elisabeth Moss, who plays hardworking advertising copywriter Peggy Olson, on the television show
I am not a fan of camping... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Derl G. Keefer -- New Year's Day - B -- 2014
I am not a fan of camping!
We must be careful not... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - B -- 2014
We must be careful not to take this passage too literally.
Roger Cohen wrote an article... -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Ron Love -- New Year's Day - B -- 2014
Roger Cohen wrote an article for the New York Times in which he discussed that as a child he

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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
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4 – Pastor's Devotions
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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
and more...
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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