After playing two sides against each other, Jonathan finally supported Alexander, the man who also had a claim to the Seleucid throne. Jonathan’s gamble paid off. As long as Alexander remains king, Judea should be Jonathan’s domain where they can not only have religious freedom to worship Yahweh but also a significant amount of political […]
Jack Terry’s Visitation
July 29, 2013 by
The visitation for Jack Terry will be on Wednesday, July 31st, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at Stumpff Funeral Home in Kimberling City.
Luke 16:1-13: Living Like a Dead Man
July 28, 2013 by
Jesus tells us a parable about an unfit, dishonest money manager. And when the manager’s boss gets wind of what’s happening, the thievery and incompetence, he tells the manager to give a no-kidding account of his financial dealings. Now the manager’s in a bind. Earlier, he didn’t care that he was stealing from his boss and his boss’s customers. […]
Exodus, Lesson 4: Moses Becomes the Face of God to Pharaoh
July 27, 2013 by
God Speaks Again to Moses (Exodus 6:1-10) At the end of the last lesson, Moses became downcast. Pharaoh had rejected God’s words (through Moses) to let the Israelites go and Moses began to think that it was all for naught. It’s at this point where we pick up God’s response to Moses. Read Exodus 6:1-8 […]
1st Maccabees, Lesson 10: Judea Wedged between Two Empires
July 24, 2013 by
After the Seleucid-appointed High Priest, Alcimus, died of a stroke, General Bacchides left Judea, for his mission was to ensure Alcimus remained as the High Priest. With Alcimus dead, his mission was no more. But Bacchides was drawn back into Judean politics. Those who were pro-Hellenistic approached him with an easy way to assassinate Jonathan […]
Seminarian Mark Hunsaker to Visit
July 23, 2013 by
On August 4th, Seminarian Hunsaker will be here to preach in the Divine Service and teach the adult Sunday school. His sermon text will be from Romans 9:30-10:4. For Sunday school, he will teach from the book of Exodus, which should be interesting as he has just studied and translated segments of Exodus in seminary.
Matthew 7:15-23: Not “I” or “We” but only Jesus
July 21, 2013 by
How scary! Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” But what does that mean? What does it mean to do the will of God the Father? Is that salvation by works by another […]
Exodus, Lesson 3: Moses Goes to Meet the Pharaoh
July 20, 2013 by
Moses Returns to Egypt (Exodus 4:18-31) Last week, we learned that Moses made excuse after excuse to God about why he wasn’t fit to go to Egypt and be God’s instrument so the Israelites could worship Him. After God reassured Moses, and even became angry, God answered all of Moses objections. We now see what Moses […]
1st Maccabees, Lesson 9: A Transition of Power and Continued Turmoil
July 17, 2013 by
When we finished last, Rome and Judea had finalized a mutual-defense treaty. Even more, Rome sent word to the Seleucid Empire: “If [Judea] appeals again for help against you, we will defend their rights and fight you on sea and land.” So, what will the Seleucids now do? Read 1 Maccabees 9:1-10 – Despite […]
Romans 6:23: Death and Life
July 14, 2013 by
“The payment for sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Such marvelous words, which leap from the page, abounding with God’s grace! Such full-strength Gospel that pierces our ears and hearts with God’s life-giving grace! Eternal life is a gift of God. He gives it away […]
