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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The world's a stage -- Genesis 1:1-2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 1999
In his play As You Like It William Shakespeare wrote those familiar words: "All the world's a
How do we love God? -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 1999
The question about how we love God in our lives is essential to the meaning of life itself.
For you and for me -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1-19:42 -- Good Friday - A -- 1999
In his wonderful collection The Moral Compass: Stories for a Life's Journey, William J.
Whoever laughs last -- Hosea 5:15-6:6, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 1999
The Scriptures convey such powerful testimony about nothing less than life and death and eternity th
Managing what has been entrusted -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1999
In many congregations October is stewardship month.
Knowing where the stones are -- 1 Kings 19:9-18, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1999
The walking on water jokes abound.
God's kind of trouble -- Jeremiah 20:7-13, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1999
In our society being Christian does not in itself lead to rejection and persecution.
Distinguishing the good from the bad -- Isaiah 44:6-8, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1999
There are certainly times when we can readily distinguish good folks from bad folks.
A kingdom of priests and apostles of the kingdom -- Exodus 19:2-8a, Romans 5:1-8 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 1999
In our society, full as it is of rugged individualists, we tend to highlight the superstars of any f
Can these bones live? -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45 -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1999
There are many people in our society who know little or nothing about the joys we experience on Sund
The mystery revealed -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
In the second lesson for this Sunday, Paul speaks of "the revelation of the mystery that was kept se
Imagining possibilities -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
There is no prescription for how people change.
God's unknowing servants -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 1999
In these days as political campaigns for various offices clutter our highway landscapes, our televis
Journey into the world -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1999
Jules Verne wrote some fascinating books about journeys.
Where the heart is -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1999
This day has become an important one in the church year.
The Stranger and we strangers -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 1999
Knowing Jesus, that is, in the biblical sense of knowing, assumes that we are in an intimate relatio
What pleases God? -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1999
Throughout the Scriptures the will of God is asserted again and again, particularly in the preaching
The trouble with grace -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1999
Let's face it. Not everyone is happy about God's generosity.
A shining moment -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
To be perfectly frank, we have always found the high celebrations of the church year, most espec
Isn't there something we must do? -- Isaiah 51:1-6, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1999
Living in a world that runs on the basis of rewards and punishments, many people have difficulty wit
The wondrous mixture of joy and fear -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, Matthew 28:1-10 -- Easter Day - A -- 1999
We are accustomed to greeting others and to hearing others greet us at this time of year with the wo
Successful or faithful? -- Jeremiah 28:5-9, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 1999
Many church folks feel the congregation and its pastor are not doing a good job if church membership
Of Shepherd and sheep -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1999
We do not give much thought to shepherds and sheep these days.
What's in it for me? -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 1999
On this tenth day of Christmas we might well wonder what gifts are left to enjoy.
Kids eat free! -- Isaiah 55:1-5, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1999
We have become suspicious of the offer that demands our attention on the marquis outside the chain r

Communicating God's Love

Guest column

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The situation in Amos' context... -- Amos 8:1-12 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2013
The situation in Amos' context was like our own: Free market capitalism exploits the poor, while the
In a math problem... -- Amos 8:1-12 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2013
In a math problem it is the final answer. It is the total.
There are major proteins... -- Colossians 1:15-28 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2013
There are major proteins in most living organisms. One group is called laminins.
You can't help but notice... -- Colossians 1:15-28 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2013
You can't help but notice that there is a purpose in each of Paul's letters.
The Seventh-Day Adventist... -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Ron Love -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2013
The Seventh-Day Adventist denomination is one of the fastest growing today, especially in Latin Amer
This text redirects our priorities... -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2013
This text redirects our priorities, pushing us toward more appreciation of receiving instruction in
In order to become a lawyer... -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2013
In order to become a lawyer, you have to take a lot of classes, write a bunch of papers, get the rig
Sermons Illustrations for Proper 13 | OT 18 (2013) -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Scott A. Bryte, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
Hosea 11:1-11
In the comic strip... -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
In the comic strip Frank & Ernest, those two motley characters are sitting behind a build
The book of Hosea... -- Hosea 1:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
The book of Hosea is all about forgiveness -- the forgiveness of the prostitute, of the whore Israel
When people reach their teens... -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
When people reach their teens, their twenties, and beyond, they often complain that their parents st
If we claim Christ... -- Colossians 3:1-11 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
If we claim Christ as our Lord, then we should set our minds on heavenly things.
Scientists are always trying... -- Colossians 3:1-11 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
Scientists are always trying to unify observations into theories and then gather many theories into
Matt Damon is a devoted... -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
Matt Damon is a devoted husband and father.
They say that you can't... -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
They say that you can't take it with you, but that hasn't stopped people from trying.
The parable of the rich fool... -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
The parable of the rich fool provides opportunity to reflect on the abuses of capitalism.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 14 | OT 19 (2013) -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Scott A. Bryte, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2013
Isaiah 1:1, 10-20
The opener appears to be... -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2013
The opener appears to be an introduction to the whole book, as Isaiah's life of prophecy appears to
"Hands, hands, fingers, thumb... -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2013
"Hands, hands, fingers, thumb; dum ditty dum ditty dum dum dum!" Dr.
We can't see gravity... -- Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2013
We can't see gravity, but we know it is there because we can see what it does. We can prove it.
The Seventh-Day Adventist... -- Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- Ron Love -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2013
The Seventh-Day Adventist denomination celebrated their 150th anniversary in May.
The text is all about faith... -- Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2013
The text is all about faith. But we make too much of faith, according to Martin Luther.
It sounds like God has already... -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2013
It sounds like God has already given us our inheritance -- his kingdom.
Marjorie Jillson has written... -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2013
Marjorie Jillson has written a hymn text that in simple measure expresses the comfort and resolve of
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2013) -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Scott A. Bryte, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2013
Isaiah 5:1-7

Political Pulpit

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The Political Pulpit

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 23 | OT 28 | Pentecost 18
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 24 | OT 29 | Pentecost 19
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 25 | OT 30 | Pentecost 20
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

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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