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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

NULL -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
When the Twin Towers collapsed in New York City after the 9/11 terrorist attack, many were wondering
NULL -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Bob Ove -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
The innocent often die with the guilty.
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2013) -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Joshua 5:9-12
NULL -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
This is a text about freedom, the first experience celebrating the Passover feast of freedom for the
NULL -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
George and Martha Washington had a very endearing relationship.
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
It is important to have the right perspective when viewing something.
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Bob Ove -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
A man was going to court over bankruptcy. He had no means of covering the huge debt he owed.
NULL -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
We are all prodigal sons in a way.
NULL -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
George Washington, the father of our country, did not appear to be a joyous father with his stern lo
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 5 (2013) -- Isaiah 43:16-21, Philippians 3:4b-14, John 12:1-8 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Isaiah 43:16-21
NULL -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- Bob Ove -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
I'm sure the writer was thinking of Pharaoh's chariots, which drowned in the sea to save God's peopl
NULL -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
"What you did was wrong, John," Mary sternly reminded him, which she really did not have to do becau
NULL -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Ron Love -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
The honesty and integrity of George Washington is often associated with the story that after he chop
NULL -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Orienting your life by the past is not the Christian way, Paul proclaims in this lesson.
NULL -- John 12:1-8 -- Bob Ove -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Beware you church treasures!
NULL -- John 12:1-8 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
Dewey had the thickest, blackest head of hair of anyone in the class.
Sermon Illustrations for Palm/Passion Sunday (2013) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2013
Isaiah 50:4-9a
NULL -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Ron Love -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2013
Dennis and Peter Gaffney wrote a book titled The Seven-Day Scholar: The Presidents, in which
NULL -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Mark Ellingsen -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2013
Our lesson, the Third Servant Song, about the Suffering Servant whom Deutero-Isaiah describes, refer
NULL -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Bob Ove -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2013
How important am I? I am certainly above many I see around me. I pay my income tax!
NULL -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2013
A quick look in Roget's Thesaurus reveals these words that explore the meaning of empty, whet
NULL -- Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Ron Love -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2013
George Washington's father died when he was eleven.
NULL -- Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2013
The Passion Sunday gospel reveals how insidious our sin is.
Sermon Illustrations for Good Friday (2013) -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove -- Good Friday - C -- 2013
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
NULL -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Ron Love -- Good Friday - C -- 2013
The Revolutionary War was not going well for the Americans, as the British were continually defeatin

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Hearts afire -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
The best way to learn about modern culture is to have a teenager; you learn quickly what is valued h
Mirror, mirror on the wall -- Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Romans 5:1-8 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2002
The events of September 11, 2001, still have folks acting in disturbing ways.
Who do you work for? -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2002
The following story begins the first chapter of Jeffrey K.
Flood insurance -- Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29, Psalm 46 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2002
The sad fact is that many people do not know what is truly covered in their insurance policies until
Motivational speaking -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30, Psalm 123 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2002
The tradition of "fire and brimstone" preaching runs deep.
Binding blood -- Exodus 12:1-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Psalm 23 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2002
The Unity Ribbon. Never heard of it?
The hardest job of all? -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2002
There are lots of hard jobs in the world, things that are tough to do, work that requires long years
A journey of a thousand miles -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2002
There are many books describing amazing journeys, but one of the most fascinating for me was Enduran
Question me an answer -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
There is an old show tune, made popular by Bobby Van, whose chorus goes like this:
Where is God? -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), John 1:1-14, Psalm 98 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
There was a delightful article from the Associated Press some time ago that claimed God had been fou
Don't do the math! -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35, Psalm 114 -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2002
Two of the top women's tennis players in the world are the sisters Venus and Serena Williams.
Arise and shine -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2002
When I was a youngster, my mother would awaken my siblings and me every morning with a call from the
Choose each day -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2002
When my son was about 4, he spotted my wedding ring on my finger and asked about it.
Be prepared -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Whether or not they have ever been personally involved in scouting, most people with even a passing
The sacrifice Isaac offered -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42, Psalm 13 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2002
Without question the story of "The Sacrifice of Isaac" is one of the most horrific in the whole Bibl
From much love comes much love -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2001
About this time of year, the seeds that were planted in the spring are sprouting up through the grou
The surprise of Baby Grace -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Psalm 96 -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2001
And so it comes to this: After days of cooking and baking, planning and preparing, buying and wrappi
"Up" is not the only heavenly direction -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2001
Annual meetings, whether for a business corporation, a nonprofit agency, or a local congregation, us
The death pax -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18, Ephesians 1:11-23, Luke 6:20-31, Psalm 149 -- All Saints Day - C -- 2001
As a part of President Bush's budget and tax proposals, Congress will soon be debating the relative
Rock-solid change -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
As the end of the old year draws near, and as the dawn of a new year begins to break, we think about
Called and sent by God -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2001
Career Day at school is always an exciting time for children.
One God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2001
Christians are "stewards of the mysteries of God" (1 Corinthians 4:1).
The gift of receiving -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), Psalm 98, John 1:1-14 -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2001
Christmas shops are not just for Christmas anymore.
My beloved -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2001
Do we ever get enough love? Probably not.
Dutiful servants of all -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-7, 31b-35 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2001
Do we ever really get together anymore? Think about it.

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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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