Commentary posted on July 12, 2021

Proper 11B Sermon Commentary

The Proper 11B Sermon Starters include commentary and illustration ideas for Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 from the Lectionary Gospel; 2 Samuel 7:1-14a from the Old Testament Lectionary; Psalm 23 from the Lectionary Psalms; and Ephesians 2:11-22 from the Lectionary Epistle.

Related Reformed confession: OT Lectionary: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 15 (Lord’s Day 5)

 

Home » July 12, 2021 - Proper 11B

Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 Sermon Commentary

Proper 11B

“Be specific!”  “Show, Don’t Tell!”  “Appeal to all Five Senses!” Recently I completed a three-week mini course online on “The Nuts and Bolts of Preaching” and when I interacted with my students, lines like those above were my common go-to pieces of advice.  It is the same in regular seminary courses when I grade student…

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Psalm 23 Sermon Commentary

Proper 11B

There are a few psalms that pop up in the Revised Common Lectionary with some frequency.  The Lectionary likes Psalm 29 and Psalm 89, for instance.  Psalms 118 and 148 are often assigned, too.  But few come up quite as often—and often in pretty close chronological proximity as well—as Psalm 23.  Once this sermon commentary…

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Ephesians 2:11-22 Sermon Commentary

Proper 11B

Could Paul say anything more counter-cultural yet hopeful than Christ has made the two one? (14). We live, after all, in a world that’s deeply divided along so many lines. In fact, the gaps those fault lines create also seem to be widening. Democrats vs. Republicans. Liberal Party members vs. Conservative Party members. Vaxxers vs….

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2 Samuel 7:1-14a Sermon Commentary

Proper 11B

This is arguably the most important text in the books of Samuel, indeed, in what scholars call the Deuteronomistic history from the Pentateuch through Chronicles.  So, although I’ve written on it just 7 months ago at the height of Advent, I will attempt to offer some fresh preaching ideas for this Eighth Sunday of Ordinary…

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