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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

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
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
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.
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.
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
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 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
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.
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
Kings, servants and the Savior! -- Isaiah 7:10-14 (15-17), Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-24 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
In the play St.
On being a nuisance -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C
Revealed through his parables is the unique ability of Jesus to present us with cameo glimpses of th
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
Anatomy of a sermon -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21 -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
Here's a riddle. What is both common and precious? Both priceless and free?
Getting to yes -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
A number of years ago, a colleague and I were in a kind of leadership stalemate.
What makes a king? -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Passion Sunday - C
By the time this issue of Emphasis reaches your desk, we will probably know whether Peter Jac
Beyond compare -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- David Kalas -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Much of the rest of our culture is unapologetic about sacrifice.
Rejection -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-32 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
The debilitating effects of rejection may be felt by the unemployed and the homeless, by deserted or
When the grip begins to slip! -- Genesis 32:22-30, 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5, Genesis 32:22-30 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
Who hasn't seen the sign on a billboard or auto bumper, "He is coming soon!" The "He" is obviously J
The power of life and death -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- William H. Shepherd -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
In the sci-fi classic The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), the alien Klaatu, having been sho
Keeping Others in Mind -- Isaiah 35:4-7a, Mark 7:31-37 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Those of you who read my material know that I am always insistent that we keep the people and the ev
Hide and seek -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Hide and seek may be a child's game, but we adults spend a lot of time playing our own version of it
What triumph? -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, 9:9, 10, Philippians 2:5-11 -- Passion Sunday - B
A scared band of disciples anxiously watching out of the corner of their eyes as they come into Jer
Are we great enough? -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Can we measure up to Christmas?
Family privilege -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
My daughters know the direct access code to my office phone.

Communicating God's Love

Guest column

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

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
NULL -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
Martin Luther began his famed Ninety-Five Theses with this statement: "...
NULL -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ron Love -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
Martin Luther King Jr. affirmed the majesty of God in a telling speech.
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
There are 193 ambassadors from other countries to the United States.

Political Pulpit

Sermon

The Political Pulpit

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 13 | OT 18 | Pentecost 8
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 14 | OT 19 | Pentecost 9
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 15 | OT 20 | Pentecost 10
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

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Tom Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
For August 3, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: The object of the lesson is a gesture you will teach the children.

Note: The gesture used both hands. Hold both hands in front of you and make the thumbs-up sign with both hands with both thumbs pointing back at your chest. This is the “ME!” gesture. Then simply rotate your hands back so your thumbs are pointing straight up in the air, like two “OK” signs. This is the “US” gesture.

* * *

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator. (vv. 9-10)

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Hosea 11: 1-13
The prophet compares Yahweh to a father who exercises compassion despite his original plan to punish Israel. John Calvin nicely explains these dynamics:
Mark Ellingsen
Hosea 11:1-11

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus warned against with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich towards God. Through our worship today let us pledge ourselves to seek our treasure only in God.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we envy others because of all they possess.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we desire all that money can buy.
Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things.... Let those who are wise give heed to these things, and consider the steadfast love of the Lord.
-- Psalm 107:9, 43

Kirk R. Webster
How do you focus on something unseen? How can we set our minds on that which we can't touch, or taste, or verify scientifically? Most practical people want proof. Abstract propositions are difficult to get our arms around, especially if they are from another time and place.
Thomas A. Renquist
This story begins with gift -- with blessed gift -- with miraculous, blessed giftedness. And I will even tell you now the theme of the story: if you keep your eye on the giftedness of everything, then you yourself can be a gift, you can be a giver, rather than a hoarder.
John W. Wurster
" 'It was I who taught Ephraim how to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them' (11:3). They did not know me. Do you?

" 'I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them.' (1:4). But they did not know me. Do you?

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