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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The Spiritual Life -- Ephesians 4:30-5:2, John 6:41-51 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
If you listen to many people speak of the spiritual life it appears that to be spiritual is to becom
It may be now or never -- Amos 6:1a, 4-7, Luke 16:19-31 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C
One of the most remarkable and thrilling insights into reality which the Bible provides is the up-fr
All the time in the world -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
As a rule, you can tell how much time a person has by how quickly they move.
Farmer, teacher, judge -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C
I have always thought that it is more accurate to say what God isn't than what God is.
Building a new team -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
When Vince Lombardi was hired as head coach of the Green Bay Packers in 1958, the team was in dismal
Giving all -- 1 Kings 17:8-16, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Each of the lessons for this Sunday has something to say about giving everything a person has.
A new era -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, John 20:1-18 -- Easter Day - C
We are likely to think of Easter as an annual festival and indeed it is.
On beyond perfection -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
On Beyond Zebra! Remember the book by Dr. Seuss?
Cosmic Show and Tell -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - B
The meaning of the word Epiphany is "to show forth," "to make known," "to reveal."
Angels watching over me -- Daniel 10:10-14; 12:1-3 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A
It came from beneath the sea -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18, Ephesians 1:11-23, Luke 6:20-31, Psalm 149 -- William H. Shepherd -- All Saints Day - C
Theaters in the 1950s were deluged with "wildlife-gone-amok" disaster films ...
Serving an underestimated God -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21, Psalm 14 -- David Kalas -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
From time to time in the car, especially during football season, I listen to sports talk
Sheep and Shepherds -- Psalm 23, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
It is interesting that in both Old Testament and New the parable of the sheep and shepherd is consta
A Realistic Faith -- Ephesians 4:17-24, John 6:24-35 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
Sometimes one gets the idea that there is something spiritual and different from real life in real r
Christ for the church -- Acts 5:12, 17-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
Immediately after Easter, the church comes to the fore.
Love -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- Ascension of the Lord - B
One of the preacher's greatest difficulties is to deal with the word love.
Humanity and Divinity -- Psalm 111, Hebrews 2:10-18, Luke 2:41-52 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C
As has been observed in one of the lessons, the discussion of JesusÕ humanity and divinity seems nev
Show me your ways -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- William H. Shepherd -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A
I have to admit that I have absolutely no interest in preserving the institution of the church.
An annual reminder -- Mark 16:1-8, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Acts 10:34-43 -- David Kalas -- Easter Day - B
In the opening verse of our passage from the epistles, the Apostle Paul writes, "Now I would remind
Why Christians must go on living in the world -- Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20, Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C
Each of the lessons for this, the last Sunday in Easter, have something to say about putting trust i
All things new and improved -- Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35, Psalm 148 -- David Kalas -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C
We don't much care for new things being forced on us, but we do like to have new things offered to u
Beginnings -- Isaiah 61:10-62:3, Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18, John 1:1-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
On the first Sunday in the new year, a theme of beginnings seems very appropriate.
It was good -- Genesis 1:1-2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20, Psalm 8 -- William H. Shepherd -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A
The more I listened, the more I heard desperation.
Proclamation -- Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, Luke 4:14-21 -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
"He has anointed me.""He has sent me."
Have you been to the mountaintop? -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99 -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
There are only two kinds of people in the world.

Communicating God's Love

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Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 10 | OT 15 (2012) -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2012
2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19
A Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life poll revealed... -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2012
With reference to the lesson's description of David and his contemporaries worshiping joyfully it is
John Paul Jones, a captain in the U.S. Navy... -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 -- Ron Love -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2012
John Paul Jones, a captain in the U.S.
People of faith are often confused and unclear about... -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2012
People of faith are often confused and unclear about being "chosen" by God as Paul expresses the con
John was a prophet standing up to the corrupt establishment... -- Mark 6:14-29 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2012
John was a prophet standing up to the corrupt establishment. What might we prophesy about today?
Ali Ferzat spent years drawing political cartoons... -- Mark 6:14-29 -- Ron Love -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2012
Ali Ferzat spent years drawing political cartoons that denounced the autocratic reign of Syria's lea
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 11 | OT 16 (2012) -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2012
2 Samuel 7:1-14a
After David had consolidated his kingdom... -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2012
After David had consolidated his kingdom he decided it was time that he built a house for God.
Paul refers to Christ creating one new humanity... -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2012
Paul refers to Christ creating one new humanity, especially in the church.
Statistician Hans Rosling is recognized for his contribution to advancing the public health... -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Ron Love -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2012
Statistician Hans Rosling is recognized for his contribution to advancing the public health in Afric
Jesus desired to heal all who came to him... -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2012
Jesus desired to heal all who came to him, but his disciples tended to feel that there were some peo
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 12 | OT 17 (2012) -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2012
2 Samuel 11:1-15
Some children were taken to a nursing home... -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- Ron Love -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2012
Some children were taken to a nursing home to sing to the residents and share some time with them.
Like David, Americans do not want to acknowledge their sin... -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2012
Like David, Americans do not want to acknowledge their sin.
N.T. Wright tells the following story about Desmond Tutu... -- Ephesians 3:14-21 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2012
N.T. Wright tells the following story about Desmond Tutu's prayer life.
Astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson made an insightful comment... -- John 6:1-21 -- Ron Love -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2012
Astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson made an insightful comment that could only come from one who stud
An article in a 2010 issue of Nature magazine indicated... -- John 6:1-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2012
An article in a 2010 issue of Nature magazine indicated that we have the food resources to fe
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 13 | OT 18 (2012) -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2012
2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a
As Nathan told his story about the rich man... -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2012
William J.
In the May 2012 publication of Time magazine... -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2012
In the May 2012 publication of Time magazine, the editors devoted a special double issue to t
Our lesson speaks of our unity... -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2012
Our lesson speaks of our unity, for Christ now fills all things.
Tom Wright tells the story of the historian... -- John 6:24-35 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2012
Tom Wright tells the story of the historian who was hurrying to finish his Ph.D. dissertation.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 14 | OT 19 (2012) -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:34, 41-51 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2012
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33
An elderly lady had been waiting to pull into a parking place... -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Ron Love -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2012
An elderly lady had been waiting to pull into a parking place.
The story of David's remarkable compassion toward his rebellious son... -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2012
The story of David's remarkable compassion toward his rebellious son Absalom is a love that seems to

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New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
In the sometimes-tiresome debate over science and scripture with respect to creation, it’s easy to become distracted. While the argument typically requires a focus on the how, we may lose sight of the what. And so, for just a moment, let me invite us to think for a moment about what God created.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Acts 8:26-40
As a local church pastor, I was often asked if I would baptize a child whose family were not members of the church. Some churches rebelled against this, but I remember this scripture -the hunger for understanding and inclusion of the Eunuch and Philp’s response – to teach and share and baptize in the name of our God. How could we turn anyone away from the rite of baptism?

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Dad, I think you worked a miracle.” Rolf slowly walked around the tree. “After that windstorm, I assumed this tree was as good as gone.”

“We just needed to give the branches time to heal and come back,” Michael replied.

 “I know, but so many of them were battered and broken I figured that it couldn’t recover. Now though it looks just like it did before the storm.” Rolf paused. “Do you think it will bear any fruit this summer?”

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A live plant that produces fruit, and a broken branch from that plant. I used a tomato plant from a local greenhouse. Ideally, find a plant with blossoms or small fruit already growing. If you use a different kind of fruit-producing plant, just change the script to fit.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent!

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Elena Delhagen
Dean Feldmeyer
Quantisha Mason-Doll
For April 28, 2024:
  • On The Way To Gaza by Chris Keating based on Acts 8:26-40. On the way to Gaza, Philip discovers the startling ways the Spirit of God moves across borders, boundaries, customs, and traditions.
  • Second Thoughts: Abiding by Katy Stenta based on John 15:1-8.
  • Sermon illustrations by Mary Austin, Tom Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is the vine, we are the branches. In our service today, let us absorb from the vine all the nourishment we need.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes our branches become cut off from the vine.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes our branches are withered.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we fail to produce good fruit.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
We will meet Psalm 22 in its entirety on Good Friday, but here the lectionary designates just verses 23-31. The lectionary psalms generally illuminate the week's First Lesson, which in this case is about the covenant initiated by God with Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 17. The nine verses from this psalm, while not inappropriate, nonetheless leave us looking for an obvious connection with the First Lesson.

John S. Smylie
I think some people are natural-born gardeners. Our Lord grew up in a society that was familiar with agriculture. The images that he used to explain the ways of his Father in heaven are familiar to his audience. Growing up, my closest experience to agriculture was living in, "the Garden State." Most people, when they pass through New Jersey, are surprised to see that expression on the license plates of vehicles registered in New Jersey. Most folks traveling through New Jersey experience the megalopolis, the corridor between New York City and Washington DC.
Ron Lavin
A pastor in Indiana went to visit an 87-year-old man named Ermil, who was a hospital patient. A member of his church told the pastor about this old man who was an acquaintance. "He's not a believer, but he is really in need," the church member said. "I met him at the county home for the elderly. He's a lonely old man with no family and no money."

Paul E. Robinson
"Love is a many splendored thing...." Or so we heard Don Cornwall and the Four Aces sing time and again. Of course you or I might have other words to describe love, depending on our situation.

Love. "I love you." "I love to play golf." "I just love pistachio lush!" "It's tough to love some people." "Jesus loves me, this I know."

Love.

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