

Working Preacher's Sermon Brainwave
Working Preacher from Luther Seminary
Working Preacher's Sermon Brainwave is a weekly conversation on upcoming Revised Common Lectionary readings. The conversations (featuring Luther Seminary faculty) are fun, informative, and creative—and just may give you the spark that ignites your own sermon brainwave!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 1, 2024 • 28min
#986: Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 28B) - October 13, 2024
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 promise of resurrection. The conversation emphasizes solidarity, community empowerment, and the boldness to approach God. Commentaries for the Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 28B): https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-28-2/commentary-on-mark-1017-31-11. Watch the Full Episode: https://youtu.be/OWHIeh0nSQ.

Sep 28, 2024 • 43min
#985: Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 27B) - October 6, 2024
Join Profs. Karoline Lewis, Joy J. Moore, and Matt Skinner for a conversation on the Revised Common Lectionary texts for the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 27B) on October 6, 2024. The texts for the twentieth Sunday after Pentecost present challenging passages from Mark, Genesis, Job, and Hebrews. The discussion begins with navigating these texts and offering pastoral care, addressing the themes of divorce, relationships, loneliness, and unjust suffering. Commentaries for the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 27B): https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-27-2/commentary-on-mark-102-16-6. Watch the Full Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gG_Lamy5KjA.

Sep 21, 2024 • 31min
#984: Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 26B) - September 29, 2024
Join Profs. Karoline Lewis, Joy J. Moore, and Matt Skinner for a conversation on the Revised Common Lectionary texts for the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 26B) on September 29, 2024. This week, Sermon Brainwave hosts dive into themes of betrayal, suffering, greatness, and wisdom from Jeremiah, Proverbs, James, and Mark. They highlight the importance of context, scriptural imagination, and embodying God's wisdom in a world focused on human greatness. Commentaries for the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 26B): https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-26-2/commentary-on-mark-938-50-5 Watch the Full Episode: https://youtu.be/UBeJJWqETEI.

Sep 13, 2024 • 31min
#983: Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 25B) - September 22, 2024
Join Profs. Karoline Lewis, Joy J. Moore, and Matt Skinner for a conversation on the Revised Common Lectionary texts for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 25B) on September 22, 2024. This week, Sermon Brainwave hosts dive into themes of betrayal, suffering, greatness, and wisdom from Jeremiah, Proverbs, James, and Mark. They highlight the importance of context, scriptural imagination, and embodying God's wisdom in a world focused on human greatness. Commentaries for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 25B): https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-25-2/commentary-on-mark-930-37-9 Watch the Full Episode: https://youtu.be/mXMhGTvtjkI.

Sep 8, 2024 • 30min
#982: Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 24B) - September 15, 2024
Join Profs. Karoline Lewis, Joy J. Moore, and Matt Skinner for a conversation on the Revised Common Lectionary texts for the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 24B) on September 15, 2024. The cohosts explore the theme of identity and the question of who Jesus is. They also discuss the importance of wisdom and the power of words; as well as the need for self-denial and taking up one's cross in following Jesus. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the impact of words and the importance of speaking words of life and hope. Commentaries for the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 24B): https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-24-2/commentary-on-mark-827-38-6. Timecodes: Promo - 0:00 Intro - 0:43 Mark 8: 27-38 (Gospel Reading) - 1:25 Isaiah 50: 4-9a (First Reading) - 12:32 Psalm 116: 1-9 - 17:39 Proverbs 1: 20-33 (Semi-continuous First Reading) - 19:20 James 3: 1-12 (Second Reading) - 24:07 Epilogue on Karl Jacobson - 28:44 Outro - 29:40 End - 30:15 * * * Connect with Working Preacher https://www.workingpreacher.org/ https://www.facebook.com/workingpreacher https://www.instagram.com/workingpreacher/ https://x.com/WorkingPreacher Watch the Full Episode: https://youtu.be/joMXvCzscK4.

Aug 30, 2024 • 32min
#981: Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 23B) - September 8, 2024
Join Profs. Karoline Lewis, Joy J. Moore, and Matt Skinner for a conversation on the Revised Common Lectionary texts for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 23B) on September 8, 2024. This week, Sermon Brainwave hosts focus on healing, the embodiment of God in Jesus, and the critical importance of confronting racism and sexism, alongside the call for genuine acts of faith. Commentaries for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 23B): https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-23-2/commentary-on-mark-724-37-6. Connect with Working Preacher https://www.workingpreacher.org/ https://www.facebook.com/workingpreacher https://www.instagram.com/workingpreacher/ https://twitter.com/WorkingPreacher Watch the Full Episode: https://youtu.be/Me712C-1rIQ.

Aug 25, 2024 • 31min
#980: Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 22B) - September 1, 2024
Join Profs. Karoline Lewis, Joy J. Moore, and Matt Skinner for a conversation on the Revised Common Lectionary texts for the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 22B) on September 1, 2024. The themes discussed include obedience, faith, living out one's beliefs, virtue versus vice, integrity, and the Song of Songs as a reflection of desire and relationship. The conversation also delves into the book of James (first in a five-week series), highlighting the importance of speech, justice, and living as Christ-like. The concept of being first fruits of God is also explored. Commentaries for the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 22B): https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-22-2/commentary-on-mark-71-8-14-15-21-23-6 Timecodes: 0:00 Intro 1:08 Gospel of Mark 7: 1-8, 14-15, 21-23 11:24 First Reading - Deuteronomy 4: 1-2, 6-9 15:58 Psalm 15 18:40 Alternate First Reading - Song of Solomon 2:8-13 25:50 Second Reading on James 1 :17-27 30:24 Outro 30:59 End Connect with Working Preacher: https://www.workingpreacher.org/ https://www.facebook.com/workingpreacher https://www.instagram.com/workingpreacher/ https://x.com/WorkingPreacher Watch the Full Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/H9QXNzfRDEA

Aug 18, 2024 • 32min
#979: Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 21B) - August 25, 2024
Join Profs. Karoline Lewis, Joy J. Moore, and Matt Skinner for a conversation on the Revised Common Lectionary texts for the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord.21B) on August 25, 2024. The conversation delves into the Bread of Life discourse, the challenges and resistances to Jesus' teachings, the betrayal of Judas, the dedication of the temple, and the metaphor of putting on the armor of God in Ephesians. Commentaries for the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 21B): https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-21-2/commentary-on-john-656-69-6 Timecodes: 0:00 Intro 1:06 Gospel of John 6: 56-69 11:43 First Reading - Joshua 24: 1-2a, 14-18 17:00 Psalm 34: 15-22 18:54 Alternate First Reading - 1 Kings 8 24:54 Second Reading on Ephesians 5 :15-20 31:49 End Connect with Working Preacher: https://www.workingpreacher.org/ https://www.facebook.com/workingpreacher https://www.instagram.com/workingpreacher/ https://x.com/WorkingPreacher Watch the Full Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/caxtaDF8f0A.

Aug 8, 2024 • 26min
Sermon Brainwave 978: Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 20B) - August 18, 2024
Join Profs. Karoline Lewis, Joy J. Moore, and Matt Skinner for a conversation on the Revised Common Lectionary texts for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord.20B) on August 18, 2024. In this episode of the Sermon Brainwave podcast, our hosts delve into themes of wisdom, communion, and sacramentology, highlighting how these scriptures guide us to live wisely in a counter-cultural world. Join us for insights on how these ancient texts continue to shape our faith and daily lives. Commentaries for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 20B): https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-20-2/commentary-on-john-651-58-6 Connect with Working Preacher https://www.workingpreacher.org/ https://www.facebook.com/workingpreacher https://www.instagram.com/workingpreacher/ https://twitter.com/WorkingPreacher Watch the Full Episode: https://youtu.be/fuUJGXB9J60.

Aug 2, 2024 • 30min
Sermon Brainwave 977: Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 19B) - August 11, 2024
Join Profs. Karoline Lewis, Joy J. Moore, and Matt Skinner for a conversation on the Revised Common Lectionary texts for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord.19B) on August 11, 2024. Our hosts offer a comprehensive exploration of the Bread of Life discourse in John 6, examining its theological and pastoral implications. Additionally, they address the complexities of preaching on challenging passages such as the story of David and Bathsheba and share valuable insights on integrating scripture into prayer and worship. Commentaries for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost (Ord.19B): https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-19-2/commentary-on-john-635-41-51-6 Connect with Working Preacher https://www.workingpreacher.org/ https://www.facebook.com/workingpreacher https://www.instagram.com/workingpreacher/ https://twitter.com/WorkingPreacher Watch the Full Episode: https://youtu.be/ebalNbmoL9E.