Sermon Brainwave from Working Preacher

How do you preach on one of the most mysterious and awe-inspiring moments in the Gospels? In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, Profs. Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson explore the Transfiguration of Jesus, diving deep into its biblical foundations, theological weight, and emotional impact. From its connections to the Exodus narrative to its themes of divine glory, sovereignty, and li...

Profs. Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson as they discuss the readings for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphan. Together, they into the powerful texts for the seventh Sunday after Epiphany. From Luke's Sermon on the Plain to the story of Joseph's reconciliation with his brothers, we explore the resounding call to community, transformation, and trust in God's justice. Join us as we reflect...

In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, hosts Karoline Lewis, Rolf Jacobson, and Matt Skinner dive into Luke's Sermon on the Plain. This episode unpacks the meaning of the Beatitudes, Jesus' healing ministry, and the profound theological implications of blessings and woes. The conversation also highlights the resurrection's central role in Christian faith, urging preachers to call their congregations...

Join Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner for a conversation on the Revised Common Lectionary texts for the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany (Year C) on February 9, 2025. Commentaries for the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany are forthcoming. Check back at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/fifth-sunday-after-epiphany-3/commentary-on-luke-51-11-8 soon! Re...

In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, hosts Karoline Lewis, Rolf Jacobson, and Matt Skinner discuss the significance of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas, and explore the roles of Simeon and Anna in Luke's Gospel. They highlight the importance of the Holy Spirit in guiding the narrative and shaping Christ's life, as well as the themes of anticipation and fulfillment in the lives...

Profs. Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson discuss the readings for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, focusing on Jesus' sermon in Luke 4 and its implications. They explore the roles of prophets, the inclusivity of Jesus' message, and the connection to Jeremiah's call. The conversation emphasizes the importance of love, faith, and hope in the context of prophetic ministry and the chall...

Join Profs. Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson explore the themes of Jesus' first public sermon in Luke, the implications of his message, and the participatory nature of scripture. They discuss the significance of the messianic claim, the poetic elements of Psalm 19, and the metaphor of the body of Christ in Corinthians, emphasizing the interconnectedness of believers and the importan...

Join Profs. Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson for a discussion of the significance of the Wedding at Cana as a manifestation of Jesus' grace and abundance, connecting it to the themes of the Epiphany season. This week, tune in as our hosts explore the unexpected blessings that come from Jesus' actions, the role of his mother in initiating his ministry, and the implications of Isaiah...

Join Profs. Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson as they explore the Baptism of Our Lord through the Gospel of Luke. Tune in as they delve into the Holy Spirit's role, connections to Isaiah 43, and the inclusion of Samaritans in Acts 8. This engaging discussion highlights baptism's transformative power, the significance of identity, and the enduring impact of God's voice. Resources Ment...

Join Profs. Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson as they discuss the readings for the second Sunday of Christmas, focusing on John 1, Ephesians 1, and Jeremiah 31. They explore incarnation, grace, truth, love, and life themes, emphasizing the cosmic significance of Jesus' birth and the implications for believers today. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of the readings a...

In this special 1000th episode of Sermon Brainwave, the hosts reflect on the significance of the childhood of Jesus, the roles of Mary and Joseph, and the connections between the Christmas story and the Old Testament. They discuss the importance of treasuring memories and teachings, the role of Psalms in the Christmas season, and how Christmas impacts Christian living. The episode concludes with a...

Join hosts Matt Skinner and Karoline Lewis for a special Christmas Day episode! Together, they dive into the profound themes of Luke 2 and Isaiah, reflecting on the shepherds' journey, Mary's pondering heart, and the transformative power of God's mercy. This conversation invites you to embrace the call to share the good news and be agents of mercy in the world. Tune in and let the Christmas messag...

Join hosts Karoline Lewis and Matt Skinner as they unpack the readings for December 24, 2024. Together, they dive into the Nativity story in Luke 2, the prophetic hope of Isaiah, and the grace-filled message of Titus. Discover fresh insights into the ordinariness of the Christmas story, the authority of Jesus, and the profound implications of Christmas for our lives today. Tune in and reflect on t...

Join Professors Karoline Lewis and Matt Skinner for the Fourth Sunday of Advent (Year C) on December 22, 2024. Join us for an engaging exploration of these Advent readings as we reflect on God's faithfulness and the radical message of Mary's song. Highlights of the discussion include: * The prophetic power of Mary's Magnificat. * The intimate connection between Mary and Elizabeth. * How the themes...

Join Professors Karoline Lewis, Joy J. Moore, and Matt Skinner for the Third Sunday of Advent (Year C) on December 15, 2024. In this episode, we explore John the Baptist's powerful messages, the transformative call to repentance, and the invitation to bear the fruits of righteousness. 🔍 Themes Discussed: * The joy and rejoicing of Advent * Pointing to Jesus as the Messiah * The power of praise an...

Join Profs. Karoline Lewis, Joy J. Moore, and Matt Skinner for a conversation on the Revised Common Lectionary texts for the Second Sunday of Advent on December 8, 2024. Get inspired for the second Sunday of Advent with this episode of Sermon Brainwave! The hosts dive into the lectionary readings, unpacking the role of John the Baptist, the transformative power of repentance, and the prophetic voi...

Kick off the new lectionary year with Profs. Karoline Lewis, Joy J. Moore, and Matt Skinner. Tune in for a conversation on the Revised Common Lectionary texts for the First Sunday of Advent (Year C) on December 1, 2024. This week, our hosts emphasize the urgency of recognizing God's presence, the call to justice and righteousness, and the communal nature of faith. They also reflect on the role of...

Join Profs. Karoline Lewis, Joy J. Moore, and Matt Skinner for a conversation on the Revised Common Lectionary texts for Christ the King Sunday on November 24, 2024. Our hosts explore the meaning and significance of Christ the King Sunday, diving into powerful themes of power, allegiance, and Jesus' unique kingship. Together, they discuss key biblical texts, including the trial of Jesus before Pil...

Join Profs. Karoline Lewis, Joy J. Moore, and Matt Skinner for a conversation on the Revised Common Lectionary texts for the Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 33B) on November 17, 2024. This week's episode unpacks the layers of Mark 13, diving into its vivid apocalyptic themes and the historical context that shapes its warnings against deception in times of crisis. The conversation turns t...

Join Profs. Karoline Lewis, Joy J. Moore, and Matt Skinner for a conversation on the Revised Common Lectionary texts for the Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 32B) on November 10, 2024. In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, the hosts focus on themes from Mark's Gospel, the role of scribes, and the significance of stewardship through the widow's offering. They also explore the importance of...

Join Profs. Karoline Lewis, Joy J. Moore, and Matt Skinner for a conversation on the Revised Common Lectionary texts for the Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 31B) on November 3, 2024. In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, the hosts discuss the 24th Sunday after Pentecost, focusing on love, commandments, and God's nature. They explore themes from Deuteronomy, the Psalms, Ruth, and Hebrews,...

Join Profs. Karoline Lewis, Joy J. Moore, and Matt Skinner for a conversation on the Revised Common Lectionary texts for All Saints Sunday (Year B) on November 3, 2024. In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, our hosts explore the themes of grief, remembrance, and eternal life for All Saints Sunday, focusing on the comforting presence of Jesus in times of loss. They also discuss how preachers can con...

Join Profs. Karoline Lewis, Joy J. Moore, and Matt Skinner for a conversation on the Revised Common Lectionary texts for the Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 30B) on October 27, 2024. Tune in to explore the powerful story of Bartimaeus from Mark 10:46-52, focusing on themes of healing, discipleship, and the intriguing delay in Jesus' response. Our hosts also connect the readings from Jere...

Join Profs. Karoline Lewis, Joy J. Moore, and Matt Skinner for a conversation on the Revised Common Lectionary texts for the Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 29B) on October 20, 2024. In this episode, follow along as our hosts explore key themes of service, leadership, power, suffering, and the incarnation, offering valuable insights and guidance for preachers. The discussion emphasizes...

Join Profs. Karoline Lewis, Joy J. Moore, and Matt Skinner for a conversation on the Revised Common Lectionary texts for the Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 28B) on October 13, 2024. In this episode, you will explore themes of wealth, possessions, and the call to follow Jesus. Our hosts delve into the honesty and lament in Job, the tension between God's presence and absence, and the prom...