In Memoriam: James Arne Nestingen (1945–2022)
Dr. Robert Kolb writes about the work of Dr. James Arne Nestingen and of their friendship
Why Are Others Reading Luther More than Many Lutherans?
Martin Luther’s thought offers more than Lutherans are perhaps even aware of
Baptism of our Lord • Luke 3:15–22 • January 10, 2016
By Robert Kolb I am not particularly fond of John the Baptist. It is not his strange clothes or his strange diet that puts me off. I know lots of people with strange clothing eating strange foods. His threatening me with fire is the reason I would rather avoid John. Fire hurts, a long time. ..
Luther’s Truths, Then and Now
Robert Kolb delivered the following address at the International Conference on Confessional Leadership in the 21st Century, held in Wittenberg, Germany, May 3-8, 2015
In Memoriam: Bengt Vilhelm Hägglund
Robert Kolb remembers the life of renowned Swedish church historian Bengt Hägglund
Lent 2 • Romans 5:1–11 • March 1, 2015
By Robert Kolb Sometimes it seems as if our lives have wandered into one of the survival shows on television and we are about to be eliminated, or at least have questions about lasting longer than a few more weeks or months. Too many false calculations, too many wrong-headed decisions. Paul tells us in this lesson that this ..
Lent 4 • Isaiah 42:14–21 • March 30, 2014
By Robert Kolb Introductory thoughts The final verse of the pericope governs our use of it and its context in chapter 42. The Lord takes pleasure (חפצ)—he gets a kick out of—placing his instruction, the script of the conversation he wishes to have with his human creatures (תורה), before them. He does so in accord with his righteousness. ..
The Preacher’s Studio: Robert Kolb
Preacher’s Studio is a chance to take a step back and talk about the art and craft of preaching. Today’s preacher: ROBERT KOLB, on preaching PHILIPPIANS 3:17-4:1
Lent 2 • Philippians 3:17–4:1 • February 24, 2013
By Robert Kolb Introductory thoughts “Walk this way,” Mel Brook’s Igor the hunchback said (from the movie Young Frankenstein). Following in his footsteps, Doctor Frankenstein imitated his awkward gait. Children imitate their parents, sometimes to their parents’ pleasure, sometimes to their embarrassment. Models of faithful following of Jesus are significant parts of the Holy Spirit’s ..
Discipleship in the Lutheran Tradition
Robert Kolb provides a sweeping overview of how Lutherans have conceived of and acted out “discipleship,” from the 16th century to today
Lent 3 • Exodus 20:1–17 • March 11, 2012
By Robert Kolb Introduction What do we do with the law of God? That is a question critical for human life since God’s law gives us his design for life. He is its creator. His design makes life work right. Because we, however, want to run our own lives, making decisions contrary to his law, ..
Easter 2 • John 20:19–31 • May 1, 2011
By Robert Kolb Introductory thoughts: The text contains material for at least two good sermons; the sermon on Thomas and his faith and doubt can wait for another year. John comes to the climax of his entire gospel here: he has written in order that readers and hearers may believe that Jesus is the Messiah ..
The Resurrection of our Lord · Mark 16:1-8 · April 12, 2009
By Robert Kolb Introductory thoughts: These women appear to be bewildered, to be sure, and somewhat befuddled and bungling. They apparently had just not thought of how they would get to the body, behind that massive stone that blocked the entrance, behind those Roman guards. They could not know, of course, that theirs was a ..
Second Sunday after the Epiphany · John 1:43-51 · January 18, 2009
By Robert Kolb Context Jesus has begun to gather his disciples. John the Baptist’s advertising of this “Lamb of God” has attracted the curious (1:15-37). Simon and Andrew have come to Jesus, and Simon has already begun to experience what it means when Jesus takes over a person’s life. Jesus changed his name, gave him a ..