My channel's been used for a lot of things...mostly me braindumping on various subjects. Most recently I've started braindumping thoughts as I move towards my weekly sermons. You can also follow this channel's Twitter @SermonBraindump

Pastor Scott Dalen

In this episode of Sermon Braindump, I explore an odd teaching of Jesus that challenges a lackadaisical attitude towards being a Christ-follower. Discipleship has cost, and we need to be clear about that. God's grace expressed in Christ does not simply give us a free pass to continue life in the same old same old.

Sermon Braindump #216 Mark 9:38-50

This is a brief and out of the ordinary episode. In light of another school shooting, I have ditched the regular reading in light of a more fitting passage also featured in the secondary readings.  May the Spirit of God grant peace.

Sermon Braindump #201 Romans 8:22-27

In this 200TH!!!! episode of Sermon Braindump, I explore the significant pause between Ascension and Pentecost, as the earliest church does something that may or may not have been the right thing to do. This story can be found in Acts 1:15-17, 21-26.

Sermon Braindump #200 Acts 1:15-17 21-26

In this episode, I explore the story of Peter's encounter with the Gentile Cornelius and the realization that the gospel of Christ is intended for all. The Holy Spirit falls upon these new believers, crossing a cultural boundary and opening the eyes of the early church.

Sermon Braindump #199 Acts 10:44-48

In this episode of Sermon Braindump, I explore the Covenant that God makes with Abram, who then becomes Abraham. Likewise, his wife Sarai is included in this covenant, resulting in a name change for her as well.

Sermon Braindump #190 Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16

In this special Ash Wednesday episode of Sermon Braindump I explore an Old Testament Prophetic writing from the book of Joel. The Day of the Lord is referenced, which is a time of fear and trembling, and yet God calls us to turn back.

Sermon Braindump #188 Joel 2:1-2, 12-17

In this episode of Sermon Braindump, Jesus continues in the action early on in his ministry, but his actions and words reveal that he is up to something utterly new as he brings about the Kingdom of Heaven.

Sermon Braindump #186 Mark 1:29-30

In this week's episode of Sermon Braindump I step away from the assigned Gospel text and jump into the oddball story of Jonah. This short story (only 4 chapters in length) reveals the lengths that a man will go to in order to avoid the calling of God, as well as the great lengths that God will go to in order to be heard. In the end, God's mercy is on display, which irritates Jonah beyond belief.

Sermon Braindump #184 Jonah 3:1-5, 10

In this episode of Sermon Braindump, I explore John the Baptist, or the Witness as he's considered in the 4th Gospel, and his work pointing the world towards the coming Messiah. Here in the 3rd Sunday of Advent as we approach the birth of Jesus at Christmas, its good to remember who we are, as well as who we are not.

Sermon Braindump #179 John 1:6-8 19-28

Happy Advent...and Happy New Year in the Liturgical Calendar sense.<br />
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In this episode of Sermon Braindump, we shift away from Matthew into Mark, and yet a theme of apocalyptic language from Jesus is still the same. I explore the tension that we feel now in the season of Advent as we anticipate the celebration of the coming Messiah at Christmas, with the anticipation of the returning Messiah at some unknown point in the future.

Happy Advent...and Happy New Year in the Liturgical Calendar sense.

In this episode of Sermon Braindump, we shift away from Matthew into Mark, and yet a theme of apocalyptic language from Jesus is still the same. I explore the tension that we feel now in the season of Advent as we anticipate the celebration of the coming Messiah at Christmas, with the anticipation of the returning Messiah at some unknown point in the future.

Sermon Braindump #177 Mark 13:24-37

In this episode of Sermon Braindump I explore another parable of Jesus found in Matthew 21:33-46. Additionally, I include snippets from Isaiah 5 and Psalm 80, before finally referencing Philippians. These are the assigned texts for the week. We hear about vineyards and how they will be taken away. This is imagery about exile, which puts me in mind of feeling lost in darkness, especially in light of recent events.

Sermon Braindump #170 Matthew 21:33-46

In this episode of Sermon Braindump, I explore a back and forth encounter between Jesus and the religious powers that be over the question of authority. It also features an interesting little parable that opens up a lot of questions.

Sermon Braindump #169 Matthew 21:23-32

In this episode of Sermon Braindump I explore a brief little snippet of Jesus' teaching. At first glance, it seems to be establishing a procedure for how to deal with someone who has "sinned against you." But it seems that Jesus is really imploring us to be reconciled to one another.

Sermon Braindump #166 Matthew 18:15-20

In this episode of Sermon Braindump, I explore an interesting conversation between Jesus and Peter centered around the question "who do you say that I am?" Peter's answer, as well as the continued encounter in the next few verses reveals the truth that Peter, while blessed, still has more to learn. We face the same reality in our lives.

Sermon Braindump #164 Matthew 16:13-20 [21-23]

In this episode we wrap up a string of parables with a batch of 5 "mini-parables." The kingdom of heaven is invasive and surprising. Its worth is beyond measure, and its all encompassing. So what can we take from all that?

Sermon Braindump #162 Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

In this episode of Sermon Braindump, I explore what seems to be an irritated response from Jesus as he faces fickle opposition. The passage seems to have 3 different sections, each which is connected, but stands on its own as well.

Sermon Braindump #159 Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

In this episode of Sermon Braindump, I explore Jesus final words offered to the disciples as he has empowered them, and prepares to send them out to do the same work that he's been doing (discourse found in the back half of chapter 9 through chapter 10). Two themes emerge, that of welcome and that of reward. I explore just what that might mean.

Sermon Braindump #158 Matthew 10:40-42

In this episode of Sermon Braindump, Jesus continues to discuss the various hardships and trials that come with discipleship. Our broken world and the darkness still present within it will oppose God's message of light that Jesus has brought about. And so, expect the trials.

Sermon Braindump #157 Matthew 10:24-39

In this episode, we continue through the Sermon on the Mount, this time with Matthew 5:21-37. In an apparent continuation from last week (check out #136) we are reminded of the futility of trying to fulfill the law in order to be called righteous. Jesus points out how sin permeates much deeper than our actions or inactions.

Sermon Braindup #137 Matthew 5:21-37

In this episode, I explore the beginning of Jesus' ministry, and the realization that the message of the gospel doesn't change, even when the messenger does.  From there I also explore the calling of the first disciples and just what it means to follow the invitation to "follow."

Pastor Scott Dalen Videos