FaithCapo.com Bible Studies: Recent Episodes
Faith Lutheran Church
Bible studies led by Pastor Rhode and Pastor Hodel at Faith Lutheran Church in Capistrano Beach, CA (https://faithcapo.com)
The author of does not want his hearers to turn away from the faith. This is the main theme of this book. Doing so rejects who Christ is. He argues we now have a Great High Priest who has passed through the real Holy of Holies in heaven that allows us to draw near to the Throne of Grace. Christ has made the perfect sacrifice for us.
We discuss the meaning of words spoken by the Holy Spirit from the Old Testament like, "if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart". Falling away from the living God is a return to death. The law of sin in your members is like the law of gravity, it grabs hold of you and has its way. Faith in the heart distinguishes you as a Christian. The reason why certain Israelites could not enter the Promised Land is given.
Vicar Belcher takes us on a side journey from Hebrews today to review the function of the Old Testament Levitical priesthood and how it points to our perfect High Priest, Jesus Christ. Enjoy.
The final two chapters of this Old Testament book are covered in today's lecture. Next week Pastor Rhode begins the New Testament book of Hebrews.
A simple definition of eternal life is given by Jesus. Human reason is discussed in relation to our salvation.
A thorough discussion and interpretation of the words of Jesus "...unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you." Jesus is life. How do we receive this life?
What is life? Life is Jesus. You can lose your lungs, heart, kidneys and still have life. So what is eternal life? Jesus is eternal life, you have life now and have life eternal. Jesus is the sin-bearer. Jesus has opened the heavens to sinners. When you receive Jesus, you have eternal life now. We become sons of God in our baptism and are brought into the life of the Trinity.
The teaching focuses on the Intermediate State. This is the time between physical death and the return of Christ on the Last Day.
This is the final teaching from 2 Kings. An introduction to the book of Ezra is given also.
Martyrdom and suffering are the subjects of this study today. The first 10 minutes of the video and audio are not available. The last 50 minutes of the teaching are recorded. Our apologies.
The teaching covers the defeat of the Assyrian army under King Sennacherib by the hand of God, Sennacherib's death at the hands of his sons, Hezekiah's illness and recovery, and the initial contact of Babylonian envoys with Hezekiah.
A biblical description of exorcism in Acts is continued from last week. The Devil is the enemy of God's created order and seeks to disrupt everything in the natural world. Christians are to hold to the faith and a good conscience, and not despair when the Devil says that God does not have your best interests in mind. We are to trust in the true God and receive His gifts of forgiveness and cleansing (i.e. making each believer in Jesus a new creation). Guilt and shame are our two maladies. Listen to learn more.
TOPIC: Church and Ministry. Pastors are not self-appointed, they are called by God through the Church. The words elder, pastor, and bishop are the same in Greek. Topics covered include: Paul's call to an apostleship, women in the ministry, and Christ in the Old Testament.
A portion of Chapter 2 is covered in this session, with special emphasis on Speaking in Tongues, a gift given to the Apostles on Pentecost by the Holy Spirit.
Introduction to the book of Acts. Chapter 1 plus a portion of Chapter 2 that introduced the history of Pentecost as covered in this session.
The first 3 minutes of this lecture were not recorded. We joined with the pastor at that point.
This session discusses the second article of the Apostle's Creed, that confesses belief in the second person of the Trinity, Jesus, and His birth, death and resurrection.
This class begins a series on Foundations of Faith as laid out in Martin Luther's Small Catechism. This opening session provides an overview of this important series. It begins by covering Luther's Preface to the Small Catechism. You are encouraged to follow along in the 2017 copy of this book. Here is a link: https://www.cph.org/p-32272-Luthers-Small-Catechism-with-Explanation-2017-Edition.aspx
In this teaching, the final verses in 2 Samuel are covered before beginning the book of 1 Kings.
The video portion of this teaching begins about 5 minutes in. Please excuse this inconvenience.
The first few minutes of this teaching were not recorded. We join Pastor Rhode shortly into his teaching. He is in the middle of reviewing Chapter 10 of Revelation. The new material begins with the reference to measuring the Temple and the Two Witnesses.
Discussion includes why the seven thunders of God were sealed up and not delivered (10:4), what the mystery of God is and how it benefits the world (10:7), and the meaning of John taking the small scroll from the hand of the mighty angel and eating it (10:9).
This teaching introduces the book of 2 Samuel, which continues seamlessly from 1 Samuel. An overview of both 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel is given by Pastor Rhode in the first 7 minutes of this recording. This teaching then covers chapters 1 to 3 of 2 Samuel that includes: David learning of the death of King Saul in an unusual way; Saul's son, Ish-bosheth, vying for the kingship of Israel with David; Saul's general, Abner, being murdered by David's general, Joab; and David mourning Abner's death.
This is the first and opening teaching on our new series based on the book of Revelation. Pastor Rhode gives and introduction to this very important New Testament book. We invite you to join live each Sunday morning at 9:20 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time.
We are ending this teaching series, BEING A CHRISTIAN. This session, Sacrament of the Alter (or commonly called Lord's Supper or Communion) begins with an excellent 10-minute summary of the doctrines taught so far in this series and how they are related. Don't miss this opening summary. Pastor Rhode then segues into explaining: 1.) what we are receiving in the Sacrament of the Altar, 2.) what are the benefits of this receiving, and 3.) who is to receive these benefits.
Confession and Absolution is considered a sacrament because it is commanded by God. It is delivered to us by our pastors through the Office of the Keys given in John 20:22-23. Repentance is a key part of confession. Repentance is not just sorrow over our sin, but a serious attack on the old man within us. Repentance returns us to our baptism. As we walk in the new Christian life, our baptism gives grace continually so the new man in us may grow in strength by the power of the Holy Spirit. Repentance comes only from Christ Jesus, our advocate, not our works. Repentance returns us to our baptism. The "ship of Baptism" breaks only if we reject it.
Jesus Himself commands Baptism and tells us that Baptism is water used together with the Word of God. Baptism is one of the miraculous means of grace through which God creates and sustains the gift of faith in a person�s heart and grants us forgiveness of sins. The faith given in Baptism needs to be fed and nurtured by God�s Word (Matt. 28:18-20), or it will die. Lutherans baptize people of all ages, from infancy to adulthood. Since Baptism is explicitly commanded by God, and has His precious promises attached to it, Lutherans are careful not to neglect this important sacrament given us by God.
When you pray, God gives you what you ask for, or what He knows to be better for you. Surprised at this answer? Learn why this is true in this lecture. We learn that we pray because of who we are, a child of God. Praying is speaking to my Father. We are members of God royal priesthood, a kingdom of priests through baptism. The Holy Spirit intercedes and prays with and for me. It can be said the Holy Spirit "cleans up" our prayers so they are in the will of God. Remember, nothing can separate us from the will of God. Prayer is going to One greater than me, One who wants to give me good gifts.
A creed is a formal statement of Christian belief. Three primary creeds have been used by the church across history: the Apostles', Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds. The Apostles� Creed is the oldest creed and was in use by Christians as early as 150 A.D. The 16th century Lutheran Reformers accepted these creeds, and included them in the LCMS confessional writings as faithful expositions of Holy Scripture. The Apostles' Creed is the focus of this teaching, and it is often called the baptismal creed. Pastor Rhode introduces this creed by showing its baptismal connections, then he discusses its three parts: creation, redemption and sanctification.
The Ten Commandments express the way God actually lives. They are written for us in Exodus 20 and can be summarized in this manner. "I am God. I brought you out of Egypt and want to be your God and bless you. Here is my Name, use it for a blessing. Let's set aside one day a week so we can get together so you can take a rest and I will bless you. Then when you go back home, honor your father and mother and all authorities I have placed over you. Don't hurt one another. Don't lie, don't cheat, don't steal and be content with what you have." This is the way of life for a Christian. Having received the gifts of God, we are to live in them in this manner. Join us in this opening lecture from this six part series, Being a Christian.
The story of Gideon is covered in this teaching. Gideon seems an unlikely figure to become a future champion of Israel, yet the Lord of surprising, unearned grace seeks sinners and equips them to accomplish great things. Despite a clear revelation of the Lord's will, Gideon twice puts the Lord to a test, hoping to gain certainty for his faltering faith. When the Lord gives him a sign, Gideon are arrogant to reject it, yet the Lord is patient and merciful.
The Song of Deborah, sung with spontaneous emotion by Deborah and Barak in thanksgiving for Israel's deliverance from Sisera and his army, is talked through.
Three different aspects of the Incarnation are examined by Pastor Rhode in this teaching. 1.) The role of the Holy Spirit, 2.) The sinlessness of Christ, and 3.) if time permits, was Christ aware He was the Messiah?
The Book of Joshua chronicles the conquest of Canaan, the promised land, and its allotment among the tribes. The Book of Judges describes the settlement of the land during the approximate 300+ years from 1400 BC to 1060 BC. During this period there were 12 judges in Israel, Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah, Gideon, Tola, Jair, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon and Samson. A Biblical judge was was used by God as a ruler, a military leader, and someone who presided over legal hearings. Judges pointed the people to Christ, our Savior. After on overview of the book, verses in chapter 1 and part of chapter 2 are discussed.
What is the nature of a Christian's inheritance? Where is it rooted? Why do we deserve an inheritance? What is unique about this inheritance? What does baptism have to do with our inheritance? Peter writes to Christians and answers these questions as they struggle because they live in this world. Peter reminds them they are citizens of heaven and are elect/chosen by God in Christ. God, through His Son, brings reconciliation and forgiveness of sin for all who believe, by grace through faith, that Christ is the Son of God and Savior to all who believe.
The promise of the land to Abraham's descendants finds its first fulfillment when two and a half tribes of Israel are assigned land by Joshua east of the Jordan River. The tribe of Manasseh receives the half portion. Caleb receives land around Hebron based on a promise God had given him. Judah, the fourth son of Jacob then receives precedence in the allotment of land over his three older brothers because they had committed acts that caused them to lose their inheritance as firstborn (See Genesis 49:1-12). A double portion of land went to Judah's younger brother Joseph who had two adopted Egyptian sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. In Genesis 48:5-6 Jacob declares Ephraim and Manasseh to be his children, thus each received one share of land west of the Jordan. Interestingly, Manasseh did receive land on both sides of the Jordan, a total allotment of land in size second only to Judah. His land east of the Jordan was received conditional that his clan, Machir, agreed to fight in the conquest of the land west of the Jordan.
The first four verses of chapter one are examined with special interest given to the words, exile, elect, chosen, identity, inheritance, grace and peace. Christ Himself will be described as a living stone into which all Christians are being built. God the Father has begotten us again into Christ.
Joshua captures and destroys five Canaanite kings, who tried to hide in a cave that later became their tomb. When the Lord promises victory, He brings it to pass. The initial conquest of the land under the leadership of Joshua is completed. Joshua, by the hand of God, gives the Israelites the land as their inheritance. Chapter 12:1-6 lists the defeated enemies. No power, no matter how great or glorious, can withstand the power of the Lord. It is remarkable that Joshua, once a slave in Egypt, becomes a conqueror of all of these kings! It is because the Lord is with him.
This first teaching describes the culture in which the first recipients of this epistle lived and the challenges their church had, living on the edge of a society where their pagan gods were intertwined into the fashion, food and economic activities that took place. Peter will address the early Christian's suffering in such a culture and answer the question, why be a Christian at all? The Roman citizens considered it their patriotic duty to participate in the civic activities dictated by their gods. As such, their life in the culture resulted in attending the numerous religious festivals, eating the foods and wearing the necessary clothes. We can see where this would be a problem for the Christian in those days. Rome did not care what you believed in your heart, but only cared if you participated in the civic cultural activities outwardly. Peter throughout the epistle reminds them of their identity as a Christian, how they were chosen, by God, by what means they became Christians, baptism, and who they must look to during their suffering, Christ the living stone.
Because Joshua and the Israelites neglect to seek the Lord�s counsel, they fall for the deceit of the Gibeonites and make a treaty that they must honor. The Israelites acted without consulting the Lord and His Word! But when the kings in Canaan set out to destroy Gibeon for its covenant with Israel, Joshua honors that covenant and God delivers Gibeon from the Canaanite kings.
After the victory at Ai, the Israelites build an altar to God as Moses had commanded them to do in Deuteronomy 27-28. This was the way of laying claim to the land the Lord had promised. This act rededicates the people to the covenant and announces to those in the Promised Land that God had come to claim the land. The Law, either the Ten Commandments or the blessings and curses, is written in stone to remind the people that God's Law has not gone away. Meanwhile, other inhabitants of Canaan joined forces against Israel, fearing that they would share the military fate of Jericho and Ai. In contrast, the leaders from Gibeon used humility and deception to gain a treaty with Israel that God had forbidden. The Israelies neglect to seek the Lord's counsel.
The sin of one man, Achan, results in defeat and death for the Israelites at Ai. Guilty Achan is caught by the Lord, confesses before Joshua, and is stoned at the Valley of Achor. After the sin of Achan has been punished, Joshua does all that the Lord commands of him and Israel successfully destroys the city of Ai using a unique strategy given him by the Lord.
In this study, the Lord exalts Joshua and shows that He is with Joshua, just as He was with Moses. The Lord assures Israel that He is among them and shows His resolve to drive out the enemies of Israel. This study begins with the miracle crossing of the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land and ends with the destruction of the unrepentant city of Jericho.
The exodus of the Israelites from Egypt took place in 1446BC. The book of Joshua records the entry of the Israelites into the Promised Land, forty years after the exodus and describes this first six year period from 1406 to 1400BC in the Promised Land. Recognize that the full conquest of the Promised Land is not complete until 1025BC during King David's reign. The book of Joshua describes six military engagements in which the Lord gives Joshua assurances of success and promises His presence through His empowering Word. Encouraged by the Lord's Word, Joshua assumes command and encourages the people. Joshua first sends two spies to Jericho, a walled city where they find a people filled with fear, but they also find a person shares their faith: Rahab the prostitute. This first lesson describes these beginning events in greater detail.
Sinners are unable to keep God's holy commands perfectly. This was true for the Israelites and is true now. Here, in the middle of the listing worship provisions of the covenant, God renews the covenant, His solution for sinners -- redemption through sacrifice (34:20). Why does Moses veil himself? What is the Sabbath rest? What are God's commands for building of His Tabernacle? Learn the answers to these questions, and also what it means when we say, "God has left the building".
In Exodus 33:12-17, we �listen in� to a conversation between Moses and God. Moses is interceding for the people, and God is listening and choosing to give mercy. Moses asks to see God�s glory. God says to Moses, �No one can see Me and live.� Instead God shows Moses His mercy. Luther states God�s mercy is Jesus and His Word and Sacraments. God�s goodness, mercy and grace are described. This lesson concludes with God promising to have new tablets written. They are created again in verse 34:28.
The tabernacle is laid out according to the specifications God gave on the mountain to Moses. Worship is not spontaneous or haphazard but is carefully organized to honor God. This is God's tent and He is moving into the neighborhood, so to speak. The first and most visible item of furniture in the court of the Tabernacle is the bronze altar. Blood is applied on the horns and sides of the altar to atone for sins. The altar points forward to the cross of Calvary, where Jesus, God's sacrifice, shed His blood to atone for the sins of the world.
Moses, along with priests and elders, represented the people in the blood covenant with God. This covenant was sealed by an animal's death and half its blood thrown against the altar, representing God, and the other half thrown on the people. In order to overlook sin, God requires blood as a covering. The animal blood is only a temporary covering for sin and is the means which looks forward to Christ's death and shedding of His blood. Moses then ascended Mount Sinai to receive the terms of the covenant God makes with His people that conclude the Book of the Covenant begun in chapter 20. Sin creates an impassible barrier between God and people. By the blood of this covenant and the reading of His Word, God anticipates the forgiveness of sins in Jesus, who would become "sin" for us in order to redeem us. 2 Corinthians 5:21.
Though traditionally known as the Ten Commandments, the term "commandments" in this reading from Exodus occurs only in chapter 20:6. The list proclaims both law and mercy/gospel. For example, verse 20:2 says, "I am your God and rescued you out of Egypt and slavery." This is gospel. This verse sets up the "marriage" between God and His people. The first set, or "table," of four commandments (20:3-12) describes a person's actions toward God, the second set, or table (20:13-17), describes one's actions toward his fellow man. Each element is taught in a way that gives insight into the meaning of these commandments from God. This lesson is exceptional and a must listen for all Christians!
Israel learns firsthand, as they fight enemies such as Amalek that success depends on the Lord. Without the Lord's direction and strength, they will lose. Victory comes by God's intervention. Moses serves as chief mediator between God and the Israelites, and God uses Moses and his subordinates to teach the people about Himself through His Law. God uses Moses to provide access to Him. God's people go to Mount Sinai, where God establishes His covenant with them. Sinfulness prevents the people from approaching God personally, yet God graciously appoints Moses an intermediary, to make a covenant with His people.
At Marah, the Lord patiently supplies Israel with sweet drinking water out of bitter water. Commands and rules now begin to come with God's great promise of healing and protection (Ex. 15:26). God meets Israel's need for food with bread from heaven in the morning and quail at night. However, when the Israelites ignore God's simple rules for its collection and consumption, they provoke a rebuke from God. God is blessing them through this experience and training them in the rhythms of work and Sabbath rest. Jesus is the bread of life, John 6, is discussed along with how Moses foreshadows Christ. When Israel runs out of water again at Rephidim, they grumble instead of turning to God for help. God in His graciousness does not deal with them according to their folly but furnishes the water they desperately need. Christ Jesus is the Rock of Israel and our Rock of salvation. This study ends with the battle between Israel and Amalek. Israel learns firsthand, as they fight enemies such as Amalek, that success depends on the Lord. Without the Lord's direction and strength, they will lose. Victory comes by God's intervention.
A military chaplain provides spiritual guidance to service personnel and their families. They serve country and God simultaneously. This is the embodiment of Luther's "Two Kingdoms" doctrine. A chaplain conducts worship and oversees Sunday school and other education programs in a manner consistent with his denomination. They bring church to military personnel, regardless of where they are deployed. Chaplains are a sanctuary of safety for service personnel and their families. They provide spiritual guidance and 100% confidential counseling. The vocation of chaplain offers a good environment for ministry and forgiveness. LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces is the organization that oversees Chaplain Bell.
God miraculously brings Israel through the Red Sea waters. When Israel crosses through the sea, they leave behind slavery and a future of death in Egypt. They then begin to understand the freedom and future life with God that they will have. Israel is powerless to make this drastic change on its own, but God intervenes to provide the way. After the Red Sea crossing, Moses praises the Lord for victory, saving Israel from the Egyptians and anticipates future victories and salvation from the Canaanites. This is often called the Song of Moses and is recorded in Exodus 15:1-18. The Israelites are just beginning to understand how badly they have needed God's rescue from Egypt. They begin to see the life which God is bringing them. Even so, they begin grumbling and complaining.
God strikes down all the firstborn sons of Egypt including Pharaoh's son in the 10th plague, and Pharaoh recognizes that this is God's punishment. Finally by God�s grace, after 430 years in Egypt, Israel leaves and begins the exodus into freedom under the one true God. God sets Israel apart by instituting the Passover Feast and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, marking a new era for Israel and foreshadowing the new spiritual Israel in Christ. Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord�" -- Exodus 14:13
God delivers more plagues to Egypt because of a hardened Pharaoh. The king will see that God's patience has come to an end and His wrath is imminent. God's final judgment is about to come upon Pharaoh and Egypt, the 10th and final plague. Prior to commanding this plague, God gives the Israelites regulations concerning the Passover Feast and that it is to be maintained in remembrance and celebration of the Israelite's new life of fellowship with the Lord. Passover marks a new era for the people of Israel and foreshadows the new, spiritual Israel in Christ, the perfect Lamb who takes away the sin of the world.
The genealogy of Moses is given in order to declare to the Israelites who Moses is and from where he came. As a Levite, Moses has good family connections, but this does not translate into an eager willingness to serve the Lord. Even though Moses and Aaron are selected by God to speak His Word before Pharaoh in order to rescue the Israelites from 430 years of bondage, Moses doubts that Pharaoh will ever let Israel go. Yet Moses delivers God's demands to Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. In a sequence of plagues, Pharaoh hardens his heart and refuses to obey God. Pharaoh's advisors cannot stop the power of God and the plagues upon the Egyptians increase in intensity. The first seven plagues are covered in this session.
What begins as just another day tending sheep for Moses dramatically changes when God confronts him at the burning bush on the holy mountain. I AM makes His presence known in fire and word. I AM discloses His special name. I AM sends Moses on what seems to him an impossible mission. Moses has absolutely no hope for success except through God's Word and promise, which assures him of God's presence. Moses resists the LORD's call to lead Israel out of Egypt because of his focus on his own shortcomings and the doubts of his people. Moses returns to Egypt as an act of faith, confronting Pharaoh with God's demands and confronting the Israelite people whom he fears. Moses obeys in this daunting assignment and the people believe. The LORD sends Moses to deliver the people, but Pharaoh only makes their burdens heavier.
The Pharaoh of Egypt, as a last resort to halt the growth of Israel, commands all his people to collaborate in the mass killing of Hebrew baby boys. God hears Israel's cry for deliverance and remembers His covenant with their fathers. Moses, born of believing Hebrew parents, is raised in Pharaoh's household and "instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians". God will accomplish His purposes to redeem Israel through Moses, but before this redemption occurs, Moses, this former Egyptian prince, must live as a fugitive in the household of a Midianite priest named Jethro. This lesson ends with God appearing and speaking to Moses through the burning bush.
In this section of Genesis, chapters 45 through 48, God encourages Jacob, now renamed Israel, to go to Egypt there promises to make Jacob's family a great nation. So, Jacob's entire family, seventy in number, go into Egypt, and Joseph and his father Jacob reunite. Because Joseph does not want them to assimilate into the culture, they settle in Goshen. Joseph being a "type" of Christ is discussed, as well as Pharoah being a "type" of God the Father. This lesson ends with Jacob blessing Joseph's two sons, indicating the younger will serve the older.
Chapters 41 through 44 of the book are covered in this lesson. Joseph rises to power in Egypt and the sons of Jacob enter Egypt, from Canaan, seeking food. Jacob's sons, Joseph's brothers, unknowingly fulfill Joseph's dream they had resented back in 37:5-8. Joseph begins a series of tests to determine how his brother's treat their father and Benjamin, the youngest. At the end, when Judah mediates with his father Jacob, and with Joseph, and shows himself willing to be enslaved in place of his brother, this prefigures the saving work of his descendant, Jesus, who gave Himself as a mediator, ransom, and sacrifice for the world. A video of this teaching is available at Facebook.com. Copy and paste: https://www.facebook.com/10150165728525111/videos/2345154369048407/
The Old Testament, in a sentence, is the story of God keeping His promises to one family. This lesson from Genesis 38:1 through 41:36 covers two key events within this family. In Chapter 38 we see the unusual way of how Judah, the fourth son of Jacob, fathers twins with Tamar. The line of the Messiah will come through one of these twins, Perez. In Chapter 39 and beyond, Joseph's life after arriving in Egypt is described, including his time in Potiphar's house and events that land him in jail. We learn how he, by the power of God, interpreted dreams while in jail that lead to Joseph finding favor with the Pharaoh of Egypt.
This teaching begins in Genesis 35 and continues through chapter 38. This is a period of a "fresh start" for Israel. Rachael dies during the birth of Benjamin and is buried, Isaac dies and is buried, the generations of Esau are read, Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers and Judah and Tamar have twins through an unrighteous act. Special Note: Because of technical issues, the video of this teaching is not available in the Facebook archives.
Jacob meets Esau and the defiling of Dinah, daughter of Leah, are covered in this teaching in Genesis chapters 33 and 34.
Chapter 32 of Genesis is discussed in this lecture, including Jacob's prayer, God giving Jacob a new name (Israel), and a discussion of Christophonies in the Bible. Jacob's wrestling with God is a "type" of the whole Christian life until God gives us the resurrection.
This teaching begins at Genesis chapter 25.
This teaching is also available on Facebook.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 14:16-15:31, Saul's foolish oath threatens his son, Jonathan's life, but the people rightly intervene. Next, Saul fails to carry out the Lord's command to destroy the Amalekites completely, so God no longer blesses his leadership. This is one of the most tragic passages in OT recorded history.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 12:1-14:15, Samuel powerfully proclaims a message of judgment and promise to Israel, especially God's promise of forgiveness!He gives an historical account of the Lord's continuing care, recalling the cycle of sin, servitude, supplication, salvation, and silence. Israel's basic sin was that they "forgot the LORD." Yet God never forgot them. Samuel's role as judge will cease, but he will continue to be the voice of God in his prophetic role, as he intercedes for them and instructs them in the ways of the Lord. Details are lacking in the account of Saul's reign, but this does not compromise Biblical doctrine. Encounters with the Philistines dominate his reign. Because of Saul's act of disobedience and lack of faith, he will lose his kingdom and lose God's help against the Philistines. Given the rising tension, Jonathan, Saul's son, wanted to survey the enemy forces, but without his father's knowledge. Jonathan was fully equipped for battle. We pick up in chapter 14 next week.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 10:1-11:15, Samuel, to satisfy the demands of the Israelites for a king, secretly anoints Saul as the king-designate, and the Holy Spirit changes Saul. Saul was later, reluctantly anointed king publically. But Saul did not assume his responsibility as king until a threat by Nahash, the Ammonite, prompted him to rally the people for a holy war. Saul, being led by the Holy Spirit, acts boldly and strategically and the Israelites are victorious. Now Israel unites in worship and praise, thanking God for the victory and accepting Saul as their king.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 8:1-9:25, With a desire to be like other nations, Israel's elders ask Samuel for a king. The Lord tells Samuel to agree to the request for a king, but to warn the people about what a king will do. Saul is anointed as Israel's first king, but the Lord will still achieve His objective, the redemption of the world. The events of our lives are never accidental but always providential.
Scripture: Genesis 5:1 - 6:6, Chapter 5 of Genesis provides the genealogical summary of early humanity. Cain's descendants increasingly participate in the evil that overwhelms God's creation, preferring their own inclinations toward beauty and power over God's clear will for their lives. God, recognizing that the human heart is a continual source of evil, is about to give way to judgment, yet He also has a plan for mercy. Noah, a descendant of Seth, finds favor in the eyes of the Lord. Through Noah will come the promised Savior. Genealogies teach that God perseveres in the fulfillment of His promises.
Scripture: Titus 2:11-3:15, Our lifestyle, relationships, and behavior must not discredit the Gospel. God trains us for the present time and gives us hope for the future. He redeems and purifies us to make us His children by bringing us out of sin and into new life in Christ. This begins with the cleansing and rebirth He gives in our Baptism. Our words and behavior must be checked against Scripture. Those who stray away from God's truth, and stir up division, must be disciplined by the Church.
Scripture: Genesis 4:1-26 Hebrews 4:11, Genesis 4 begins with a murder of Abel, a shepherd who bring his offering to God in faith. Cain deals with Abel in a violent way. This shadow of violence lengthens until Lamech perverts marriage by taking two wives and boasting that he is 77 times more violent than his murderous ancestor Cain. But we also learn of the birth of Seth, through whom God's promise in Genesis 3:15 will continue. God's plan is not stopped by murder. God appoints another through which the seed of the woman carries the promised action of God forward until it is realized at the cross.
Scripture: Titus 1:1-2:10, Chapter 1 of Titus teaches what kind of man a bishop, or pastor, ought to be, namely, one who is pious and learned in preaching the gospel and in refuting the false teachers of works and of man-made laws. Chapter 2 teaches the various estates for those Christ has won by his death; the older, the younger, wives, husbands, masters, and slaves"how they are to act.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 5:6-7:17, The idol-worshiping Philistines experience the captured Ark, not as a means of blessing, but as a means of judgment. Not only is their chief god, Dagon, humiliated before the ark, but all the Philistine cities that house the Ark experience the "hand" of the Lord in the form of plague. If we despise the means of God's grace, we, too, stand under God's judgment. After seven months in Philistine territory, the Ark was returned to Israel, but not to Shilohbecause of the desecration there done by Eli's sons. The Ark was returned to the house of Abinadab in Kirath-jearim, nine miles NE of Beth-shemesh. The Ark remained there for twenty years, during which, with Samuel's encouragement, the people of Israel turn to the Lord and cry out for mercy. This marks the beginning of a new era, under the leadership of Samuel the judge, in which the people of Israel subdue the Philistines and have their land restored.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 4:1-5:5, The Ark of the Covenant was moved inappropriately by the Israelites and the Philistines took possession. Eli and his family die during and just after this event. We can learn by these consequences to not manipulate God's gracious presence for our own sinful benefit. Listen to the lecture to find out what happens to the Ark and the Philistine cities.
Scripture: Genesis 3:1-16, In this study, we see Satan, in the form of a Serpent, sneak into the Church as the first False Teacher. He asks Eve, "Did God really say?" The Serpent follows up this question with, "Isn't it possible that God is holding back and not giving you everything He could?" By believing the Serpent, Eve no longer lives by hearing, but now lives by sight -- a delight to her eyes! This pleasure-seeking way to live, "if it feels good, do it", is calledEpicureanism. This form of sin is still present in the world today. When Adam sees Eve eat of the fruit and NOT instantly die, he willfully eats of the fruit also. God talks to Adam and Eve, who both blame for their sin on someone else. In Genesis 3:15, the first Gospel message to mankind is given by God. It is called the Protoevangelium and promises the seed of the woman (i.e. Christ) will defeat sin, death and Satan.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:35-3:21 Hebrews 7:26-28 Psalm 110 Deuteronomy 18:22 Titus 2:14, 1 Samuel 2:35 is a promise of God: "I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who shall do according to what is in my heart and in my mind. And I will build him a sure house, and he shall go in and out before my anointed forever."This promise is fulfilled perfectly in the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus (Hebrews 7:26"28). See also Psalm 110. Christ Jesus is that red thread woven through both the Old and New Testaments and is shown here in this promise. See Deuteronomy 18:22 where God says "You will know that the prophet is from God if the prophesy comes true." The death of Eli's sons is the sign that the priesthood of Aaron is at an end. Christ does for us what we cannot do for ourselves, see Titus 2:14.
Scripture: Genesis 3:1-6, The beginnings of the Church, Home and Civil Government by God are discussed in the context of the Garden and creation to summarize Chapter 2. Chapter 3 introduces the crafty serpent. The serpent was a convenient tool through which fallen angel Satan tempted Eve. Satan holds out the promise "you will be like God." Adan and Eve knew "good" already. Now they both were offered the ability to know "evil". They ate of the forbidden fruit and sin entered creation.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:21-2:26, Hannah returns to the Lord what He had first given her (1:21-28); Hannah exults that God has fulfilled His word in her prayer (2:1-11) as well as offering thanksgiving, praise and confession; Eli's sons in the Lord's house are contrasted with Samuel in the Lord's house (2:12-26).
Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:9-23, The Lord shows His mercy to Hannah and demonstrates that His power is stronger than human weakness by giving Hannah a son. Samuel, dedicated to God even before conception, is a living sign of God's grace. Hannah's trusting openness to God's Word, and the blessing she received, encourages us to trust that God will deal with us according to His compassionate love in Christ Jesus. In this lesson, Pastor Hodel delves into the deeper insights of Hannah's answer to prayer.
Scripture: Genesis 1:26-2:25, Chapter 2 presents a more focused series of narrative facts regarding the creation of man and woman compared with that presented in Chapter 1.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:1-8, The "four" King books are introduced and contrasted with the "two" Chronicle books in the Old Testament. The setting at the beginning of 1 Samuel is in the area of Shiloh. The conception of Samuel by Elkanah and Hannah begin this book.
Scripture: Genesis 1:9-25, God fills the heaven and earth He has created (1:1) with classes of vegetation and animals (1:11-25). God states that it all conformed to His intentions in the best possible way (1:31). God declares that all He has made is good.
Scripture: Hebrews 13:10-25, 1 Peter 4:14, Following Jesus is going to make you an outsider in the world. This is a very insecure place to be. But we are citizens of a different city, pilgrims on earth who are on a journey to our heavenly home. 1 Peter 4:14 says, when we are insulted for the name of Christ, we are blessed.Luther has this comment: "God permits Christians to remain alive in the flesh and lets our bodies walk the earth in order that we may help others and also bring them to heaven too." Our spiritual offerings are acceptable to God only through faith, for Christ's sake.Hebrews sets forth God's grace in Christ, earned on the cross, ratified in the new covenant, and distributed in Word and Sacrament. By holding fast to the teaching of this sermon by the preacher to the Hebrews and by receiving God's grace through faith, we have fellowship with all the saints and look forward to our inheritance with them in heaven.
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: 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: 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: 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.
The heavenly chorus praises God for the collapse and destruction of the great prostitute Babylon. Christ frees us from tyranny's grip and promises to share the spoils of His victory with us. God follows up His victory over Babylon by performing the marriage of His Son to His Bride, the Church. Though the Father earnestly invites all to come and be a part of this greatest imaginable marriage feast, some still resist the call of His Gospel. The Lord never gives up on them and until the end of time, God continues to extend His gracious invitation to believe on His Son's name and receive eternal life.
Scripture: Hebrews 11:5-40, Faith trusts even without sight what God has set forth in His Word. True faith is active in love and is steadfast under persecution. By His resurrection, Christ conquered death and now provides His Holy Spirit to strengthen us as it did for the Old Testament saints listed in this chapter. They possessed this saving faith and without seeing and hearing the promised Messiah they received the promises of God by this faith. They await their full resurrection, which will come for them and for us on the Last Day.
Scripture: Revelation 18:1-19:5, Two Beasts persecute the Church. One beast is political, the other is religious tyranny, described here as the Great Prostitute/Harlot. The political Beast turns on the Harlot and destroys all that "she" represents. The apostate church and the kings and merchants that take part in her wealth and evil weep and mourn over her destruction and their losses. This is a foretaste of the Final Judgment. Humans had been commodified and used in ungodly ways. They had been fattened before the reversal orchestrated by God through the political beast in just one hour. All who invested in the power of the earth through religious tyranny are weeping over the downfall of the Prostitute. Justice has finally begun to come.
Scripture: Hebrews 10:26-11:4, The preacher to the Hebrews discusses the dangers of apostasy and the danger of throwing away our confidence, our access to God that we have now through Christ. We must live by faith and preserve our souls. Discussion begins of "hall of faith" those who did not shrink back from their faith.
Scripture: Revelation 17:1-18:8, The Beast (from the Sea) first seen in 13:1, representing the corrupt political domain, goes to war against the Great Prostitute/Harlot here in chapter 17. This Harlot figure was previously described as the False Prophet (16:13) and before that described as the Beast from the Earth (13:11). They are all the same. The Harlot represents the False Church and is in stark contrast to the Woman with Child who is an icon of the True Church seen in chapter 12 (12:2). The Harlot (i.e. false church) is hated, tormented and destroyed by the political Beast, represented here by the kings of the earth (17:2). The Unholy Trinity consisting of Satan, Beast from the Sea, and Beast from the Earth/False Prophet/Harlot, begins to come under God's judgment and condemnation as God's purpose and will are carried out against evil.
Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-27 Matthew 27:51, Just as the Old Testament high priest passed through the curtain to enter the Most Holy Place, we "enter" heaven only through Christ's flesh. Christ's body and soul were divided in death as the curtain of the temple was torn (Mt 27:51). The torn curtain continues to remain open as our way into heaven. -- Christ's cleansing sacrifice strengthens our conscience and we see the certainty of God's mercy more clearly.-- Separately, God requires Christians to gather together to hear His Word preached, receive the Sacraments, pray, sing, and give thanks.-- Finally, the sin against the Holy Spirit, a challenging issue of interpretation, is defined here as the sin of unbelief.
Scripture: Hebrews 10:1-18 Exodus 25:40 Psalm 40:6-8, The Law was but a shadow of the good things to come. God told the Hebrews to make everything according to the shadow of things seen on the mountain (i.e. tabernacle, priesthood, sacrificial system). See Exodus 25:40. The shadow is not the end, it is a means to the end. The preacher to the Hebrews asks, "Why would you desire the shadow, when far better things are to come?" The Law could not make perfect those that draw near to God: the shadow cannot totally purify. The shadow is dependent on that which is doing the casting, in this case, the Cross of Christ. The only way to draw near to the Father is through the Son. Salvaton has everything to do with Jesus on the Cross and nothing to do with our effort and works. Through the Old Testament sacrificial system, God forgave sins on the basis of Christ's sacrifice. Only through faith in Christ were these sacrifices pleasing to God. Speaking through the psalmist, the Lord fulfills and ends the old sacrifices that He Himself set up. This
Scripture: Revelation 14:14-16:16, John's vision in chapters 15 and 16 begins with a scene of joyous celebration but then continues with a description of the angels bearing the seven last plagues of God's wrath. As the bowls of God's wrath are poured out, all those worshiping false gods and refusing to repent of their sins are afflicted with terrible plagues. Tragically, there are even some within the Church who stubbornly refuse to repent, putting their salvation in peril. Through Baptism, however, the Lord clothes His people with the perfect righteousness of His Son. The Holy Spirit leads God's children away from the plagues of judgment and keeps them on the winning side in the final battle. As the created order itself begins to come unhinged, Christians need to continually remember that the only basis for our confidence on that dreaded day is that our Lord Jesus paid the full price of our punishment while dying on the cross. During these troubled times, the Church needs to hear repeatedly that there is "now no conde
Scripture: Hebrews 9:15-28, Christ will come from His heavenly sanctuary and take us to Himself with joy. Our greatest joy should be Jesus and His priestly ministry, for He delighted in us, making us the heirs of His last will and testament. Jesus has made us righteous and holy through His sacrificial death that has redeemed us from our condition of sin, death, and the devil.
Scripture: Revelation 14, In chapter 14:6, John relates a vision of three angels warning the world against the disaster that will come upon those worshiping the beast. Despite a multitude of such admonitions, people, including those who know better, still chase after false gods. But those who remain faithful to God and His Word will be blessed, entering into eternal rest when they pass out of this world. In chapter 14:14, John describes the final judgment in terms of a harvest and treading of a winepress. Those in Christ need not worry over God's wrath, for instead of their blood flowing from God's winepress, Jesus' blood was poured out from the cross for them. His sacrifice for their sin removes the penalty of eternal death.
Scripture: Hebrews 9:1-14, The Holy Place of the Old Testament (OT) tabernacle was a picture of the Old Covenant and the old sacrificial system. But the Most Holy Place was a picture of heaven and of Christ's New Covenant. OT services, therefore, pointed ahead to Christ, while NT services celebrate His work, distribute His benefits, and anticipate His return. Christ is the true Priest who sacrificed Himself to reconcile us to the Father. The good things that have come, redemption, salvation, forgiveness, have come to believers in the Word and Sacraments and will be fully bestowed in the future resurrection of Christians.
Scripture: Revelation 13:1 - 14:5, A review of the two beasts is given, the first from the sea and the second from the earth. Satan enlists their assistance, thus forming the "unholy trinity". The former beast represents worldly and political power. The latter beast represents deceit and corruption from within the Church. The elect, kept safely in Jesus' hand, remain secure during these attacks. Chapter 14 begins with John relating a vision in which those who have been delivered to heaven by the Lamb stand gathered around God's throne, singing a heavenly song of praise. This group is described as blameless and differs from the earthly people of God, who still slip into sin by defiling themselves in countless ways. Yet God remains faithful and forgives when we fail to remain true to Him. This gives us every reason to join the saints in heaven in praising Him.
Scripture: Hebrews 8:7-13, The preacher to the Hebrews quotes from Jeremiah when he states that a better covenant is coming. The old Sinai Covenant is going away, but the covenant with Abraham stays. God says it is going to be better. For mankind, the desire to keep the Law results from becoming a new creation and having a new sensitivity to the will of God. God's love and his blood shed for us is the motivation to obey the Law. Under the New Covenant, we are part of the Family of God. We willingly obey because God is our Father. What God promised through Jeremiah has happened.
Scripture: Revelation 12:7-13:10, Satan is thrown out of heaven at the Ascension of Christ, and shows his ugly face to the Church on Earth. After unleashing his anger against the Church, he goes after the offspring of the Church, those of us who hold to the testimony of Jesus. It is no secret that attacks are frequent to believers. We must pray daily for deliverance from evil. As chapter 13 begins the Beast is introduced. Pastor Rhode shows us that this Beast is anything the Devil can use to cripple the Church. As even the government moves steadily against the Church, it becomes clear to us that John's warnings ring true: "To him who has an ear, let him hear."
Scripture: Hebrews 7:20-8:13, Jesus, our high priest and king in the New Covenant, brings us, along with Himself, into the holy of holies. Christ was without stain (sin), yet did not separate himself from sinners. Jesus promises to meet us in Divine Service. He is both a minister of the holy things, including his body and blood, and a minister in the holy places. The New Covenant is a better one: better promises, better word of pardon, better resurrection, better homeland, and more. What Jesus brings is better!
Scripture: Revelation 12, Now we see a woman clothed in the Sun. The woman can be viewed as Mary, and the Church as well. She is about to deliver a child when a brilliant dragon appears to devour that child. Michael and the Angels fight him off and he is thrown back to earth in defeat. The dragon, Satan, seeks to devour the church of God and all believers. Although the dragon appears mighty and may seem like a god, he is not God. In todays world there are dragons that may appear powerful, but we must stand with our Lord knowing that He is the victorious one. Satan may plague us yet, but his time is short. Listen as Pastor Rhode unravels the symbolism in Chapter 12, and look for the meaning in our current day lives.
Scripture: Hebrews 7:4-24 Psalm 110:4 Zechariah 6:11-13, Melchizedek's priesthood is from God. In Psalm 110:4,God,speaking to Jesus, has sworn that Jesus is a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. God joins the offices of King (promised to David's lineage) and Priest. These offices were kept separate in the Law of Moses. However, Melchizedek represents a different order by God, established long before the Law of Moses. Through the Melchizedek priesthood, God intervenes and provides a better new way of Divine Service and forgiveness of sin. If the Law could have delivered perfection, there would be no need for a different way. The sacrificial system was not perfect, but it foreshadowed Christ. The new order of Melchizedek cannot operate under the old priesthood order of Levi. We can come near God in the Divine Service because God makes Jesus our guarantor through this better covenant. Sin can only be dealt with by Jesus.
Scripture: Hebrews 7:1-10 Genesis 14:14-18 Psalms 110:4, Melchizedek meets Abraham after his slaughtering of the kings and blesses him. Who is this mysterious man who appears in ten places in the Bible? Scripture tells us he had no father or mother, no beginning or end and no genealogy. Join us for this interesting study.
Scripture: Revelation 11:15 -12:12, The seventh trumpet (11:15-19), otherwise called the Third Woe, is summarized by Pastor Rhode.Chapter 12 is introduced and consists of two overarching signs: 1. A Woman in Heaven and 2. a Red Dragon. The Woman is an icon for the Church and the Red Dragon an icon for Satan. During this interlude between John's second and third visions for earth, we are given insight into the overarching cosmic war between God and Satan and the consequences of this warfare for the Church on earth.
Scripture: Revelation 11, Pastor Rhode continues to emphasize that the throne room of God the Father, and the Lamb who stands before him, are the central point in the story of the Revelation. Satan will continue in his efforts to destroy the church. There is persecution, and martyrdom, and the watering down of the Word. Take heart believer and don't look at the literal meanings of the Revelation. If you are looking for literal meaning, you are missing the point. God's Word continues to go forward, and nothing will stop it. Remember that glory does not point to your exultation but rather to our God, and to those saints who are, and were faithful, yes faithful even unto death.
Scripture: Hebrews 6:4-7:3, Can partakers of the Holy Spirit be restored after falling from the faith? Hebrews suggests restoration is highly unlikely, but nothing is impossible with God. The preacher in Hebrews then directs the congregation to Jesus, the One who can be depended on. The One to whom we pray is powerful and backs up his promises by an oath which is enough and God's promises deliver certainty. We have a refuge in God's presence, our heavenly place. Even though our souls have not yet departed, they have reached their destination because we are safe now in-Christ. In Divine Service we enter the place Christ has already prepared for us. We are entering heaven when we enter Divine Service.
Scripture: Revelation 10 and 11, Pastor Rhode leads us through the definition of The Church Age, which could be defined as the crucifixion through the second coming. We refer to Daniel and Zechariah in the Old Testament to clarify some of the references in Revelation. Although some would have us believe that Christ is to have a literal reign on earth, Christ himself said that His kingdom was not of this world. Fellow Christians, we are not waiting for the events in John's Revelation, but rather like the first century Christians we are living it. Grab your bibles and listen as Pastor Rhode unpacks the complex meanings in Revelation.
Scripture: Hebrews 5:11-6:6, Scripture calls on us to mature faith for our own benefit. We hone our powers of discernment by constant practice to distinguish between good and evil. We are to receive well the teaching of solid food and be carried along in learning. For those who fall away from the faith, there is no new start apart from what they have already received in baptism. These are people who once believed and were enlightened and understood the faith fully and now rejected it. Restoration and repentance are extremely unlikely (i.e. impossible for the Church) but "with God all things are possible". Regardless, rebaptism is not to be done.
Scripture: Revelation 9:16-11:3, John's picture of spiritual warfare continues with demonic horses and riders. A third of mankind is killed. Of note, the wounding power of the horses is in their mouths, as well as the mouth of the serpent in their tails. In Chapter 10, a mighty angel descends from heaven with a face like the sun and his legs like pillars of fire. His stance is over land and sea, thus holding down the two beasts. His voice is as a lion roaring and the seven thunders are heard here as well. John is told not to write what he hears and must take an oath that he will not. The angel holds a scroll in his hand and John is commanded to take and eat. He takes the scroll from the angel's hand and consumes it. Sweet to taste, but bitter when consumed. These words become part of him, and he must proclaim them. Is that true for every Christian? The Gospel is the sweetness of life itself, however we will all suffer because of it.THIS TEACHING IS ALSO AVAILABLE IN VIDEO FORMAT. See Link listed abov
Scripture: Hebrews 5:1-14, The authority and work of Christ as High Priest is the theme of this and the next few sections we study. The work of a human priest/pastor is examined, beginning with his call by God to act on the behalf of God. Christ was also called to be High Priest, even though He was not from the family of Aaron. Christ was not a time-limited priest, but a priest forever out of the order of Melchizedek, a man in the bible with no historic beginning or ending. Jesus needed no training as a priest because He is the Wisdom of God, yet He had to experience our weakness. Jesus did this by becoming man. His training was a life-long obedience to God. Jesus remained faithful and suffered much. In His priestly office, Jesus continues to pray for believers. His words "It is finished" reverses His work. Jesus now gives life after conquering death. He is the source of salvation to all who obey Him. This obedience is not a "works righteousness". Obedience means to receive, believe/trust the Gospel.
Scripture: Revelation 9, As we begin Revelation 9, the 5th and 6th angel appear. A star falls from heaven to earth and he (Satan) is given the key to the shaft of the bottomless pit. Smoke arises from the pit, and with the smoke come the swarm of locust, who can be recognized as demons. They are instructed to leave alone the people of God, who have the seal on their foreheads. However, the others are to be tortured until they call for their own death. These demons appear to have power, but in fact are false and do not have the power of God. The sixth angel blows their trumpet and ushers in three plagues, and one-third of mankind are killed. In today's world there are false gods and worship of things that are temporal. In fact, Satan's victory would begin by claiming ownership of God's people on earth through His Church.
Scripture: Hebrews 4:13-16, The very reason the Incarnation took place was so Jesus would be our mediator, our intercessor to God the Father. Christ became our merciful and faithful priest, Heb. 2:17. Jesus has bridged the gulf between God and man so we can join Christ and go into the Father's presence. Because of what Christ has done for us, "let us hold fast to our confession". Draw near to God so we may receive mercy and find grace and forgiveness in our time of need.
Scripture: Revelation 8:1-9:10 Hebrews 1:2, The opening of the Seven Seals and the blowing of the Seven Trumpets and the pouring out of the Seven Bowls are not independent events as seen in John's vision, but all reflect the same End Times. Think of a TV crew capturing all the action of a single soccer game using six different cameras. This week we cover the opening of the seventh Seal and the blowing Trumpets #1-#5. As long as we remain in this life, we can expect tribulation and tears. We can turn to the Lord in prayer and encourage one another and He will sustain us until that glorious day when we will see Him face to face in heaven.
Scripture: Hebrews 4:1-13, Depending on yourself is not rest! Trusting in God results in experiencing God's rest. God's rest is where God is. The goal of the Sabbath was to remind the Israelites of God's rest, it was not to give them a "day off". When we stop trusting in God, an isolation of unbelief comes upon us and our hearts are hardened. The Word of God exposes our thoughts and intentions. Listen to the Word and believe it. God's Word does what it says and it always accomplishes what He intends and what is pleasing to Him. God's Word creates faith in us and it can stop people from becoming hard hearted in unbelief. God's Word diagnoses the heart, our spiritual scoliosis.
Scripture: Revelation 6:1-7:17 Romans 9:8 Psalm 130:4, As the six seals are opened by the Lamb of God, we don't know when Christ will return. We do know the order of three things that should take place before: repentance, forgiveness and judgment. At any moment the Lord can return. Chapter 7 describes an interlude before the seventh and final seal is opened. During the interlude we see four angels at the four corners of the earth holding back the four winds. A fifth angel calls for no harm to be done until the servants of God are marked and sealed. This refers to the 144,000 collective. They are defined by their repentance for their sin and their baptism. This number, 144,000 is symbolic and represents all believers in Jesus Christ. Romans 9:8 is referenced. Fire and the wrath of God is coming, 6:17, who can stand. No one unless we stand in our forgiveness with Jesus (Psalm 130:4).
Scripture: Hebrews 3:13-4:3, We are to exhort one another so that none may be hardened by sin. We have access to God through God's Son. Hold onto what you already have. The disobedient will not enter God's rest because of unbelief -- but we who believe will enter God's rest (4:1). This is an important promise given us by God for as long as we are alive.
Scripture: Revelation 5:8 - 6:12, The Seals are now being opened, and the riders are called forth. We see the 1st through the 6th seals in order. Tyranny, war and blood shed, famine, death, the martyrs in waiting, and the destruction of the earth as we know it are shown. Terror strikes the earth and all people tremble as God returns. We are reminded that our Lord goes before us, with the scars of His sacrifice. As Babylon is overthrown and Satan is bound, we are to look only to Christ, the Lamb who bears the price, and not at our own sin. A warning to unbelievers, and a comfort to Christians.
Scripture: Hebrews 3:1-13, This teaching begins with an excellent review of the first 11 verses of chapter 3.The preacher is not denigrating Moses, he just has a high view of Jesus. The IF statement in 3.6 is examined. We are "God's House" not by performance -- works are not in the picture. The preacher says "don't have an unbelieving heart. Don't let you heart dry out!" A hardened heart originates in humans. God rested on the seventh day because there was nothing to do. From our perspective when we are bought back by God, we have nothing to do but rest. Unbelief in God and distrust in His promises leads to sin. Exhort one another every day. We have a responsibility to help each other daily.
Scripture: Revelation 5, Pastor Rhode leads us through this text that is foundational, because it is a picture of what is, was, and ever shall be. As we begin Chapter 5 we see the scroll in the right hand of the one who is seated on the throne of heaven. John weeps because he sees no one who is worthy to open the scroll with the seven (7) seals. One of the elders says to him to "Weep no more. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David has conquered, and He will open the scroll." The slain lamb, the root of David, appears and the song begins: "Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals for you were slain and by your blood you ransomed all people for God!" Thanks be to Christ Jesus!
Scripture: Hebrews 3:1-11, 1 Samuel 2:12-36, Numbers 12, Leviticus 26:13, Jesus is the "sent one" who acts on behalf of God the Father. We can walk with bold freedom (i.e. upright)in the presence of God because of what Christ has done. Jesus calls us friend and we can confidently pray and speak our mind as a result. Excellent connections with Old Testament passages are given to demonstrate these truths.
Scripture: Revelation 4:1-5:5, The door of Heaven is opened to John. He beholds Christ Jesus upon the throne of Heaven. Around the throne are the 24 elders with crowns upon their heads. From the throne comes flashes of lightning, and before the throne are the four creatures singing:"Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come,"Pastor Rhode makes the point that although many see Heaven as an oblique eternity, it is really a succession of events.
Scripture: Hebrews 2:10-18 Matthew 12 Psalm 22, We are all from one. What is the one? Who are my brothers? Jesus answers this in Matthew 12. Up until now in Hebrews, Jesus has been speaking with God the Father. Now Jesus speaks to the congregation. The four stages of dealing with death are discussed. Jesus became human in every respect so He might be our merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God.
Scripture: Revelation 4:1-6 Isaiah 6:1-6 Daniel 7:9-14, We continue in the study of three passages from the Old Testament that describe God's appearance. We began last week with Ezekiel 1 and this week complete Isaiah 6, Daniel 7. This gives us the background to begin Revelation, chapter 4, where similar words from the Old Testament describe God's appearance. This lesson is insightful and humbling as we gain an understanding in the way mankind should reverently view and worship God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Scripture: Hebrews 2:5-10, John 8:51, The angels are not the proper heirs of the world to come. It is to be inherited and governed by Jesus and His saints. Through Jesus we share in the common inheritance. But, why don't we experience the glory of God now? Verses 2:8-9 give the answer. Listen for this answer and more in this lesson.
Scripture: Revelation 3:14-22 Ezekiel 1:4-28 Isaiah 6:1-6, The harshest of the seven church letters is given to Laodicea. They should see themselves as poor, blind and naked. But instead they say they are rich and need nothing! Christ would rather they hate Him than be "luke-warm". Verse 3:20 pictures Christ "coming to a believer", but his request to be received has a different meaning than commonly thought. Chapter 4, John's view of the exalted Lord, is introduced by reviewing three other extended descriptions of God in the Bible: Ezekiel 1, Isaiah 6 and Daniel 7. All are pictures of Jesus, because Yahweh cannot be seen by human eyes.
Scripture: Hebrews 1:6-2:4; Psalm 104; Psalm 102:27; Acts 4:12, The status of Christ being the First Born and what it conveys-- that through Him many will be adopted into God's family is discussed. The assembly of the first born (i.e.Christians), are enrolled in heaven now and reign with Christ. The role of angels as being ministering spirits for God and liturgists in heaven is examined in the context of scripture. We are called to hold fast to what we have heard so that we don't drift away.
Scripture: Revelation 3:1-13, To the people of Sardis Jesus says that they appear alive, but are dead. He warns that He will come against them if they do not wake up. Those who are unrepentant soil their white garments, namely Baptismal garments, and must acknowledge their sin and repent. The people of Philadelphia are told that they will be vindicated because of their faithfulness. Even today there is a tendency to look down on those with little power. The Lord, however, only looks to faithfulness and he gives his faithful unsurpassed strength over death.VIDEO FORMAT of this teaching is on the FAITH CAPO Facebook page. Filmed live at 11am PST on each Thursday.
Scripture: Hebrews 1:3-6, Christ is superior over all things, including angels. In fact, twelve "better or superior gifts" are listed in this study. If you have all the better things, why go back to Jewish roots then? Jesus is superior in who He is and where He sits. Jesus has made those who receive him the New Israel.
Scripture: Revelation 2:18-29, Pastor Rhode takes us through our Lord's admonition to the church at Thyatira. The people are commended for their patience, love, and service; however, they are tolerating a Jezebel among their midst. Jezebel is committing sexual immorality and eating food sacrificed to pagan idols. God gave her time to repent, but she has not. Today, Jezebel might be metaphorically those who say they are Christian, but embrace and tolerate that which is false.
Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-4 Psalm 19:1-5 Psalm 111:2 John 1:8 Ephesians 5:8, Jesus is the begotten, not made, Son of God. He is one substance with the Father, yet Father and Son are two kinds when it comes to person. Jesus' unique relationship with the Father and his inheritance are shared with all believers. Why deny Jesus (go back to Judaism) when He is offering you forgiveness of sins to enter God's rest?
To the Smyrna church, Jesus warns Jews who reject the Messiah a "synagogue of Satan." Further he says to them that the Devil will test you, but if they are faithful unto death, he will give them the crown of life. To the church of Pergamum the warning comes against sexual immorality. "To him who has an ear let him hear."
Scripture: Hebrews 1-13, In this lesson, Pastor Hodel reads the entire 13 chapters from the book of Hebrews. No teaching or commentary is given.
Scripture: Revelation 1:1 - 2:7, John witnesses the voice and beholds the Son of Man standing among seven lampstands, which are the seven churches. In His hand are seven stars which are the angels of the seven churches. The Church at Ephesus is warned to repent and turn back from evil, or the Lord will remove the lampstand. We are to hate evil and any false teaching which goes against the teaching of the Apostles.
Scripture: Hebrews, Hebrews overview is given. Hebrews is a different epistle that bridges the Old Testament to the New Testament. The format of Hebrews resembles a sermon with a short letter attached. The unknown author points to Christ and preaches Jesus. He was not one of the twelve disciples but was familiar with the congregation to which he is writing. Old Testament typology is widely used to point to New Testament events and promises. Luther had questions about how repentance was taught in Hebrews, especially in 6:4-6.
Scripture: Revelation 1:1-16, The Revelation of Jesus Christ which was given to Him by the Father. Jesus makes it known to us by sending His angel to give it to His servant John, who in turn gives this revelation to us. Blessed are those who read it. I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is and who once was and who is to come.
Scripture: Luke 24:13-53, In this final lesson in Luke, we review what happened on the Road to Emmaus, then cover Jesus' appearance again to the disciples in the Upper Room and the ascension of Jesus into heaven. Major themes of Luke are discussed including Jesus reversing death and "table fellowship" in the New Creation where Jesus serves sinners who seek to be forgiven.
Scripture: Titus 1:10-3:15, Paul closes his letter to Titus reminding him that we are saved not because of our works, but according to the righteousness of Christ Jesus. Older men of faith are to exhibit a dignified and loving nature. Older women of faith are train young women by example. We are to devote ourselves for every good work as it is excellent and profitable for all people.
Scripture: Luke 23:44-24:35, Jesus on the cross looks the opposite of holy. The theme of a great reversal is demonstrated where the mighty does great things for the weak and humble. Jesus provides a way through death by opening His arms. Jesus serves humanity, yet He is the greatest of all. The three men hanging on the cross are a representation of the world. Jesus being the Savior of the world, one thief represents all believers and the other thief represents all unbelievers. Jesus was forsaken by God on account of all sinners.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:9-22, The study of 2 Timothy concludes today with this short lesson. Paul sends personal greetings, warnings and final instructions.
As we begin Titus, Paul continues to instruct his teachers. "Eternal life promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in His word, was made known through His preaching." The qualifications for Elders, Pastors and Families are clearly set before us. Again, do not be deceived by the defiled. To those who heed pure doctrine, the simple purity of that truth brings the hope of our salvation.
Scripture: Luke 23:1-43, Jesus in trials before Pilate and Herod, then the crucifixion passage is covered.
Paul Admonishes Timothy that:There are those who oppose the truth, and those with itching ears who will find that type of teacher to suit their needs. There will be persecution for the person trying to live a Godly life, just as there was persecution for Paul. Take heart, remembering that all scripture is breathed by God and is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training. Scripture will expose the false teacher. Christ be praised.
Scripture: Luke 22:20-23:5, This teaching contrasts the difference between the two cups: one given for you (22:20), by Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and the other, the cup of God's wrath (22:42), where Jesus prayed "Father, if you are willing remove this cup from me". The betrayal of Judas is contrasted with Peter's three denials of Jesus. The "night trial" of Jesus before the elders, chief priests and scribes is examined where they asked Jesus: "If you are the Christ, tell us." We learn that that similar words are spoken to Jesus by Satan when tempting Him, "If you are the Son of God....". See Luke 4:3 and 4:9.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:14-3:4, Paul reminds Timothy:To endure by preparing for his ministry as an athlete would prepare for a competition.Play by the rules, and be vessels for honorable use.Rightly handle the word of TruthWhen we are faithless, He will remain faithful.*When we deny Him, He will deny us.
Scripture: Luke 19:28 - 20:40, Jesus enters Jerusalem on Palm Sunday fulfilling the passage of Zechariah. Jesus enters the Temple and is the stone the builders reject. The parable of the tenants, also called parable of the vineyard is discussed.
Scripture: Luke 18:14-43, Passive infants are brought to Jesus so He can touch them. There is nothing in a child that merits God's forgiveness. They are not innocent but very self-centered and demanding. By Jesus offering grace to the infant, it shows the the width and depth of God's grace. Babies can only receive. They are totally dependent. We must become like a child to enter the kingdom of God. The rich ruler asks Jesus what to do to inherit eternal life. This interesting dialog is examined concluded by Jesus saying none can get into the Kingdom of God by human effort, but with God all things are possible. Jesus promises blessing in the the age to come if we practice evangelical poverty. Jesus then predicts His suffering and death -- the way eternal life is given to us by God. A blind man "sees" what the disciples do not see is introduced.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:9 - 6:2, We learn about the "Office of Widow," where there are certain qualifications. She is to be the wife of one husband, and at least 60 years of age. The Church would then support them in their office of good works and faithfulness. However, when family is present it would fall to them to support the widow so as not to burden the church. The other vocations of Pastor, Elder, Husband and Wife, Boss and Employer, and Slave and Master are discussed. In summary, we are to live out our vocations with honor, because we are serving Christ in all things.
Scripture: Luke 17:20-18:14, We learn from the teaching of Jesus what the Kingdom of God is like and what it means for believers of Jesus. Eternal life is defined and discussion from questions result. The parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge is examined and similarities between Jesus and the unjust judge are given. One similarity is that both act on account of their namesakes. Finally the prayer of the Pharisee that says "thank you God that I am better than everyone else" is shown to lack the humility for God to exalt him. The Pharisee's prayer is contrasted with the humble tax collector's prayer. Everybody in creation is one of these two men.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:1-5:9, Paul now warns Timothy that some will depart from the faith, through the lies of deceitful spirits and the teaching of demons. There are those that will stray from the Gospel by forbidding marriage and certain foods etc. All things created by God are good, and we are to receive these gifts with thanksgiving. When we meet at the communion rail, we are among the company of all believers, in heaven and earth, and rather than looking back to the deeds of our life, we are to look forward to the promise of heaven.
Scripture: Luke 17:7-30 Luke 12:35, Because last week's lesson was NOT recorded, a 20-minute longer review begins this lesson covering the narrative by Jesus on the Rich Man and Lazarus as well as the parable of the mustard seed (Luke 16:19 to 17:6). Then Jesus directs us to pray in His will which simply is that all would come to Him for salvation. Jesus then defines what a servant is and that He wants us to humble ourselves so that He can exalt us on the Last Day. Luke 12:35 says we are to stay dressed for action and keep the lamps burning. Blessed are those who are awake at that time. On the Last Day, Jesus will flip roles with us and humble Himself and serve believers. Finally, Jesus heals ten lepers physically of which only one, a Samaritan, returns to Jesus to receive salvation. The preaching in the days of Noah is compared in an interesting way to the preaching of Jesus and His Church.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:10 - 3:8, The roles of the clergy, and of men and women, who are believers in Christ Jesus, are clearly set out in these verses. We are to pray for all people, including people in high positions and ourselves that we might lead a quiet and peaceful lives, godly and dignified in every way. We are reminded that the first incident of God's people going against Him was in the Garden. Adam made his wife an overseer, by following her advice, and of course destruction followed. When we allow current day culture to dictate our roles and responsibilities, we go against God.
Scripture: Luke 16:19-17:6, The narrative of the Rich Man and Lazarus is told by Jesus in the context of how wealth is to be used in this world.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:3-2:12, Today we hear Paul reaffirm that Christ Jesus came to save sinners, and foremost among sinners he names himself. Over and over Paul tells us that he received mercy without merit, because he had been ignorant of Christ and the gift of salvation. Further, God would have all men saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth. The role of men and women in the Church are outlined in Chapter 2. Men should pray without anger and quarreling, and women should display modesty and clothe themselves in good works.
Scripture: 1 Timothy, We begin our journey through 1st Timothy with Paul reminding us that he is an apostle sent by God. He is given the utmost authority with these words, as he warns us all to beware of those who would teach any different doctrine. While some may contend that the early church was a loosely knit organization, Paul is laying out a clear model of what is to be taught, and how the bishops are to rule in the various stations of life. There are those who would crave "celebrity" desiring to be teachers of the law, and yet not understanding what they are saying. This is dangerous for all believers. Our charge continues to "have love that issues from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith."
Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:5-3:18, Don't think the Day of the Lord has come, even though some false teachers have told you so. Rebellion and the man of lawlessness must be revealed and he must take a seat in the Church. The man of lawlessness departs from or subverts from righteousness (i.e. Christ). This is an office with origin in Satan. Christians are being deceived and don't even know it. Christians are to stand firm through God's grace with prayer, repentance and not being idle.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:20, Paul has only positive things to say about the Thessalonian church.They turned to God from idols and are waiting on Jesus to return from heaven to deliver us from the wrath to come. Jesus conquers death and delivers us from death. We need to remember this. Today is the day of salvation. There is an urgency. God has provided you a way to escape through His Son. We are all answerable to God. God tests us in a way that we will get stronger -- producing character, endurance and hope.Paul exhorted them to walk in a manner worthy of God.
Scripture: Luke 13:20-35 Luke 14:1-6 John 10:9, Jesus answers the question they ask: "Will the number of those saved be few?" In a surprising way, He redirects back to the questioner saying to them: "You strive to enter through the narrow door". Jesus is the narrow door and will not give them a way to judge the Almighty God. Jesus expresses sorrow for Jerusalem and heals a man with dropsy on the Sabbath.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5:11, Paul communicates his joy in learning that the Thessalonians are well-grounded in their faith and love toward others. He urges them to walk and please God more and more, as their sanctification is the will of God. They are to aspire to live quietly, to mind their own affairs and to work with their hand as they increase in abounding love for one another. Also included is a discussion on the coming of the Lord, the meaning of the Rapture and the Day of the Lord. They are to encourage one another and build one another with these truths.
Scripture: Luke 12:49-13:21, Jesus explains that the baptism He gives, and will go through, will not cause peace -- it will cause division. His death on the cross will result in fire poured out on Him (i.e. the wrath of God) and is a baptism "by fire" done for believers. In these days, the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness and judgment. It is as if we are living in the days of Noah. Judgement is coming for sure and the only safe place on the Last Day will be the "fire break" (burned out area) in the shadow of the Cross. God saves those who seek refuge in His Son. The Lord's Supper is the cross of Jesus made present while we wait for Jesus to return on the Last Day. This is just one of the teachings in this lesson.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1-2, The Thessalonian church has turned to God from idols and eagerly waiting for Jesus to return from heaven to deliver us from the wrath to come. Paul has only positive things to say. He reminds them that wrath is coming and the today is the day of salvation. God has provided you a way to escape thru His Son. We are all answerable to God. God tests our hearts so that we will get stronger. This results in our suffering that produces character, endurance and hope.
Scripture: Luke 12:13-48, Jesus teaches through the Rich Fool parable which inheritance is most important. Eternal life is a person, not a place. This person is your heavenly inheritance. Why do humans want to be independent and store up enough not to depend on God each day?. Anxiety and worry are powerless and cannot add an hour to your life. Mercy is the essence of the commandments. These are among the teachings of Jesus in this segment.
Scripture: Colossians 2:16-3:10, Should Christians bring judgement on each other for food and drink, or the celebration of days such as the Sabbath? Further, what about the worship of angels, or people with visions? Paul warns against such things, and tells us to "seek things that are of Christ who is all in all." In Chapter 3, Paul encourages us to put on a "new self," lifting each other with love and forgiveness as Christ has forgiven us.
Scripture: Luke 11:37-12:12, Seven woes to the Pharisees and Lawyers are itemized by Jesus. Woe is the opposite of blessed. These woes make the point that we must be clean on the inside and merciful and loving to our neighbor.The leaven of the Pharisees is hypocrisy. Jesus says everything covered up will be revealed by the light and we are to fear Him who has authority to cast you into hell
Scripture: Colossians 2:1-15, In this study of Colossians, Paul warns all believers to beware of empty deceit that does not belong to the teachings of Christ.Philosophical arguments against the faith come to us from all directions. Who of us, like the believers in Colossus, aren't bombarded with the wisdom of human traditionthat try to tear down our belief? Listen to Pastor Rhode as he guides us through an uplifting message to the Colossians, which proves just as pertinenttoday as it was then.
Scripture: Luke 11:5-44, Jesus teaches us to be persistent, shameless and audacious -- even impudent in prayer -- even though we don't have the right. Moreover, God will not give you what is harmful. We have to trust that what God gives us is good, even if it does not look good. His gift of the Holy Spirit is the best gift of all.
Scripture: Colossians 1:15-29, As we continue in Colossians we are reminded by Paul that all things were created by the Son, that is Christ, or the Word made flesh. We know it is Christ who reconciles us to God, and indeed it must be the Word of God, that is Christ, which holds all things together. It is our faith in Christ, and in His death and resurrection that mark us as beyond reproach.
Scripture: Luke 11:1-13 Genesis 1:26-27 Genesis 5:1-3 Matthew 18:15-21, Chapter 11's theme is prayer-- what should we pray? Jesus teaches us to pray here from a position of us being God's baptized children. Each element of the Lord's Prayer is covered in depth.
Scripture: Colossians 1:1-17, While we lost the image of God with the fall, we put on the image of God once more throughChrist in our baptism. We have been delivered from darkness to light, and will be strengthened with all power for endurance and patience. A timely message as we begin Colossians.
Scripture: Luke10:25-42, The wise in this world are too smart for Jesus! Their wisdom is a tool of their unbelief. What is hidden to them is they don't see the call to belief because this would contradict how the world perceives them. The wise ask: "Am I sure I want to trade in my wisdom for Jesus and the Gospel?" This study concludes by examining the deeper meaning of the parable of the Good Samaritan where the lawyer tests (assaults) Jesus by asking "what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"
Scripture: Romans 15:14-16:27, In these concluding two chapters of Romans, Paul speaks of his ministry. He explains that he must go where the gospel had not already been preached. He warns the believers to avoid false doctrine. We are to avoid, "teachers, that by smooth talk and flattery, deceive the hearts of the naïve." Good advice for Christians today. Paul ends with a doxology that soothes our minds and comforts our hearts. Listen as Pastor Rhode guides us through the last verses of Romans.
Scripture: Luke 4:18-19 Luke 6:20 Luke 6:24-26 Luke 6:43-49 Luke 9:51 Luke 10:17-29 1 Corinthians 1:21, Pastor Rhode reviews Jesus' teaching such as His "upside-down" views in the Beatitudes/Woes sermon. These truths are hidden from the wise yet revealed by faith to little children. The parable of the Good Samaritan is introduced and will be completed next week.
Scripture: Romans 15:1-13, In this age, we all want to have hope in something or someone. Our hopes are sometimes dashed when we realize that nothing is to come of it. Our children, our spouses, our friends, our politics may give uspause to question the hope that is within us. Our hope in Jesus Christ is entirely different. We have his Word and we have his Promise. Our God has told us, through His Word, that we indeed have the Promise of Eternal Life with Him. Sadly, it is a tall order to deal with this fallen world and maintain hope. We are pushing against a culture that minimizes such faith and hope. However, Paul admonishes us to endure and please our neighbor,building him up for his good. Paul offers a benediction to us all in verse 13 when he says, "May the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."
Scripture: Romans 14, Adiaphora is something that is neither commanded nor forbidden by God. Christ died for this freedom in Him. Paul discusses not judging one another based the food they eat and what day of the week they worship. "Let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding" - Romans 14:20.
Scripture: Romans 13:8-14:9; Galaltians 3:27, Dear Christian:You would be hard put to read Romans 13 and not have questions, but with Romans 14 the questions continue:Paul says to "owe nothing," but is he talking about money or sin?How do we put on the Armor of Light when we face darkness in this present world?In the body of Christ, we should not quarrel over opinions, but there is one thing to which we must adhere, and what is that?What is Adiaphora? Such a big word for such seemingly minor things.Is our day of worship important, and where did the apostles lead us on this question?We are to put on the new creation in Jesus Christ. Must we do anything to attain such a wonderful thing?Pastor Rhode leads us through 13 and 14 and you don't want to miss this one!
Scripture: Romans 12:18-13:10, Who of us doesn't want to retaliate when someone has wronged us? If all authority is from God, how do we account for the evil ruler? HOw do the ruler and Office of the Ruler differ? Can't we protect those in need? How do we know God will avenge wrong? Why are we to love our neighbor? All of this and more is answered in this lesson in Romans.
Scripture: Luke 9:51- 10:16, Jesus turns and starts for Jerusalem where His exodus will take place. Jesus defines the various costs to follow Him, declaring believers will be without a home in this life and go thru physical death to the other side (i.e. new heaven and earth and eternal life). Jesus sends 72 disciples ahead to enter cities, instructing them in detail to declare the kingdom of God has come near.
Scripture: Romans 12:9-19, "Did Jesus die for even me?" Yes, Christ died on the cross for you! However, St. Paul tells us that since Christ first loved you with a love beyond description, you are to display a genuine love for your neighbor. Contribute to the needs of the saints, and bless those who persecute you. Never be wise in your own sight, but seek harmony and honor. As far as it depends on you to display this love, you can depend on your Savior to give you the strength in this seemingly impossible task. If we fail, we are to try again rejoicing in hope, showing patience in our tribulation, and seeking our Lord's guidance through prayer. Did Christ die for you? Of course, but then he died for your neighbor as well.
Scripture: Romans 12:1-9, Two forces are at work on the Christian, the force to conform to the image of this world, and God transforming our mind by His Word. Do not despair, dear Christian, and do not be conformed to the world. Rather be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you might discern through the word what is good and acceptable and perfect. There are times when we might feel that we must display every spiritual gift, but Paul assures us that we are one body, and God has measured faith to each of us in order that we might perform whatever our gift(s) may be. Finally, in all you do, let your love be genuine, abhor evil, and always hold fast to what is good.
Scripture: Luke 9:23-56, Jesus foretells His death twice. Jesus says anyone who follows me must deny themselves and take up his cross daily. In the presence of Moses and Elijah and three disciples, Jesus is transfigured. A demon possessed boy is healed and Jesus is rejected in a Samaritan village.
Scripture: Luke 9:10-27 John 21:17, Jesus is bread from heaven and providing free food (recall Jesus telling Peter to "feed my sheep"). He is undoing the curse given by God after Adam and Eve sinned. Jesus takes what is finite and make it infinite! He makes what we have to be enough. This applies to the Lord's Supper. Jesus asks Peter, "Who do you say I am? Who, do YOU say Jesus is?
Scripture: Romans 11:6-12:2, Why do so many Jews not believe? Answer, they reject the Gospel. God says He will use the rejection by the Jews for goo, --- to bring the Gospel to the Greeks.
Scripture: Luke 8:40-9:17, This teaching reviewed the woman with the flow of blood touching Jesus as well as the healing of Jairus's daughter. In the former, Jesus healed by means (His garment). In the latter Jesus told the laughing people, knowing that she was dead, to not fear, only believe. Jesus can turn death into sleep. Both woman were restricted from being a fount of life. Death attacks the fount of life. Christ has come to undo death.
Scripture: Romans 9:30-11:12, In Romans 11, Paul says that there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; ALL who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. The question remains, however, how do you call on Christ if you do not believe? Moreover, how do you believe without hearing, and how do you hear if no one is sent to share the gospel with you? God sends His pastors to share His saving grace. The world may view Christ as a stumbling block, but in reality, He is the only pathway to salvation.
Scripture: Luke 8:26-48 Revelation 12, Jesus travels to the Gentile land of Gerasenes where He encounters a demon-possessed man who is shackled. The significance of the shackles is discussed together will why the demons are terrified of the spoken word of Jesus. Jesus then saves a woman of faith who has been discharging blood for 12 years.
Scripture: Romans 9:1-10:14, In chapter 9 of Romans, St. Paul again says in verses 15-16 "So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God who has mercy" ... and continues in chapter 10 verse 4, "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes."God wants all to realize who He is and to turn and repent of their sins.
Scripture: Luke 8:16- 39 Zechariah 9:16, Jesus teaches us: the Gospel should be proclaimed, not hidden; the definition of His family are those that hear the Word of God and do it; and Jesus gives us the assurance that He saves us individually as exemplified by traveling a long distance to remove demons from just one man.
Scripture: Romans 8:11-9:15, All Christians suffer an internal conflict. Thanks be to God that he took our salvation out of our hands. St. Paul confirms in Romans that nothing in creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 8:39).
Scripture: Luke 7:36-50 Luke 8:1-15 Isaiah 6, Pastor Rhode opens this study with a short review of Jesus' teaching contrasting the faith of the sinful woman and Simon the Pharasee (7:36-50). Chapter 8 opens with specific naming of the women that accompany Jesus, why they follow and how they support Jesus. The study concludes with a comprehensive study of the Parable of the Sower that gives an overview of God's salvation method that goes completely against human reason.
Scripture: Luke 7:11-23 Luke 7:24-50, Jesus "rains" on death's parade in the town of Nain is reviewed. People there are fascinated and declare "a great prophet has risen among us", not realizing Jesus is actually God incarnate. From prison, John the Baptist doubted who Jesus was. Jesus told John that "scripture is being fulfilled", the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised and the poor have good news preached to them. Jesus teaches the crowds about John by asking,"What did you go out into the wilderness to see?"Jesus is invited into the home of Simon, a Pharisee, where His feet are anointed by a sinful woman of the city. Jesus teaches Simon about forgiveness using a parable about a moneylender that had two debtors.
Scripture: Romans 7:7 - 8:14, The Law is the will of God. God designs it, but mankind is against it. This is the nature of sin. As the Law comes, sin comes alive and I die. Paul wants to follow the Law but can't because of sin. C.S. Lewis said, "people don't know how bad they until they try to do good." But sin and death are void because of the Gospel.
Scripture: Luke 6:43- 7:23, Much increased understanding is given about four separate and distinctive teaching by Jesus: building a house, healing the Centurion's servant, raising the widow of Nain's son, and John the Baptist expressing his doubts about Jesus.
Scripture: Romans 5:18-7:19, Christians recognize that because Christ took on our sin, it no longer has dominion over us. While we are no longer enslaved to sin, we are slaves to the righteousness that Christ has provided for us. We strive to be obedient to Christ and His righteousness, however when we fail, and we will because of our natural limitations, the love of God in Christ Jesus will rescue us in grace ….Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Scripture: Luke 6:24-42, Jesus declares woe to the rich and prosperous. Everything we have is from God. Jesus is rich beyond measure yet empties Himself to be condemned as if He were a criminal. The whole world is flipped on its head. Praying for your enemies is novel. Mercy is at the heart of what Jesus is saying here. All that the world can do is "love those who are lovable". Yet we are to called love that which is unlovable. When we act in this way, we show others we are sons of the Most High. If you are not a disciple of Jesus you are blind! Forgive your brother as many times as you have been forgiven. The Kingdom of God challenges the thinking of this world because it is "upside down", a "great reversal" of the world's standards.
Scripture: Luke 6:20-32, Jesus delivers the Sermon on the Plain where the "great reversal" theme in Luke continues. Jesus, who is Lord of all, gave up His power and wealth in heaven to become the lowliest of all in a little, weak fetus. Jesus preaches that the poor receive the Kingdom of God, captives are set free, those hungry now will be satisfied, the weeping will turn to laughter, and the persecuted will be rewarded in heaven.
Scripture: Luke 5:27-6:22, Believers are depicted as the waiting Bride of Christ. Jesus is to be the Bridegroom. This is all foreshadowed in the Lord's Supper. The old has given way to the new. Jesus is making all things new. An example of cloth and wine are given. In chapter 6, Jesus is criticized for working on the Sabbath. A fundamental part of this is that He is feeding sinners and healing. When we rest on the Sabbath, we honor God's creation. Jesus says He is our Sabbath rest.
Scripture: Romans 4:1-25; Hebrews 11:13, Abraham was justified before circumcision. He was a Christian. His faith was credited to him as righteousness. Sons of Abraham are by faith. Abraham died in faith, not having received the things promised --- Hebrews 11:13. Passive faith (only receiving) is contrasted with active faith (produces good works). Christ is our justification and our sanctification. Faith has two different ways of functioning (i.e. two sides of a coin) but is still one coin. Heavenly rewards are discussed in conclusion. The key element of faith is to believe that God was able to do what He had promised.
Scripture: Luke 5:17-35 John 20:19-23 Mark 2:1-12, Jesus heals a paralytic and calls Levi as a disciple. Jesus is going to base His ministry on something that appears foolish. "Put down your nets during the daylight!" It works because Jesus says so! When we put our reason under the Word, in service to it, we have it rightly ordered. Augustine said it this way, "Believe in order to understand". If Jesus remembers you, you never die. We are never forgotten, we are eternally present with Him. What a comfort!
Scripture: Romans 3:19-4:15; Romans 3:21; Matthew 6:16; Psalm 32:1-2, By the works of the Law, no human will be justified. God looks through the Law at man and only sees sin. We need a different way to be justified. Verse 3:21, the "hinge verse" defines this different way. Just as Abraham was declared righteous by God (4:3), we are declared righteous through Christ.
Scripture: Luke 4:31 - 5:16, Jesus casts out a demon in a man, demonstrating His authority and power. Jesus simply speaks and it is so. So much so that faith comes by hearing His spoken word. Jesus said "I must preach the good news..." (vs.4:43). His preaching is more important than his healing. Jesus calls His first disciples and preaches from a boat.
Scripture: Romans 3:10-18; Romans 3:19-26, Nothing is good within man. We are all bound in our flesh. Sin denies that God exists and gives the sinner a feeling of entitlement (i.e. "I deserve to be able to do this action"). Through the Law comes knowledge of sin. The incomplete sacrificial system from the O.T. was lacking because it had to be repeated. It was pointing to the Messiah as the perfect sacrifice. In Romans 3:21, the great pivot occurs, God pours out the blood of Jesus on the heavenly mercy seat. When someone is saved from God's judgment the Scriptures declare the reason is the Holy Spirit. In contrast where Scriptures talk about unbelief, the blame is laid on the person.
Scripture: Luke 4:14-30 Isaiah 61:1-2, Jesus preaches in the synagogue in Nazareth. In order to preach to the poor, Jesus Himself becomes poor. Jesus was sent to preach forgiveness to the captives of sin and to lead mankind from the eternal blindness of sin back into the light.
Scripture: Romans 2:1- 3:18, Chapters 1 and 2 clearly indicate that we all have sinned and are incapable of saving ourselves. People are only good in God's sight when they are justified by Christ through faith. Perfect righteousness is only obtained through Christ. None is righteous apart from Christ. Any good works we do is through Christ by faith. When we pass judgment on another, we condemn ourselves. God approves of us only because of Jesus.
Scripture: Luke 4: 1-15, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness where he fasts and gives up the protection of His heavenly Father. Jesus is tempted three times by Satan and responds to him with: "man shall not live by bread alone", "you must worship God", and "you shall not put the Lord God to the test".
Scripture: Romans 1:16-2:2; Romans 3:19-22, In this lesson we study what "the righteousness of God apart from the Law" means. The Gospel is the only tool we have against Satan, and we learn here how the cross of Christ can be our weapon in a world that is controlled by the power of death.
In this lecture, Dr. Scott Keith provides background and context as to why and for what purpose the Augsburg Confession was presented on June 25, 1530 at the Diet (Parliament) of Augsburg. The document was drawn up by Philip Melanchthon and approved by Martin Luther since Luther was banned from attending. The Augsburg Confession is divided into 28 Articles, with the first 21 giving a summary of what Lutherans consider essential doctrine, and the remaining seven devoted to "Abuses which have been Corrected." Dr. Keith discusses the first few articles in some detail and promises to cover all articles in a future lecture.
Scripture: Romans 1:1-14; Ephesians 4:4; 1 Corinthians 12:29, Faith grasps hold of God's Word and brings about our obedience. In verses 1-6 the two natures of Christ, human and divine, are declared, human because He is descended from David, and divine by the Holy Spirit's testifying that Jesus is the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead. This teaching concludes with a discussion of spiritual gifts and how they are imparted to, and manifested in, the body of Christ.
Scripture: Luke 3:15-4:2 1 Peter 4:12, John the Baptist told the people that "Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire." The meaning of this is discussed. Jesus' genealogy is given in two places in Scripture: Luke 3 (vs.23-38) and in Matthew 1. Luke traces the genealogy of Mary (Jesus' blood relative) to Adam through David's son Nathan. Matthew 1 traces the genealogy of Joseph (Jesus' legal father) to Abraham. The differences and reasons for these different genealogies are discussed.
This abbreviated session provides an introduction to Romans, given by Pastor Rhode from the Lutheran Study Bible.
Scripture: Luke 3:1-17 Luke 12:49-50 Mark 10:38, John the Baptist, the last prophet, prepares the people for new life in Christ as he preaches the Word of God that leads to repentance. The people ask three times: "What then shall we do?". John answers each. This lesson concludes with a discussion of baptism by the Holy Spirit and baptism by fire done by Jesus.
This is the final lesson of this book study. It covers the real presence of Christ at the Lord's Supper. We discuss the three modes of being in a specific place. These modes of presence,Local, Repletive and Definitive, are confessed in the Book of Concord. .
Scripture: Luke 2:36-2:52, At the age of 12, Jesus was more knowledgeable than the rabbis. Yet He was submissive to his parents. He was the Son of God who would die on Calvary for the sins of the world and would command us to eat His flesh in the Lord's Supper. The point of theology is to confess what God states in His Word. Often it does not make sense in our humanness, yet we are to let our reason be captive to the Word of God. As Augustine said, "Believe in order to understand". These are just some of the profound truths of this lesson.
Scripture: Luke 2:22-35 Psalm 24 Isaiah 49:6 Isaiah 49:2 Leviticus 12, Jesus is presented at the Temple when He is 40 days old as required by the Old Testament Law. Simeon, who had awaited this moment to see the Messiah, holds Jesus and prophesied that He is the light to be revealed to all the world, including the Gentiles.
Scripture: Luke 2:1-21, Jesus, the Lamb of God, is born in Bethlehem. This lesson expands our understanding of the many significant circumstances surrounding the birth of Christ.
Scripture: Mark 4:11; Hebrews 13:8; Revelation 6:9, Common elements, bread and wine, converted by Jesus into holy elements by His spoken words are given back to us in the Lord's Supper. We receive these elements passively as His gifts to us. These spoken words by Jesus (Matthew 26:26-28) are the heart of Christianity. This eating in the Lord's Supper is for the sustenance of His people.
Scripture: Luke 1 Genesis 3:15, Good recap of Luke chapter 1 where we see the humility of God working through two poor Jewish families to accomplish the most important work of the world. Pastor Rhode develops an interesting view of the 8th Day in both the Old and New Testaments.
Scripture: Psalm 27:10; John 6:68; 2 Corinthians 12:9;Romans 4:5; Colossians 2:9;, This lesson starts on page 223 and goes into Appendix 1. The Lord is sovereignly at work in His own Supper. His flesh is spiritual and whoever eats it is transformed into spiritual, holy and living people -- into His own likeness.
Scripture: Luke 1:39-77 1 Samuel 2 Exodus 6:1-6, Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visits her Aunt Elizabeth during her pregnancy with John the Baptist. Mary's Song (called the Magnificat) is examined and compared with Hannah's Prayer. John the Baptist is born and named. Zechariah's prophecy is given.
Scripture: Isaiah 6:3;1 Timothy 3:16; Revelation 5; Hebrews 12:22-23, The session continues with a discussion of the benefits of the Lord's Supper Page 217-221. Real fellowship is the true significance of the Lord's Supper sacrament, but we/His Church resist taking on this amazing intimacy.
Scripture: Luke 1:18-45 Isaiah 7:14 Zechariah 3:1-10 Genesis 1:2 Acts 1:8 2 Samuel 7, In chapter 1 our teaching continues to describe two miraculous pregnancies: Elizabeth with John the Baptist and Mary with the Jesus, the Son of God. Mary goes into the hill country of Judea to stay three months with Elizabeth during this time of pregnancy for both.
Scripture: Luke 1:1-24 Malachi 4:5-6 Numbers 6:1-21, The gospel of Luke was written between 55 and 60 A.D. It is an eye-witness account of the Word (i.e. Jesus). Verse 1:4 gives the purpose of the book: "that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught". The first section foretells the birth of John the Baptist, the greatest and last of the Old Testament prophets.
Scripture: Hebrews 12:23-24; 1 Corinthians 10:17; Philippians 1:23; Revelation 4-5; Revelation 22:20;1 Corinthians 16:22, Heaven and earth have been joined/re-bound. Holy communion (Lord's Supper) is a foretaste of the feast to come. Benefits of the Supper are discussed in this teaching.
Scripture: Galatians 5:22-25;Ephesians 2:8-9;John 15:16;Philippians 2:12-13;1 Timothy 2:3-4;John 3:17; 1 Timothy 4:10; Romans 8:15-17; Romans 8:26-27, This final lecture of the series summarizes the prior two lectures and concludes with a discussion of spiritual gifts, the primary one being love.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-4;Romans 8:10; 1 Corinthians 15:22; John 6:54, Pages 196 to 204 are covered. Among the questions are: Does worthy eating and drinking in the Lord's Supper bring physical benefit? Yes, where the soul is healed the body benefits. When we come to the table repenting of a sin, no matter what extreme, we are forgiven. Death sought to devour Christ, yet Christ devoured death for you.
Scripture: John 16:1-15;John 6:44; 1 Corinthians 12:1-13; 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:3, The Holy Spirit preaches Jesus and baptizes. Souls are regenerated by His convicting the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. A discussion of the gifts of the Holy Spirit concludes this lecture.
Scripture: Revelation 22:1-5; John 4:1-14;Matthew 26:28;Genesis 15:5-21, The benefits of the Lord's Supper from a man-ward (i.e. benefits to mankind) and a God-ward perspective (i.e. benefits to God) are discussed in this session covering pages 188-195 in Chapter 11.
Scripture: John 14:1-20;John 14:25-27; John 15:26: Acts 2:1-41; Acts 10:38;John 3:3-8, This opening lecture gives the nature of the Holy Spirit in the context of the Trinity. Chief work of the Holy Spirit as revealed in Scripture is discussed. An example of a Spirit-filled sermon is referenced in Acts 2:1-41.
Scripture: 2 John 7; 1 John 4:1-2, Pages 183 to 187 are covered today. The flesh of Christ has the power to give life. The Body and Blood of God's Son acts mightily to forgive. We become the body of Christ by partaking the Body of Christ!
Scripture: John 6:63;John 2:21;Colossians 2:9; Revelation 1:17, Pages 179 to 183 of the book are discussed in this session. We examine and discuss the real, bodily presence of Christ in the context of Lutheran doctrine vs. the radical reformers view. God, clothed in Christ is comforting. God, unclothed, is terrifying.
This session begins the section on the "Benefits of Eating and Drinking" the Supper. Pages 170 to 177 are covered that includes monergism vs synergism, definition of a "sacrament", and how Christian freedom was won and how it is properly distributed.
Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9, No study was done last week, 3/24/2016 because of Easter. This week begins on page 163. Historic fellowship of Christian churches is compared with fellowship of individual Christians in the context of communion. Other items discussed are: ambiguous denominationalism, the seeker-sensitive church movement, community church movement, the contradiction of restricting communion until confirmation vs. visitor receiving communion, and monogerism (i.e. God alone creating, redeeming and sustaining) vs. synergism.
Scripture: Matthew 7:6;Acts 2:42;1 Corinthians 5:4; Romans16:17, Page 156 to 165 are covered. "Open communion turns the Church into a pig pen" - quote by Martin Luther. Word,Absolution and Baptism are standard means of grace. The Lord's Supper sacrament comes with a warning, so it is different. Reasons for closed communion are discussed against the trend towards open communion in the Church.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:2, For Lutherans, the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is the beating heart of the Church! Our relationship with Christ is more clearly encountered in the Lord's Supper. Pages 146 to 155 are covered this week, including starting Chapter 8 titled: Sad Divisions.
Scripture: Psalm 111:4; 1 Corinthians 5:8, Note: Lesson 25 last week was not recorded. Worthiness of receiving the Lord's Supper is contrasted with those unworthy to receive the Supper in this session. The practice of "announcing for communion" is covered also.
Dr. Adam Hensley shows how the Psalms are arranged in the Psalter (aka Book of Psalms) and how it contributes to the Psalms witness to Christ.
Scripture: Psalms, Part 1 of a 2 part series.Dr. Adam Hensley will discuss how the Psalms are arranged in the Psalter (aka Book of Psalms) and how it contributes to the Psalms' witness to Christ.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13; John 6:51;1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Corinthians 11:26-31, The question discussed is: "At what places is receiving the Body and Blood of Christ valid?" Where is it invalid? Pages 132- 137 are covered. This section includes the detrimental effects that can take place if the Lord's Supper is taken improperly.
Where Lutherans part ways from the Roman Catholics and Evangelicals/Non-Denominationals on the doctrine of the Lord's Supper is discussed.
Page 116 to 123 of the book are covered in this lecture. Errors on both sides are made with the Lord's Supper:"No sacrifice" on on side vs. "Sacrificing the Mass" on the other side which is a work and where synergism is involved. The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving is contrasted with a sacrifice that is participatory, which is wrong. The Holy Spirit gives voice to our thanks.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11;Matthew 25:31-46, Paul is talking about the events surrounding the last days (i.e. end times). Jesus did not tell us "when", but told us about the signs that would take place before the impending judgment. All believers have received the "first resurrection" at their baptism.
Scripture: Hebrews 7:25; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 1 Corinthians 5:7-8; 1 Corinthians 6:11-20, Pages 110-116 are covered in this teaching that begins with a discussion of the mandate by Jesus, "This do". Four reasons are given as to why the Holy Supper is simultaneously sacrificial and sacramental. Old Testament sacrifices are inferior because they need to be repeated. Body and blood is sacrificial from God's divine perspective and sacramental from man's point of view, receiving forgiveness as free gift. Jesus is the sacrifice, "once and for all".
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 24:29-31, Scriptures about the End Times are intended to give hope and encourage those in the faith. Judgment is never given in Scripture apart from reference to the Gospel and salvation for those in Christ. When we lose loved ones in the faith, we don't lose hope. It causes us to look forward.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 12:27;Hebrews 7:25;1 Corinthians 10:16, Today's teaching, beginning on page 108 of our book, contrasts the Lutheran view of the Lord's Supper (4 elements present: e.g. Sacramental Union) with the doctrinal view of the Roman Catholics (2 elements: e.g. Transubstantiation). Sacrifice of the Mass is discussed including the key question "Sacrifice by Whom?"
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12;1 Peter 2:12, Sanctification is God's will for our lives. Paul directs believers at this church to be alert to two areas of struggle: sexual immorality (Paul links this to idolatry) and our vocation. The Holy Spirit gives believers gifts for the common good of one another, our family in the body of Christ. These two areas of struggle affect the body of Christ and our relationship with one another.
Transubstantiation is reviewed and discussed in length. Hypostatic union that describes the union of Christ's humanity and divinity in one hypostasis, or individual existence is used to define the Sacramental Union of Christ's Body and the bread in the Lord's Supper.
Goodness, truth, and beauty are the classic categories of philosophical thought. They provide the foundational values informing our outlook on the world, sometimes called a worldview. How does original sin affect our understanding of goodness, truth, and beauty? What consequences might original sin have for our engagement with the broader culture? Join us as we investigate the intersection of philosophy, theology, and culture.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; 1 Corinthians 15:1-3; Ephesians 4:1; Romans 8:5-11; Romans 6:4, Christ is with us and He is reigning and in control and promises to gather all believers in Him together in the End Times at the coming of the Lord. This is the grounds for Christian hope. How we ought to live with this hope and worthy of our calling is the focus of this lesson.
Roman Catholics believe transubstantiation means Christ is bodily present at the Lord's supper. This is what Lutherans believe too. Roman Catholics believe only two elements are present at the Lord's Supper, Body and Blood. Lutherans believe four elements are present: bread, wine, Body and Blood. This lecture focuses on this contrast in doctrine.
Scripture: Ephesians 1:8-10;Romans 5:12-21;1 Corinthians 15:45-49, Dr. Jeff Mallinson teaches about Irenaeus of Lyon and his concept of recapitulation, or Christ's "recapturing" of the human story. Examining what this idea says and doesn't say about theories of the atonement is covered. Ways in which the idea of "re-chaptering" can help each of us process and recover from personal life traumas in our lives are discussed too.
Consecration of the elements (bread and wine) was reviewed. Handling and consumption of the consecrated elements was discussed in depth.
Scripture: Luke 15:11-32, Scott Keith shares that empathy, forgiveness, mercy and grace should be on every father's mind as he guides and cares for his children. Much discussion is devoted to the example of the father in the parable of the Prodigal son.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13; 1 Corinthians 1:4-10;Proverbs 16:31, Paul describes his heartache about having been torn away from the Thessalonian believers and not being able to return to them. Roadblocks by Satan have hindered the spread of the Gospel. Paul is thankful for their remaining faithful in the midst of their suffering and reminds them Christ will sustain them until the Last Day- a promise that is God's work.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:7-20, Paul encourages the church in Thessalonica to be faithful in what God has called them to do. Included in this lesson is a discussion on how to evaluate if a church's stated vision and mission is being carried out successfully, and how to define the function of a pastor using biblical standards.
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-5;, This session covers pages 83 to 85 of our book that focuses on Jesus' solid imperative as to the presence of the true body and blood of our Lord being present in the Supper, and Jesus' use of ambassadors (i.e. pastors) to use this monergistic path of grace.
Lay missionary John Wolf discusses his role working in operational support of mercy projects so pastors can focus on proclaiming the Gospel in Africa.
This lessons begins with a concise review of the thesis "The heart of the Church has been beating in the Lord's Supper", a quote from Herman Sasse. (p.68). We then jump to P.77-82 in the book and discuss Loehe's statement that "the whole of Lutheranism is contained in the Sacrament of the Altar". The Lord's Supper is the manifestation of the Gospel in our midst. The new Temple of God is the flesh and blood of Christ! The fruit of the Tree of Life is the body of Christ. Heaven invades the Church on earth in the Lord's Supper.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12; Acts 16:16-40;Ephesians 6:18-20, Paul wrote to the Thessalonian church saying he preached to them boldly about salvation being outside of themselves. This was very different from the itinerant preachers of the day. Paul was single-minded and passionate to spread the same message Jesus gave. He spoke to please God, not man. Upon hearing the report from Timothy, Paul was surprised and encouraged to see the fruitfulness of the Gospel at work in these people in the midst of their persecution.
We cover pages 68-77 of the book including the question:"How have denominational churches drifted so far from doing the Lord's Supper weekly?" The bold claim:"Without the Lord's Supper the Church dies" (quote by Hermann Sasse) is discussed along with "What is more important, Word or Sacrament" and should they be pitted against each other?
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians: 1:1-10;Matthew 25:31-40;John 15;James 2:14:26; John 6:29, Paul expressed opening thanks for the faith evident in the believers in Thessalonica that resulted in their labors of love and steadfast endurance of hope in the midst of hardship and persecution. Paul reminds them that the Gospel came to them by the Word through the power of the Holy Spirit, turning them from pagan practices to faith in the living God. This teaching concludes with a biblical discussion of faith and good works " comparing: Matthew 25 (sheep), John 15 (vine and the branches) and James 2(faith without works). God promises to save us and sanctify us, we are not to work to save ourselves. In Jesus' words, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent" - John 6:29
A presentation by Dr. Scott Keith of Concordia University and 1517 Legacy Project on his new book of the same title, followed by a Q&A.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:17;Acts 2:24; Acts 20:7, We begin chapter 4 this week. The Christian Church becomes one Body (one bread) thru the sacramental union. This is how the Church is created and made alive. In sharing the Bread we become the Body of Christ by mystical union. Churches not based in Christ and the Words of Christ are doomed to fail.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians, Encouraging one another in the Faith is what the letter of 1 Thessalonians is about.
Discussion in this session covers pages 58-66. John Calvin's Christology and view of the Lord's Supper is discussed in contrast to Lutheran theology that Christ is true God, true man and One Person and Christ's true body and blood are present in the Lord's Supper.
Luther's view of Scripture was based on three principles: Authority (Scripture is the final authority on all matters of faith and practice), Inerrancy (Scripture is God's text and is reliable), and Clarity (Scripture is the clearest of all books). The Reformation came about because Luther felt people were drifting away from Scripture as the basis of their faith. Luther maintained that Scripture does not contradict itself. God does not lie or deceive.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 12:27, This session continues on page 52 thru 59 cataloging the true heresies made of the Lord's Supper over the years, including the view of John Calvin.
Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20; Matthew 18:15-20; John 20:20-23; Acts 1:8;Galatians 1:8,Acts 5:29; 2 Thessalonians 2:4, Five hundred years ago, Reformation leaders disagreed with: 1) the Pope's word being infallible and his claim to be the Vicar of Christ (speaks for God), 2) the Pope's claim to be the supreme spiritual authority as well as top governmental authority, and 3) the Pope's declaration that acceptance of his authority is required for salvation. Today, Orthodox Christians agree with the Reformation leaders. As leader of the largest portion of Christians in the world, they desire that the Pope would call sinners to repentance and point people to Christ for the forgiveness of sins.
Heretics have opposed the words of Jesus when He says: "This is My body.... This is My blood". The heretics say the word "is" means "signifies" in Jesus' words. We discuss this Nestorian view when they say that Jesus' real presence is reduced to His "personal presence". Pages 49-53 are covered this week.
Scripture: Mark 16:16, John 20, 1 Corinthians: 11, 1 John 2:2, Isaiah 53, Can you pass the "Final Exam" that Pastor Rhode gives to his Confirmation students? This session offers an excellent review of the six parts of Luther's Small Catechism's namely:the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the Sacrament of HolyBaptism, Confession, and the Sacrament of the Altar.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:16-23; 11:18-29, The recording of this session includes the first 25 minute only. The remaining 35 minutes is not included because of a technical problem. We are sorry for this inconvenience.In this session pages 41 - 49 of the book are covered. Unworthy eating of the bread (true body) and drinking of the wine (true blood) are discussed with 1 Corinthian's scripture as reference.
"This is the body of Me" -- "This is the blood of Me". This lesson discusses the many reasons for why people reject these words of Christ. Lutherans believe we receive the natural body and blood of Jesus on our tongues in the Lord's Supper, the same body born of Mary.
Scripture: John 6:51-58;John 18:28, Should we consider John 6 a seat of the doctrine of the Lord's Supper? What did Luther say about this? How is the verse, John 18:28 reconciled with the synoptic gospel accounts? Just a few of today's discussion items.
Scripture: Matthew 26:26, Did Jesus really say "This is my Body"? What is the meaning of "is"? What gives Martin Luther his view of the Lord's Supper? This questions are among the items that will be discussed in this session.
Note: Sesson 21, last week, on 7/9/2015 was not recorded. Notes are available by request.
Scripture: Luke 24:45, This lecture reviews the seven covenants God made with mankind.All Scripture points to Christ. Jesus is the fulfillment and fullness of the covenants God made with His people. God continues to meet His promises made thru the covenants.
Rebuke of the priests - who have become corrupt because of greed. See also Ezekiel 34 and Jeremiah 23.
Scripture: Malachi 1, Written around 430 BC Malachi means messenger. The prophet's identity is never revealed. The Hebrews believe it was Ezra. The writer has a deep concern for the Temple. He denounces the people because they have slumped back into their old ways.
Scripture: Ezekiel 28 Isaiah 14 Colosians 1:13 Zechariah 3 II Corinthians 4:4;2:14 Matthew 12:29 Hebrews 2
Scripture: John 8:31 Revelation 12 Job 1 Zechariah 3 Genesis 3, Who is the Devil and what the Devil does are discussed in this first of two installments in this series.
Scripture: Galatians 3:27; I Samuel 2:6; Hosea 13:14, Death is more than what happens to you at the end of life. This teaching covers what the Bible says about death.Lutherans prepare for the reality of death by being baptized and remembering that baptism. Galatians 3:27
Scripture: John 20:19-31, Post resurrection appearance of Jesus is the subject of this teaching.
Easter Sunday from the Old Testament indicates Christ will be resurrected and believers will be resurrected with Him.
Good Friday from the Old Testament. Verses are examined that say that when the Christ comes, He will suffer.
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12, Chapter 12 is concluded and a summary of Ecclesiastes is given by Pastor Rhode along with a fun quiz.
Scripture: Habakkuk 1, Habakkuk saw visually, 1:1. The theme in this book is "We remember God's promises". God answers and say, "you won't believe what I am doing .... I am raising up the little Chaldeans to bring judgment" 1:12.Habakkuk complains again, "You oh God have ordained the Chaldeans as a judgment, but you are everlasting and we shall not die!" In 1:15, the He is Satan (using the power of death). In 1:16 "sacrifices to his net" (Devil's might and power). The Devil uses and worships the power of death.
Scripture: Naham 1-2, Naham was written between 663 - 612 B.C. This fits right between the Assyrian exile in 723 B.C. and Babylonian exile in 586 B.C.
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 8:1-9, Ecclesiastes 8:1 to verse 9 are discussed in this lesson.
A Thursday morning book study led by Pastor Jeremy Rhode on the book "Justification of the Sinner Before God" by Eduard Preuss
Scripture: Job, Ecclesiastes, Psalm 39, "Ever had doubts that kept you up at night? You aren't alone, and the Bible includes a record of this same doubt among God's own people. In this lecture, Dr. Mallinson explores an uncomfortable side of biblical faith: perplexity and frustrations we face when God seems hidden. By exploring anti-wisdom, one sees the beauty of the good news more clearly. As Luther said, taught, we can't stay in this place where things seem meaningless. But unless we confront our current anxieties and experiences, as did the biblical sages of old, we will have a hard time finding hope and healing. One might say this is a reflection on the existential law, as a precursor to the hope found in the Gospel's new logic. We take a look at Job, Ecclesiastes, and Psalm 39 in particular."
Scripture: Jonah 2-4, In Chapter 3 the Word of the Lord comes a second time! "Arise, go to Nineveh". Jonah in a one sentence sermon says to the people, "In forty days Nineveh will be overthrown". -- and the "people of Nineveh believed God! 3:5 Jonah saw God's mercy as a great evil. Jonah wants to die because God is showing mercy. He made a tent to see what would become of the city. He wanted to see if he won his argument with God. God shows mercy to Jonah by not killing him. If God did kill Jonah now, Jonah would be in Hell. God's reaction to Jonah is one of the great teaching of this book!
Scripture: Jonah 1-2; Matthew 12:39, Nineveh is a large Assyrian city over 500 miles northeast of Israel. Jonah, told to go to Nineveh twice, fled "away from the presence of the Lord". Running from the Lord is a motif in Scripture. Jonah is a "type of Christ" and goes to sleep in the storm. His reason for sleeping is different than Jesus.Just as Jonah feels Nineveh is unworthy of God's mercy, he feels in his Chapter 2 prayer that he is unworthy of God's mercy. Every line of Jonah'y prayer drips with deep reflection and meaning.
Scripture: Obadiah, We want the enemies of the Gospel to come to God, but if they reject God then we declare the judgment/condemnation to them by God. In Edom we see an enemy of God's people. At the conclusion of Obadiah we see the prophet pointing to Christ and the establishment of a new Kingdom not of this world. (verse 15). It is interesting that the last of David's military victories is over Edom (2 Samuel 8)
Scripture: Obadiah, Esau, the father of the Edomites, did show mercy to Jacob, yet the people of Edom showed no mercy to Judah. (verse 7). God will turn Edom's allies against Edom.
Scripture: Amos 9:1-15, This final lesson begins with the fifth vision of Amos, "The Lord standing beside the Altar". Verse 9:11 is the crown jewel of the book of Amos. This is part of the promise by God to restore Israel (verses 9:11-15).
Scripture: Amos 5:22 - 9:15, Amos 7 begins with a description of his five visions: locusts, fire, plumb line, summer fruit basket, and the Lord standing by the altar.
Scripture: Amos 5:27-6:14, Chapters 2-6 is one long sermon. Chapters 7 and 8 are five visions. God reveals Himself in imminent ways. He desires to be known as a Father, a person to us. He promises judgment and takes it away.
Scripture: Amos 5, Amos as a shepherd is a type of Christ. Hosea in his marriage to Gomer is a type of Christ who is married to the Church. In Chapter 5 Doxology is inter-mingled. Doxology are words giving glory to God. Hell is terrifying to us. God says "seek Me" which is active repentance and contrition. When passive contrition has been felt we become active in repentance and this is seeking God's mercy. Repentance is a gift!
Scripture: Amos 3:1- 4:12, When disaster does come to a city, it is the Lord that has done it! (3:7). Do you accept this illness has come from the hand of God (job)? Reason and sight cry out to blame God. Be Theologians of the Cross, not Theologians of Glory. Christ is God's answer to present suffering of people.
Scripture: Amos 1:1-15, Five oracles (i.e. mini-sermons) are given by God through Amos in Chapter 1. They specify the judgment by God against Israel's neighbors.
This second lecture of two parts examines the origin of the Lord's Supper in the Old Testament.
Baptism is a washing away of sin. Jesus baptism is all we need to understand the entire aspect of Christian baptism. Pastor example this to Old Testament types and symbols.
Scripture: Hosea 13:7 - 14:9, God calls for death and punishment in the Old Testament, then in I Corinthians 15:52-55 "Death is swallowed up in victory" Here death and hell are defeated by God at the Judgment Day. Verse 14:2 "Confess and return to the Lord. Cry out to the Messiah (14:4) heal me of my faithlessness! God's love has no bounds, his anger is gone forever. Hosea has to pay the ransom to get his wife back. God who married Himself to His people does not forsake them. His answer is in Christ.
Scripture: Hosea 11; Luke 23:30, Theme recently has been: "The more God blesses, the more evil comes out". Verse 11:2 "the more they were called, the more they moved from Me". God treats Israel as "one". In the New Testament Christ comes and is treated as "one". So it goes for Jesus, it goes for us because we are "in Christ", we (Church) are "one" in Christ. Christ is the One who bends down and feeds us.
Scripture: Hosea 9:10-10:9, Real Israel is the people who believe in God. In verse 9:10 God talks of His love for Israel (true believers). There is no such thing as a Christian nation. Verse 9:12b "it will be a terrible day when God turns from you". Verses 10:1-3 is a biblical picture of what God did for Israel.
Scripture: Hosea 6, Chapter 6 is strong gospel. Verse 6:1 is the verse that simply states Hosea's message. i.e. "God kills in order to make us alive". Now, God just heals, the Devil, the world and our flesh tears us down. God is not the author of evil. He is the Author of the curses and the judgments. Judgment is not yet. Today is the day of mercy. The day of judgment is coming. God wants love, not sacrifices. God wants our heart, not our burnt offerings.Here Hosea is unloading both barrels of the Law, coming from his knowledge in his relationship with Gomer.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians, Introduction to the city of Corinth. Overview of Luther's commentary on 1 Corinthians.
This lecture examines the nature and essence of worship, comparing worship today in the American church, (including Lutheran worship) with worship in the Old Testament period.
Scripture: Colossians, A 12 part series on the book of Colossians taught by Pastor Hodel
Scripture: Colossians, A 12 part series on the book of Colossians taught by Pastor Hodel
Scripture: Colossians, A 12 part series on the book of Colossians taught by Pastor Hodel
Scripture: Colossians, A 12 part series on the book of Colossians taught by Pastor Hodel
Scripture: Colossians, A 12 part series on the book of Colossians taught by Pastor Hodel
Scripture: Colossians, A 12 part series on the book of Colossians taught by Pastor Hodel
Scripture: Colossians, A 12 part series on the book of Colossians taught by Pastor Hodel
Scripture: Colossians, A 12 part series on the book of Colossians taught by Pastor Hodel
Scripture: Colossians, A 12 part series on the book of Colossians taught by Pastor Hodel
Scripture: Colossians, A 12 part series on the book of Colossians taught by Pastor Hodel
Scripture: Colossians, A 12 part series on the book of Colossians taught by Pastor Hodel
Liturgy is defined as the form in which public Christian worship is conducted. The Lutheran worship service is called Divine Service. Some have called the Lutheran liturgy a relic of the past or an obscure museum piece. In this lecture by Pastor Ron Hodel, he describes what Lutherans do in Divine Service and why they do it.
Scripture: Matthew 9:2-7;Matthew 16:19; Matthew 18:18; John 20:21-23, The power to forgive sins belongs to God alone. But God gives the authority to speak on His behalf to His church. Join Pastor Hodel in this lecture.
Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20, Who should get baptized? Pastor Hodel reads and discusses Bible verses that answer this question.
This session of Lutheran Distinctives examines the Lord's Prayer, also called the Our Father. The session begins by examining prayer in general, then Pastor Rhode discusses the seven petitions in detail in this important prayer given by Jesus to His disciples.
This lecture looks at the work of the Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. This teaching begins by asking "What is a god?" Martin Luther declared a god deserves your fear, love and trust above all things. Join Pastor Hodel in this session.
Christology is the Person and work of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Jesus is at the center of everything in Lutheran theology. Why? That's the subject of this teaching.
The lesson looks at Law and Gospel which is a basic distinction in Scripture.The doctrine of Law, which demands obedience to God's ethical will, and Gospel, which promises the forgiveness of sins in the person and work of Jesus Christ, is critical to understanding the Bible. This lecture provides a proper distinction between them.
The Reformation seen through the lens of an historian, professor Daniel Van Voorhis given on Reformation Sunday, 2011.
The thematic overview of Isaiah 40 to 55 is covered with especial focus on how this section of Old Testament scripture is a template for the New Testament books of Luke and Acts.
This opening lecture of this Faith Academy is only available in video format at this point. An audio MP3 file will be added in the future.
Scripture: Romans 2, There are 23 separate lectures in this series. This lesson covers Romans chapter 2.