In Memoriam: Peter L. Steinke
Reflecting on the ongoing influence of the noted author, congregational systems pioneer, and Concordia Seminary alumnus
Reformation Day • Revelation 14:6–7 • October 26, 2014
By Bruce Hartung Like the beginning of a great meal, Revelation 14:6–7 goes well with the psalm for this Sunday (Psalm 46) for the celebration of the Reformation. They are excellent companions because both express unshaking vision to see the presence and activity of God, even in the midst of great trial and calamity, even in the midst ..
Proper 29 • Colossians 1:13–20 • November 24, 2013
By Bruce M. Hartung An encouragement when preparing to preach on this text, the Epistle assigned for the Last Sunday of the Church Year: Read aloud and meditate on all the assigned readings for the day, praying that the Holy Spirit will enlighten and move you with the truth of the Scriptures which you are reading and on ..
Proper 8 • Galatians 5:1, 13–25 • June 30, 2013
By Bruce Hartung Review some of the times in the New Testament that eleutherou is used in addition to Galatians 5. These include John 8:31b–32, “If you remain in my world you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”; Romans 6:18, “Freed from sin, ..
The Science of Divorce
The new research on divorce and family change exposes a crisis. There are at least three things the church can do about it
When the Empty Chair Talks Back
Clint Eastwood’s presentation at the Republican National Convention brought back memories of a technique in counseling. But he only went halfway
Proper 13 • Exodus 16:2–15 • August 5, 2012
By Bruce M. Hartung It is an easy homiletical move to criticize and condemn the wandering children of Israel for their murmuring against Moses and Aaron, and for their less-than-robust confidence that Yahweh would, in fact, provide. The next homiletical move would then be to identify this same murmuring against religious leadership and lack of ..
Second thoughts on the Supreme Court and church workers
How do we as a church protect our workers?
Holding Up the Prophet’s Hands
Everybody wants their church workers to work, live, and learn well. But how does it happen without unintended consequences?
When social capital trumps theology
Robert Putnam’s substantive findings on religion and civic engagement give us more than enough food for thought
Can religion and politics make us more civil?
E.J. Dionne raised the question at a recent lecture at nearby Washington University. Perhaps the better question to ask is this: Can I love my neighbor?
All Saints’ Day • Matthew 5:1–12 • November 6, 2011
By Bruce M. Hartung Edward Blair suggested that Matthew’s understanding of salvation centered on “knowing, believing, being, and doing.”1 I have found that center point to be very helpful in meditating on, studying, and preaching on Matthean texts. Expounding on this, Blair states, “The disciple must be inwardly good, not externally correct . . . ..
Epiphany 3 • Matthew 4:12–25 • January 23, 2011
by Bruce M. Hartung How rich can a text be? How many options can one text give a preacher? The richness of options is almost overwhelming as God speaks to us as preachers and to his people. Following his temptation, Jesus begins his Galilean ministry. In summary and rapid-fire form, Matthew ushers in Jesus’s work. ..
Epiphany 3 · Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 · January 24, 2010
By Bruce M. Hartung Sermon theme Without a center and a core, life is chaotic and without overall meaning. The center and core of life and of living for a Christian is Jesus Christ; the testimony to Christ (the Word) is God’s Word (the Scriptures). Introduction to the sermon … the context Nehemiah and Ezra ..
Easter 2 · John 20:19-31 · April 19, 2009
By Bruce Hartung Among the many themes clearly evident from this text, e.g., doubt and faith using the experience of Thomas (20:24—29), belief in Christ fostered by the telling of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ (20:30-31), this sermon help will focus on the theme of fear and peace (20:19-22, 26). For sermon helps ..