Emphasis Contributors
Illustration Writers
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Third Sunday of Easter - C
David Coffin
A medical worker is working long, hard, stress filled hours in an urban hospital setting. One day he or she is called into the administrator’s office to be terminated due to angering professionals in the upper echelon. The worker protests that it is, “My word against their word, why am I to be the scapegoat?” The administrator pulls rank! The worker is asked to turn in their badge and do not come into the premises again unless as a patient. The now unemployed medical worker still feels the calling to be a healer. So, they get a job at an alternative/natural health medicine store. They volunteer to help at the local Red Cross Bloodmobile. And finally, they work part time at a local animal shelter. They are still called to be a healer, but their life mission is simply redirected. This is...
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Acts 9:1-6 (7-20)
Martin Luther believed that the story of Paul’s conversion demonstrates that there is no need for special revelation. The reformer commented:
Our Lord God does not purpose some special thing for each individual person, but gives to the whole world — one person like the next — his baptism and gospel. (Complete Sermons, Vol.7, p.271)
John Calvin sees the account in this text as a testimony to “the most excellent mercy of God, is that that man [Paul] is reclaimed unto salvation contrary to the purpose of his mind…” (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.XVIII/2, p.368) Regarding God’s use of Ananias to complete Paul’s conversion experience (vv.10ff.), Calvin also writes:
Martin Luther believed that the story of Paul’s conversion demonstrates that there is no need for special revelation. The reformer commented:
Our Lord God does not purpose some special thing for each individual person, but gives to the whole world — one person like the next — his baptism and gospel. (Complete Sermons, Vol.7, p.271)
John Calvin sees the account in this text as a testimony to “the most excellent mercy of God, is that that man [Paul] is reclaimed unto salvation contrary to the purpose of his mind…” (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.XVIII/2, p.368) Regarding God’s use of Ananias to complete Paul’s conversion experience (vv.10ff.), Calvin also writes:
Lectionary Commentary and Sermon Illustrations
Emphasis Preaching Journal provides in-depth lectionary-based commentary on lectionary texts, plus thousands of sermon illustrations to help you create riveting sermons.For over 45 years, Emphasis has provided subscribers with scripturally sound, lectionary-based commentaries and sermon illustrations that connect with the people in the pews.
For each week, Emphasis writers delve into the heart of the lectionary readings, providing you with several fresh, solid ideas -- based squarely on the lectionary texts -- for creating sermons that speak powerfully to your audience. They look for overall themes that hold the readings together. Then, they zero in on the themes and the specific scripture links, suggesting directions for the sermon and worship service. Since a single idea each week may not provide what you are looking for at that particular time, writers suggest several, giving you the opportunity to select the one that matches your specific needs.
