Scripture
Shaping a place where people can become more like Christ
Scot McKnight looks to Paul to define the pastoral task.
January 19, Epiphany 2A (John 1:29–42)
What do we do when we read a story where the ending is already known?
What if we treated all of creation—plants and stars, soil and rivers—as our kin?
Biblical scholar Mari Joerstad and indigenous activist Nick Estes challenge our human-centered worldview.
January 12, Baptism of the Lord (Matthew 3:13–17)
Jesus knows he’s part of a history, a people’s longing and dreams.
January 6, Epiphany of the Lord (Matthew 2:1–12)
Genealogies suggest a beautiful inevitability even amid political impossibility.
Has family become an idol?
The Bible gives no sense that the family is an end in itself.
Does Matthew correct Mark’s story? Or complete it?
Matthew D. C. Larsen challenges long-held assumptions about the Gospels.
Four views of Paul’s letter to the Romans
In Preaching Romans, a range of scholars present their perspectives in complementary ways.
December 29, Christmas 1A (Matthew 2:13–23)
Matthew connects Jesus to the overarching narrative of the Jewish people—as well as to the smaller story of Matthew’s immediate community.
December 24 and 25, Nativity (Isaiah 9:2–7; Luke 2:1–20)
Preachers who value their pulpit would be wise to avoid Isaiah 9 this Christmas Eve.
When hope gives up on magical results
Since my son’s accident, everything I understand about hope has changed.
December 22, Advent 4A (Matthew 1:18–25; Isaiah 7:10–16; Romans 1:1–7)
In Luke, Mary says that she’s a virgin. Do I believe her?
December 15, Advent 3A (Matthew 11:2–11; Psalm 146:5–10; James 5:7–10)
In his response to John, Jesus speaks of hope in the present tense.
December 8, Advent 2A (Matthew 3:1–12)
In the stitched-together story of Advent, we wrestle with each other’s certainties.
What the Bible actually says about abortion, slavery, and other controversial topics
Should scripture inform our ethics? How, and which parts?
December 1, Advent 1A (Matthew 24:36–44; Romans 13:11–14)
It’s troubling to imagine the Son of man arriving with criminal intent.
November 24, Reign of Christ C (Jeremiah 23:1-6; Luke 23:33-43)
The unfaithful shepherd sniffs out and stirs up fear, fragmenting communities.
Who is justified? (Luke 18:9–14)
This Reformation Day, I'm preaching the Gospel text from the lectionary.
November 17, Ordinary 33C (Luke 21:5-19)
Jesus’ hearers are well-acquainted with calamity and crisis.