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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Glory -- Exodus 34:29-35, Exodus 34:29-35 -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
When I was young, I knew an old man, bedfast in his terminal illness, who would say to the pastor, "
Deliverance -- Exodus 3:1-15, Luke 13:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
By Ross Marrs
The tenth leper -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C
When Jerusalem fell to the Chaldeans the significant portion of the population forcibly resettled in
For those who have ears to hear -- Ezekiel 33:1-11, Luke 14:25-33 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C
This is a day when a lot of ears will burn if the preaching follows the lead of the texts.
Great Expectations -- Jeremiah 11:18-20, Mark 9:30-37 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Most of us have been conditioned to expect great things from God.
The ministry next door -- Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37, Psalm 82 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C
A friend tells that from time to time his wife chides him for what he is able to walk past around th
Pick me! Pick me! -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- David Kalas -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A
The children gather on the playground for a game: perhaps kickball, or basketball, or touch football
Just do it -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A
In the 1980s, Nike challenged athletes (and would-be athletes) with this straightforward motto: J
Utopia -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Recent years have seen a resurgence of participation in public discussions of books.
Persistence -- Genesis 32:22-30, Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A
Here and there in the Biblical record, one can find material that seems to issue a call for persiste
Wonder -- Exodus 15:1-11, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- Easter Day - C
By Ross Marrs
The Presence of the Spirit -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
Whether considering the Hebrew or New Testament selections, one is made fully aware that all the wr
Teaching -- Nehemiah 8:1-10, Luke 4:14-21 -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
This week, all three lessons present the teaching ministry for the people of God.
The Broken Heart -- Hosea 6:1-6, Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9, John 19:17-30 -- Good Friday - C
Much discussion has gone on in the church regarding God's attitude on Good Friday. Where was he?
Help wanted -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- David Kalas -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A
A friend, who was about to become a father, asked me about the relationship I had with my father whe
The wrong anthem -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 26:14-27:66 -- William H. Shepherd -- Passion Sunday - A
The choir director was aghast. "I just didn't realize," she said. "It was totally inappropriate.
Act for tomorrow today! -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
In the parables of last Sunday Jesus presented two central characters who would discombobulate the s
Night watch -- Isaiah 62:6-12, Titus 3:4-7, Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Rembrandt's grand painting of The Company of Captain Frans Cocq has captured lingering reflec
Christian community -- Acts 15:1-2, 22-29, Revelation 21:10, 22-27, John 14:23-29 -- Ascension of the Lord - C
Here we see community formation in action.
Judges and Judgment -- Zephaniah 3:1-9, Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Reformation Sunday - A
By taking a swatch of Scripture here and there, many have created much confusion when it comes to ta
The Presence -- Acts 4:8-12, 23-33, John 10:11-18 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
Whether one speaks of the powerful manifestations of the presence of GodÕs spirit as is evidenced in
Lost and found -- Joshua 5:9-12, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
This week the Old Testament lesson might remind us of homeless people who have found a decent place
The True and the False -- Jeremiah 28:1-9, Luke 13:22-30, Hebrews 12:18-29 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A
Much of the guidance given in Scripture has to do with enabling us to distinguish the true from the
The land is the Lord's -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
A man was typing away at a computer with a stack of video cassettes by his side, when a friend walke
Still surprised after Christmas -- Isaiah 61:10-62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- David Kalas -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
The Christmas story is so familiar to us and to our people that we may no longer see it clearly.

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

NULL -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
We see so many appeals in magazines and on television for many causes both at home and in other coun
NULL -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
In her book God Never Blinks, Regina Brett recounts her upbringing in parochial school.
NULL -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
When driving through farm country, have you ever seen llamas grazing with horses?
NULL -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
The idea of giving things up for Jesus seems rather quaint; not very fashionable these days.
NULL -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Ron Love -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
The Moravian community of Herrnhut in Saxony was well established by the year 1727.
NULL -- Colossians 3:12-17 -- Bob Ove -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
Great advice! Memorize this passage and try to fulfill it.
NULL -- Colossians 3:12-17 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
When we dress for the day's activities, we do not put on just one piece of clothing.
NULL -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Ron Love -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
The belief of a military apocalyptic Messiah that would come from the House of David was so dominant
NULL -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
The boy Jesus was focused on the things of God, so much so that he even overlooked his parental ties
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 2 | OT 2 (2013) -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2012
Isaiah 62:1-5
The lesson refers to the people of faith relating to God like in a marital union... -- Isaiah 62:1-5 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2012
The lesson refers to the people of faith relating to God like in a marital union.
When I began my career as a pastor... -- Isaiah 62:1-5 -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2012
When I began my career as a pastor my dad gave me only one word of advice.
In most baptismal services, a ritual of stirring up God's spirit is performed... -- 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2012
In most baptismal services, a ritual of stirring up God's spirit is performed.
We saw statues of those gods all over... -- 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 -- Bob Ove -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2012
That passage may sound strange to those who have never left the US, but when I lived in Nepal, it wa
The most watched and most popular international sport is soccer... -- 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2012
The most watched and most popular international sport is soccer, with the World Cup being the bigges
The early church fathers affirmed the Christological title of Amen... -- John 2:1-11 -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2012
The early church fathers affirmed the Christological title of "Amen" as it was bestowed upon Jesus.
The gospel reports on Jesus' first miracle... -- John 2:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2012
The gospel reports on Jesus' first miracle (at the wedding at Cana).
Sermon illustrations for Transfiguration Sunday, Cycle C (2013) -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2012
Exodus 34:29-35
When we come home from church... -- Exodus 34:29-35 -- Bob Ove -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2012
When we come home from church, is there a radiance in our face that others can see?
Bob finally had his opportunity... -- Exodus 34:29-35 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2012
Bob finally had his opportunity to corner Jane after the presentation.
Jesus was transparent... -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2 -- Ron Love -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2012
Jesus was transparent when he declared himself to be the Son of Man, by substituting this title for
The common experience of God's glory... -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2012
Our text deals with both the glory of Christ (3:18) and the freedom He brings (3:17).
Imagine having Oscar Robertson... -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2012
Imagine having Oscar Robertson (Cincinnati Royals in the 1960s), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Los Angeles La
Did you notice two interesting things about this passage... -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Bob Ove -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2012
Did you notice two interesting things about this passage that can make you wonder?
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2013) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17

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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Elena Delhagen
For May 19, 2024:
  • Dry Bones or Dancing Bones by Dean Feldmeyer based on Ezekiel 37:1-14. “Hope means to keep living amid desperation and to keep humming in the darkness.” Henri J.M. Nouwen

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Coffin
Pentecost accents the belief that the Christian church is a Spirit movement, not another world institution. Imagine a pastor who is on the denomination committee for examining pastoral candidates that are on various points along their journey toward ordination either before, during or just after completion of seminary/Bible college training. All the pastoral candidates are excited about their future of making a positive change and impression on the churches they serve.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bill Thomas
Acts 2:1-21
Martin Luther viewed Pentecost as a day of celebration, as on a sermon in the topic he noted “it was on this present Pentecost Day that the joyful blessed and lovely kingdom of Christ was established, a kingdom filled with joy, courage, and certainty.”  Complete Sermons, Vol.6, p.152) Awareness of the Holy Spirit is a big part of the joy and certainty Pentecost brings.  John Wesley, then, offers a timely warning about how not to lose a sense of the Spirit and the joy and confidence this insight offers.  He wrote:

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“I’m not sure why we’re doing this,” Ollie muttered to himself as he took his place on the bandstand. He unpacked his guitar and played a few chords to make sure that it was in tune. “The acoustics are better in the church building.”

“They may be,” Todd said raising his voice over the sounds of the busy park. “Going to be a noisy afternoon from the sounds of it.”

“Huh?” Ollie looked over at his smiling friend. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to say that out loud.”

“You’re just saying what we’re all thinking, isn’t he Wendy?’

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John Jamison
Object: Today’s message will include a role-play. You will need one child to play the role of the shepherd and the rest of the children will be the people from town. I usually pick an outgoing child for my shepherd so they will act out a bit. Encourage everyone to have fun and ham it up a bit.

* * *

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
As I recall, there was a mighty, rushing wind at the last Bank Holiday weekend. It didn't herald the coming of God quite as much as the coming of a mighty, rushing rain, and for many unfortunate people, substantial flooding. And it was accompanied by considerable power, for it uprooted and destroyed one of our laburnum trees.

SermonStudio

Mark Ellingsen
Theme of the Day
The Holy Spirit gets around. Historically the church has also commemorated its origins on this festival. In some traditions, confirmation is celebrated.

Collect of the Day
Petitions are offered that the Spirit come and transform the faithful to give them language to proclaim the word. The Holy Spirit, Justification (by Grace), Sanctification, and Evangelism are emphasized.

Psalm of the Day
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
* Hymn to God the creator; praise for God's providential interventions.
James Evans
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see The Day Of Pentecost, Cycle A, for an alternative approach.)

Elizabeth Achtemeier
On the previous Sundays of this Eastertide, we have heard the risen Christ tell his followers to remain in Jerusalem until he sends the Holy Spirit upon them. That will enable them to be his witnesses in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Having promised that, he ascended into heaven, to rule over all at the right hand of the Father. That promise was spoken during the forty days that the Lord was with the apostles and disciples after his resurrection.
Arthur H. Kolsti
Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord to the breath, prophesy mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live." I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.
-- Ezekiel 37:4-10
Ron Lavin
The Holy Spirit is called "your Advocate" in the New English Bible translation of John 15:26. Other translations may be helpful in understanding the meaning of the Holy Spirit. The King James Version uses the term "The Comforter." The Revised Standard Version and the New International Version use the term "The Counselor." The Phillips translation and the Barclay translation call the Holy Spirit "The Helper." I like the title "The Advocate" best of all. This term "The Adovcate" includes comforting, counseling, and helping.

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