The revchristruelsen’s Podcast

Of Wise Men and Little Babes

Text for discussion: Matthew 2.  

Jesus, uncreated, was present before the foundation of the world.  Born into human flesh he was already in danger from the old evil enemy.  God protected His Son until the appointed time . . . .

 

The hymn: A Mighty Fortress

Scoundrels and Saints

Subject of discussion: Matthew 1

What is the story of your family history?  Likely, you stand on a family history that includes both scoundrels and saints, and "saints" is a loosely used term when we consider human behavior.  Jesus' family history was the same, and yet, He was sent to redeem that crew of sinners and saints just as He was sent to redeem YOUR crew of sinners and saints.  

The hymn: Lo He Comes on Clouds Descending 

 

 

You Are Not Alone: God’s Presence and God’s People

The conclusion of Exodus: chapters 38, 39, and 40.

 

God is with His people.  In our baptisms, in Holy Communion-He is present everywhere. 

The separation of humanity from God was ended in Christ Jesus . . . .  All who want to know God's presence,

to be covered with Christ's righteousness, and to be made right with God in Christ Jesus will not be turned away.  

Hymn: God Himself is Present 

A public domain hymn.  

God’s Craftsmen

Focus: Exodus 36 and 37

God's creative work runs throughout ALL of Scripture.  In Exodus 36 and 37 we get a glimpse of God's creativity, as bestowed on those He appointed to build the tabernacle.

Maybe YOU are trying to understand the career and work life that you should be doing.  God has something in store for you.  How do the talents and abilities God has given you

line up with a work life that will be productive and fulfilling for you?  From high school to college to those who aren't interested in further schooling, to those meandering through work life-this one is for you.  

The hymn: Lamb of God, Pure and Holy.  

Why is God a Jealous God?

Exodus 34 and 35.  

 

This one tries to get at the heart of the matter why God is "jealous" for us.  God loves us and does not want to see us fall into the hands of sin, death, and the devil.  Like a loving father or mother who protects his or her children from those who would not have their best interest, how much more our God has loved us, even sending His own Son to redeem us.  

 

Hymn:  Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, #621

A public domain hymn

An instrumental 

One Who Couldn’t Pay for Sin . . . and Another Who Could

Exodus 32 and 33 are covered.  

Israel commits a grave sin in the desert, and are in danger of being blotted out.  Moses intends to go and atone for them, but the Lord won't let him . . . .  

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe . . . . 

 

This week's hymn: Jesus Savior, Pilot Me 

The Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross for GOOD FRIDAY

Recorded in 2021, we observe Good Friday with the Stations of the Cross Service . . . .   May this service be a blessing to you as you remember how our Lord died upon the cross to atone for our sins.  Our Lord Jesus Christ is now risen . . . .  Let us hear God's word together and recall how Jesus, the lamb of God, takes away the sin of the world . . . . 

A Microcosm of Eden?

Exodus 30 and 31 are covered.  

The holiness of God-overwhelming-yet God comes to atone for us and redeem us; He makes it so that we can come into His presence.  We have a mediator who atones for us, our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit who advocates for us . . . . 

The tabernacle was a microcosm of Eden, a place of renewed connection with God; could such harmony last?  

No.  Thankfully, we have a Savior that makes us right with our Holy Heavenly Father, who loved the world so much that He sent His Son to atone for us . . . . 

The hymn: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

A public domain hymn.  

Our Sins Were Thrown Outside the Camp

Exodus 29 

The priests of old were not righteous of themselves to come before the presence of God.  God purified them to come before His presence in the tabernacle.  

Jesus took on the foolishness of OUR sins; He was crucified outside Jerusalem, bearing all our sins, that we might have life.  

 

The Hymn:  Glory Be to Jesus

A public domain hymn.  

The Treasures of God

Exodus 27 and 28

Beautiful works and treasures are made for God's sanctuary and the place of His presence in the tabernacle.  Most all are plundered from Egypt in the Exodus, but these works are always models of greater things to come.  

Actions speak louder than words, and the real treasure is . . . YOU, purchased with the righteous and precious blood of His Son Jesus Christ.  For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son . . . .  And who did He give His Son for?  You.  

The hymn is #434 Lamb of God, Pure and Holy

This is a newly recorded hymn this week, and it is a public domain hymn.