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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Motivational speaking -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30, Psalm 123 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2002
The tradition of "fire and brimstone" preaching runs deep.
Always lots of room -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
Do we have room for people?
Binding blood -- Exodus 12:1-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Psalm 23 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2002
The Unity Ribbon. Never heard of it?
The harmony of the Spirit -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2002
Do you know the name L. L. Zamenhof? It's not a name you hear every day.
The hardest job of all? -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2002
There are lots of hard jobs in the world, things that are tough to do, work that requires long years
Plowed human furrows -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Psalm 119:105-112 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2002
Early in human history, people discovered that they could stir up soil, drop seeds in the stirred up
A journey of a thousand miles -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2002
There are many books describing amazing journeys, but one of the most fascinating for me was Enduran
Old life, new life, different life -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Easter Day - A -- 2002
Easter is a joyous time, a time of new life and new hope, of spring after winter, of the holiday aft
Question me an answer -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
There is an old show tune, made popular by Bobby Van, whose chorus goes like this:
Decorations, calendars, and piped-in music -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38, Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Everybody knows that Christmas decorations go up earlier every year.
Where is God? -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), John 1:1-14, Psalm 98 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
There was a delightful article from the Associated Press some time ago that claimed God had been fou
Of clones and bones and the Spirit of life -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
From The Washington Post, November 25, 2001: "Scientists in Massachusetts said today they had succee
Don't do the math! -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35, Psalm 114 -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2002
Two of the top women's tennis players in the world are the sisters Venus and Serena Williams.
God is so good! -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2002
"God is so good, God is so good, God is so good, God's so good to me." So go the words to a popular
Arise and shine -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2002
When I was a youngster, my mother would awaken my siblings and me every morning with a call from the
Expecting the unexpected -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2002
I have a confession to make -- I am a member of Packrats Anonymous.
Choose each day -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2002
When my son was about 4, he spotted my wedding ring on my finger and asked about it.
Heart witnesses -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2002
The People's Court, Judge Judy, Judge Mills Lane, Power of Attorney.
Be prepared -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Whether or not they have ever been personally involved in scouting, most people with even a passing
Religious jabberwocky -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42, Psalm 40:1-11 -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2002
'Twas brillig, and the slithy tovesDid gyre and gimble in the wabe;
The sacrifice Isaac offered -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42, Psalm 13 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2002
Without question the story of "The Sacrifice of Isaac" is one of the most horrific in the whole Bibl
The tools of the blessing trade -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, Psalm 33:1-12 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2002
I used to work with a guy named Jack.
Non-Hollywood love -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Psalm 149 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2002
In June the American Film Institute released its list of the top 100 romance movies of all time.
Tuning in -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2002
It has gotten very crowded out there in the last century.
Making war, making change -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2002
It has happened more than once that I have been counseling a young couple who are planning to get ma

Communicating God's Love

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

Paul claims that all are part of the Body... -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2013
Paul claims that all are part of the Body, all our jobs are equally esteemed and indispensable.
Why was the whole countryside so excited about Jesus coming?... -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Bob Ove -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2013
Why was the whole countryside so excited about Jesus coming? Was it because he gave good sermons?
The Greek philosopher Aristotle said... -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2013
The Greek philosopher Aristotle said, "Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life." The French
The service was over and while the pastor walked up the aisle... -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2013
The service was over and while the pastor walked up the aisle to put away his vestments, he could he
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 1 (2013) -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
NULL -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
The small West African country of Liberia experienced 14 years of devastating civil war from 1990 th
NULL -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Bob Ove -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
We might have said we lived in a land flowing with milk and honey except for those in the Midwest wh
"Son of Man" was the most deliberately chosen title... -- Romans 10:8b-13 -- Ron Love -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
"Son of Man" was the most deliberately chosen title that Jesus selected for himself.
NULL -- Romans 10:8b-13 -- Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Paul's concern with confessing that Jesus is Lord (v.
NULL -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Bob Ove -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Aren't we tempted more when we are hungry or thirsty or have some other urgent need?
NULL -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
In one of Shakespeare's more unpleasant plays, Measure for Measure, Isabella learns that her
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2013) -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Isaiah 55:1-9
NULL -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Water is life!
NULL -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Bob Ove -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Reading this passage, you wonder if your thoughts can contain what God has said.
NULL -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This is a Sunday historically related to the theme of repentance, when candidates for Baptism held o
NULL -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 -- Ron Love -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
George Washington, though he may have had a dour look because of his false teeth, was a man who enjo
NULL -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
When the Twin Towers collapsed in New York City after the 9/11 terrorist attack, many were wondering
NULL -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Bob Ove -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
The innocent often die with the guilty.
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2013) -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Joshua 5:9-12
NULL -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This is a text about freedom, the first experience celebrating the Passover feast of freedom for the
NULL -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
George and Martha Washington had a very endearing relationship.
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
It is important to have the right perspective when viewing something.
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Bob Ove -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
A man was going to court over bankruptcy. He had no means of covering the huge debt he owed.
NULL -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
We are all prodigal sons in a way.
NULL -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
George Washington, the father of our country, did not appear to be a joyous father with his stern lo

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Proper 28 | OT 33 | Pentecost 23
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
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34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

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, wildfires, 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 Sept. 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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