The law doesn't force you to follow it. What exactly is grace? What is God's true heart?

Luther House of Study's co-director, Dr. Chris Croghan, joins the podcast to talk about this week's lectionary text, John 1:1-18. Kiri, Adam, and Mason ask questions including topics like:

• How does the law not force you to follow it?
• What does it mean for the disciples that Jesus creates a new reality for them by speaking?
• What is grace?
• What is God's true heart and what does it mean God's a giver rather than an "expecter"?

John 1:1-18 

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 

10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. 

14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. 15 (John testified to him and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'")16 From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.17 The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.18 No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known. 

Support the show

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

Wrath and mercy collide! The significance of dreams! The saddest part of all of Scripture!

This week, we welcome Dr. Steven Paulson back to Scripture First to discuss this week's lectionary text, Mathew 2:13-23. There was a lot for Kiri, Adam, Mason and Dr. Paulson to unpack including topics like:

• What are the significance of dreams?
• What are the two works of the law verses the three givings of the Gospel?
• What makes this the saddest event in Scripture?
• What does it mean that God’s in heat?!

Matthew 2:13-23:
13 Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." 14 Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, "Out of Egypt I have called my son."

        16 When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: 18  "A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more."

        19 When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, 20 "Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child's life are dead." 21 Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. 23 There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, "He will be called a Nazorean."

Support the show

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

As a just man, Joseph has to choose between divorcing Mary or sentencing her to death. That is until an angel intervenes and offers him another option. 

This week we welcome Dr. Steven Paulson back to the podcast to discuss Joseph's role in the birth of Jesus in the first chapter of Matthew. Questions and topics Kiri, Adam, and Mason talked about:

• How does Jesus relate to sin?
• What does it mean that Joseph is a righteous man?
• What significance is it that Joseph named Jesus Emmanuel?

Be sure to check out Proclamation on the Plains, Luther House of Study's three day conference from January 5-7. See the full schedule of sessions on our Facebook page and email Sarah Stenson as [email protected] to register for free. 

Matthew 1:18-25 

18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23  "Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us." 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

Support the show

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

Both of Luther House of Study's co-directors, Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson, join the podcast to discuss John the Baptist going to jail in Matthew 11: 2-11.

In the episode you'll hear Kiri, Adam, and Mason ask questions about:

• John going from preaching in the wilderness to being thrown in jail and how this text counters the prosperity gospel.
• What happens when we doubt God like when John asks, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?"
• The people who think they’re good at the law are the ones who are offended because they’re being called sinners.  

Be sure to check out Luther House of Study's upcoming conference: Proclamation on the Plains!

Matthew 11:2-11

2 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" 4 Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6 And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me." 

7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written, 'See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' 11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Support the show

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

Who is John the Baptist and why is he in the wilderness? Jesus calls people a brood of vipers! We're going to be baptized by fire?!

Luther House of Study's co-director, Sarah Stenson, joins the podcast to discuss the Advent text, Matthew 3:1-12. There was a lot to unpack in this text. Adam, Kiri, and Mason asked questions about:

• What does Jesus mean he can raise ancestors of Abraham out of stones?
• What's the difference of a Baptism by repentance vs a Baptism by spirit? There's fire involved?
• How have we been elected and how can we avoid the unquenchable fire?

Matthew 3:1-12 

1 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." 3 This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.' " 4 Now John wore clothing of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 

7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit worthy of repentance. 9 Do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 10 Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 

11 "I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

Support the show

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

Dr. Chris Croghan joins the podcast to talk about the first week of Advent's text, Matthew 24:36-44. 

Some of the topics Dr. Croghan talks to Adam, Kiri, and Mason about include:

• Why Advent isn't about preparing to welcome Jesus to the world?
• What happens when time no longer exists?
• How God's election doesn't mean we have to prepare. 

Matthew 24:36-44 

36 "But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, 39 and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. 41 Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. 42 Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.

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 week Dr. Steven Paulson joins the podcast to talk about Jesus on the cross in Luke 23: 33-43. 
Some of the things we talk about include:

• How Martin Luther talks about this passage including how we need to hear the harshness that our sin put Jesus on the cross. 
• Everyone was doing their jobs resulting in Jesus' crucifixion. The Roman soldiers. The Jewish authorities. Even the disciples running away. 
• The criminal next to Jesus asking him to save yourself and him. 

Luke 23:33-43

        33 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.  34 Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots to divide his clothing. (Isaiah 53:12)

 35 And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!" 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, 37 and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" 38 There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews."

        39 One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." 42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." 43 He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise." 

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 week Dr. Steven Paulson joins the podcast to talk about the end times in Luke 21: 5-19. 

Some of the subjects Adam, Kiri, and Mason talk about with him include:

• How does Jesus give us an out from having to defend ourselves in front of God?
• What did Martin Luther mean when he said good preachers have big mouths?
• Why does Jesus tell us not to prepare for the end?

Luke 21: 5-19

        5 When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6 "As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down."

        7 They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?" 8 And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and, 'The time is near!' Do not go after them.

        9 "When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately." 10 Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.

        12 "But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; 15 for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your souls.

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 week Sarah Stenson joins the podcast to discuss the absurd legal question the Sadducees try to trap Jesus with in Luke chapter 20. 

Some of the other topics we touch on include:

• What does it mean that people who are clearly dead are yet alive to God?
• Why are the Sadducees trying to trap Jesus in a legal question when they don't believe in the resurrection?
• What's Jesus getting at with "this age" verses "that age"?

Luke 20: 27-38

27 Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him 28 and asked him a question, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; 30 then the second 31 and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. 32 Finally the woman also died. 33 In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her."

34 Jesus said to them, "Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; 35 but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. 36 Indeed they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. 37 And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38 Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive."

Support the show

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

Dr. Chris Croghan joins the podcast to talk about Nov. 3's All Saints Sunday lectionary text: Luke 6: 20-31.

This passage offered a lot to talk about including: 

• What's the difference between being blessed and being #blessed?
• What's happening when the Kingdom of God is being given to you?
• How can we trust that God will sustain us in our daily life?

Luke 6: 20-31

20 Then he looked up at his disciples and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21  "Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. "Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.

22 "Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. 23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. 

24  "But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. 25  "Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. "Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep.

 26 "Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.

 27 "But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Support the show

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