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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

If we are suffering... -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Bob Ove -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
If we are suffering in any way, it can help to know that God's only son was sent to suffer for us.
The war between... -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Ron Love -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
The war between Austria and Piedmont, which erupted in April 1859, was one of the bloodiest ever rec
Finding something... -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
Finding something spiritually meaningful in the Holy Family's fleeing to Egypt is a tall order.
William McCumber says... -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Derl G. Keefer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
William McCumber says that the men in this section of the scripture are "unwise men." These religiou
Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2014) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
We like the good... -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
We like the good times, but we are not so sure about the bad times.
Thomas Cook is a name... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
Thomas Cook is a name that is unknown to most of us; but we each live with his innovative and entrep
Suffering is not... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Derl G. Keefer -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
Suffering is not something that we seek, but it does come to all people at times in life.
This text promises... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
This text promises a fresh start. That is so appropriate for the New Year celebration.
We like the glory... -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2013
We like the glory part. It's the judgment part that may give us a little concern.
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 2 (2014) -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Derl G. Keefer, Ron Love -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2013
Jeremiah 31:7-14
Redemption stimulates... -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2013
Redemption stimulates joy in the heart.
In 1848 Italy... -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2013
In 1848 Italy became a unified country.
The text is a... -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2013
The text is a proclamation of celebration by promising the return of the people of Israel from the c
Some preachers seem... -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Bob Ove -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2013
Some preachers seem to preach more hell and damnation in order to scare people back to the Lord.
George Eastman invented... -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2013
George Eastman invented the Kodak camera in the 1890s.
University of Arizona... -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2013
University of Arizona psychologist Matthias Mehl conducted a 2009 survey indicating that the happies
According to Paul... -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2013
According to Paul Harvey, a farmer heard an irregular thumping sound against his kitchen window duri
Sermon Illustrations for Baptism of Our Lord (2014) -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2013
Isaiah 42:1-9
The Servant is... -- Isaiah 42:1-9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2013
The Servant is to be called the light to the nations (vv. 6-7).
Often one thinks... -- Isaiah 42:1-9 -- Derl G. Keefer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2013
Often one thinks of service as needing to be a big event, but service is simply giving of one's self
When Henry Bessemer... -- Isaiah 42:1-9 -- Ron Love -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2013
When Henry Bessemer invented the Bessemer furnace in 1856, in 20 minutes the same amount of steel co
When we think... -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Bob Ove -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2013
When we think that we have the only avenue of truth, it may come as a surprise to find out that God
Hearing voices from... -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Derl G. Keefer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2013
Hearing voices from the sky is sometimes viewed as a psychological problem where the person is in ne
Everything in Jesus'... -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2013
Everything in Jesus' ministry, and our lives as Christians, begins in the waters of baptism.

Pages

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The written word and the living word -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21 -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 1995
Out of the Old Testament reading for this day verse eight of the eighth chapter of Nehemiah leaps ou
Sounds like a job for Superman or Wonder Woman -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 1995
See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms,
The seeing and hearing of God -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35 -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 1995
Some commentaries and many sermons treat the narrative of the transfiguration as a literal and fleet
The passion according to Luke -- Luke 23:1-49 -- Passion Sunday - C -- 1995
Some of us will remember when the fifth Sunday in Lent was called Passion Sunday.
That old time religion -- Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, John 17:20-26 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 1995
That old time religionGive me that old time religion,that old time religion.
In the form of a servant -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10, 11-14), 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 1995
The evening service on Maundy Thursday can be one of the most moving of the church year.
The pathfinder -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 1995
The Old Testament reading sets before us the familiar biblical appellation of Israel as the vineyard
Keeping the dimension of mystery -- Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1995
The reading from Acts this day is the closing scene in a story that begins in Acts 10:1.
Variations on a theme -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 1995
The readings for this day are firmly fixed in all cycles of the lectionary and this poses a challeng
He ascended into heaven -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 1995
The readings for this day are standard in lectionary cycles A, B, and C.
Retrospect and prospect -- Numbers 6:22-27, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:15-21 -- 1995
The shepherds return to their flocks and the tasks of shepherding.
The shadows lengthen -- Isaiah 43:16-21, Philippians 3:4b-14, John 12:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1995
The shadows begin to lengthen as we follow Jesus toward Jerusalem, today via the gospel of John.
The prodigality of God -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1995
The word prodigality carries a dual meaning in English.
A potpourri of possibilities -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1995
There are no doubt times when the preacher faces the lectionary readings of the day for the first ti
A sign of God's new day -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 1995
Thus says the Lord: In this place of which you say "It is a waste without human beings or animals,"
Stay tuned -- more to come! -- Haggai 1:5b-2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 1995
Today's readings share one common thrust.
Standing tall -- Jeremiah 36, Hebrews 12:18-19, Luke 13:10-17 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 1995
Today's Old Testament reading is a repeat for this year.
The Passion according to John -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9, John 18:1-19:42 -- Good Friday - C -- 1995
Traditionally in most communities on this day an ecumenical service built around the seven last word
Wait till it's over -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 1995
We admire those who seem able to maintain their faith in the midst of the most impossible circumstan
True grit -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 1995
We are not used to being exhorted to endure in the face of frustration and delayed hopes.
The suffering children -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1995
When a bomb destroyed the federal building in Oklahoma City earlier this year there was an outpourin
Winners and losers -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1995
Woody Guthrie, whose ballads reflected the plight of the poor, voiced in one of his songs an enigma
Scandalous behavior! -- Exodus 20:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Robert A. Beringer -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1994
When Paul wrote, "We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to the Gentiles,"
Forever is a long time -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Mark 3:20-35 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1994
About the author
A necessary mid-course correction -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1994
About the author Michael L.

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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