134 avsnitt • Längd: 50 min • Veckovis: Tisdag
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.
The podcast Preaching The Text is created by 1517 Podcasts. The podcast and the artwork on this page are embedded on this page using the public podcast feed (RSS).
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 only become good news when Christ appears and applies his word of forgiveness.
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What’s New from 1517:
The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley
Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi
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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:
What’s New from 1517:
The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley
Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi
More from the hosts:
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:
What’s New from 1517:
The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley
Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi
More from the hosts:
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:
What’s New from 1517:
2025 North West Arkansas Regional Conference: Psalms of David (4/25-4/26)
The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley
Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi
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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 election, Christ teaches that his mercy for sinners is the basis of his choice.
Show Notes:
What’s New from 1517:
2025 North West Arkansas Regional Conference: Psalms of David (4/25-4/26)
The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley
Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi
More from the hosts:
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:
What’s New from 1517:
The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley
Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi
More from the hosts:
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:
What’s New from 1517:
The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley
Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi
More from the hosts:
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 work together on the sinner who repents passively before God.
Show Notes:
What’s New from 1517:
The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley
Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi
More from the hosts:
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 is the encouragement that we require when dealing with temptation ourselves – especially during the Lenten season.
Show Notes:
What’s New from 1517:
Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi
Take 20% Off Our Lenten Devotionals until March 5th:
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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 is the encouragement that we require when dealing with temptation ourselves – especially during the Lenten season.
Show Notes:
What’s New from 1517:
Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi
Take 20% Off Our Lenten Devotionals until March 5th:
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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:
What’s New from 1517:
Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi
Take 20% Off Our Lenten Devotionals until March 5th:
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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:
What’s New from 1517:
Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi
Take 20% Off Our Lenten Devotionals until March 5th:
More from the hosts:
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 better lawgiver than Moses, instead of our savior from sin, death, and the law's condemnation.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 savior from sin – not as one to be anticipated, but as one who has presently arrived.
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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 aside; but as man, he willingly goes beneath it to be our sacrifice and atonement for sin.
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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.
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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 God's word which creates that faith when and where God pleases.
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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 that's for now hidden from our reason.
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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.
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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:
What’s New from 1517:
Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi
Listen to 1517 Executive Director Scott Keith and Magnus Persson on the latest Re:Formera podcast
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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:
What’s New from 1517:
Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi
Listen to 1517 Executive Director Scott Keith and Magnus Persson on the latest Re:Formera podcast
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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, they will hear and trust the word of Christ which never passes away – even in the face of great persecution.
Show Notes:
What’s New from 1517:
Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi
Listen to 1517 Executive Director Scott Keith and Magnus Persson on the latest Re:Formera podcast
More from the hosts:
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 very lives. But in death, there is also resurrection – since Christ has gone before us, giving all he has and being raised again on the third day.
Show Notes:
What’s New from 1517:
Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi
Listen to 1517 Executive Director Scott Keith and Magnus Persson on the latest Re:Formera podcast
More from the hosts:
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:
What’s New from 1517:
Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi
Listen to 1517 Executive Director Scott Keith and Magnus Persson on the latest Re:Formera podcast
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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.
Show Notes:
What’s New from 1517:
Listen to 1517 Executive Director Scott Keith and Magnus Persson on the latest Re:Formera podcast
The Inklings: Apostles and Apologists of the Imagination with Sam Schuldheisz
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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 apart from our merits.
Show Notes:
What’s New from 1517:
Listen to 1517 Executive Director Scott Keith and Magnus Persson on the latest Re:Formera podcast
The Inklings: Apostles and Apologists of the Imagination with Sam Schuldheisz
More from the hosts:
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:
What’s New from 1517:
Listen to 1517 Executive Director Scott Keith and Magnus Persson on the latest Re:Formera podcast
The Inklings: Apostles and Apologists of the Imagination with Sam Schuldheisz
More from the hosts:
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 children – which does set people free, along with the gospel's word of forgiveness.
Show Notes:
What’s New from 1517:
Listen to 1517 Executive Director Scott Keith and Magnus Persson on the latest Re:Formera podcast
The Inklings: Apostles and Apologists of the Imagination with Sam Schuldheisz
More from the hosts:
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 who don't give the gospel.
Show Notes:
What’s New from 1517:
Listen to 1517 Executive Director Scott Keith and Magnus Persson on the latest Re:Formera podcast
The Inklings: Apostles and Apologists of the Imagination with Sam Schuldheisz
More from the hosts:
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 Notes:
What’s New from 1517:
Listen to 1517 Executive Director Scott Keith and Magnus Persson on the latest Re:Formera podcast
The Inklings: Apostles and Apologists of the Imagination with Sam Schuldheisz
Hitchhiking with Prophets: A Ride Through the Salvation Story of the Old Testament by Chad Bird
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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 deaf hear.
Show Notes:
What’s New from 1517:
The Inklings: Apostles and Apologists of the Imagination with Sam Schuldheisz
Hitchhiking with Prophets: A Ride Through the Salvation Story of the Old Testament by Chad Bird
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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:
What’s New from 1517:
The Inklings: Apostles and Apologists of the Imagination with Sam Schuldheisz
Hitchhiking with Prophets: A Ride Through the Salvation Story of the Old Testament by Chad Bird
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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 Notes:
What’s New from 1517:
The Inklings: Apostles and Apologists of the Imagination with Sam Schuldheisz
Hitchhiking with Prophets: A Ride Through the Salvation Story of the Old Testament by Chad Bird
More from the hosts:
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-keeping.
Show Notes:
What’s New from 1517:
The Inklings: Apostles and Apologists of the Imagination with Sam Schuldheisz
Hitchhiking with Prophets: A Ride Through the Salvation Story of the Old Testament by Chad Bird
More from the hosts:
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:
What’s New from 1517:
The Inklings: Apostles and Apologists of the Imagination with Sam Schuldheisz
Hitchhiking with Prophets: A Ride Through the Salvation Story of the Old Testament by Chad Bird
More from the hosts:
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:
What’s New from 1517:
The Inklings: Apostles and Apologists of the Imagination with Sam Schuldheisz
Hitchhiking with Prophets: A Ride Through the Salvation Story of the Old Testament by Chad Bird
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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.
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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 God's promise, "Be not afraid." We learn how fear turns to faith only when the explicit promise of God is given.
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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 the gospel.
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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 God – and the result is the martyrdom of the preacher.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson explore how Jesus sends out his disciples with both keys – binding and loosing. Jesus also causes offense by preaching forgiveness, which is the key matter of this reading. The detractors attack the person of Jesus rather than his proclamation – engaging in ad hominem arguments rather than countering Jesus directly.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the story of the woman with the flow of blood healed by touching the garment of Jesus. The healing of Jairus's daughter is also included in this week's reading. Here we learn about the nature of worship according to the gospel, which means to seek Christ in bodily means for healing and resurrection.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the story of Jesus falling asleep in the boat. Here we learn how the disciples exercise faith in Christ as the divine power who controls the sea – one of the most frightening images of chaos and death in scripture. Their attention to Jesus shows how faith grasps Christ and turns him against the power of sin and death.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the Parable of the Sleeping Farmer, as Paulson likes to call it. The growth of the seed in this parable refers to the power of the gospel to produce its fruit unseen from the preacher who plants. This parable reveals the power of the gospel to do its work on its own and without our help or free will.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Mark's account of Christ countering the accusations of the Pharisees that he has a demon. This episode discusses the way in which demons are cast out today through the preaching of the gospel.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss a story from Mark's gospel in which Jesus' disciples are accused of violating the Sabbath commandment for picking heads of grain on the holy day. Jesus explains, however, the true meaning of the Sabbath, which is God's blessing to human beings, not a human act of obedience toward God. Here we see where the law ends and the gospel begins.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the texts for Holy Trinity Sunday, chiefly, the encounter of Jesus and Nicodemus in John 3. Here they discuss the proper way to preach on the Trinity, which is to use the doctrine of baptism as the entry point. To learn about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one true God, we must begin with the promise of eternal life given through the water and the word at the font.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the gospel reading from John for the Sunday of Pentecost. They focus upon the way in which the risen Christ isn't absent from his church, but present in a new way. Christ "spreads" himself out and remains bodily present in the Lord's Supper. And through the Holy Spirit, his word of absolution is preached.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Christ's prayer to the Father before his betrayal and crucifixion. In this prayer, we overhear the Son's address to his Father in love. To preach on Christ's prayer, they talk about how to take the address of Son to Father concerning those Christ has won, and turn it around into a promise given to those who belong to Christ.
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On this episode, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson talk about Christ's command that we love one another as he has loved us. Unlike the usual interpretation of this passage, Paulson and Hoyum talk about the necessity of good works and service to the neighbor that come forth naturally from faith in Christ. They also discuss some of the ways that preaching about love and friendship loses sight of Christ's cross.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steven Paulson discuss Christ's famous statement that he is the vine, we are the branches. They also talk about Christian suffering and the way in which faith bears fruit in good works. In this way, God glorifies himself through suffering and the work of the gospel that forgives sins.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the section of John's gospel where Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd. We learn how it is that Christ calls to his sheep through his word, which makes him our true shepherd against the false ones who refuse to preach the gospel. They also talk a little bit about what this means for the Christian life.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Luke's account of Christ's appearance to the disciples. We learn a little bit about the difference between preaching and dialogue – as well as the difference between education and proclamation. We also see how Christ shows the disciples his person and work in the Old Testament scriptures.
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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 them in his suffering and death.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Mark's account of the resurrection. Specifically, they focus on the way in which after Christ's crucifixion, everything seems to go on just as before – even though Jesus has brought an end to sin and death through the cross. They talk about how the message of the young man – do not be afraid – is incomplete without an appearance of the risen Jesus to apply his word of absolution.
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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. For preaching on Good Friday, we recommend being brief and to the point about this death for the sins of the world.
Forde sermon, "It is Finished."
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the gospel reading for Maundy Thursday. Here, we see Christ's institution of the Lord's Supper, and discuss how to preach and teach about this sacrament. They emphasize the character of the sacrament as a gift, talk about the differences between Passover and the Supper, and offer an explanation of the last will and testament that the Lord's Supper is for Christians.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Mark's account of the suffering and death of Christ. We learn some of the limitations of the lectionary, which encourage people not to attend services during Holy Week, but offer instead some preaching tips for making the death of Christ for our sins the focus of the sermon for those who come the Sunday before Easter.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss one of Christ's predictions of his death, this time from Mark 10. Here we learn how Jesus dies as a ransom for the sins of the world. We too will join Christ in death and resurrection, but only after he has first taken away sin by dying on the cross.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, Steve Paulson and John Hoyum talk about one of the most famous passages of scripture which speaks of salvation through the death of Christ. They also talk about the bronze serpent, which healed the Israelites despite being a symbol of their judgment by God. Likewise, the cross becomes for us not only an image of God's judgment but also the way of our salvation.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson talk about John's account of Christ's cleansing of the temple, so called. This episode combats some misunderstandings of this text which think of Christ's message only in terms of economic reform or social justice. In truth, Christ's cleansing of the temple teaches us about the cross and sacrifice of Christ for the sin of the world.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Mark's account of Peter's confession of Christ's identity. We find here that while Peter gives the correct answer to the question Jesus poses to him, Peter remains resistant to the coming event of salvation which is to come through the cross and the resurrection. To preach this text, the preacher has to recognize the resistance of the old sinful nature to the suffering of Christ which takes away the sins of the world.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Mark's account of the temptation of Christ by the devil in the wilderness. This episode talks at length about the nature of temptation, the way Satan accuses us, and how the Holy Spirit through God's word protects us from temptation.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the readings for Transfiguration Sunday. Here Christ appears with his disciples on the mountain with Moses and Elijah. Despite the fear of the disciples, the voice of the Father comes once again to pronounce his blessing upon Christ and the ministry of forgiveness that he has come to give.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss some of Christ's early healings and exorcisms from the Gospel of Mark. Here we see that Christ comes to heal and cast out demons, but above all he comes to preach. With his preaching, Christ silences the demons and forgives sin, but he also brings to an end the law's oppressive voice.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss one of Christ's first acts in his ministry career. Taking his disciples with him, Jesus enters the synagogue and heals a man being tormented by an unclean spirit. From this text we see what happens when the gospel comes in contact with what is unclean and unholy: in the place of impurity according to the law, the gospel gives the Holy Spirit, and therefore salvation.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the calling of the disciples to become fishers of men. We learn how the calling of Christ involves the presence of the kingdom of God, not as something far away but something that is present in the preaching of the gospel. The kingdom isn't something that the gospel points to, but something the gospel gives.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Christ's calling of his disciples, Philip and Nathaniel. Here we see the distinction between the various ordinary callings of human life in the world and our calling by Christ to salvation. With the call of Christ, he is the one who sees, calls, and finds us – and so in Christ's call we find our election and predestination to salvation.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Mark's account of Christ's baptism by John in the Jordan. They talk not only about connection between Christ's baptism and his role as sin-bearer but also the doctrine of the Trinity. Here we see not only the saving work of Jesus but also his eternal relation with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, Steve Paulson and John Hoyum discuss Simeon's song – known to many as the canticle sung following the Lord's Supper. In this episode we talk about the tangible presence of salvation experienced by Simeon having held the infant Christ. We also discuss the nature of sacrifice, and the way in which sacrifice meets its destination in the death of Jesus.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss Luke's account of the annunciation where the angel Gabriel appears before Mary to announce that she will conceive a child by the Holy Spirit. Mary's first reaction to this good news is that of fear and skepticism. This indicates how the gospel when it is preached often elicits fear and doubt, but that it also creates faith apart from the evidences of reason and experience.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss John the Baptist once again – this time his appearance at the beginning of John's gospel. They discuss the difference between a sign and a sacrament, with the prophets signifying Christ, but Christ being the thing itself when it comes to the gospel. This episode also examines what it means for John to hold the preaching office, which means that he doesn't merely point to Christ, but that John also hands him over to his hearers.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson examine the opening words of the Gospel of Mark. This introduces the rest of the gospel as well as the figure of John the Baptist. Among the things discussed include the nature of baptism, the role of John as the forerunner of Christ, and the identification of Jesus as true God and true man.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss one of the end times sayings of Christ from the Gospel of Mark. During Advent, the lectionary tries to fix our attention on the end times. This episode discusses some of the perils of end times fixations, and how to properly distinguish law and gospel when it comes to preaching the end of all things in Christ.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the parable of the sheep and the goats. We learn how this often frightening parable describes the final judgment of the law and the gospel, with the law telling us to depart forever from Christ and the gospel welcoming sinners into his kingdom. The key point is to see how salvation isn't a transition from sinfulness to holiness, but the total gift of unmerited salvation in Christ.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the parable of the talents. We learn the difference between law and gospel in the context of this parable. Now we can see how this parable should be preached: the talents God gives are not his commands, but his promises. And so God's promise isn't meager, but fruitful and abundant.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the parable of the wise and foolish virgins – although Paulson has a suggestion about how we might rename it. We learn here how to trust in the promises of the gospel while we wait for Christ to return in his kingdom. For the waiting, we rely on the promise of Christ and his Holy Spirit instead of our good works. Only in this way are we sustained in the hope of Christ's coming again.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson talk about the Beatitudes in Matthew 5. We learn how these characteristics of the Christian aren't virtues to be conjured by hard work and devotion, but are descriptions of what happens to the Christian once faith in the promise has been given. We also learn how the Beatitudes link with the Lord's Prayer, and therefore learn how Christians are to speak back to God under the condition of suffering and evil.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the appointed readings for Reformation Sunday. At the center of the Reformation is the doctrine of justification by faith alone, apart from works of the law. Using all the texts given for Reformation, this episode examines how preachers can emphasize the difference between law and gospel, and how to give an unconditional promise to those who listen.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the famous conversation of Jesus with the Jewish authorities concerning taxation. We learn that there are two different kinds of authorities to which people submit, not just one. Caesar represents the law in its highest form: taxation, money owed to the state. But God takes from us not our taxes, but our faith, and so rules our hearts by the gospel of his mercy instead of the rule of the law.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, Steve Paulson and John Hoyum discuss Christ's parable of the wedding garment. Here, we learn that God invites all – both good and bad – to the wedding feast of the Son. But even more than just extending an invitation, God gives the clothing to wear for the banquet – which is the righteousness of Christ. All this we receive apart from our own merit or worthiness, but only because of the mercy of Jesus Christ.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the parable of the master and the vineyard. We learn from Luther that this parable really is about the unification of Jew and gentile in Christ on the basis of the gospel instead of the law. The parable picks up on the Old Testament image of Israel as a vineyard planted by God – but not at the expense of the Jews as many interpreters might think, but rather as their unification around the one gospel which saves both.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson examine an encounter of Jesus with the authorities in Jerusalem who wonder where his authority comes from. Being in the position of skepticism regarding Jesus, we see how Christ reveals how they can think of authority in terms of the law alone. But the gospel has an authority to forgive sin, which is what we see in the preaching of John the Baptist and the reception of forgiveness on the part of sinful people like prostitutes and tax collectors.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the Parable of the Vineyard Workers. However, at the end of the parable, we find that the owner of the vineyard compensates the workers all the same – which means that their reward is based on the right choice of the owner instead of the labor of the workers. Here we see just how the kingdom of Christ is different from the kingdom of this world, ruled by the law: Christ gives freely and chooses freely without respect to work. But here in the old world, both hierarchy and labor remain for a little while.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steven Paulson talk about forgiveness. Peter comes to Jesus with a question about how often he should forgive – just after hearing about the office of the keys from Jesus. Jesus tells a parable about forgiveness, which shows us that there can be no limits placed on the absolution. Instead, forgiveness must be given freely for the sake of sinners.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson examine a number of topics brought up by Jesus in Matthew 18. Some of the discussion between Jesus and his disciples includes who is greatest in the kingdom of God. But as Jesus indicates, the kingdom of God doesn't use the law's measurement to grade hierarchy. This episode also touches on the instructions Jesus gives for dealing with excommunication and reconciliation with those in need of the forgiveness of sins.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss two important items from Matthew's gospel: Christ's rebuke of Peter and the importance of self-denial. We learn from Christ about how to address the devil when he enters a person to give a temptation. We also talk about how self-denial and taking up the cross happen in the life of vocation and service to neighbor.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the confession of Peter concerning the true divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ. We learn that Peter's confession is the foundation of the church, against which the power of hell cannot prevail. But the power of confession isn't found in the ones making the confession; rather, the power of confession is a gift of the Holy Spirit.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the story of the Canaanite woman who begs that he heal her daughter. Though Jesus at first sounds like he's giving a word of condemnation, this woman's faith allows her to extract a promise from Christ. So we learn that faith always seeks a promise from Christ even when it sounds like he's giving a message of judgment.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, Steven Paulson and John Hoyum discuss the story of Christ walking on water and the drowning of Peter. Contrary to a common image of the church as a ship in which we are safe, this text shows how faith in Christ resists and survives the trials and tribulations of life. Instead of making this text about Peter as our example, this episode emphasizes the chasm between faith and unfaith.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, Steve Paulson and John Hoyum unpack the story of the feeding of the 5000, or the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. The highlights of this episode include a discussion of how this text has been abused in reference to the Lord's Supper. This episode shows how in this gospel reading, Christ demonstrates his compassion for both body and soul. His grace includes both our earthly need for food and our spiritual need for his salvation.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the parable of buried treasure. Here we see that Jesus compares us to the buried treasure, and God to the hired servant who gives all he has to purchase the field. The goal of the sermon isn't to draw peoples' attention to the comparison, but to give them the gospel promise that Christ has indeed given all he has to rescue us from sin and death.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the parable of the seed that grows while the hired men are sleeping. We learn from this parable that the growth of the gospel in those who hear it doesn't depend on the hard work and diligence of the preacher, but on the power of the word of God given as a promise. Like Luther once said, we preached and drank Wittenberg beer, but God gave the growth to the word of the gospel preached.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, Steve Paulson unpacks the famous parable of the sower. Because of technical difficulties, this week's episode is a monologue and so is somewhat shorter than usual. Paulson contends that preaching this text requires us to focus on Christ's explanation of why he speaks in parables – which is to confuse and condemn, rather than to illuminate and justify. The goal of preaching this parable is to make your hearers into the good soil but giving them the promise of Christ.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the way in which Christ relieves us of our burdens, whether burdens of sin or burdens of suffering. Christ reveals the mystery hidden from the wise and understanding, which is that the final judgment is not the law's judgment, but the gospel's forgiveness. And the forgiveness of sins is good news both for the wicked and those who suffer.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, Steve Paulson and John Hoyum discuss the rewards of the law and the rewards of gospel. Christ contrasts the reward of a prophet and the reward of a righteous person. The reward of the prophet is that those who receive, or hear, the gospel also receive Jesus Christ – and therefore eternal life. However, this means that the rewards Christ gives go above and beyond the law, which upsets even the most basic aspects of human life, including our most basic familial relationships.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the sending of the disciples to preach. We learn about the authority of the preacher to give the gospel and the natural response of rejection with which it is met. Christ teaches us not only what the gospel is, but what its effect is, which is to disrupt life under the law.
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In this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the sending of the disciples to preach. Christ sends laborers into the harvest, which is what preaching is all about. God plants the seed, and the preacher harvests it. Though we often think of preaching as sowing seed or putting people in touch with their inner light, we learn from Christ that preaching gets all its power from God alone.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the so-called "Call of Matthew" the tax collector into discipleship of Jesus. We learn how Christ desires mercy, not sacrifice. And he comes to call sinners instead of righteous people. In connection to Paul's teaching in Romans, we learn how God doesn't run away from sinners, but runs toward them. Christ does something more than just reverse the values of the law: he gives a promise of eternal life outside the law altogether.
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On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steven Paulson discuss the so-called Great Commission at the conclusion of Matthew's gospel. They correct some of the abuses of this text, which often make Christ's words into a program for missional theology or discipleship programs. They show how to teach the Trinity from baptism, where the name of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is given to sinners.
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the texts for Pentecost. On Pentecost, the church receives the gift of the Holy Spirit with tongues of fire, enabling the apostles to preach in many languages. Though many interpreters focus on the way in which Pentecost connects to the giving of the law at Sinai, or the reversal of Babel's confusion of tongues, this episode emphasizes how Pentecost marks a transition. Before, the coming of Christ was always future-tense: he's coming. But at Pentecost, the word changes: now Christ is here. At Pentecost we receive a present Christ, not an absent one.
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss church unity. In John 17, Jesus prays to the Father that his saints would be one. Normally, this text is used as evidence for the ecumenical idea that church unity is something we must achieve through mutual reconciliation between divided churches. But as we learn today, this prayer of Christ to the Father pledges that the church will be one according to the promise and work of Christ who gathers his church through the word of forgiveness. The unity of the church isn't a fact of the visible church, but a promise held in faith.
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson examine Christ's teaching in John 14 that if someone loves him, that person will keep Christ's commandments. Though usually heard as a warning to keep the commandments of Christ, lest one fall from grace, in this episode we reverse the order of things. Christ gives his love to us, and that love gives us obedience to his commandments as a gift.
In this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss an important story from the gospel of John that is often used for funerals. John 14 is sometimes called a farewell discourse, but this episode explores how Christ gives and bestows peace to his hearers. Christ isn't just an example to us, but is a sacrament – meaning he delivers salvation and the hope of eternal life. Therefore, Christ isn't absent from us, but very much present for us.
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the conversation of Jesus with the Pharisees in which Jesus identifies himself as the shepherd of the sheep. In contrast, he identifies the Pharisees as wolves who attack the sheep. Since there is no word of gospel in this text, we show the difference between a parable and a promise: a parable will kill you, but a promise will give you life.
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the story of the road to Emmaus. We learn how the risen Christ must reveal himself to the two disciples on the road, because they cannot recognize him on their own. They need the word and promise of the risen Christ to believe in him. The same is true for us, since the risen Christ isn't absent, but present wherever he gives his word.
In this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson examine John's account of Christ's appearance to the apostles after his resurrection. We learn that the resurrection isn't good news for them until they have the word of peace and forgiveness that Christ speaks. This story isn't about celebrating our doubts, but about the worde of promise that expels doubt from the human heart.
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the Easter Sunday gospel from Matthew. Here, we learn that the gospel isn't just in the empty tomb, but the proclamation of Christ as risen from the dead. We don't just want an absent Christ who's left the tomb, but a present Christ who promises resurrection. So we learn today how to proclaim a resurrected Christ to our hearers.
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson examine the passion reading for Good Friday. Here we read John's account of the death of Christ and stress the need to emphasize not only Christ's atonement of our sins, but also the promise of forgiveness delivered at Easter.
On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the institution of the Lord's Supper as told by Matthew. Here, we learn that Christ institutes a meal not for friends, but for sinners and betrayers. Christ delivers his body and blood to those who have sin for the forgiveness of sin. The one who is worthy to recieve is the sinner believing the words of Christ, "given and shed for you."
In this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steven Paulson discuss the Palm Sunday gospel reading from John 12. This is the processional gospel usually read at the beginning of the service. We learn how to preach this text – and how to teach our listeners to welcome their Lord and demand his word of promise and forgiveness.
In this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson examine the story of the raising of Lazarus. A particular mystery of this text is that Jesus waits for Lazarus to die even though he's heard of his sickness. We find that Jesus intends to perform a bigger miracle: to give life to the dead with the power of his word. This word belongs in the pulpit, where preachers give the promise of the resurrection itself.
On this episode of Preaching the Text, Steve Paulson and John Hoyum discuss the story of Jesus healing a man born blind. This healing elicits suspicion and disbelief from many of the Pharisees who question Jesus' authority to do such things. We conclude by showing how preachers can give the gospel to those who are spiritually both blind and deaf, because it is the gospel that gives sight and hearing.
In this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson study the story of the woman at the well. This conversation involves a long dispute between the Samaritans and the Jews about the proper location of worship. Jesus reveals that true worship of God will take place neither in Samaria nor in Jerusalem only, but that true worship is in Spirit and truth. We also learn how the disciples fail to understand the true nature of worship in Christ's kingdom – which is not sacrifice to God, but the gifts of God given to us.
In this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the story of Nicodemus and his visit to Jesus in the middle of the night. This passage not only contains Christ's teaching about the new birth of baptism, but also the famous John 3:16 verse. Nicodemus identifies Jesus as a teacher, but doesn't quite get that he's more than a teacher – but Israel's messiah. Jesus teaches him about the gospel, but on this particular occasion, Jesus doesn't actually give him the gospel.
In this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson explore the temptation of Christ in the wilderness right after his baptism. The contrast is between the Father's word of favor announced at Christ's baptism and the devil's word of temptation. While the Father gives a gospel word of favor, the devil gives a law word of temptation and sin. Christ the savior trusts in the Father, not the devil, and therefore gives Christians the promise of deliverance from temptation by the power of sin, death, and the devil.
In this episode of Preaching the Text, Steven Paulson and John Hoyum examine the story of Christ's transfiguration before three of his apostles on the mount of Transfiguration. In this text, like the baptism of Christ, we learn of both the Trinity and the two natures of Christ, divine and human. Christ is both God and man, having taken flesh for our sake. The Father's declaration of favor over his son is a word different from the law – but in a strange mystery comes to Christians as well in the word given in baptism.
Continuing with the Sermon on the Mount, this episode of Preaching the Text examines Jesus' teaching of the law. Christ doesn't change the law of Moses or introduce a new law, but teaches the law to his hearers that had been in force since the beginning.
In today's episode of Preaching the Text we talk again about the distinction between law and gospel. Christ comes not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it. And in fulfilling the law, he puts in it in its proper place as the thing that keeps order in the world. But only through the gospel promise does true righteousness come.
In this episode of Preaching the Text, we discuss the beatitudes – what Luther once described as the devil's favorite text of scripture to distort. We learn how to preach the beatitudes by dividing law and gospel so that hearers will receive a promise from Christ.
In this episode of Preaching the Text, we talk about Matthew's account of the beginning of Christ's ministry, especially his first sermon. He also calls his disciples here, and we also talk a bit about what discipleship – following Jesus – really means.
In this episode of Preaching the Text, we explore John's ministry of pointing to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. From John's ministry, we learn not only the difference between law and gospel – the ministries of Moses and Christ – but also the purpose of preaching, which is to give Christ and his death to our hearers.
In this episode of Preaching the Text, we discuss Christ's baptism by John in the Jordan River. Here we learn how Christ enters into his ministry by taking sin upon himself and receiving a promise from the Father. Christ takes our sins and proclaims that same promise to us in our own baptisms.
This episode explores Matthew's account of the wise men visiting Herod having seen the star signaling the birth of Christ. They come to Bethlehem and present their gifts to Christ. Dr. Paulson shows how Luther preached this text: to indicate how the wise men are the first of the gentiles to be drawn to Christ. The ministry of Jesus isn't only to the Israelites, but to the entire world.
In this episode of Preaching the Text, Steve Paulson and John Hoyum discuss Matthew's account of the slaughter of infant boys by Herod at Bethlehem, along with the flight of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus to Egypt. We learn about Joseph's faithfulness to his family and his protection of the infant Christ. All this points toward the faithfulness of God in supplying a messiah, and the way that evil is finally overcome.
Today we learn of the mystery of Christ become flesh. Our normal inclination is to think of God beyond our comprehension in holy majesty – too far above for us to imagine. The truth of Christmas is that God has not only looked upon us graciously, but has sent God the Son into our flesh to take our sin and be our savior. With John, we learn how it is we are to become witnesses of this truth and share the news of Christ in the flesh with others.
On this episode of preaching the text we study Matthew's story of Christ's conception and birth. We learn that Joseph finds his righteousness in the promise of God that Mary's son is not a disgrace to them, but will be the savior who takes away the sins of his people.
Today we talk about John's imprisonment and his doubts about Christ as the messiah. We learn about how Christ sends preachers to John to reassure him about the truth of the gospel. We also learn how all preachers overcome their doubts and hand over the goods of Christ crucified.
Today, we talk about the first encounter of Jesus with John the Baptist. John's preaching of the kingdom shows us the true meaning of repentance – not as something we must do to prepare for the gospel promise, but something God does to us with the word of judgment. We also talk about the meaning of John's baptism, and its relationship to the Christian sacrament of baptism.
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The first episode of Preaching the Text introduces the hosts, Dr. Steven Paulson and Pr. John Hoyum, as they start this new study of the Sunday lectionary texts. Today, we begin with special attention on the gospel reading from Matthew. This text is about the return of Christ in judgment. Though usually something people fear, Dr. Paulson shows that their is surprising good news of when Christ arrives.
En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.