Welcome to I Love to Tell the Story, a podcast on the narrative lectionary! In this episode for September 21, 2025, hosts Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Karoline Lewis dive deep into the complex story of Jacob stealing his brother Esau's blessing with the help of his mother Rebecca.

This episode explores the third week of the narrative lectionary cycle, examining one of the most morally complex stories in Genesis. 

Our hosts discuss: * The dysfunctional family dynamics in Genesis and what they reveal about humanity * Jacob as a "trickster" figure and the consequences of deception * The theological significance of God meeting Jacob at Bethel when he had nothing but a stone for a pillow * How this Old Testament story connects to John 1:50-51 and Jesus as the place where heaven and earth meet * The contrast between trying to "box God in" versus recognizing God's presence in daily life

The conversation reveals how these ancient stories continue to speak truth about both God's character and human nature, showing how God works with and through flawed people throughout salvation history.

🎧 Listen now and equip yourself for your preaching journey! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow preachers.

🔗 Find more episodes and resources here: https://www.workingpreacher.org/.

Follow along with the commentary on Genesis 27:1-4, 15-23; 28:10-17 written by Justin Michael Reed at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/jacobs-dream-2/commentary-on-genesis-271-4-15-23-2810-17-4.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/HAUbo2F__V0.

Welcome to "I Love to Tell the Story," the podcast exploring the Narrative Lectionary! In this episode for September 14th, 2025, Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Karoline Lewis tackle one of the most challenging and theologically rich stories in the Bible: The Binding of Isaac (Genesis 22:1-14).

Join us as we dive deep into this difficult passage, exploring: * Why Jews call it the "binding of Isaac" while Christians call it the "sacrifice of Isaac" * The theological significance of God's promises to Abraham * How different religious traditions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) interpret this story * The rich Hebrew literary techniques that make this narrative so powerful * Connections to the Gospel of John and Good Friday traditions * Practical approaches for preaching this challenging text

Our hosts provide historical context, discuss rabbinic interpretations, and offer insights into how this ancient story speaks to questions of faith, trust, and relationship with God. Whether you're a preacher preparing for Sunday or simply interested in biblical interpretation, this episode offers valuable perspectives on one of Scripture's most profound narratives.

🎧 Listen now and equip yourself for your preaching journey! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow preachers.

🔗 Find more episodes and resources here: https://www.workingpreacher.org/.

Here is Kathryn's commentary from 2014: https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-13/commentary-on-genesis-221-14-5.

Follow along with the commentary on Genesis 21:1-3; 22:1-14 written by Justin Michael Reed at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/binding-of-isaac-2/commentary-on-genesis-211-3-221-14-4.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/buA2BQ26Cb8.

Welcome to the first episode of the new Narrative Lectionary year (Year 4)! 

Join hosts Rolf Jacobson and Kathryn Schifferdecker, along with special guest Karoline Lewis, a homiletics and New Testament expert, as they dive deep into Genesis 1 and its connections to John's Gospel.

In this episode, we explore: * The poetic structure and litany format of Genesis 1 * The relational nature of God's "goodness" in creation * The image of God and what it means for humanity * Connections between Genesis creation and John's prologue * The significance of Sabbath as a "sanctuary in time" * Practical preaching ideas for a fall sermon series

Karoline Lewis brings her expertise in John's Gospel to illuminate the connections between "In the beginning" in Genesis and "In the beginning was the Word" in John 1. We discuss how both texts reveal God's fundamental character as creator and God's commitment to relationship with creation. Perfect for preachers, seminary students, and anyone interested in biblical narrative and lectionary preaching.

🎧 Listen now and equip yourself for your preaching journey! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow preachers.

🔗 Find more episodes and resources here: https://www.workingpreacher.org/.

Follow along with the commentary on Genesis 1:1—2:4a written by Justin Michael Reed at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/creation-by-the-word/commentary-on-genesis-11-24a-8.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/t5BBTxZAHLU.

#genesis1 #preaching #homiletics #biblecommentary #workingpreacher

Revelation Preaching Series on Revelation (text commentaries found on Working Preacher at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/preaching-series-on-revelation-2025/commentary-on-revelation-14-8-7.

• Week 1 - 7/27/2025: Revelation 1:4-8 (Greetings and 1st Vision) • Week 2 - 8/03/2025: Revelation 4:1-11 (The Elders and the Four Living Creatures) • Week 3 - 8/10/2025: Revelation 5:1-13 (The Seven Seals) • Week 4 - 8/17/2025: Revelation 7:9-17 (The Multitude from Every Nation) • Week 5 - 8/24/2025: Revelation 13:1-18 (The Beast and the Dragon) • Week 6 - 8/31/2025: Revelation 21:1-6; 22:1-5 (The New Heaven and the New Jerusalem)

⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00  Introduction to Narrative Lectionary Summer Preaching Series on Revelation 02:54  Overview: Exploring the Book of Revelation 03:35  Week 1: Revelation 1, Greetings and First Vision 05:51  Trinitarian Theology in Revelation 08:41  Week 2: Revelation 4, The Elders and the Four Living Creatures 08:59  Imagery and Symbolism in Revelation 12:04  The Role of Worship in Revelation 15:08  Diversity and Inclusion in Revelation 17:56  Week 3: Revelation 5, The Seven Seals 20:53  The Nature of Salvation in Revelation 24:06  Understanding Numbers and Symbolism 25:37  Week 4: Revelation 7, The Multitude from Every Nation 27:12  Deception and Violence in Revelation 29:57  Week 5: Revelation 13, The Beast and the Dragon 31:30  Worship as a detergent for deception and violence 37:00  Week 6: Revelation 21-22, The New Heaven and the New Jerusalem 38:02  The Final Vision: New Creation and Hope on earth 41:25  Outro

🎧 Listen now and equip yourself for your preaching journey! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow preachers.

🔗 Find more episodes and resources here: https://www.workingpreacher.org/.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/E5j2geS-CKU.

In this episode of 'I Love to Tell the Story', Professors Rolf Jacobson, Jennifer Pietz, and Matt Skinner explore the themes of the Holy Spirit's role in the Christian faith, particularly through the lens of Paul's letter to the Galatians. They discuss the significance of adoption into God's family, the concept of freedom in Christ, and how the fruit of the Spirit manifests in the lives of believers. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community and relationship in living out one's faith, as well as the challenges and realities of spiritual growth.

⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 Introduction to the Narrative Lectionary 01:03 The Role of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 04:04 Freedom and Adoption in Christ 06:46 Living Out the Fruit of the Spirit

🎧 Listen now and equip yourself for your preaching journey! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow preachers.

🔗 Find more episodes and resources here: https://www.workingpreacher.org/.

Follow along with the commentary on Acts 2:1-4; Galatians 4:1-7 [5:16-26] written by Jerry Sumney at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/pentecost-gifts-of-the-spirit-2/commentary-on-acts-21-4-galatians-41-7-3.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/ffC2rpHb_1A.

Welcome to "I Love to Tell the Story," a podcast exploring the Narrative Lectionary! In this episode, Rolf Jacobson, Jennifer Pietz, and Matt Skinner explore key themes from Galatians 3, focusing on justification, the role of personal experience in faith, the purpose of the law, and the significance of baptism in forming community identity in Christ. They discuss how Paul appeals to the Galatians' experiences and the implications of the Holy Spirit's presence in their lives, while also addressing the potential for abuse in personal religious experiences. The conversation culminates in a reflection on the transformative nature of baptism and belonging to the community of faith.

⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 Introduction to Galatians and Justification 03:02 The Role of Personal Experience in Faith 05:53 Understanding the Law and Its Purpose 09:09 Baptism and Community Identity in Christ

🎧 Listen now and equip yourself for your preaching journey! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow preachers.

🔗 Find more episodes and resources at https://www.workingpreacher.org/.

Follow along with the commentary on Galatians 3:1-9, 23-29 written by Jerry Sumney at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/one-in-christ-2/commentary-on-galatians-31-9-23-29-3.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/M84sdi4_kiE.

Welcome to "I Love to Tell the Story," a podcast exploring the Narrative Lectionary! In this episode, Rolf Jacobson, Jennifer Pietz, and Matt Skinner delve into the Letter to the Galatians, which will be the focus for the next three weeks leading up to Pentecost. Explore the concept of humanity's lack of true freedom in the face of sin and death, and how Christ's death and resurrection break these powers, opening a path to right relationships with God and each other. 

⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 Introduction to Galatians 02:58 Context of Paul's Letter 05:39 Understanding Justification 08:32 Conclusion and Reflection 08:58 End

🎧 Listen now and equip yourself for your preaching journey! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow preachers.

🔗 Find more episodes and resources here: https://www.workingpreacher.org/.

Follow along with the commentary on Galatians 1:13-17; 2:11-21 written by Jerry Sumney at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/living-by-faith/commentary-on-galatians-113-17-211-21-5.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/GDzlxgLXgcw.

In this episode of 'I Love to Tell the Story', Professors Rolf Jacobson, Jennifer Pietz, and Matt Skinner discuss the complexities of the early Christian church as depicted in Acts 15. They explore the challenges faced by the early church regarding law observance, the inclusion of Gentiles, and the meaning of salvation within the community. The conversation highlights the diversity of beliefs and practices among early Christians and the importance of unity in faith despite these differences.

⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and New Beginnings 01:02 Exploring Acts 15: The Early Church's Challenges 06:12 Understanding Salvation in the Context of Community

🎧 Listen now and equip yourself for your preaching journey! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow preachers.

🔗 Find more episodes and resources here: https://www.workingpreacher.org/.

Follow along with the commentary on Acts 15:1-18 written by Jerry Sumney at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/council-at-jerusalem-2/commentary-on-acts-151-18-3.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/ZQAn2TmNfOU.

In this episode, Professors Rolf Jacobson, Jennifer Pietz, and Lois Malcolm explore the story of the Ethiopian eunuch from Acts 8, focusing on the themes of the Holy Spirit's guidance in spreading the gospel, the inclusivity of baptism, and the significance of reaching out to those who seek God. They discuss the historical context of the eunuch's story, the implications of his baptism, and the ongoing mission of the church in being sensitive to God's leading.

⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 Introduction to the Ethiopian Eunuch's Story 02:49 The Role of the Holy Spirit in Mission 06:02 Inclusivity in Baptism and God's Grace

🎧 Listen now and equip yourself for your preaching journey! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow preachers.

🔗 Find more episodes and resources here: https://www.workingpreacher.org/.

Follow along with the commentary on Acts 8:26-39 written by Katherine A. Shaner at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/ethiopian-eunuch-baptized/commentary-on-acts-826-39-4.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/n5dyWOnkzJ0.

In this episode of the Sermon Brainwave podcast, Profs. Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson explore the themes of resurrection, discipleship, and transformation as illustrated in the readings from John 21, Acts 9, Psalm 30, and Revelation 5. 

They discuss the significance of Jesus' resurrection appearances, the call to discipleship, the symbolism of feeding and shepherding, and the transformative experiences of Saul and Ananias. 

The conversation also delves into the emotional journey from mourning to joy, as well as the counter-cultural message of Revelation regarding power and authority.

Commentaries for the Third Sunday of Easter can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/third-sunday-of-easter-3/commentary-on-john-211-19-6.

*  *  *

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay connected with more insightful lectionary discussions!

Reminder: We have commentaries for the Revised Common Lectionary, the Narrative Lectionary, and Evangelio (Spanish-language Gospel). We're here for you, working preachers!

Learn more by visiting https://www.workingpreacher.org/.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/XTD6KJCFGBs.