Resources on Karoline M Lewis

Faith, Truthfulness, Truth, Courage

Exorcisms for Our Day

Karoline M Lewis | Working Preacher

Karoline Lewis says that Jesus' first act of public ministry in Mark, an exorcism (Mark 1:21-28), signifies God's presence in "the places and spaces where it seems God could never be."

Mark 1:21-28

Preaching, Exorcism, God's Presence, Doubt

Stumbling Blocks

Karoline M Lewis | The Christian Century

Karoline Lewis' reflection on Mark 9:38-50 points out our tendency to place stumbling blocks in the way of others and ourselves. Staying focused on Jesus diminishes the effects of those stumbling blocks.

Mark 9:38-50

Stumbling-block, Gospel, Sin

But First

Karoline M Lewis | Working Preacher

Referring to the potential disciples who said "but first" rather than follow Jesus (Luke 9:51-62), Karoline M. Lewis invites us to consider how saying "but first" keeps us from answering Jesus' call.

Luke 9:51-62

Call, Discipleship, Jerusalem, Joy

Joyful Sadness

Karoline M Lewis | A Sermon for Every Sunday

Scripture Meditation or Sermon

Karoline Lewis preaches on prayer from John 17:6-19, in a sermon titled "Joyful Sadness."

John 17:6-19

Prayer, Joy, Sorrow, Grace

Kangaroo care

Karoline M Lewis | The Christian Century

Article about Scripture

In this reflection on John 1:18, Karoline Lewis recalls giving "kangaroo care" to her son who was born prematurely and reflects on the deep intimacy we have with God through Jesus.

John 1:18

Bosom, God, Resurrection, Relationship

Trinity Musings

Karoline M Lewis | Working Preacher

Reflecting on John 16:12-15, Karoline M. Lewis regards the Trinity not in terms of fixed doctrine but as our best attempts to explain who God is, which we can never fully explain.

John 16:12-15

Trinity, Doctrine, Language, Mystery

Boundless Discipleship

Karoline M Lewis | The Christian Century

Sermon Preparation or Illustration, Scripture Meditation or Sermon

Setting the pericope in its broader context, Karoline Lewis argues that Jesus’s interaction with the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:10-28 is actually about redefining defilement and purity.

Matthew 15:10-28

Discipleship, Purity, Uncleanness

Holding on to Advent

Karoline M Lewis | Working Preacher

In this Advent reflection on Matthew 1:18-25, Karoline M. Lewis observes that Emmanuel means "God is with US," not "God is with YOU," and emphasizes that "community is not only our necessity but also our responsibility."

Matthew 1:18-25

Advent, Community, Emmanuel, God's Presence

A Good Day to Be Born

Karoline M Lewis | Working Preacher

Karoline Lewis suggests that "one way to preach the meaning of Jesus’ birth is to preach that it gives meaning to our own." Jesus' birth speaks of both the joy and the fragility of new life.

Christmas, Incarnation, Birth, Jesus

Baptismal Blessings?

Karoline M Lewis | Working Preacher

In this article, Karoline Lewis reflects on Mark 1:1-11 and wonders if we have domesticated the text. The truth is that there is nothing tame, complacent or orderly about baptism.

Mark 1:1-11

Baptism, Lectionary, Grace

Embodying Epiphany

Karoline M Lewis | Working Preacher

Reflecting on John 1:29-42, Karoline M. Lewis asks how much we are "willing to give witness to Jesus’ epiphanous moments" - to testify, like John, to Jesus' revealed glory and identity.

John 1:29-42

Courage, Epiphany, Gospel, Hope

Reading Texts for the Sake of Hearing the Gospel

Karoline M Lewis | Working Preacher

Karoline Lewis's article borrows from literary theory, suggesting that biblical exegesis can benefit from the practice of "rereading." Lewis invites preachers to listen to the text, allow texts to interact, and write sermons for the ear.

Preaching, Preparation, Sermon, Scripture Reading

A Generous Forgiveness

Karoline M Lewis | Working Preacher

This article by Karoline Lewis focuses in on the forgiveness theme for working preachers. Forgiveness is revealed to be a good idea for relationships but also "a theological necessity."

Matthew 18:21-35

Forgiveness, Ordinary Time, Exegesis, Sermon

#DoItForJohn

Karoline M Lewis | Working Preacher

In this commentary, Karoline Lewis explores John 6:24-35, specifically looking at Jesus' dialogue with the woman at the well and the implications of the first I AM declaration in Jesus' ministry.

John 6:24-35

Work Of Jesus Christ, God's Deliverance, Commentary

What Makes You Feel Alive?

Karoline M Lewis | Working Preacher

Article about Worship and the Sacraments

What will help you remember that resurrection is here and now? In this article, Karoline Lewis talks about having reminders and why they are important. Provided as well is a prayer about the resurrection life.

John 17:6-19

Resurrection, Prayer, Life

Wheat and Tares and Other Truths about the Kingdom of Heaven

Karoline M Lewis | Working Preacher

This resource from Karoline Lewis examines Matthew 13:24-30. It focuses on themes of evil, theodicy, and God's power.

Matthew 13:24-30

Sin, Evil, Theodicy, God's Omnipotence

On Hard Yokes and Heavy Burdens

Karoline M Lewis | Working Preacher

In this sermon resource, Karoline Lewis reflects on Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30. Being yoked to Jesus does not mean escaping from life's burdens, but bearing them with Jesus who is pulling the burden with us.

Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Burden, Community, Discipleship

Spirit Feelings

Karoline M Lewis | Working Preacher

In this article, Karoline Lewis reflects on sensing the movement of the Holy Spirit and how it relates to the sermon writing process.

Sermon, Holy Spirit, Feeling, In Religion, Preaching

Advent & Christmas

Karoline M Lewis | Working Preacher

In this article, Karoline Lewis offers practical suggestions to address the challenges of preaching hope during the season of Advent—a time when hope can be drowned out by other worries.