Scripture: Genesis 1:1-8, The book of Genesis begins with a literal six day presentation of creation spoke into existence by the Triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit as recorded by Moses. This view is compared with the recent "evolution" view of creation. Pastor Rhode, using Luther's commentary, which emphasises the importance of water in God's creation and links the act of God with God's salvific act of baptism where He saves and gives life through water also.

Scripture: Hebrews 13:3-11, The preacher to the Hebrews says instead of sacrificing bulls and goats, Christians should focus on praising God and serving our neighbor. This pleases God when it comes from hearts trusting in Christ. These sacrifices and good works include caring for those suffering persecution, insuring the marriage bed is not contaminated by sexual immorality, resisting strange teachings not supported by Scripture, and faithfully receiving the Lord's body and blood at the Table of the Lord.

Scripture: Revelation 22:1-21,

Scripture: Revelation 21:9-22:5,

Scripture: Hebrews 12:25-13:2, Haggai 2:3-9, 2 Chronicles 7:1-3, Do not refuse Christ who is speaking. God speaking by the prophets is different than when He speaks thru His Son. The Son keeps on speaking to us, in His Word and in the Divine Service. If you don't listen you are at risk of falling away. The created world is set to pass away, but things that cannot be shaken will remain: God Himself, His gifts and the people He has joined to Himself by grace.

Scripture: Revelation 20:7 - 21:8,

Scripture: Hebrews 12:18-24, You don't want to go back to the old covenant and Mt. Sinai, you have the new covenant in the Divine Service where you have access to God! In Divine Service we are in two places at once -- earth and heaven. They come together through the blood of Christ. Do you want Mt. Zion or Mt. Sinai? We are all first born because of Jesus and get our inheritance now by faith. When we go to church, we go to heaven.

Scripture: Revelation 20:1-7,

Scripture: Hebrews 12:12-17, The preacher to the Hebrews tells us to "strive for peace with everyone" and "strive for the holiness" without holiness no one will see the Lord. This admonition is for those who are already sanctified, those whom God sees through the blood of Christ. We are to see that no one fails to obtain the grace of God through daily repentance. We are to keep our "old Adam" down, and run to the cross for forgiveness when we fail. In forgiveness the Lord shares with us His holiness. Let us see Him face to face.

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-11 Proverbs 3:11-12, In chapter 12, the preacher appears to focus on one sin of his audience, the sin of rejecting Jesus. He says "don't give up, look to Jesus", because Jesus is our model. He assures us that there is a great cloud of departed saints who are witnesses testifying to God's presence. We can look to Jesus for help, because He has taken the seat at the right hand of God. He is our great high priest interceding for us.