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Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mystery and revelation -- Exodus 3:1-15, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
The revelation of God, as described in the call of Moses, still leaves a great deal unexplained.
Spiritual chinook -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Romans 8:22-27, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Wayne Brouwer -- Day of Pentecost - B
In northern parts of the United States winter weather reports include phrases like "cold
On the Way -- Malachi 3:14, Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11 -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
On the Wayby Ross Marrs
An urgent word from our brother, Dives -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C
In choosing from the scripture listings for this Sunday, a number of compelling reasons suggest the
Righteousness -- Isaiah 43:16-21, Philippians 3:8-14, John 12:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
Speak the word "righteousness" in almost any congregation and immediately the hearers will translate
Farewells are for the future -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53, Psalm 93
What do we include with our good-byes? Almost always, we include the future.
The right lens, "A or B" -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
One thing that I don't look forward to is the periodic visit to the optometrist.
A Living Faith -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B
There is a general (mis)understanding, once the resurrection was perceived and understood, there imm
Appearance -- Acts 5:17-32, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-18 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
At first, just the word that someone had seen him was enough. The eyewitnesses were present.
God Is Watching -- Psalm 121, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Psalm 121 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A
I wonder what we think when we hear this phrase: "God is watching." For all too many, I suspect that
Defining your destiny -- Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29, Psalm 31:1-5, 19-24 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
One of Harry Emerson Fosdick's great sermons has the title "On Catching the Wrong Bus." He tells of
Midterm exams -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
At the college where I teach in the religion department, we are just past midterm exams.
He's hyper -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C
"I worry about him," my wife said as the credits rolled for Bowling for Columbine, referring
Moving on -- Acts 14:8-18, John 13:31-35, Revelation 21:1-6 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C
One of John's contributions is his writing from the viewpoint of a later early Christian.
The Trinity -- Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17, John 3:1-17 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Few, in their right minds, would address this subject if they could get out of it; yet it does need
The God of New Beginnings -- Psalm 104:24-34, Genesis 11:1-9, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Day of Pentecost - C
Listen to some people talk these days and you get the idea that they worship a God who is interested
It's who knows you that counts! -- Deuteronomy 10:12-22, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C
The "street-wise" will tell you, "It's who you know that counts!" It's "drag," or "pull," that gets
Prisoners for love -- John 15:9-17, 1 John 5:1-6, Acts 10:44-48, Psalm 98 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
In a scene from the current hit Broadway show, The Producers, a chorus of
Rejoicing -- Psalm 126, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6 -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
Sometimes one can listen to the Christian community as it conducts its life, witness and worsh
Idol-rife -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A
In Garret Kreizer's novel, God of Beer (2002), the high school social studies teacher tells t
Lent -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Surely most readers know that the original meaning of the word "Lent" is associated with springtime
Between acts -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- David Kalas -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A
What do you do between Act 2 and Act 3 of a performance? That depends upon who you are.
Faith and Works -- Psalm 15, Ezekiel 18:1-9, 25-29, Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
One would think that one of these days the continuing discussion of these two matters would go away.
Transfiguration -- Psalm 99, Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2 -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
There is a mighty difference between the self-made perfectionist who is certain that by his perfecti
In gratitude -- Micah 1:2; 2:1-10, Luke 17:11-19 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A
At the heart of most sinning is the spirit of ingratitude.

Communicating God's Love

Guest column

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

NULL -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Why is Jesus so tough on the rich? Why is it harder to enter God's kingdom if you are rich?
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 (2012) -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Cynthia E. Cowen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
Job 38:1-7 (34-41)
NULL -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41) -- Ron Love -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
In the comic strip The Born Loser, Brutus Thornapple is staring at his computer console.
NULL -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41) -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
The book of Job shows us the face of suffering.
NULL -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41) -- Bob Ove -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
When I was a kid I thought I knew everything, so I was always complaining when my folks thought they
NULL -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41) -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
If we were to paraphrase these words in today's parlance, it would sound like this: "Who do you thin
NULL -- Hebrews 5:1-10 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
We are awed by war stories of heroes who took a bullet for a friend.
NULL -- Hebrews 5:1-10 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
In the Hebrew Talmud is an old legend that goes as follows: Rabbi Yoshua ben Levi came upon Elijah t
NULL -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
There were many hikers who came to Nepal to challenge the tallest mountains in the world.
NULL -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Ron Love -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
J.
NULL -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
When I hear the word "servant" I think of Alice the maid in The Brady Bunch or the butlers Je
NULL -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
In the popular reality TV show The Apprentice, candidates vie for the privilege to be selecte
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 (2012) -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler, Cynthia E. Cowen, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
Job 42:1-6, 10-17
NULL -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
Job's encounter with God left him speechless, silenced him regarding all his previous questions and
NULL -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
Wesley C.
NULL -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Ron Love -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
Oftentimes new technology becomes so commonplace that we fail to realize its revolutionary social ch
NULL -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
In 70 AD, General Titus (destined to become Caesar) brought the Roman Legions to Jerusalem to quell
NULL -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
We often hear about soldiers who sacrificed for our country but seldom hear about the one who sacrif
NULL -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
The British poet Lord Byron wrote, "They never fail who die in a great cause." Over the centuries ma
NULL -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
A Russian pilgrim in the nineteenth century wandered into a church service and heard the pastor prea
NULL -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
Martin Luther suggests that Bartimaeus represents all of us who want a closer walk with God: "The bl
Sermon Illustrations for Reformation Day (2012) -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Ron Love, Bob Ove, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
Jeremiah 31:31-34
NULL -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
On Valentine's Day romantics old or young have the opportunity to declare their love.
NULL -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Bob Ove -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
Don't we really want that new contract!
NULL -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
John was furious! "Jane, how could you have done this?" Jane was mortified.

Political Pulpit

Sermon

The Political Pulpit

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Baptism of Our Lord
29 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
40 – Children's Sermons / Resources
25 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 2 | OT 2
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 3 | OT 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
25 – 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
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 25, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus called Simon and Andrew, James and John, to follow him. They immediately made their decision and dropped everything, for they knew the importance of their call. When Jesus calls us, do we hear him and do we respond?

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when I'm busy I find it difficult to hear you.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy, I find it difficult to respond to you.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy I'm not sure whether I want to follow you.
Lord, have mercy.
Janice B. Scott
I remember years ago watching an old film, which I think was "The Nun's Story." The young nun who was the heroine of the story had all sorts of difficulties in relationships with the other nuns. The problem was that she was super-intelligent, and the other nuns resented her. In the end the young nun went to the Mother Superior for advice, and was told that as a sign of humility she should fail her coming exams!

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "Angel of Mercy"
Shining Moments: "A Dog's Life" by David Michael Smith
Good Stories: "God's Call" by Stephen Groves
Scrap Pile: "The Way Less Taken" by Garry Deverell


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

C. David Mckirachan
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"Ordinary Time" by C. David McKirachan
"Who's the Fool?" by C. David McKirachan
"Sharing the Light" by Sandra Herrmann


* * * * * * *


Ordinary Time
by C. David McKirachan
Isaiah 9:1-4

SermonStudio

John N. Brittain
How familiar Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 1 sound! Chloe's people had reported quarreling among the believers. Imagine that -- disagreements in a church! There were rivalries and backstabbing even in the very earliest days of the Christian community.
Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
A few years ago, I was on a retreat in northern Michigan, and I knew that some of our friends from home were sailing in the vicinity. One evening I went to the local boat dock, and walked through the lines of boats calling out the names of our friends, hopeful that they might be there. I remember the joy I felt when I yelled their names, and they answered! They were actually there, and they responded to my call!
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: In Christ's Name
Message: What on earth will bring us together, God? Lauds, KDM

How long must we wait, God,
for people to stop fighting
nations and nations
buyers and sellers
big ones and little ones
in-laws and relatives
husbands and wives
sisters and brothers
for me to stop fighting with me?
How long must we wait, God,
before we let the Christ Child come here?1
William B. Kincaid, III
In some parts of the country it doesn't matter, but in many areas the snow which falls during this time of the year can bring things to a decisive halt. Schools close. Events are canceled. Travel becomes tricky. If the conditions become severe enough, the decision may be made that not everybody should try to get to work. Only those who are absolutely necessary should report.
R. Glen Miles
"There will be no more gloom." That is how our text begins today. For the ones who were in anguish, glory will replace the gloom. Light will shine in darkness. Celebration will replace oppression. A new day will dawn.

In one sense these verses offer a summary of the overall message of the scriptures, "The darkness will pass. The light of a new day is dawning and there will be joy once again." At the end of the Bible, almost as if the original collectors of these sacred texts intended to remind us again of this word of hope, the Revelation of John tells us:
Robert A. Beringer
After a service of ordination to the Christian ministry, a sad-faced woman came up to the newly-ordained pastor and said, "It's a grand thing you are doing as a young man - giving up the joys of life to serve the Lord." That woman's attitude reflects a commonly held belief that to be serious about our faith means that we expect all joy to be taken out of living. For many, Christianity appears to be a depressing faith, with unwelcome disciplines, that cramps our lifestyle and crushes our spirits.
John T. Ball
All religions offer salvation. Eastern religions offer salvation from the illusion of being separated from ultimate reality - as in Hinduism, or from the pains of desire, as in Buddhism. Nature religions preach a salvation by calling us to realize we are linked to the natural world. Humanistic religions offer a salvation tied to the call to live in dignity and justice without divine aid. The biblical religions - Judaism, Islam, and Christianity - describe salvation in somewhat different ways. Judaism sees salvation primarily as an earthly and corporate affair.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Litany Of Confession
P: Discord, dissention, strife,
C: anger, violence, hatred;
P: we confess to you, O God,
C: our schemes, our willful rebellion,
our hidden hostilities toward your children.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our lack of trust in your presence,
our need to control, our insatiable appetite for praise.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our fear of speaking the truth in love,
our self-hatred, our moments of utter despair
when we no longer believe you are at work in us.
Wayne H. Keller
Adoration And Praise

Invitation to the Celebration
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Canticle Of Light And Darkness (UM205)
To Us A Child Of Hope Is Born (CBH189)
God Of Our Strength (CBH36)
Beneath The Cross Of Jesus (CBH250, UM297, NCH190, PH92)
In The Cross Of Christ I Glory (CBH566, UM295, NCH193--194, PH84)
Lord, You Have Come To The Lakeshore (CBH229, NCH173, PH377, UM344)
Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life (PH408, CBH405, UM42, NCH543)
Jesus Calls Us, O'er The Tumult (UM398, NCH171--172, CBH398)

Anthems

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
In 1882 George MacDonald wrote a fascinating story that powerfully illumines the thought behind today's lectionary passages. MacDonald called his tale "The Day Boy and the Night Girl: the Romance of Photogen and Nycteris" (it is available online at http://www.ccel.org/m/macdonald/daynight/daynight.html). In MacDonald's fable a witch steals a newborn girl and raises her in the total darkness of a cave. The witch experiences both light and darkness, but not the girl. She is completely immersed in the black world.
Wayne Brouwer
"Politics are almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous!" said Winston Churchill. "In war you can only be killed once, but in politics many times."

In one of his essays, Albert Camus describes a powerful scene. John Huss, the great Czech reformer of the church, is on trial. His accusers twist all his ideas out of shape. They refuse to give him a hearing. They maneuver the political machine against him and incite popular passion to a lynch-mob frenzy. Finally, Huss is condemned to be burned at
David Kalas
Schuyler Rhodes
I was in the home of a church member the other day where I saw a marvelous family portrait. The picture had been taken on the occasion of a fiftieth wedding anniversary, and the entire family had gathered for the occasion. The celebrating husband and wife were seated in the center of the picture, flanked by their adult children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. It was a magnificent full-color illustration of God's design.

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