Commentary posted on September 23, 2019

Proper 21C Sermon Commentary

The Proper 21C Sermon Commentaries and illustration ideas for Luke 16:19-31 from the Lectionary Gospel; Jeremiah 32:1-3,6-15 from the Old Testament Lectionary; Psalm 146 from the Lectionary Psalms; and 1 Timothy 6:6-19 from the Lectionary Epistle are now ready.

Related Reformed confession: Lectionary Psalm: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 125 (Lord’s Day 50)

 

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Luke 16:19-31 Sermon Commentary

Proper 21C

The author Robert Farrar Capon was a master of parabolic embellishment, being highly adept at bringing these ancient stories up-to-date through vivid contemporary language and imagery.  Sometimes Capon also did what those of us who preach occasionally do as well: he’d name the characters.  And so in the Parable of the Prodigal Son maybe we’ll…

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Psalm 146 Sermon Commentary

Proper 21C

When I read Psalm 146 to prepare this article, the thought occurred to me, “Didn’t I just do this psalm recently?”  It took me a minute but then I realized why I thought that: the bottom line and final verses of this poem are nearly identical (in sentiment if not in actual words) to last…

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1 Timothy 6:6-19 Sermon Commentary

Proper 21C

“Take hold of the life that really is life.” What a catching phrase. It’s one of those that you can feel the truth of deep in your bones, but whose truth you can’t simply explain in a few words. What is “the life that really is life?” We’re at the close of Paul’s first letter…

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Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 Sermon Commentary

Proper 21C

After 29 chapters of gloom and doom with only an occasional glimmer of hope, we have come to Jeremiah’s Book of Consolation (chapters 30-33) in which some words of hope brighten the darkness of the present and the future.  And here in this text, the words of hope become a deed of promise. It’s as…

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