PODCAST · religion
Sermon Brainwave from Working Preacher
by Working Preacher from Luther Seminary
Sermon Brainwave from Working Preacher is a weekly conversation on upcoming Revised Common Lectionary readings. The conversations (featuring Luther Seminary faculty) are fun, informative, and creative—and just may give you the spark that ignites your own sermon brainwave!
Episodes
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Sermon Brainwave #1108: Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost - October 25, 2026
Love your neighbor as yourself sits at the heart of Jesus’ answer about the greatest commandment in Matthew 22:34-46. Cody Sanders, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner help preachers get ready for the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost. They ask why the struggle lives between knowing and doing. They show…
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Sermon Brainwave #1107: Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost - October 18, 2026
What did Jesus really mean by "render unto Caesar"? Matt Skinner and Cody Sanders dig into Matthew 22:15-22 for the 21st Sunday after Pentecost, October 18, 2026. They unpack the trap, the coin, and what Jesus means by giving back to God. Jesus refuses a false choice and asks whose image is on…
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Sermon Brainwave #1106: Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost - October 11, 2026
The parable of the wedding banquet in Matthew 22:1-14 is one of the toughest texts preachers face. Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Cody Sanders explore it for the 20th Sunday after Pentecost, October 11, 2026. They examine Jesus' anger at religious leaders and the wide-open invitation to both...
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Sermon Brainwave 1105: Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost - October 4, 2026
Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Cody Sanders dig into the texts for October 4, 2026, the 19th Sunday after Pentecost. The hosts weigh new titles for the parable of the wicked tenants and warn against anti-Jewish readings. They explore Isaiah's vineyard song and Psalm 80, a rare lament in the...
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SB1104: Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost - September 27, 2026
Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Cody Sanders unpack Matthew 21:23-32, where Jesus confronts the chief priests and elders in Jerusalem. They explore what Jesus's "non-answer" about his own authority reveals about power, hypocrisy, and who really enters the kingdom. The team also digs into…
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Sermon Brainwave 1103: Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost - September 20, 2026
The parable of the workers in the vineyard raises an uncomfortable question: what if God's grace isn't fair? On this episode of Sermon Brainwave, Karoline Lewis, Cody Sanders, and Matt Skinner dig into Matthew 20:1-16 and explore why this story about a generous landowner makes us so angry. They...
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Sermon Brainwave 1102: Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost - September 13, 2026
Peter asks Jesus a simple question: how many times should I forgive? Jesus answers with the parable of the unforgiving servant, and the answer gets uncomfortable fast. In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, Cody Sanders, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner dig into Matthew 18:21-35 for the 16th Sunday...
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Sermon Brainwave 1101: Feast of Creation - September 6, 2026
What happens when preachers get their first-ever shot at Feast of Creation texts? Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Cody Sanders dig into Season of Creation preaching for this brand-new addition to the lectionary. They explore John 1's cosmic logos, wrestle with chaos and order in Genesis 1, and...
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Sermon Brainwave 1100: Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost - September 6, 2026
Church conflict is inevitable, but how should Christians actually handle it? In this episode, hosts Cody Sanders, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner dive into Matthew 18 explained through the lens of accountability, reconciliation, and protecting the vulnerable. They unpack why Jesus pairs this...
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Sermon Brainwave 1099: Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost - August 30, 2026
What does it really mean to take up your cross and follow me? On this episode of Sermon Brainwave, Karoline Lewis, Cody Sanders, and Matt Skinner dig into Matthew 16:21-28 for the 14th Sunday after Pentecost. They unpack Peter's stinging rebuke, get behind me Satan, and wrestle with how…
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Sermon Brainwave 1098: Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost - August 23, 2026
Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Cody Sanders unpack Peter's confession and explore what testimony means for the pulpit. The hosts debate the ambiguous "rock" in Jesus's response and connect it to public confession. They turn to Exodus 1 and celebrate the disobedient women who save Moses' life....
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Sermon Brainwave 1097: Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost - August 16, 2026
Cody Sanders, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner dig into Jesus and the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:21-28. They explore her bold persistence and how she challenges Jesus to expand his mission. The hosts unpack what her story teaches about faith, humility, and changing your mind. They also cover...
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Sermon Brainwave 1096: Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost - August 9, 2026
Matt Skinner, Cody Sanders, and Karoline Lewis dig into the texts for the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost (August 9, 2026). The team explores Peter's attempt to walk on water in Matthew 14:22-33 and discusses Jesus's compassionate rebuke, "you of little faith." They turn to Elijah's encounter…
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Sermon Brainwave 1095: Tenth Sunday after Pentecost - August 2, 2026
Jesus feeds a massive crowd in Matthew 14, and the hosts show how this act challenges imperial power. They unpack splagchnizomai, the Greek word for gut-level compassion. They trace Isaiah 55's invitation to abundant life and link it to food insecurity today. Jacob wrestles God at the Jabbok in...
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Sermon Brainwave 1093: Eighth Sunday after Pentecost - July 19, 2026
Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Cody Sanders tackle Matthew's parable of the wheat and the weeds and its unsettling questions about judgment and impostors in the community of faith. They turn to Isaiah 44's witness against idols, Jacob's dream at Bethel and God's promise to migrants, Psalm 86's...
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Sermon Brainwave 1094: Ninth Sunday after Pentecost - July 26, 2026
Cody Sanders, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner unpack the lectionary texts for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost. They dig into the parables of the mustard seed, the yeast, the hidden treasure, the pearl, and the dragnet from Matthew 13. The hosts explore why Jesus chose strange, subversive images...
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Sermon Brainwave 1092: Seventh Sunday after Pentecost - July 12, 2026
Titles matter. So does the soil. On this episode of Sermon Brainwave, Matt Skinner, Caroline Lewis, and Cody Sanders dig into the texts for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (July 12, 2026). The team wrestles with Matthew's Parable of the Sower and asks what it really means to "bear fruit." Is…
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Sermon Brainwave 1091: Sixth Sunday after Pentecost - July 5, 2026
What does it mean to come to Jesus weary and burdened? In this episode of the Sermon Brainwave podcast, Karoline Lewis, Cody Sanders, and Matt Skinner dig into a rich set of texts for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A. The conversation centers on Matthew 11:28–30 and the promise of rest —...
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Sermon Brainwave 1089: Fourth Sunday after Pentecost - June 21, 2026
What does it mean to take up the cross in a world that rewards safety and silence? Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Cody Sanders dig into the lectionary texts for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (June 22, 2026), exploring the missionary discourse in Matthew 10, the prophet Jeremiah's anguished...
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Sermon Brainwave 1090: Fifth Sunday after Pentecost - June 28, 2026
What does it mean to truly welcome someone? In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Cody Sanders dig into a compact but dense set of texts for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (June 28). The gospel reading — just three verses from Matthew 10 — uses the word…
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Sermon Brainwave 1088: Third Sunday after Pentecost - June 14, 2026
What does it mean to be sent? In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, Cody Sanders, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner dig into the lectionary texts for the Third Sunday after Pentecost: Matthew 9:35–10:8, Exodus 19:2–8a, Romans 5:1–8, and Psalm 100 (with the alternate first reading from Genesis…
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Sermon Brainwave 1087: Second Sunday after Pentecost - June 7, 2026
What does it mean to faith your way toward healing? On this episode of Sermon Brainwave, Karoline Lewis, Cody Sanders, and Matt Skinner dig into the lectionary texts for the Second Sunday after Pentecost (June 7, 2026): Matthew 9:9–13, 18–26; Hosea 5:15–6:6; Genesis 12:1–9; Psalm 50:7–15; and...
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Sermon Brainwave 1086: Holy Trinity - May 31, 2026
Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Cody Sanders dig into one of the most theologically demanding Sundays of the church year. The lectionary texts span Genesis 1:1–2:4a, Psalm 8, 2 Corinthians 13:11–13, and Matthew 28:16–20. The hosts explore what it means to preach a doctrine that Scripture…
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Sermon Brainwave 1085: Day of Pentecost - May 24, 2026
The Day of Pentecost offers preachers more than one path in. Matt, Karoline, and Cody explore all four lectionary texts for this week and find each one illuminating a different dimension of the Spirit's work. John 20 gets special attention: instead of the dramatic rush of wind and fire in Acts…
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Sermon Brainwave 1084: Seventh Sunday of Easter - May 17, 2026
What does "eternal life" actually mean? In this episode, Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Cody Sanders dig into the texts for the Seventh Sunday of Easter (May 17, 2026): Acts 1:6–14, Psalm 68:1–10, 32–35, 1 Peter 4:12–14 and 5:6–11, and John 17:1–11. The conversation opens with a close look at...
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Sermon Brainwave 1083: Sixth Sunday of Easter - May 10, 2026
What does it mean to abide in love when Jesus is leaving? On this Sixth Sunday of Easter, Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Cody Sanders explore the farewell discourse in John 14:15-21, where Jesus promises the Advocate — the Paraclete — and calls his disciples into an active, world-directed form...
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Sermon Brainwave 1082: Fifth Sunday of Easter - May 3, 2026
What does Jesus actually mean when he says "I am the way, the truth, and the life"? And what about those troubling words: "no one comes to the Father except through me"? In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, Cody Sanders, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner explore the Fifth Sunday of Easter texts:...
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Sermon Brainwave 1081: Fourth Sunday of Easter - April 26, 2026
The Fourth Sunday of Easter is Good Shepherd Sunday, but in Year A, the primary image isn't the shepherd. It's the door. In John 10:1–10, Jesus describes himself as the gate that protects the vulnerable and invites the imperiled into safety. Hosts Karoline Lewis, Cody Sanders, and Matt Skinner...
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Sermon Brainwave 1080: Third Sunday of Easter - April 19, 2026
What does it mean to recognize the risen Christ? And why is resurrection faith never automatic? In this episode of the Sermon Brainwave podcast, Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Cody Sanders dig into the Third Sunday of Easter texts: the Emmaus road story in Luke 24, Peter's Pentecost sermon in...
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Sermon Brainwave 1079: Second Sunday of Easter - April 12, 2026
What does Thomas really want in John 20? It's not proof. It's what every disciple already had: a direct encounter with the risen Christ. In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, Cody Sanders, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner reframe Thomas as a figure of courage rather than doubt, explore the layered...
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Sermon Brainwave 1078: Resurrection of Our Lord - April 5, 2026
In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, hosts Karoline Lewis, Cody Sanders, and Matt Skinner dig into the lectionary texts for Easter Sunday and explore what it means to preach resurrection to a congregation carrying both fear and joy. Mentioned in this episode: Support Working Preacher this month!...
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Sermon Brainwave 1077: Good Friday - April 3, 2026
Good Friday arrives with some of the heaviest texts of the liturgical year — and Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Cody Sanders are here to help you preach them well. This episode covers all four lectionary readings for Good Friday (April 2, 2026): Isaiah 52:13–53:12, Psalm 22, Hebrews 10:16–25,...
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Sermon Brainwave 1076: Maundy Thursday - April 2, 2026
Love, Feet, and the Table. What if Maundy Thursday isn't just somber — but also joyful? In this episode, Cody Sanders, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner explore the rich intimacy of John 13 and its foot washing scene, unpacking why embodiment matters in preaching, how Judas's betrayal is really an...
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Sermon Brainwave 1075: Sunday of the Passion (Palm Sunday) - March 29, 2026
"The Passion story is a story about us." This episode of the Sermon Brainwave podcast explores the significance of Palm Sunday and Passion narratives, emphasizing the earth's role in biblical stories, the political and theological implications of Jesus' trial, and how these texts challenge our...
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Sermon Brainwave 1074: Fifth Sunday in Lent - March 22, 2026
The Intersection of Grief and Faith. In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, hosts Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Cody Sanders discuss the readings for the Fifth Sunday of Lent, focusing on the raising of Lazarus from the dead, the complexities of grief, and the interplay between the divine and...
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Sermon Brainwave 1073: Fourth Sunday in Lent - March 15, 2026
In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Cody Sanders discuss the readings for the Fourth Sunday in Lent, focusing on the Gospel of John 9:1-41, Psalm 23, and Ephesians 5:8-14. They explore themes of healing, disability, community, and the role of Jesus as the Good...
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Sermon Brainwave 1072: Third Sunday in Lent - March 8, 2026
This conversation between hosts Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Cody Sanders for the Sermon Brainwave podcast delves into the readings for the third Sunday in Lent, focusing on John 4:1-42, Exodus 17, and Psalm 95. The discussion highlights the significance of the woman at the well as a model…
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Sermon Brainwave 1071: Second Sunday in Lent - March 1, 2026
In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, hosts Cody Sanders, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner delve into the readings for the Second Sunday in Lent, focusing on the Gospel of John, particularly the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus. The conversation highlights the complexities of faith, the…
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Sermon Brainwave 1070: First Sunday in Lent - February 22, 2026
Sermon Brainwave dives into the First Sunday in Lent exploring Jesus' testing in the wilderness from Matthew 4:1-11. Hosts Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and new co-host Cody Sanders examine what this familiar text reveals about power, identity, and God's empire versus earthly empire. The...
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Sermon Brainwave 1069: Ash Wednesday - February 18, 2026
Sermon Brainwave Episode 1069: Ash Wednesday — Practicing Righteousness in Times of Crisis Join hosts Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and new co-host Cody Sanders for this Ash Wednesday podcast as they explore the lectionary readings for February 18, 2026. This episode introduces Cody Sanders,...
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Sermon Brainwave 1068: Transfiguration of Our Lord - February 15, 2026
In this Sermon Brainwave episode, hosts Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner explore the Transfiguration of Jesus from Matthew 17:1-9 for Transfiguration Sunday (February 15, 2026). The team examines how this pivotal moment bridges the season of Epiphany and the journey into Lent,...
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Sermon Brainwave 1067: Fifth Sunday after Epiphany - February 8, 2026
Join hosts Rolf Jacobson, Matt Skinner, and Karoline Lewis as they explore the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany lectionary readings for February 8, 2026. This episode dives into Matthew 5:13-20, where Jesus declares "You are the salt of the earth" and "You are the light of the world" - not as...
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Sermon Brainwave 1066: Fourth Sunday after Epiphany - February 1, 2026
Join Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson for an exploration of the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany lectionary texts. This episode unpacks the Beatitudes as Jesus' mission statement and inaugural address, revealing where God's kingdom breaks into the world. The hosts discuss how Matthew's...
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Sermon Brainwave 1065: Third Sunday after Epiphany - January 25, 2026
Join hosts Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson for Sermon Brainwave as they explore the readings for the Third Sunday after Epiphany (January 25, 2026). Mentioned in this episode: Support Working Preacher this month! During Working Preacher's fall fundraising campaign, we're…
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Sermon Brainwave 1064: Second Sunday after Epiphany - January 18, 2026
Join hosts Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson for Sermon Brainwave as they explore the readings for the Second Sunday after Epiphany (January 18, 2026). This episode examines how John the Baptist serves as the primary witness to Jesus' identity in John's Gospel, highlighting the...
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Sermon Brainwave 1063: Baptism of Our Lord - January 11, 2026
Join Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson as they explore the lectionary texts for the Baptism of Our Lord (January 11, 2026), diving deep into what makes this pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry more than just a baptismal event. The hosts examine why this Sunday marks the beginning of...
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Sermon Brainwave 1062: Epiphany of Our Lord - January 06, 2025
Join hosts Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner as they explore the profound themes of divine guidance, resistance, and illumination in the story of the Magi for the Day of Epiphany, January 6th. This episode unpacks how the Magi's journey represents not just a physical pilgrimage but…
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Sermon Brainwave 1061: Second Sunday of Christmas - January 04, 2025
Join hosts Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner for the Second Sunday of Christmas on January 4, 2025 ⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 Introduction to the Second Sunday of Christmas 01:30 Exploring the Texts: John 1 and Its Significance 05:33 The Nature of God: Intimacy and Relationality in Jesus…
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Sermon Brainwave 1060: First Sunday of Christmas - December 28, 2025
Join Profs. Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson as they explore the lectionary readings for the First Sunday of Christmas on December 28, 2025. Mentioned in this episode: Support Working Preacher this month! During Working Preacher's fall fundraising campaign, we're celebrating our...
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Sermon Brainwave 1059: Christmas Day (III) - December 25, 2025
Join Profs. Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson as they explore the lectionary readings for Christmas Day (Proper III), Year A. Mentioned in this episode: Support Working Preacher this month! During Working Preacher's fall fundraising campaign, we're celebrating our website's upcoming...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Sermon Brainwave from Working Preacher is a weekly conversation on upcoming Revised Common Lectionary readings. The conversations (featuring Luther Seminary faculty) are fun, informative, and creative—and just may give you the spark that ignites your own sermon brainwave!
HOSTED BY
Working Preacher from Luther Seminary
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How many episodes does Sermon Brainwave from Working Preacher have?
Sermon Brainwave from Working Preacher currently has 1000 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Sermon Brainwave from Working Preacher about?
Sermon Brainwave from Working Preacher is a weekly conversation on upcoming Revised Common Lectionary readings. The conversations (featuring Luther Seminary faculty) are fun, informative, and creative—and just may give you the spark that ignites your own sermon brainwave!
How often does Sermon Brainwave from Working Preacher release new episodes?
Sermon Brainwave from Working Preacher releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 1000 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
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You can listen to Sermon Brainwave from Working Preacher on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Sermon Brainwave from Working Preacher?
Sermon Brainwave from Working Preacher is created and hosted by Working Preacher from Luther Seminary.
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