Preaching The Text
Preaching The Text examines the weekly Bible Readings from the three-year lectionary. Dr. Steven Paulson and pastor John Hoyum present these Scripture readings with a particular emphasis on how the Gospel is proclaimed and heard in weekly preaching.
Episodes
The Preaching Office in Matthew's Gospel
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson take up some of the topics that appear during the Season of Pentecost in Year A's selections from Matthew's gospel. Specifically, they discuss the preaching office and the calling of the disciples to proclaim the gospel to the world. Though Matthew's gospel has been misunderstood in this regard, a proper view of the preaching offi
Matthew's Gospel: Use and Abuse
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the Gospel of Matthew, the main focus of Year A in the three year lectionary. They take up some of the popular misconceptions about this gospel, and how they can distort its proper use in the pulpit. Especially central is the place of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew, and how that should shape our understanding of the re
What is a Sermon? Stories from a Life of Preaching
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson pull out some stories of preaching to illustrate an important point: what is a sermon? There are many bad ideas about what constitutes good preaching, and they are all too influential. This episode uses some amusing moments from Paulson's career as a preacher to show how a sermon must give the two words of God, law and gospel, in
Preaching the Catechism in Lent: Commandments & Creed
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss how to preach the Catechism during the season of Lent. This traditional practice for Lutherans is an excellent way to find God's two words, law and gospel, first in the Commandments (what God commands us to do) and then in the Creed (what God has done for us). These two words anchor our preaching and teaching of God's word
Preaching Ash Wednesday
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss preaching on Ash Wednesday. The normal temptation with preaching Ash Wednesday is to focus on penitence as a habit of the mind rather than something God brings to us through the law. Nor should preachers forget that the best preparation for Easter isn't simply to preach judgment, but also to give the good news of Christ's
Luke 23:27-43 – Christ the King
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson take up Christ the King Sunday texts. Here, they try to speak of Christ's true kingship as the sovereign of a new kingdom ruled by God's grace instead of the law. For those oppressed by accusation and judgment, this is surely good news. Paulson and Hoyum also provide an update on the future of the show. Show Notes: Support 1517
Luke 21:5-36 – Pentecost 23 (C)
On this episode, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson talk about the end of times according to Jesus in the gospel of Luke. Much of the problem with the end times revolves around the issue of preparation, which the legalist assumes means preparation of the self through holiness which will be vindicated in the end times. But Christ warns against this, since he alone as giver of grace and forgiveness stands
Luke 20:27-40 – Pentecost 22 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the question of marriage and the resurrection. The Saduccees are skeptics of the resurrection, but Jesus teaches the resurrection from the books of Moses. However, we see that the resurrection is not a matter of the law and obedience but of the gospel and faith. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts
Luke 19:1-10 – All Saints (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson suggest taking the readings for the Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost to preach All Saints. They go through the story of Zacchaeus the tax collector who goes out to see Jesus. In return, Zacchaeus finds out that Christ was coming out to find him and bring salvation to his house. This is how Christ makes saints: by justifying the
John 8:31-36 – Reformation (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the texts for Reformation Sunday. Specifically, they focus on Christ's words about freedom from John 8, where Jesus is disputing with the Jews in the temple. Here we find that freedom in the gospel is freedom from sin and the law's power to accuse. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtu
Luke 18:1-18 – Pentecost 19 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the nature of prayer in connection to the parable of the unjust judge. Here we see what it means to pray in faith that God will grant what we ask, since we ask on the basis of what he has already promised. The lesson of the parable isn't the insistence of prayer or the reluctance of God, but rather speed and generosity of
Luke 17:11-19 – Pentecost 18 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Luke's account of Christ's healing of the ten lepers. Jesus directs the ten to go and show themselves to the priests in accord with the prescriptions of the law. But only one, a Samaritan, returns to give thanks to God. It is through this one that we see the working of healing outside the law and in the word of the gospel
Luke 17:1-10 – Pentecost 17 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the parable of the unworthy servants. Given this text's place in the history of theology and in the Lutheran understanding of law and gospel, they go into some detail on the fact that the law is a system of merit, debt, and duty. Under its rule, all things are owed. Under the gospel, there is no system of merit and duty, a
Luke 16:19-31 – Pentecost 16 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the difference between heaven and hell. To our common imagination, heaven is a good place for good people, and hell a bad place for bad people. Christ's teaching disrupts this common conception, showing that works and righteousness count for nothing in the end, but only the promise of Christ for sinners. Show Notes: Supp
Luke 16:1-15 – Pentecost 15 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the parable of the dishonest manager in Luke's gospel, which they rename it as the parable of the "wiley pastor." The commendable manager uses the absolution – the forgiveness of debt – as generously as he can, in order to gain friends for himself. Likewise, preachers ought to give the absolution as frequently as possible,
Luke 15:1-10 – Pentecost 14 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Luke's parable of the Lost Sheep. With the shepherd who seeks out the one lost sheep, leaving the other ninety-nine, we see the scandal of God's grace and the recklessness of Christ who seeks out the sinner. We also see that repentance is not something we do, but something that is properly done to us by Christ with his wor
Luke 14:25-35 – Pentecost 13 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss taking up one's cross, hating father and mother, and being a disciple of Christ. What we find in Christ's preaching of the law is that the law will eventually bring sinners to the point of hating parents, hating self, and hating God himself. Once the law has worked this despair of all works and their righteousness, only th
Luke 14:1-14 – Pentecost 12 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the way of humility, and the false theories about how to become humble. Though we often are tempted to humble ourselves before God in order to gain his approval, true righteousness and justification comes from God. There we can see that humility is something God lays upon us – not something we take up ourselves. Show Notes
Luke 13:22-30 – Pentecost 11 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss divine election. From this text – where Jesus gets a question about the number of people who will be saved – we see that sinners approach God's choice in terms of the law, the only thing they know. But those who come to God with no works or law-keeping to offer know in faith that God chooses by giving a promise to those wh
Luke 12:49-53 – Pentecost 10 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Christ's teaching that he comes to bring judgment, not peace. Jesus arrives with both law and gospel, and in this text, he proclaims the judgment of God against human sin and the division between people that arises because of it. This is the baptism of judgment he undergoes at the cross, making way for the baptism of death
Luke 12:22-34 – Pentecost 9 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson take up Christ's teaching on anxiety. Jesus tells the disciples, first of all, not to be afraid about their life day by day. This doesn't take away the anxiety, but intensifies it. But it's his concluding, direct statement which casts out all anxiety: fear not, little flock, for it is the Father's good pleasure to give you the kin
Luke 12:13-21 – Pentecost 8 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson take up an inquiry of the crowd with Jesus in which a man asks him to divide his inheritance between himself and his brother. In the course of their conversation, Jesus tells a parable to teach about the danger of coveteousness, and the problem of placing faith in earthly goods. Such goods are gifts of God alone whom faith trusts.
Luke 11:1-13 – Pentecost 7 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Luke's account of Christ's teaching of the Lord's Prayer. With each of these petitions, we see how Christ teaches us to pray for all the good gifts that God promises. In this way, we can see how true holiness in prayer is not according to law and merit but gospel and grace. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517
Luke 10:38-42 – Pentecost 6 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the story of Mary and Martha. One of the important things Jesus emphasizes here in his discussion with Martha is the value of the passive life: true life in God is found not in the activity of service, or life under the law, but in the passivity of hearing. To have the better portion is to be a listener of God's gracious w
Luke 10:25-37 – Pentecost 5 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Luke's account of Christ's conversation with the lawyer and the parable of the Good Samaritan. Though we normally think of this parable as an example to us in serving the neighbor, we see that Jesus is in fact indicting this man for his sin and his own failure before the law's judgment. Then we can see that Christ is the t
Luke 10:1-20 – Pentecost 4 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the sending of the seventy-two preachers. We learn here that Christ's word is met often with rejection, which should not discourage the preacher. Rather, the word of the gospel will create faith in the sinner, and instigate rejection in the proud. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network Fundraiser! 1517 Podcasts 151
Luke 9:51-62 – Pentecost 3 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the two words the preacher is called to give: the binding word, and the loosing word. Though it is not always the time to bind up the sins of the dead, the main word of the gospel is that of resurrection. The righteousness of the dead is the forgiveness of sins into the life of Christ's kingdom which does not operate accor
Luke 8:26-39 – Pentecost 2 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the exorcism of the Gerasene demoniac. This man, inhabited by many demons and the object of derision for his neighbors, is iconic of a person trapped under the burden of the law. Paulson and Hoyum show how the healing ministry of Jesus sets people free from such burdens into a new life of faith. Show Notes: Support 1517
John 8:48-59 – Holy Trinity (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the texts for Holy Trinity Sunday. The doctrine of the Trinity is known as the first of the majestic articles of the Christian faith, and stands at the center of the gospel itself. In the teaching that God is one, yet three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – the truth of our salvation comes not as an idea, but as the
John 14:23-31 – Pentecost (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson take up the texts for Pentecost. Here we ground the promise of Pentecost not in an ecstatic experience of the Spirit unclothed in the word, nor in the law which requires obedience, but rather in the gift and promise of baptism to which the Holy Spirit is attached. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 o
John 17:20-26 – Easter 7 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson continue their discussion of Christ's preaching in John during Holy Week. The unity of the church is an often-disputed topic that has elicited numerous opinions from theologians and church officials about how to achieve it. In this text, we see how the gospel of Christ is the ground of the church's unity in him – unity is therefor
John 16:23-33 – Easter 6 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steven Paulson continue their discussion of Jesus' so-called "farewell discourse" from John's gospel. They suggest instead that this be understood as Christ's arrival discourse, or sermon. The key truth of this text is Christ's declaration: "I have overcome the world." That is its main comfort, and what any sermon on this reading should focus u
John 16:12-22 – Easter 5 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. In this text, the Holy Spirit is witness is only to Jesus Christ and no other. To speak in the Spirit is to speak only of Jesus Christ and his forgiveness. No other word will do. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Po
John 10:22-33 – Easter 4 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steven Paulson discuss the great saying of Jesus that he is the Good Shepherd. We learn from Christ that his choice of us is irrevocable, but those apart from him are to be lost due to their unfaith. Should anyone doubt their salvation and Christ's assurance, they must be directed back to this great promise of the Shepherd that no one will be l
John 21:1-19 – Easter 3 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the story of Christ and Peter going fishing with the disciples and having breakfast. Peter displays his ongoing misunderstanding of the ministry of Jesus for an earthly kingdom rather than a spiritual kingdom. John's account delights in Peter's misapprehension, given that he is the beloved disciple for no merit or reason a
John 20:19-31 – Easter 2 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the charter of all evangelical proclamation: Christ's appearance to the disciples on Easter according to John's telling. Here we learn that the purpose of the church is the forgiveness of sins, and that Christ's work of giving peace to troubled consciences convinces us of the truth that he has taken our sins and defeated t
Luke 24:1-12 – Easter Sunday (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Luke's account of the empty tomb. What we learn from this story is that the prospect of Christ's absence from the tomb is initially perplexing and frightening for both the women and the apostles. This is because the law remains in their consciences, threatening them with punishment for their betrayal. Resurrection will onl
John 19:17-30 – Good Friday (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the main reading from John's gospel concerning the death of Christ. Here we see that Christ's death brings to an end the punishment for sin in the work of the law, which is why Christ says, "It is finished," and dies. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on A
Luke 22:7-20 – Maundy Thursday
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Luke's account of the institution of the Lord's Supper. Here we learn that Christ's testament for us is not simply a remembrance of a past act brought to mind by merely symbolic gestures, but the real presence of Christ's body and blood, given and shed for us to eat and drink for the forgiveness of sins. Show Notes: Sup
Luke 22:39-46 – Palm Sunday
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Luke's account of Christ's prayer in Gethsemane. Here we see Christ's obedience to the Father outside of and apart from the law. Though Christ is under the law and its punishment on the cross, the power of his forgiveness comes from the mercy, not the judgment, of God. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podc
Luke 20:9-20 – Lent 5 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson take up Christ's parable of the wicked tenants. We see in this text a reference to Isaiah's image of Israel as a vineyard planted by the Lord which is taken over by wicked tenants. The heart of this passage is the ground of our election: though sinners are tempted to believe that their obedience to the law is the source of electio
Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 – Lent 4 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the parable of the Prodigal Son. As with all parables, our task is to place ourselves in them and learn something. This episode goes through the story Jesus tells to reveal how law and gospel should be distinguished, and how this parable can be applied to you for the sake of gospel comfort. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podca
Luke 13:1-9 – Lent 3 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss a story of Jesus in which he speaks of a tree not bearing fruit. In this parable, the fruitless tree is threatened with being cut down. But the vinedresser intercedes for the tree, asking to dig around it and put manure on the tree. This is the gospel, which bears fruit in us by faith apart from the law. Show Notes: Supp
Luke 13:31-35 – Lent 2 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Christ's encounter with some disingenuous Pharisees who warn him that Herod intends to kill him. Jesus then describes how he must eventually go to Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets, because his death is coming soon. But we also hear from Jesus a clear teaching about repentance, in which the law and the gospel wor
Luke 4:1-13 – Lent 1 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the temptation of Christ in the wilderness according to Luke's narrative. As Luke's story indicates, Jesus exemplifies how the devil misunderstands the distinction of law and gospel, since he thinks he can use the law to tempt Christ to hand over his divinity. Christ counters the devil at each turn with God's word, which i
Luke 4:1-13 – Lent 1 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the temptation of Christ in the wilderness according to Luke's narrative. As Luke's story indicates, Jesus exemplifies how the devil misunderstands the distinction of law and gospel, since he thinks he can use the law to tempt Christ to hand over his divinity. Christ counters the devil at each turn with God's word, which i
Luke 9:28-36 – Transfiguration (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Luke's account of the Transfiguration. We see here the culmination of the Epiphany season, because this is the greatest revelation of Christ's identity to the disciples prior to Holy Week. The voice of the Father directs us to find the revelation of God – fully and finally – in Christ alone, and nowhere else. Show Notes:
Luke 6:27-38 – Epiphany 7 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson continue their discussion of the Sermon on the Plain. Christ preaches the law so as to show its limit. That limit gestures toward the gospel which gives a new obedience apart from the law according to faith. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 151
Luke 6:17-26 – Epiphany 6 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Luke's account of the beatitudes in the Sermon on the Plain. However, we caution our hearers not to take this sermon as the manifestation, or epiphany, of Christ because it is not a revelation of the gospel, but rather a revelation of the law. If these beatitudes aren't properly identified, then Christ becomes a higher and
Luke 5:1-11 – Epiphany 5 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Luke's account of the calling of Peter and the other disciples. Christ's calling to Peter is now to take leave of fishing and instead to preach. Peter's faith is on display in this text, since he must ignore what his experience as a fisherman tells him and instead believe all things according to the word of Jesus Christ. S
Luke 2:22-40 – Presentation of Our Lord (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the song of Simeon from Luke 2. The main point of Simeon's song is that the promise of the Messiah's coming is now fulfilled in his sight, such that he can be free to die in the knowledge of the Savior. However, Simeon also identifies the response to the gospel, which is often bitter. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Net
Luke 4:16-30 – Epiphany 3 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the first sermon of Jesus in the synagogue in Nazareth. This story inaugurates the ministry of Jesus as preacher and healer. Here we see that Christ's preaching begins with a different word from the law. In fact, Christ preaches the gospel which is received by the congregation as a gracious word. Show Notes: Support 1517
John 2:1-11 – Epiphany 2 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson take up the story of the wedding feast at Cana. In this story, we see Christ's transformation of purity. By taking up the water used for rites of purification and turning it into wine, he shows the end of purification according to the law, and the new kind of purification that comes through the gospel. Show Notes: Support 1517
Luke 3:15-22 – Baptism of Our Lord (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the baptism of Jesus according to Luke's retelling. We see the connection to Epiphany in this text because of a revelation of what forgiveness of sins means. Before Christ's coming, forgiveness was given and people were baptized by John in anticipation of Christ's coming. Now being baptized, Jesus has revealed himself as s
Luke 2:40-52 – Christmas 2 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Christ's adolescent visit at the temple where his parents leave him behind by accident. In his questioning of the rabbis at the temple, and the relationship of Jesus to the temple, we see his twofold and contradictory relationship with the law of God. As God, he is Lord of the law, capable of judging it and setting it asid
Luke 2:22-40 – Christmas 1 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the dedication of Christ at the temple. Here the law of primogeniture – the birthright of the firstborn – is bestowed upon Christ – but not, in this case, as a blessing but as his curse. Here, we see Christ going under the law as our substitute and sacrifice, such that he promises a salvation which comes apart from the law
Luke 1:39-45 – Advent 4 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the visitation of Mary to Elizabeth while both are pregnant – Mary with Jesus, and Elizabeth with John. We see here the greeting of Mary is an effective word which creates faith in Elizabeth, and faithful joy in the baby, John, who resides in her womb. Not only is this text a story about infant faith, but it's also about G
Luke 7:18-35 – Advent 3 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, Steve Paulson discusses the story of John the Baptist in prison. By all evidence of experience, John's ministry has ended in failure. So he sends word to Jesus asking whether Jesus is the messiah, or if he should wait for another. This episode shows how we must not rely on the evidence of experience, but trust the word which accomplishes salvation in a way th
Luke 3:1-20 – Advent 2 (B)
In this episode of Preaching the Text, Steven Paulson discusses the significance of John's baptism for repentance and the forgiveness of sins. Here we see that the power of baptism is not that of preparation for a future coming of Christ, but a being made an inheritor of Christ's promise given at Christmas. When Christ arrives, he never goes away again. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network
Luke 21:25-36 – Advent 1 (C)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, Steve Paulson discusses the signs of the end times that Christ gives in the parable of the fig tree. We learn that Christ's coming is not in our typical theories of glory, but in the cross of Christ which destroys all human and earthly righteousness. The word which never passes away is the gospel which is righteousness apart from works of the law. Show Notes:
Mark 13:24-37 – Christ the King (B)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Jesus' prediction of the end times. We find the gospel in Christ's words about the doorkeepr. The watchman will keep awake to open the door to the elect – and the way he does so is with the word of forgiveness itself. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Ap
Mark 13:1-13 – Pentecost 26 (B)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the admiration for the temple expressed by the disciples to Jesus – as well as his response. We learn that the disciples are prone to use their eyes rather than their ears to apprehend the truth. But what Jesus promises is that false messiahs will come to deceive them, but that his people will not believe them. Instead, th
Mark 12:38-44 – Pentecost 25 (B)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the story of the widow's offering from Mark's gospel. Here we see Jesus observing a woman who gives all that she has, which isn't much, into the temple offering plate. Usually this story is taken as an encouragement to give as much as you can. But we see here that what God requires is absolutely everything, including our v
Mark 12:28-34 – Pentecost 24 (B)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss what it means to be near to the kingdom of God, and what it means to be in the kingdom of God. They take this text from Mark 12 as an occasion by which to proclaim the kingdom such that people hear that they are in the kingdom, not just near it. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube
Romans 3:19-28 – Reformation (B)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Paul's proclamation of justification by faith alone without works of the law as it comes to us in the third chapter of Romans. We see here the difference between law and gospel and the assurance that faith alone justifies. This is the bedrock text of the Reformation, and an appropriate subject for the sermon on that day. S
Mark 10:23-31 – Pentecost 22 (B)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson continue their discussion of the rich young man and the impossibility of inheriting eternal life through riches. Here Christ teaches that we cannot inherit eternal life through anything that we do, nor should we put our trust in money to secure us on the last day. Instead, salvation is a gift of God bestowed in Christ for free apa
Mark 10:17-22 – Pentecost 21 (B)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the story of the rich young man. Here we see that inheritance can be understood both in terms of the law and the gospel. This man trusts his earthly goods in times of trouble, instead of God. But faith trusts God alone in the gospel for all things, especially eternal life. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517
Mark 10:2-16 – Pentecost 20 (B)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Jesus' teaching on divorce. Divorce threatens all of us because it isn't a theoretical matter for most people. The law was given to afflict, not to set free, and so the law's teaching on divorce is meant to get inside the conscience of the sinner. But Jesus, as we see, turns at last to the fruit of marriage – namely childr
Mark 9:38-50 – Pentecost 19 (B)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the story in which a rogue preacher has been casting out demons in the name of Jesus – much to the dismay of the disciples. Jesus teaches them that they should let him go free. This episode talks about the text's implications for the office of preaching, the place of bishops, and the need for discipline of bad preachers wh
Mark 9:30-37 – Pentecost 18 (B)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steven Paulson discuss the story in which the disciples argue with each other about who will be the greatest in the kingdom of God. Jesus responds to all this by placing before them a child, saying that whoever wants to be the greatest must be last and servant of all. Here we see the theology of the cross at work in the preaching of Jesus. Show
Pentecost 17 (B) – Mark 9:14-29
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steven Paulson discuss a failed instance of the disciples trying to heal someone. Here, their lack of faith is found, but the power of the gospel is found even more in the person of Christ. Here we see that when faith is weak, even pleading with Christ to dispel unbelief, we find the working of the Holy Spirit who makes the mute speak and the d
Mark 7:24-37 – Pentecost 16 (B)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Christ's encounter with the Syrophoenecian woman. Here we see how faith can twist a promise out of a word from God which seems like a judgment. Thus we see how faith holds God to his promise, which he is always pleased to give and to fulfill. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1
Mark 7:14-23 – Pentecost 15 (B)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss what makes a person clean or unclean. Jesus teaches that it's not what's outside a person that defiles them, but what's on the inside. The heart makes one unclean, but the only thing that can take hold of the heart and cleanse it is an external word that comes from the outside, through the ears, and make you holy. Show Not
Mark 7:1-13 – Pentecost 14 (B)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the relationship of Jesus and the law. In a dispute with the Pharisees, we learn how the law always leads to interpretation and traditions of interpretation. Jesus teaches us how the attempts to keep the law often force us to break it, showing that there must be a different source of righteousness outside of our law-keepin
John 6:51-69 – Pentecost 13 (B)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steven Paulson continue their discussion of Jesus' sermon in John 6. Here we see Jesus turn to the matter of faith and unfaith, trust and betrayal. To feed on Christ, we learn, is to put faith in him, hearing the words of eternal life. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple
John 6:35-51 – Pentecost 12 (B)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Christ's sermon on the bread of life. Unlike the manna given to the Israelites, Christ himself is the bread which endures to eternal life. This episode discusses the scandal of this claim, and what it means in the doctrine of the Trinity. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517
John 6:22-35 – Pentecost 11 (B)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the crowds seeking Jesus in John 6 for bread. We learn that Jesus is the bread of life who satisfies the spiritual need of sinners for salvation. It's not the crowds who know where to seek this bread, but the work of God which makes faith in the heart. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Yo
Mark 6:45-56 – Pentecost 10 (B)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson talk about the story of Christ walking on the water. Reminiscent of Moses' encounter with God in the rock, and Elijah's encounter with God on the mountain, in this text, Jesus walks on water with the intention to pass by the disciples in the boat. Not only is this a revelation of Jesus' divine identity, but is also accompanied by
Mark 6:30-44 – Pentecost 9 (B)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson talk about the feeding of the five thousand according to Mark's gospel. We see here the purpose of the office of the ministry, which is to shepherd the people with the good news of the gospel. This text is about the preaching office, and therefore the doctrine of the church – not according to the law or politics, but according to
Mark 6:14-29 – Pentecost 8 (B)
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the martyrdom of John the Baptist according to Mark's account. Here, we see that the preacher of law and gospel is always the object of scorn and persecution by those who will not hear the message. John thinks his power over life and death is limitless, and cannot accept that the power of the sword belongs ultimately to Go
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