An early-Church document, similar to the book of Revelation, is the Shepherd of Hermas. The title comes from a Christ figure who appears as a shepherd to the author, whose name is Hermas. And in that document, Hermas has several different visions. I mention this because one vision in the Shepherd of Hermas uses the […]
Understanding Jesus’ Atonement: Objectively and Subjectively
February 22, 2014 by
Instructing adults in the Faith, we are now in question-and-answer period, going over specifics questions that some being instructed have. In this lesson, we look at Jesus’ work to save us objectively (what He did irrespective of the faith one may have) and subjectively (whether one believes what Jesus objectively did for our salvation). […]
Philippians, Lesson 6: Final Exhortations
February 14, 2014 by
Paul just finished saying that he wasn’t perfect (that is reached the fullness of salvation that takes place on the Last Day). But Paul also recognized that from an eternal perspective Christians are perfect, bringing out the “now” and “not yet” of our life in Christ. Paul now exhorts the Philippian Christians to imitate him. […]
Exodus, Lesson 29: The Golden Calf
February 14, 2014 by
Moses has just finished receiving his instructions from God on how He was to be worshiped. Yet, while Moses was receiving God’s instructions for 40 days (Exodus 24:18), the people at the foot the mountain began to do things their own way, not knowing what had happened to Moses. The Golden Calf Read Exodus 32:1-6 […]
Matthew 5:13-20: You are Light; You are Salt
February 10, 2014 by
Picture a world shrouded in the deepest of darkness and gloom, stifling everyone and everything. But this darkness is not physical, it’s spiritual. You see this world in your mind’s eye, and it’s a hostile place full of hurt and pain. The powerful oppress the poor, prying loose the last penny from their hands. Although […]
Exodus, Lesson 28: Proper Worship Contrasted with Improper Worship
February 9, 2014 by
God had just told Moses about the bronze basin, from which the Priests would purify themselves before entering God’s presence. If they were not so purified, they would die. Last week, we learned that the water in the bronze basin was a (but not the only) foreshadowing of New-Covenant baptism. Now God tells Moses about […]
Mel Brun’s Funeral Sermon: Luke 2:22-32
February 9, 2014 by
Judy and friends and family of Mel Bruns: Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit. Amen. You wouldn’t know it by looking, but Mel and I had much in common. Learning how something worked and functioned fascinated Mel, as it does […]
Philippians, Lesson 5: Living in the Gospel
February 5, 2014 by
With Paul having finished discussing his desired plans for Timothy and Epaphroditus, he now tells the Philippian Christians to rejoice. He does not want to let those who would try to place them under the yoke of the Law to have their way. Warnings against Judaizers Read Philippians 3:1-2 – What does Paul first say […]
The Purification of Mary and the Presentation of our Lord: Luke 2:22-32
February 2, 2014 by
We have no idea how badly Adam’s Fall into sin has ruined our world. Oh, we know that death is the result of that Fall into sin. And we realize that sickness, frailty, and aging are also the continuing aftershocks of that cataclysmic event. Yet, we have no comparison to understand from what great depths […]
Wilbur Carlson’s Memorial Service Sermon: Revelation 7:9-17
February 1, 2014 by
Mary, and family and friends of Wilbur Carlson: What is the best way that you can honor Wilbur? Is it by remembering him? Well, memory is important. We could barely go on without memory. And of course you want to remember Wilbur in your heart, the seat of your emotions, and in your mind. And […]
