Old Testament: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 (Lent 2: Series B)
The Church has traditionally understood Baptism as a naming Sacrament. It reminds us of our new baptismal identity.
Contributors
Jeffrey Pulse
Jeffrey Pulse (STM, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN) is Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology, director of Certification and Placement, and Director of Continuing Education at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN.
Craft of Preaching
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Old Testament: Genesis 22:1-18 (Lent 1: Series B)
The amount of Messianic/Christological connections in this account is stunning. This is an excellent Old Testament text with which to begin Lent!
Old Testament: 2 Kings:1-12 (Transfiguration: Series B)
Elijah crosses over the Jordan to be taken into Heaven. Later, Elisha will cross the Jordan again into the Promised Land.
Preaching in the Presence of God’s Kingdom: In the Ring with Dr. Jeff Pulse
Like needing to find a bathroom, the urgency of preaching the presence of God’s kingdom should be felt in the very inner being of every pastor. Not that anything has changed, but God is definitely demonstrating the vulnerability of sinners…
Old Testament: Isaiah 40:21-31 (Epiphany 5: Series B)
Even though it may appear otherwise, the LORD has power over all things, Heaven and Earth, and He has and will use that power to save His people.
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (Epiphany 4: Series B)
Christ is not only the fulfillment of the prophetic line, but He is also the NEW Moses.
Old Testament: Jonah 3: 1-5, 10 (Epiphany 3: Series B)
Jonah rejected his first call and job description and headed in the opposite direction . Now, after spending three days in the belly of the big fish, Jonah is called again.
Old Testament: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) (Epiphany 2: Series B)
Samuel plays a very important role in preserving the line of Judah by anointing and instructing the first kings of the united monarchy—especially King David.
Old Testament: Genesis 1:1-5 (The Baptism of Our Lord: Series B)
Christ has come to make all things new, and water and the Spirit are used for His new creation just as it was for the original.
Old Testament: 1 Kings 3:4-15 (Christmas 2 Series B)
The receiving and/or possessing of a gift, even one from God, is far different than putting it to use.
Old Testament: Isaiah 61:10-62:3 (Christmas 1: Series B)
The Lamb of God is stripped of His garment and sheds His blood on a cross to clothe us in robes of righteousness and garments of salvation—like a bridegroom who adorns himself and his bride.
Old Testament: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 (Advent 4: Series B)
Not only is Jesus the New David, He is also the New Temple—the House and Kingdom! This is the throne that is everlasting.
Old Testament: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 (Advent 3: Series B)
The words the Anointed One uses to describe His reign are very familiar ones: Preach to the afflicted, bind up the broken hearted, liberty for the captives, opening eyes, comfort and provide for those who mourn.
Old Testament: Isaiah 40:1-11 (Advent 2: Series B)
Isaiah invokes beautiful imagery of the Good Shepherd who tends His flock, gathers His lambs in His arms, carries them in His bosom, and gently leads.
Old Testament: Isaiah 64:1-9 (Advent 1: Series B)
The LORD God had promised He was coming, and they were certain there could be no better time for Him to fulfill His promise.
Old Testament: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 (Pentecost 29: Series A)
The “New David” will manifest the power of the LORD and will not set Himself in opposition as did the false shepherds.
Old Testament: Zephaniah 1:7-16 (Pentecost 24: Series A)
Obviously, the Day of the LORD looks frightening according to the words of Zephaniah the prophet. The question is: “For whom?”
Old Testament: Amos 5:18-24 (Pentecost 23: Series A)
Because Israel has turned the eschatology of the Day of the LORD into “escapism” Amos turns that notion on its head in his prophecy.
Old Testament: Micah 3:5-12 (Pentecost 22: Series A)
These words provide a very bleak picture of the future of Israel. Fortunately, the next chapters provide Gospel that is equally as clear and direct.
Epistle: Romans 3:19-28 (Reformation Sunday: Series A)
Justification matters so deeply. It is a matter of life and death, Heaven and Hell. It must be preached that way. Especially today.
Old Testament: Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18 (Pentecost 21: Series A)
The LORD is the God of Israel and, therefore, Israel can walk in His paths with holiness and righteousness because His holiness is with them and on them.
Old Testament: Isaiah 45:1-7 (Pentecost 20: Series A)
Truly, God uses good and evil, believers and unbelievers, to accomplish His purposes.
Old Testament: Isaiah 25:6-9 (Pentecost 19: Series A)
From mountain to mountain, from meal to meal the LORD God points us to His banquet, already prepared; the marriage feast of the Lamb in His Kingdom which shall have no end!
Old Testament: Isaiah 5:1-7 (Pentecost 18: Series A)
The LORD is not yet finished with His vineyard.
Old Testament: Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 (Pentecost 17: Series A)
God desires that all men might be saved. The problem, the stumbling block, does not lie with God. The problem is one of man’s heart and spirit.