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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

When you read those words... -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Bob Ove -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
When you read those words that seem to imply that the city Jerusalem will live in safety, do you won
The proof is in the pudding... -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
"The proof is in the pudding." This is a shortened version of "the proof of the pudding is in the ea
Their crime was simple enough... -- 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 -- Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
Corrie ten Boom, along with 35 family members and friends, were all marched into the police station'
Paul speaks of a love abounding... -- 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 -- Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
Paul speaks of a love abounding (v.
Those are terrifying words!... -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Bob Ove -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
Those are terrifying words! What about the safety we should find in Christ?
The Hollywood movie 2012 is about the end of the world... -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
The Hollywood movie 2012 is about the end of the world on December 21, 2012, based on the pre
Sermon Illustratins for Advent 2 (2012) -- Malachi 3:1-4, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
Malachi 3:1-4
Advent is a time for looking ahead... -- Malachi 3:1-4 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
Advent is a time for looking ahead, a time to plan for the future, just like Malachi plans for the c
Though in the pastorate for a number of years... -- Malachi 3:1-4 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
Though in the pastorate for a number of years, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, still harbored
Advent is a time of waiting, longing, expecting, hoping... -- Philippians 1:3-11 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
Advent is a time of waiting, longing, expecting, hoping.
I like the way Paul begins all his epistles with a compliment... -- Philippians 1:3-11 -- Bob Ove -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
I always like the way Paul begins all his epistles with a compliment.
The ancient theologian Saint Augustine... -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
The ancient theologian Saint Augustine helps us see that John is a model for how we might be messeng
When the word of the Lord came to John the Baptist... -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
When the word of the Lord came to John the Baptist it brought him a spiritual peace and a desire to
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 3 (2012) -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
Zephaniah 3:14-20
What would it sound like to hear God sing? -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2012
What would it sound like to hear God sing?
Sermon illustrations for New Year's Eve/Day (2012/2013) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Sermon Illustrations for First Sunday after Christmas Day (2012) -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
NULL -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
Over the holidays Connie lost her watch -- a special gift from her father.
NULL -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
What time is it? Maybe it is whatever time we make it to be!
NULL -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
There have been so many ways invented to keep track of time.
NULL -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
This is not a text about making New Year's resolutions, but a description of the new reality God has
NULL -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
The word "amen" used by the church was incorporated directly from the Jewish synagogue, with no alte
NULL -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
We see so many appeals in magazines and on television for many causes both at home and in other coun
NULL -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
In her book God Never Blinks, Regina Brett recounts her upbringing in parochial school.
NULL -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
When driving through farm country, have you ever seen llamas grazing with horses?

Pages

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Testimonies -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A
In Susan Howatch's novel, Absolute Truths, the main character is a rather perfect man.
Just do it -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A
In the 1980s, Nike challenged athletes (and would-be athletes) with this straightforward motto: J
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
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.
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
And now, introducing ... -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- David Kalas -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
In the United States just now, we're in the period between the election and the inauguration of the
The Greatest Space Shuttle of All -- Ephesians 5:21-31, John 6:60-69 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C
In this series I have put much emphasis on the matter of keeping body and mind and spirit, heaven an
Fireworks and waterworks -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, Psalm 30 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C
Independence Day is picnics and barbeques and the faint memory of throwing off tyranny like tea into
The future is now -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Isaiah has been called "the prophet of the holy." His personal encounter with God, described in
Aim high -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C
It comes with the territory of capitalism, for we are continually encouraged to want more, to get wh
Ambition comes with the territory. -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C
It comes with the territory of capitalism, for we are continually encouraged to want more, to get wh
Etiquette for God's realm -- Jeremiah 2:4-13, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14, Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Timothy B. Cargal -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C
It has happened to me often enough in my ministry that I must conclude that it is a common experienc
Anxiety -- Psalm 127, Genesis 15:1-12, 17, 18, Luke 13:31-35 -- Second Sunday in Lent - C
It is a good exercise to contrast Abram's anxiety about his future with the assurance on the part of
Jesus -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
It is clear from the selections for this Sunday that the early church was taking all its clues from
Suffering -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 4:14-16, John 18:1-19:42 -- Good Friday - B
It is clear that the writers of the New Testament accept the suffering role of God's Messiah and wri
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
Creation is Salvation -- Psalm 8, Proverbs 8:22-31, Romans 5:1-5 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C
It is interesting to discover just how many times creation and salvation seem to be concepts that ar
Salvation -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-13, Luke 3:7-18 -- Third Sunday of Advent - A
It is natural to expect that people will always couch any talk about salvation in terms of their own
Mountaintop experience -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- William H. Shepherd -- Transfiguration Sunday - A
It was the most boring sermon I ever heard, until it became the most interesting.
Saints dead or alive -- Deuteronomy 6:2-6, Matthew 5:1-12 -- All Saints Day - B
It would be easy for a person to assume that a saint is a great Christian who is dead, usually for a
The God Who Comes to Us -- Numbers 6:22-27, Philippians 2:9-13, Luke 2:15-21
Just as many are forever pushing Jesus away and holding him at arms length with their insistence on
A distinctive king -- Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Kings are not exactly in vogue at the present time.
The road no one wants to travel -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Last winter, I had to attend a meeting in Ontario, Canada.
Looking for a leader -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
Leadership is a hot topic in business and society.
Respons ... ibility -- Ezekiel 33:1-11, Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1-20 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
Listen to most people talk about responsibility and you will soon hear them speaking of duty and obl

Pages

Political Pulpit

Communicating God's Love

The Political Pulpit

Guest column

Sermon

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Lent 2
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 3
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 4
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

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
Dean Feldmeyer
For March 8, 2026:

SermonStudio

Marian R. Plant
David G. Plant
Somewhere in my life I heard someone say something like, “The challenge with John (the gospel writer) is he is better at theatre than at writing.” The implications of this comment were about passages such as this one about Jesus and the woman of Samaria.
Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
Jesus reaches across every racial and cultural barrier, offering salvation to all.

Old Testament Lesson
Exodus 17:1-7
Water From A Rock
Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Exodus 17:1--7 (C, E); Exodus 17:3--7 (RC)
Lee Griess
Streams of living water ... That's what the Son of God offered the Samaritan woman at the well, and that's what he offers us as well -- streams of living water -- life-giving, life-renewing, life-refreshing water that can satisfy those who drink so that we will never thirst again. We are offered water that satisfies our longings in life, water that nourishes our innermost selves, and water that comes from an active, living trust in God and a passionate faith in Christ.
Frank Luchsinger
Enter your password -- flashed up on the computer screen. The pastor was trying to show some of his parishioners the church's new web page. With pride he had gathered them into his office after the Christian Education Committee meeting. He paused. "I don't do this very often ... We may have to try this another time," he said disappointed. "Try 'church,' " someone says, looking over his shoulder. The pastor types c - h - u - r - c - h. Amazingly the internet connection pops up on the screen. A password is a secret word given to gain entry. It can mean security.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
Knowledge that water is an integral ingredient of life was a concept not lost on the ancients. The great civilizations of the world located themselves near water and used it in most every aspect of their daily lives. The Egyptians built the world's first great empire along the Nile. In the midst of the desert a flourishing community existed and grew in size and strength. The water of the river provided the source of life for the people then as it does today. On both sides of the Nile a rich and fertile area exists for farming and grazing of livestock.
Mark Ellingsen
Jesus and his weather-beaten band of wandering disciples were still heading north and had been for some days. To some extent Jesus had decided to get out of Judea, where he had been working, in order to avoid competition with John the Baptist in that region.
Harry N. Huxhold
One of the most colorful, exciting, and stirring scenes in all of the scriptures is the call of the prophet Isaiah. The account is dated in the year that King Uzziah died. That does not necessarily mean Uzziah was already dead. This scene could have taken place in the temple during a religious festival such as New Year's Day. At such a festival, the cultic ceremonies honored the divine king being enthroned as conqueror of all the enemies of the people.
Dallas A. Brauninger
First Lesson: Exodus 17:1-7
Theme: With Us Or Not?

Call To Worship

Two sides comprise every journey: the found side during which we trust in God's care, and the lost side where we fear that alone we will not make it through. At the worst, we scuffle and fuss within the confines of confusion, then shout, "Are you here with us or not, God?" At the best, we quiet down, hear God's voice in the silence, and proceed with hope. Wherever you are on your present journey, know that, here, you are welcome.

Collect
Wayne H. Keller
The Community Gathers

Invitation to the Celebration

Why have you come to worship today? Out of habit? To see your friends? To enjoy the singing? To hear the sermon? To learn something? To get help for the coming week? To restore your sense of values? For 100 other reasons? (Pause.) And, now that we're here, let us worship, in the Name of God the Parent, God the Child, God the Spirit. And all the people said, "Right on!"

Response

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus said, "The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him." Let us pray that we may be true worshippers today.
Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when we try to hide from you, forgive us.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when we fail to worship in spirit and in truth, forgive us.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when we neglect to reveal you to others, forgive us.
Lord, have mercy.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
Sermon Starters: "Crossing Lines" / "Meeting a Prophet"
Shining Moments: "Water Sign" by Anne Sunday
Scrap Pile: "Healing the Soul" by John Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt
Keith Hewitt
Timothy Smith
Contents

What's Up This Week
"Testing One, Two, Three..." by Keith Hewitt
"The Account" by Keith Hewitt
"Set Free" by Timothy Smith


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

After the bombing of a building in Oklahoma City, an earthquake or a department store implosion in Japan, rescuers hurry. They do so to alleviate the pain of the survivors, to certify the hopes and fears of those who are related to victims of the disaster, and ...
Wayne Brouwer
Schuyler Rhodes
Here's a parable by a cartoonist named Saxon. It's about a fellow who has just reached retirement. Now he wonders about his place in society. He begins to spend much of his weekend time walking alone in the woods. One day he finds himself on an unfamiliar path that leads him to a small pond. As he stands beside the pond, the water begins to stir and bubble until there is a lovely little fountain. Astonishingly, a voice calls out to him: "Arnold Flagler! This is the Fountain of Youth!"

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