This final session refers to the point in the Gospel where Christ commences His ministry by quoting the passage of Isaiah as ‘the Scripture now fulfilled’ through his arrival as the Messianic King. Bartelt identifies this significantly following His Baptism by John, and likens this as parallel to our Baptism: by which we are clothed in white robe of Righteousness with onset of Christ, relieved of the debt of our sin and granted forgiveness. With responsibility we are now expected to reflect His Light to all the world.

Isaiah recounts the history of the Jews in captivity, being God’s judgement as consequence for their unfaithfulness. Yet his prophecy declares the promise of grace and delivery due to come. Dr Andrew Bartelt identifies the Old Testament references foretelling of John the Baptist, as the voice to prepare the way for Christ. With powerful testimony, ‘The Word of God will stand forever’ this provides comfort for people in need, concurrent with our anticipation for Christmas and God’s fullest glory still to come.

What is Advent all about? Christians count times and seasons with a different calendar than the secular world around them. The Church Year reminds us that God has already come into the world, that He comes to us now through His Word and Sacraments and that He will come on the last day to judge the living and the dead. Episode 1 of a 3-part interview with Dr. Andrew Bartelt, Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis-MO. Dr. Bartelt’s areas of interest and expertise include the Hebrew language, Prophets (Isaiah), Hebrew poetry and biblical theology.

Here is an informative analysis discussing the security granted us by God, which allows for faithful trust and contentment in our lives and sense of order in the World. Dr Robert Kolb opens some interesting aspects of view determining God as ultimate Provider, by recounting Luther’s own living reality and observations.

Rev Robert Kolb further explores what seems to be a real mystery, the Righteousness which is granted to us: concerning how it is we can be both sinner and saint simultaneously. He elaborates upon Luther’s explanation (e.g. in the Small Catechism) how God’s assured promise is delivered to us through both the Word and sacraments. It is therefore our responsibility to maintain faithful trust ‘in Christ alone’ without doubt, and to apply this to our vocation in life.

Rev Robert Kolb investigates in this series ‘The Two Kinds of Righteousness’ as understood by Luther, and applicable to our own roles and responsibilities in whatever way of life. As children of God being a product of His Grace, our identity is fostered by God’s expectation. This discussion reviews how we can appreciate His gift, titled ‘passive’ facet (as for Unconditional Love). Yet as members of faith we are inspired to demonstrate this very actively throughout our living and human being.

The covenantal relationship of Job with God. Second half of this interview with Rev. Jeffrey Pulse, associate professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

An elucidative interview concerning the Book of Job with Rev. Jeffrey Pulse, associate Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Part 1 of 2.

Pastor John Ehlers interviews Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, president of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

The love of God, the Christian heritage and human equality. Second half of this interview with Dr Calum MacKellar, Director of the Scottish Council on Human Bioethics and author of “The image of God, personhood and the Embryo”.