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Weekly Inspiration for Preachers from Pastor Phil Brandt

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Fourth Sunday after Epiphany – Series C 

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Last week we were shocked to find Jesus in his rejection. Self-respecting Messiahs do not get rejected, they are winners and people love them. But not our Messiah, his great messiah work was accomplished on a cross, an instrument of torture reserved for the bottom dwelling losers of Roman society. 

This week, in the verses which immediately follow those we read last week, we see him perhaps in a little more comfortable role, until, that is, we see him turn to us and administer the kingdom to me too. We understand that other people need help, but I do? Yes, a little cosmetic work around the edges, perhaps. My eyes don’t see quite so clearly as I would like so a little laser surgery there would be good idea. Yeah, I should shed a few pounds, and I feel the peripheral problems of health and aging, but I am otherwise OK. I mean, fix a few aches and pains and I am alright. What!? You say, I need a complete redo, a reboot of my life, do over? I rather liked what it was, it had a few rough spots but I thought I was doing OK with this. Our Lord hears this sort of blather and looks on us with steady and penetrating eyes. To our shock, with words of power and authority, Jesus says, “I command you to come out…” He is talking to us! 

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I value Sunday Sermon notes for their ease of use, the contribution of many others to the discussion and for the sermon starters, especially when you have writer's block!
Pastor Glen Emery
Pastor Glen EmeryGrace Lutheran Church | Fairbury, NE
My sermon preparations are much easier made and more enriched. There is always good stuff in the introductions and background information. What a blessing!
Rev. Dr. Nicholas Salifu
Rev. Dr. Nicholas SalifuGhana, West Africa
Sunday Sermon notes are extremely helpful for many, not just proclaimers. I've shared them weekly with Elders of the small church I'm privileged to serve and suggest they be used as devotional thoughts during the week. They are appreciative.
Rev. Lloyd Willweber
Rev. Lloyd WillweberKailua, HI
Not only is Dr. Brandt’s sermon studies a great help in preparing sermons, they also are great for use in bible studies and personal devotions. Thank you, Dr. Brandt for all your good work! 
Pastor Toby Joeckel
Pastor Toby JoeckelIntentional Interim Pastor Pilgrim Lutheran | Spokane, WA
I often use Phil’s Sunday Sermon notes to get ideas. His insights are thought-provoking and I appreciate that he often poses questions rather than supplying (or attempting to supply) answers. I’ve used them for a number of years and have been blessed because of them. Thanks brother Phil!
Pastor Skip Nizinski
Pastor Skip NizinskiGood Shepherd | York, PA
Sunday Sermon has been an incredible resource for me in my first four years of pastoral ministry. Pastor Brandt’s work with all of the weekly lectionary texts offer wonderful Law/Gospel insights which have been integral to my weekly sermon prep, reducing the amount of overwhelm I felt as I learned to develop a rhythm of preaching each Sunday. Pastor Brandt’s reflections were helpful not only in sermon prep but also in my own devotional life as well.
Nick Shults, Chaplain
Nick Shults, ChaplainCrowley County Correctional Facility | Pueblo, CO
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