Gospel: John 8:48-59 (Holy Trinity: Series C)
As astounding as co-eternity and co-equality with the Father in majesty and glory is, this is not the most significant answer Jesus gave in this Gospel reading, not for us at least.
Contributors
Peter Nafzger
Peter Nafzger (Ph.D. Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO) is Assistant Professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He is the author of "These Are Written: Toward a Cruciform Theology of Scripture."
Craft of Preaching
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Gospel: John 14:23-31 (Pentecost Sunday: Series C)
Pentecost is a flashback. It drives us back to the past. It also propels us forward into the future.
Gospel: Luke 15:1–3, 11–32 (Lent 4: Series C)
The thrill of God’s grace fades and the slow march toward the cross dulls the heart. At such times, the former life beckons. Temptations to return grow strong. Which makes Lent such an important annual exercise.
Gospel: Luke 13:1-9 (Lent 3: Series C)
The vinedresser refused to give up on his unfruitful tree. He put himself between it and the judgment it deserved, serving as mediator and caretaker.
Gospel: Luke 13:31-35 (Lent 2: Series C)
Jesus' course led from death into life, as He had promised. And He promises to lead us on that same course from death to life, from lament to joy.
Gospel: Luke 4:1-13 (Lent 1: Series C)
As the greater and more faithful Son of God, Jesus did what the Israelites could not do. Neither can we.
Gospel: Luke 2:22-40 (Christmas 1: Series C)
Luke does not say much else about Anna, especially in comparison to Simeon. But the fact that he mentions her suggests she has something to teach your hearers today.
Gospel: Luke 1: 39-56 (Advent 4: Series C)
The creation of this word reminds us that the Magnificat, like Christmas itself, is charged from the start with joy and praise.
Gospel: Luke 7:18-28 (29-35) (Advent 3: Series C)
Sometimes it is the unnamed characters in the Bible who can most help present-day readers find their own place in the biblical story.
Gospel: Luke 3:1-20 (Advent 2: Series C)
Like Isaiah and John, we look forward to that great and glorious day, trusting the resurrected One will return as He promised.
Gospel: Mark 12:28-37 (Pentecost 23: Series B )
Grace is God’s caring disposition toward His human creatures. And it is shown fully and purely in the work of Jesus for us.
Gospel: Mark 10:46-52 (Pentecost 22: Series B )
Today, Jesus' road to Jerusalem turns into your congregation. He calls you and your hearers to follow Him all the way home.
Gospel: Mark 10:35-45 (Pentecost 21: Series B )
Honor would be shown to the least. Power would be shown by its opposite. The way of glory was marked with humility.
Gospel: Mark 10:17-22 (Pentecost 20: Series B )
Jesus saves us from the love of money which sent the rich young man away sad.
In the Ring: Preaching and Creating Community
Ringside Preachers and Craft of Preaching join forces to bring you this special edition podcast discussing the topic "Christendom Without Christianity." with Rev. Dr. Peter Nafzger from Concordia Seminary St. Louis.
Gospel: Mark 10:2-16 (Pentecost 19: Series B )
God’s promise never to separate us from the love of Jesus means that our security, and our confidence, and our forgiveness—even for our part in past divisions—depends entirely on His faithfulness and not ours.
Gospel: Mark 7:14-23 (Pentecost 14: Series B )
Our enemy is both external AND internal. Outside of us AND inside of us. It is the old evil foe who prowls around us AND the old Adam who wreaks havoc inside each of us.
Gospel: Mark 7:1-13 (Pentecost 13: Series B)
No longer do we read about Jesus promising to satisfy and raise and abide in His people. Instead, we encounter a Jesus who goes on the attack.
Gospel: John 6:51-69 (Pentecost 12: Series B)
Jesus, the Son of God from all eternity, the agent of creation, the Savior of all people, promises to abide IN His people.
Gospel: John 6:35-51 (Pentecost 11: Series B)
Jesus promises more than a disembodied “spiritual” existence after death. He has promised to raise our perishable, mortal bodies to immortality.
Gospel: John 6:22-35 (Pentecost 10: Series B)
In His grace, Jesus promises that all who come to Him in faith will live abundantly and eternally.
Gospel: Mark 5:21-43 (Pentecost 5: Series B)
The people you serve are still hanging on by a thread, which is another way of saying they are living by faith.
Gospel: Mark 4:35-41 (Pentecost 4: Series B)
The only one who is truly worthy of fear shows He cares for His disciples and desires to save them. Not only them, but all who are perishing.
Gospel: Mark 4:26-34 (Pentecost 3: Series B)
We know not how, and we do not know when, but God works according to His perfect will and His perfect timing.
Gospel: Mark 3:20-35 (Pentecost 2: Series B)
Questions and opinions about Him varied, but one thing was certain, Jesus was causing a major commotion. He could not be ignored.