If baptism is for sinners, why did Jesus have to be baptized?

In a discussion about Jesus' baptism, Sarah Stenson joins Adam, Kiri and Mason to discuss all things baptism including: 

• Was baptism a new thing that John the Baptist started?
• Why do Lutherans baptize infants?
• What is a baptism of repentance? 

Support the show

Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?
Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

Have you ever wondered what God's opinion of you was? 

In this week's episode, Dr. Chris Croghan teaches Kiri, Adam and Mason that grace isn't something that can be given. Grace is God's disposition *to you*. 

The conversation centers on breaking down a theologically loaded passage, John 1:10-18, that ranges from baptism to crucifixion into manageable pieces. The topics include:

• What does it mean to be given belief?
• What's the importance of having God's name?
• Why do we want to be our own God?

Support the show

Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?
Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

A promise so incredible it'll leave you amazed. 

That was Mary and Joseph's reaction after they heard the promise Simeon gave them about their child: Jesus Christ. 

In this week's episode, Dr. Steven Paulson teaches us about the power of our savior's incredible promise is that it saves us from death. We, like Simeon, can actually find peace, even in death, knowing the treasure that's in our arms. 

Here are some of the questions Adam, Kiri and Mason asked Dr. Paulson:

• Who is Simeon?
• What does it mean to have God go under the law?
• What does Simeon want to be released from?

Support the show

Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?
Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

“This isn’t just a Christmas story, it’s the story of all time.”

In this special edition podcast, Kiri, Adam and Mason are joined by Dr. Steven Paulson to share a conversation about the lectionary text for Christmas Day. 

In what Dr. Paulson calls some of the most poetic words in Scripture, the team discusses the opening verses of the Gospel of John: The Word Became Flesh.

-Why is this the text for Christmas Day?

-What does it mean that Jesus is called the Word?

-Why is John the Baptist slipped in this otherwise poetic piece of Scripture?

Support the show

Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?
Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

Bethlehem. The manger. No place in the inn. 

You know the story of Jesus’ birth, but in this special edition Christmas Eve podcast the Luther House team takes a deep dive into one of the most well-known passages in the Bible.

A few of the questions the conversation centered on: 

• How are Christmas Eve services going to look different this year?
• Why is it important to emphasize Jesus being born in a barn?
• Why did the shepherds react in fear?

Support the show

Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?
Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

"Greetings, favored one!"

What happens when you take a fresh look at a Christmas passage you've heard dozens of times?

This week, Kiri, Mason, Sarah and Chris discuss the angel Gabriel delivering the news of Mary's coming birth of the savior of the world to reveal there's more to the passage than we normally hear. Some of the questions they discussed:

• How are angels preachers?
• What does "Greetings, favored one," mean?
• What are the differences between angels and demons?

Support the show

Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?
Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

John the Baptist goes from the last prophet to the first preacher.

Sarah Stenson sits down with Adam, Kiri, and Mason to talk about the significance of John the Baptist pointing to Jesus in this week's lectionary passage. 

The Jewish teachers ask John three questions: Who are you? Are you Elijah? Are you the prophet? Sarah explains the significance of these questions and why John's answers speak to our preaching the promise of Jesus Christ today. 

• What does it mean to be sent by God?
• Should we be making Jesus' paths straight?
• How can I humble myself?

Support the show

Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?
Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

Spoiler: Mark tells us the end of the story in the first verse.

Dr. Chris Croghan joins Kiri, Adam, and Mason to discuss this week's lectionary text about the first verses of the Gospel of Mark. 

From the very first verse, Mark tells us the story of Jesus Christ is good news, which led to a great conversation including:

• What is the importance of calling Jesus, Son of God?
• What is the difference between John baptizing with water and Jesus baptizing with the Holy Spirit?
• Why is there so many details about what John was wearing/eating?

Support the show

Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?
Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

A new church calendar year begins with a text about the end of this world. 

Dr. Paulson joins Kiri and Adam to discuss this week's lectionary text about Jesus telling Peter all that's to come: his betrayal, his crucifixion, his resurrection, and finally the end of this world. 

• Why is a story of the end of times being told at the beginning of the church calendar year?
• What does it mean that God has cursed Jesus on the cross?
• What are the differences between Jesus giving signs and promises?

Support the show

Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?
Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

Are you a sheep or a goat? 

That's the question Adam and Kiri ask Dr. Steven Paulson about this week's lectionary text: The Judgement of the Nations or the passage where Jesus separates the sheep from the goats. 

As you'll hear Dr. Paulson teach in this week's conversation, that determination hinges on where you believe glory comes from. 

• What does it mean for us that Jesus separates instead of unites?
• Does glory come by law or by gospel?
• How do you know if you're a sheep or a goat?

Support the show

Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?
Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate