Login / Signup

Emphasis Preaching Journal

×

Warning message

You are not logged in.
Please log in to view this content.
If you are having problems logging in or think this is an error, please contact us online or call 1-800-537-1030.

Not a subscriber?
Get a FREE 30-Day Subscription
(No credit card necessary)
Get Full Access Now!

This scripture forbids us...

Illustration
Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C
Luke 14:25-33
Bob Ove
This scripture forbids us from hating anyone, much less our family. The word should be translated "love less than." In other words, Jesus wants to be at the top of our list. This calls into question those who would gladly give their own life for God, but would have to think twice if their wife or kids were threatened -- as has happened frequently even today. How can we love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind if we have other priorities? This is worth thinking about! I'm sure it wouldn't be too much for some of us to give God our houses or our wealth or other material things.
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Signup for FREE!
(No credit card needed.)
Lent 2
33 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
35 – Children's Sermons / Resources
23 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 3
31 – Sermons
140+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 4
31 – Sermons
140+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
28 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 5
31 – Sermons
140+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
31 – Worship Resources
28 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Signup for FREE!
(No credit card needed.)

New & Featured This Week

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me... (v. 34)

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
George Reed
For February 28, 2021:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
Oscar Wilde penned a powerful story about behaviors and definitions and justice called The Picture of Dorian Gray. Dorian was a handsome young man, a model of physical beauty and moral virtue. People complimented him on his good graces. Parents pointed to him as an example to their youth. One artist even painted an exquisite portrait of him.
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Bonnie Bates
Frank Ramirez
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Frank Ramirez
Contents
“Breaking Jesus’ Heart” by John Sumwalt
“Wade In the Water” by Frank Ramirez


Breaking Jesus’ Heart
by John Sumwalt
Psalm 22:23-31

For he did not despise or abhor
    the affliction of the afflicted;
he did not hide his face from me,
    but heard when I cried to him. (Psalm 22:24)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
"Have you seen it?" whispered the Barbie doll to her next door neighbour.

The next Barbie doll in line was instantly alert. There were five different Barbie dolls, who lived jumbled together in the toy cupboard but who were so jealous of each other that they rarely spoke. "Seen what?" asked the second Barbie doll, blue eyes darting all round the room.

"The Princess," replied the first Barbie with glee. "Caitlin's done her hair and it looks terrible!"

SermonStudio

Russell F. Anderson
Theme For The Day: The road to God's kingdom is the way of obedience, suffering and death, the way of the cross. Christ calls us to take up our cross and follow him.


BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Genesis 17:1--7, 15--16 (C)
John W. Clarke
These verses from Mark's gospel are a call to commitment, a call to sacrifice, and a call to give up everything of earthly value in life. To say these are difficult verses is truly an understatement. It is pretty clear that the disciples are not at all ready for what Jesus is saying. They are not ready for Jesus to die and they certainly are not ready to die themselves.

Special Occasion