John 20:19-23: Forgiveness Jesus’ Way

The One raised from the tomb breathes on His disciples, “Peace be with you.”  Next, He shows them the injuries He suffered in His crucifixion.  Again, the words, “Peace be […]

John 20:19-31: Forgiving and Retaining

What is the Word of God?  Like the Trinity, consisting of Father, Son, and Spirit, the Word is three, yet also one.  Though not an exact comparison, the Word first […]

Church History, Lesson 1: The New Covenant Begins

This is a new study series, which begins with Jesus establishing the New Covenant and finishing (we hope) with the Church recognizing and listing the texts of both the Old- and […]

John 20:19-31: Forgive and Retain Sins

Locked doors—the disciples hide behind them in fear.  They fear arrest and execution, for that happened to Jesus.  Why should events be different for them?  His body was missing, and […]

John 20:19-23: The Forgiving and Retaining of Sins

What brings to someone God’s forgiveness?  For example, why does baptism forgive sins but not watching a beautiful sunset?  Why does the Lord’s Supper forgive sins but not playing a […]

The Office of the Holy Ministry: John 20:19-31

When Jesus speaks His divine peace to His disciples, He shows them His wounds He received on the cross.  For Jesus, the crucified One, is now risen from the dead.  […]