The revchristruelsen’s Podcast

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.]

As Good as Dead

Text for discussion: Jonah 2.  

When Jonah is in the depths of the sea in the belly of the fish, he cannot rely on himself.  He has no power to get himself out of this predicament.  He was as good as dead, yet God heard him. 

Another who was as good as dead was Abraham.  Abraham believed God’s promises and it was counted to him as righteousness-he had no power to save himself.  

It is true also that we are in the same predicament.  What is the way out?  

[The hymn: Savior Again, to Thy Dear Name We Raise]

Photo: Ringwoodite crystal (micrograph photo) Photo credit: Jasperox. 

 

Big Fish Story

Text: Jonah 1 

We are often called upon to go beyond our comfort zones, to do things which we don't always really want to do.  

Jonah was called upon by God to go to a city called Nineveh, and call on them to repent and turn to God.  He didn't want to go. 

We are fortunate to have a Savior who went beyond doing the uncomfortable things for us. 

In following Him, we will go beyond our comfort zones . . . . 

The View from the Cave REVISITED

Thank you for listening to this podcast!  

For those who are behind, this week is an opportunity to catch up a little. 

This week's lessons in the church year, and a newly recorded version of Abide with Me (text: Copyright CPH) are included along with a message about Genesis 23, originally recorded January 29, 2021.  

Again, thanks for listening.  Barring unforeseen circumstances, I look forward to sharing a fully NEW episode next week, including a new start to another book of Scripture . . . .  Tune in next week to find out which one . . . . 

Matthew 28 - Hush Money Can’t Overcome the Truth

 

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.  

[I would like to dedicate this episode 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 . . . .]

The hymn is #480.  "He's Risen, He's Risen" 

Newly recorded today, this hymn was written- both text and tune by CFW Walther.  The text is copyright 1941, Concordia Publishing House.

 

Artwork: Disciples Running, by Eugene Burnand, d. 1921.  Public domain.  

Stations of the Cross Service

I encourage you to observe one of your congregation's Good Friday services, but I invite you to share in this one, especially, if you are not able to make it to a service on Good Friday.

Recorded in 2021, here 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 . . . . 

[The illustration is "The Crucifixion" by Jacopo Bellini, early Renaissance, and is public domain in the US and elsewhere.)

Part VII - The CONCLUSION of The Twelve Who Followed Him to Jerusalem: The Great Day of Friendship

As friends go, Peter wasn't a very good friend on Good Friday, but Jesus' loyalty to Peter and to humanity never wavered . . . .  He died for us while we were still sinners . . . (and rises again on the 3rd day).  

The podcast concludes with several hymns for reflection on Good Friday:

Glory Be to Jesus 

Lamb of God, Pure and Holy 

What Wondrous Love is This 

Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us 

O Love How Deep 

My Soul Now Praise Your Maker

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

(all are public domain) 

 

This afternoon, the Stations of the Cross Service will be available . . . .