The revchristruelsen’s Podcast

Revisiting Genesis 45: Our Prayers are More Than Busy Work

This week is the convention of the Indiana District of the Missouri Synod, and by the time this episode drops I will be on my way home from the convention. . . .  I wanted to properly do justice to the next chapter of Matthew, so for one more week we are revisiting a chapter of Genesis, the one where Joseph reveals who he is to the brothers who sold him into slavery.  

They meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.  

Joseph had his whole life to look forward to when he was sold into slavery, yet God used the circumstances of this terrible happening to save many people . . . .  

This episode first dropped on August 6, 2021.  

Revisiting Genesis 22: Prelude to the Resurrection

The Resurrection is a theme which actually runs through the entirety of Scripture, and connects the Old and New testaments.  Today's discussion is about the "Sacrifice of Isaac" and the promise of the resurrection to come . . . .  

 

 

 

Revisiting Genesis 31: We Do Not Worship a god You Can Sit On

With this being the weekend of Trinity Sunday, we revisit a podcast from April 9th 2021.  

The gods that humanity comes up with are . . . pathetic.  The true God is eternal, infinite, unchangeable, and limitless.  

In this episode we discuss Genesis 31.  Jacob finally flees from the presence of his father in law Laban.  Rachel takes the household gods of Laban, and sits on them . . . .  What do we make of this?  

The Great Exchange

The subject of discussion: Matthew 3.

If our sins are washed away in baptism, and Jesus is sinless, why is Jesus baptized?  This week we discuss they why of Jesus baptism.  What was happening?  What does it mean for us . . . . 

 

The hymn this week is: Holy, Holy Holy (an improved version of a previous recording).

A public domain hymn.  

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