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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Identity and function -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 1999
In discussions of modern architecture we often hear the expression that form follows function.
The joy of the kingdom community -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 1999
The front page of any newspaper in the land can bring despair to its readers.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.

Communicating God's Love

Guest column

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 11 | OT 16 (2013) -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42 -- Scott A. Bryte, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2013
Amos 8:1-12
As United States troops... -- Amos 8:1-12 -- Ron Love -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2013
As United States troops were pulling out of Afghanistan, the Taliban continued its insurgency operat
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.

Political Pulpit

Sermon

The Political Pulpit

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 4
32 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christmas!
24 – Sermons
100+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – 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
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For December 21, 2025:

SermonStudio

Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson
Pastor: Advent God: We praise and thank you for the word of promise spoken long ago by your prophet Isaiah; as he bore the good news of the birth of Immanuel–so may we be bearers of the good news that Immanuel comes to be with us. God of love:

Cong: Hear our prayer.
Dallas A. Brauninger
1. Text

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this
way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.18 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.19 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the
James Evans
(See Advent 1, Cycle B, and Proper 15/Pentecost 13/Ordinary Time 20, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)

The recurring phrase, "let your face shine" (vv. 3, 7, 19), offers an interesting opportunity to reflect on the meaning of God's presence in our world. This reflection takes on a particular significance during the Advent season.

Richard A. Jensen
Our Matthew text for this week comes from the first chapter of Matthew. Matthew's telling of the Jesus' story is certainly unique. Matthew tells of the early years of our Savior stressing that his name is Jesus and Emmanuel; that wise sages from the East attend his birth; that Joseph and Mary escape to Egypt because of Herod's wrath. No other Gospel includes these realities.
Mark Wm. Radecke
In the Jewish tradition there is a liturgy and accompanying song called "Dayenu." Dayenu is a Hebrew word which can be translated several ways. It can mean: "It would have been enough," or "we would have been grateful and content," or "our need would have been satisfied."

Part of the Dayenu is a responsive reading that goes like this:

O God, if thy only act of kindness was to deliver us from the bondage of Egypt, Dayenu! -- It would have been enough.
Stephen M. Crotts
Some years ago I was in a London theater watching a Harold Pinter play. The drama was not very good really. I was getting bored. Then right in the middle of the play the theater manager walked on stage, excused himself, and made an announcement. The actors stared. The audience looked shocked. Me? I thought it was all part of the play. Such interruptions are rare in a theater. But nonetheless, the stage manager felt that it was necessary this time. His announcement was nothing trivial like, "Some owner has left his car lights on." Nor was it a terrifying message like, "Fire! Fire!
Timothy J. Smith
It is easy to get so caught up in the sentimentality and nostalgia of Christmas that we neglect the true reason we celebrate. We receive Christmas cards portraying a cute infant Jesus lying in a manger filled with straw. The Baby Jesus is pictured in the center with Mary and Joseph on one side, the shepherds and Magi on the other. We know this scene: animals are in the background, in the distance angels can be seen hovering, as a star shines brightly overhead. However, there is more to Advent and Christmas than celebrating the birth of a baby.
William B. Kincaid, III
If we cannot relate to Joseph and appreciate his situation, then our lives are simple, easy lives indeed. Now, by relating to Joseph or understanding what he endured, I don't mean to suggest that we all either have been engaged or married to someone impregnated by the Holy Spirit. Even in our frantic search for ways to explain how such a thing might have happened, we probably didn't think of blaming the Holy Spirit!
R. Glen Miles
"The Lord himself will give you a sign" is the way Isaiah begins his recitation of the promise containing all promises. Isaiah is talking to Ahaz. Ahaz is the king who is stuck in a political mess. It looks like Assyria is about to invade some of the countries neighboring Judah. Isaiah is recommending that the king refuse to sign on with these other countries and their armies and trust only in Yahweh, the Lord of all. Today's reading is a reminder of the promise of God to be with Ahaz and his people, no matter what happens, no matter who invades.
John T. Ball
Religion is a mutual relationship. We pledge loyalty and devotion to God and God blesses us. This is how Moses worked it out with Yahweh and his people who had recently escaped from Egyptian captivity. If the Israelites prove loyal to this mysterious Sinai god, then God would bless them with prosperity and well being. Those who deal with many gods are no different. Even though they have gods for various concerns, they still expect blessings and security in exchange for loyalty.
Susan R. Andrews
According to tradition, Joseph was the strong, silent type - an older carpenter who willingly submitted to impotent fatherhood - a second--string player in the drama of God's human birth. But according to scripture, none of this is true. All that is actually recorded in the Bible is that Joseph was a dreamer - a righteous man who transformed the meaning of righteousness by taking seriously his dreams.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (UM211, PH9, LBW34, CBH172, NCH116)
The God Of Abraham Praise (UM116, PH488, NCH24)
O Hear Our Cry, O Lord (PH206)
Hail To The Lord's Anointed (UM203)
Blessed Be The God Of Israel (UM209)
Emmanuel, Emmanuel (UM204)
People Look East (PH12, UM202)
Savior Of The Nations, Come (LBW28, CBH178, PH14, UM214)
The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy (CBH202)
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (PH1, 2,UM196, NCH122)

Anthem

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.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Just before the first Christmas, an angel appeared to Joseph to tell him that Jesus would also be called "Emmanuel", meaning "God With Us." Let us listen to the guidance of the angels today as we prepare to receive God With Us once again.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, fill me with the awe of Christmas.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with the mystery of Christmas.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with Emmanuel -- God with us.
Lord, have mercy.

StoryShare

Argile Smith
C. David Mckirachan
Scott Dalgarno
Stan Purdum
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Samantha" by Argile Smith
"I'm Pregnant" by C. David McKirachan
"You'd Better Watch out..." by C. David McKirachan
"Terribly Vulnerable to Joy" by Scott Dalgarno
"The Great Christmas-Tree Battle" by Stan Purdum


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Over the years, I grow more cynical about Christmas and just about everything that goes along with it. I have not become a scrooge, although the advancing years have made me more careful with my pennies. It is not that I cannot be moved by the lights, the music, and the fellowship of the holidays. I have not become an insensitive, unfeeling clod. My problem is that the language and the images and the music seem to have fallen short in expressing what must have been the feelings of the real human beings going through the events recounted in this story.

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What an exciting day this is! Today is the day before Christmas and tonight is Christmas Eve! People have different ways of doing things. Some people open their presents on Christmas Eve. How many of you do that? (Let them answer.) Others open their presents on Christmas Day. Which of you will open your presents tomorrow? (Let them answer.) Some open gifts on other days. Would any of you like to share another time when you open presents? (Give them the opportunity to answer.)

Why do you suppose we open gifts at this time of the year? (Let them answer.)

Special Occasion

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