This piece includes a sermon based on two texts of the Revised Common Lectionary for the First Sunday of Pentecost (Year C), Genesis 11:1-9 (the Tower of Babel) and Acts 2:1-13 (the Holy Spirit visits the apostles). Included after the sermon is an exegetical rationale which explores various Pentateuchal backgrounds and themes while reflecting on the audience and setting for the sermon. Themes include divine punishment and mercy, human folly, God's promise, mission, and the Holy Spirit. Applications for this material are open-ended and could include preaching, adult bible study, and reading for reflection and discussion among church councils, mission developers, or even stewardship committees.

This sermon engages the difficulties surrounding The Binding of Isaac (or Akedah) story. It is meant to be an Easter Vigil sermon but could be adapted for a bible study or other context. The likely age group would be for young adults or precocious high school students. I have also included an exegetical rationale so that leaders can follow my steps (this is more for the leaders than for the participants). Following the sermon are discussion questions for small groups. These are suggestions and are by no means the only ways that you can engage this story.

A Word template for sermon preparation. I developed this based this on Nancy Lammers Gross' book, If You Cannot Preach Like Paul…; Tom Long's book, The Witness of Preaching; and class discussions with Dr. Fred Gaiser and Dr. Shauna Hannan.

In connection with the ELCA Book of Faith Initiative, this series of sermons begins with Genesis 1:1 and will continue through the book of Revelation. This lectionary lists the primary preaching text, a related psalm, and hymn suggestions for each week in the series. It will be updated as the series continues to develop.

In connection with the ELCA Book of Faith Initiative, this series of sermons begins with Genesis 1:1 and will continue through the book of Revelation. This sermon covers the covenant God makes with Abraham, including the promise of the son of Sarah, in Genesis 17.

In connection with the ELCA Book of Faith Initiative, this series of sermons begins with Genesis 1:1 and will continue through the book of Revelation. This sermon covers the promises made to Ishmael, the first son of Abram, in Genesis 15 & 16.

In connection with the ELCA Book of Faith Initiative, this series of sermons begins with Genesis 1:1 and will continue through the book of Revelation. This sermon covers the relationship between Abram and Lot, and the relationship between Abram and God through Melchizedek in Genesis 13 & 14.

In connection with the ELCA Book of Faith Initiative, this series of sermons begins with Genesis 1:1 and will continue through the book of Revelation. This sermon covers Abram's travels from Ur to the land of Canaan in Genesis 11:27-12:20.

In connection with the ELCA Book of Faith Initiative, this series of sermons begins with Genesis 1:1 and will continue through the book of Revelation. This sermon covers the sinfulness of humanity that came after the flood, including the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 10:32-11:9.