The revchristruelsen’s Podcast

Revisiting the Ten Pre-Flood Patriarchs

This podcast was from July 31, 2020.  

Genealogies in Scripture are there for a reason . . . . 

This week we discuss the 10 Pre-Flood Patriarchs of Genesis 5.  We pray for our children, and for the teachers going back to school, our country, and community . . . . 

A Sword Shall Pierce Your Own Soul Also

Text for discussion: Luke 2. 

 

Everything mentioned in the narrative of the birth of Christ has significance from beginning to end.  In this one we join the shepherds by the manger . . . . 

 

Hymns: What Child is This, On My Heart Imprint Your Image, We Praise you, O God, Eternal Father, Strong to Save, The Battle Hymn of the Republic.

Art: Public domain, John Singleton Copley, "The Nativity" dated, 1776-1777.

Song of Zechariah

Text for discussion: Luke 1

The Son of God most High's birth happened in the fullness of time.  God's salvation plan for humanity would be fulfilled in Jesus Christ.  John the Baptist would roll out the royal carpet for the King of Kings, Jesus, clothing himself in human flesh.  This is the story of John's birth, and the conception of Jesus, Son of God . . . . 

#226 The Benedictus, "Song of Zechariah.", (LSB, CPH).  

"Archangel Gabriel Struck Zechariah Mute" by Alexander Ivanov, 1824

Hush Money Can’t Overcome the Truth, Revisited (Matthew 28)

For those who are behind, this is another week to catch up.  This episode was recorded April 14, and covers the last chapter of St. Matthew.  

Long before the skeptics and atheists of today, the Apostle Paul pointed out what the reality would be if Jesus had not actually risen from the dead.  

The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15 ". . . if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.  Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.  If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied."

Life is not meaningless, and the resurrection flies in the face of the narrative of meaninglessness.  

Christ is risen, and because He has risen there is something greater than this life, indeed Jesus has greater things in store for us.  

[This episode was dedicated to the memory of Lutheran Hour Speaker Ken Klaus, who saw it so very important to begin his messages with "Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed, alleluia!"  Because Christ is risen, we have a sure hope in Jesus who has greater things in store for us . . . .]

Peace Offering

Text for discussion: Leviticus 3

Leviticus provides instructions to the children of Israel for living.  This chapter is about a voluntary peace offering.  What, if any connection is there to what is to come?  Tune in to find out . . . . 

Hymns: Just as I Am, O Love How Deep [both public domain]

[Image: by Dore, public domain . . . .]

From the Jaws of Defeat Revisited . . . . (Matthew 26)

This week is my week for Vacation Bible School, and so I dip into the archives; this will also give listeners a chance to catch up on other episodes.  

Recorded January 27, this episode delves into the events of Maundy Thursday, what we know as the night of the Last Supper (and the night on which Jesus was betrayed).  

In this podcast we have covered Genesis, Exodus, Matthew, and Jonah, with much more to come . . . .  All of the back episodes are available on this podcast site for you to listen . . . . 

 

 

Purpose in Offerings

Text for discussion: Leviticus 2.  

Giving 10% -where did the idea come from?  What is the purpose in giving to God, when He provides everything and needs nothing from us?  We discuss those ideas today . . . this national day of free donuts . . . . 

 

Songs: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, public domain.

The Day Thou Gavest, public domain. 

In honor of the Trinity for this coming Trinity Sunday: We Praise You and Acknowledge You, O God. 

(tune: public domain.  text: c. Stephen P. Starke, 1999, admin. by CPH.)

Image: Dore, "Moses Breaks the Tables of the Law." 

A Brief History of Sacrifice

Text for discussion: Leviticus 1.  

 

What is sacrifice about?  That is today's topic of discussion as we begin the book of Leviticus . . . . 

 

Hymn: "Savior When in Dust to Thee" (Public domain)

Illustration: Gustav Dore, Moses Breaks the Tables of the Law, public domain.

Waiting for Fireworks - Jonah 4

Text for discussion: Jonah 4.  

Jonah went outside the city of Nineveh, waiting for its imminent destruction.  Jonah was dismayed to see destruction didn't come to Nineveh.  

We can all be thankful that God has had mercy on us, rather than bringing down the swift hammer of justice.  

 

[hymns: What Wondrous Love is This, Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me]

[Illustration: The Prophet Jonah, by Michelangelo, public domain.]

”40 Days Until the End!”

Text for discussion:  Jonah 3.  

Have you ever seen a sign like this, "40 Days until the end"?  I am guessing that such a sign would catch your attention.  But would you take it seriously?  Jonah proclaimed this message and the people of Nineveh repented.  

What kind of witness is this message to the people of Jesus' time?  What kind of message does this witness present to us?  How do we respond?  

Come and listen to Jonah's message, take it in, and decide how you will respond . . . . 

[The hymn: For All the Saints]

[Illustration: The Prophet Jonah, by James Tissot, public domain.]