Everything That Was Written in the Past Was Written to Teach Us

Abstract

Mark Braun’s 1994 essay, Everything That Was Written in the Past Was Written to Teach Us, explores the challenges and opportunities of preaching from the Old Testament in contemporary Lutheran congregations. Braun critiques the underuse of Old Testament texts in sermons and urges pastors to engage deeply with Scripture’s historical and linguistic context. He emphasizes the need for preaching that is both exegetically sound and emotionally resonant, warning against sermons that resemble lectures or lack relevance to listeners’ lives. Drawing on insights from Luther, Jeske, and others, Braun advocates for preaching that connects the ancient text to modern concerns, using vivid language, personal warmth, and dialogical style. He encourages pastors to study the original languages, understand salvation history, and preach with conviction and compassion. The essay is a call to revitalize Old Testament preaching as a vital, gospel-centered part of pastoral ministry. —Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)