How many times do we have to forgive someone? This seems like a straight forward question Peter asks Jesus, but as you’ll hear in this week’s episode of Scripture First, Jesus flips it on its head by telling the parable of the unforgiving servant. In the conversation Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask Sarah Stenson: Why don’t we tend to forgive others after we’ve first been forgiven? Is there ever a limit to forgiveness? When do we forgive sin? Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scri...
Sep 07, 2020•26 min
What is the church’s purpose? The Scripture First team welcomes Dr. Chris Croghan (Luther House of Study’s Co-Director) to the podcast to teach us about this week’s lectionary text on naming and forgiving sin. In the conversation Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask: What does it mean there's sin in the church? How is “It’s ok” different than “You’re forgiven?" What’s the significance of Jesus promising to be with us when two or three are gathered in his name? Support the show Interested in sponsoring an e...
Aug 31, 2020•32 min
What does it even mean to “deny myself?" Dr. Steven Paulson, Luther House of Study’s Director of Lutheran Theology, joins the podcast to teach Adam and Mason about what he calls the most abused verse in all of Scripture. In the conversation they talk about: Why is the throat more important than the soul? How do you actually follow Jesus? What’s the difference between Plato’s and Jesus’ definition of a soul? Thank you for considering supporting Scripture First and the Luther House of Study team: ...
Aug 24, 2020•41 min
What is the most important word in all of Scripture? Dr. Steven Paulson, Luther House of Study’s Director of Lutheran Theology, joins the podcast to teach Adam and Mason about the foundation of the church and the two natures of Christ. In the conversation they talk about: What’s the difference between Jesus the Son of Man and Jesus the Son of God? What is the foundation the church is built on? Is it the literal person of Peter? How will the church never fail? Thank you for considering supporting...
Aug 17, 2020•44 min
What does it mean to be tormented by a demon? In this week’s episode of Scripture First, Luther House of Study’s co-directors, Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson, field questions from Adam, Kiri, and Mason about the story of the faith of the Canaanite woman. In the conversation they talk about: What power do demons have? How does Jesus draw a confession out of you? How is this story commonly misunderstood? Thank you so, so much for considering sponsoring an upcoming episode of Scripture First's...
Aug 10, 2020•29 min
Is it possible not to doubt? In this week's episode of Scripture First, Luther House of Study’s co-director, Sarah Stenson, fields questions from Adam, Kiri, and Mason about the dramatic and well-known story of Jesus walking on the water and his much-quoted question to Peter, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?” In the conversation they talk about: Why does Jesus keep going off by himself to pray? Is Jesus’ question to Peter, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” rhetorical? Is there mo...
Aug 03, 2020•34 min
We hear about it in church, but what actually is daily bread? This week, Luther House of Study’s co-director, Dr. Chris Croghan, joins the podcast to discuss the famous event: Jesus feeding the five thousand with just two fish and five loaves of bread. You’ll hear Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask questions like: How is daily bread different than the gospel? If God provides daily bread how do you explain homelessness? What does it mean for us that God cannot resist His people? Thank you for supporting S...
Jul 27, 2020•38 min
If Jesus isn’t telling us what we’re supposed to do when he tells parables, what do they mean? This week, Luther House of Study’s Chair of Lutheran Theology, Dr. Steven Paulson, joins the podcast to explain the most common misconception about parables: that they’re telling you what you should do. You’ll hear Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask questions like: How do you actually preach a passage with so many parables? Why do we read parables as something we’re supposed to do? What is Christ doing for you?...
Jul 20, 2020•43 min
How powerful is the devil? This week, Luther House of Study’s co-directors, Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson, join the podcast to talk about the Parable of the Weeds. You’ll hear Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask questions like: What is the end for unbelievers? How can there be a hell if God is loving? Is this what divides churches? Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate...
Jul 14, 2020•32 min
Why does Jesus speak in parables? This week, Luther House of Study’s co-director, Sarah Stenson, joins the podcast to talk about one of Jesus’ most famous parables: the Parable of the Sower. You’ll hear Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask questions like: If faith comes from hearing, can people receive faith if they're born deaf? When are we lying dead in our sin? How can the evil one snatch what’s already been planted? Matthew 13:10-17 - 10 Then the disciples came and asked him, "Why do you speak to them ...
Jul 07, 2020•28 min
What are the heavy burdens Jesus is asking to take? This week, Luther House of Study’s co-director, Dr. Chris Croghan, joins the podcast to talk about how Jesus didn’t come to bring justice and fairness to the world. Instead, he brought forgiveness and resurrection. You’ll hear Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask questions like: Why is Jesus thanking God for keeping information from the wise? How can we have childlike faith? Why do people always lean on their own understanding? Matthew 11:20-24 - 20 Then ...
Jun 30, 2020•29 min
What is preaching? Who does it? What are you supposed to say? This week, Luther House of Study’s Director of Lutheran Theology, Dr. Steven Paulson, joins the podcast to talk about the sermon Jesus gives his preachers before sending them out to preach. You’ll hear Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask questions like: -How is being a preacher the highest office in the world? -What is a preachers’ role? -What does it mean to "welcome" a preacher? Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scriptur...
Jun 23, 2020•47 min
How is fear of the Lord the beginning of wisdom? What actually is hell? Jesus isn’t bringing peace? This week, Luther House of Study’s co-directors, Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson, join the podcast to talk about Matthew 10:24-39. You’ll hear Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask questions like: -What does it mean we’re going to suffer if we preach Christ? -How do you not read this as a way to get into heaven? -Why is Jesus bringing a sword? Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Script...
Jun 16, 2020•30 min
Is racism a disease Jesus can cure? What is our bondage to sin? What does it mean that Jesus gives the disciples authority? This week, Luther House of Study’s co-director, Sarah Stenson, joins the podcast to talk about the turning point in Matthew when Jesus passes the baton to his disciples to go out cure the sick, cast out demons, and preach the kingdom of heaven. You’ll hear Adam, Kiri, and Mason talk about just like sin, no one can escape the charge of racism. The response Christians have is...
Jun 09, 2020•38 min
What is a disciple and how do you make one? This week, Luther House of Study’s co-director, Dr. Chris Croghan, joins the podcast to talk about Jesus giving his disciples (and us!) the Great Commission. You’ll hear Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask questions like: -What is authority and who has it? -Who can baptize others? -How is Jesus always with us? Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/...
Jun 02, 2020•29 min
This week, Luther House of Study’s Director of Lutheran Theology, Dr. Steven Paulson, joins the podcast to talk about Jesus following up his crucifixion and resurrection with something even more incredible. You’ll hear Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask questions like: -What actually happens when you get the Holy Spirit? -Delivering eternal life or eternal damnation seems like a lot of pressure. What am I supposed to say to give the gospel? -What is the Office of the Keys? Support the show Interested in ...
May 26, 2020•37 min
"I have conquered the world.” -Jesus (…What does that mean?) This week, Luther House of Study’s Director of Lutheran Theology, Dr. Steven Paulson, joins the podcast to discuss how Jesus was able to unite us with God while we were still sinners. You’ll hear Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask questions like: -What actually is eternal life? -What does it mean to glorify Jesus? -What is it about Jesus that heretics absolutely hate? Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Emai...
May 19, 2020•41 min
How can you have everything the human race needs in one sentence? This week, Luther House of Study’s co-directors, Sarah Stenson and Dr. Chris Croghan, join the podcast to talk about the passage commonly called The Ascension of Our Lord, Luke 24:44-53. You’ll hear Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask questions like: -Why is loving thy neighbor not a part of the gospel? -How does Jesus open the disciples’ minds? -Why are we called gospel reductionists? Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of...
May 12, 2020•31 min
Is Jesus exclusive? Why are Millennials hesitant to preach Christ? This week, Luther House of Study’s co-director, Sarah Stenson, joins the podcast to talk about the passage where Jesus says, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." You’ll hear Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask questions like: -Why don’t the disciples believe -What does it mean to actually know Christ? -What’s troubling the disciples? Join the Scripture First community on Facebook! Suppo...
May 05, 2020•32 min
What is election? What does it mean that Jesus is jealous? This week, Luther House of Study’s co-director, Dr. Chris Croghan, joins the podcast to talk about John 10:1-10, the passage where Jesus calls his sheep. You’ll hear Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask questions like: -I don’t have to choose to go through the gate? -How can you trust Jesus’ voice? -Is election threatening? Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation p...
Apr 28, 2020•32 min
Why were the men kept from recognizing Jesus? Who’s responsible for sin? This week, Luther House of Study’s Director of Lutheran Theology, Dr. Steven Paulson, joins the podcast to talk about the Road to Emmaus where two men encounter the resurrected Jesus but don’t recognize him. You’ll hear Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask questions like: -Why is the empty tomb not the Gospel? -Why did Jesus appear to them after his resurrection? Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?...
Apr 21, 2020•40 min
We should take after Thomas? Why are the disciples afraid? How does Jesus actually give peace? This week, both of Luther House of Study’s co-directors, Sarah Stenson and Dr. Chris Croghan, join the podcast to talk about the passage right after Jesus’ resurrection where he breaks into the locked room where the disciples are hiding and addresses a doubting Thomas. You’ll hear Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask questions like: -What is the office of the keys? -Why is Thomas’ doubt not a weakness? -What’s th...
Apr 14, 2020•38 min
A great earthquake, appearing like lightning! Rising from the dead? How could you not be afraid? During this Holy Week, we welcome Luther House of Study’s co-director, Sarah Stenson, to the podcast to talk about the Easter passage: the empty tomb. You’ll hear Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask questions like: -What’s the significance of the angel saying, “Do not be afraid?" -Why did it catch me off guard to say “from the dead” after “He is risen?" -How can we hear the promise of forgiveness in an empty t...
Apr 07, 2020•31 min
How is the whole world implicated in killing Jesus? What does it mean that Jesus has mercy on us? Why is the gospel writer using so much description? This week, Luther House of Study’s co-director, Dr. Chris Croghan, joins the podcast to talk about Palm Sunday’s text: Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey and colt. You’ll hear Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask questions like: -What’s the significance of the Mount of Olives? -Why was Palm Sunday changed to Palm Passion Sunday? -Why did naming Jesus as kin...
Mar 31, 2020•28 min
Dr. Steven Paulson joins Mason and Kiri to talk about how Christians can live in faith rather than fear amid the COVID-19 outbreak. “I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely ...
Mar 26, 2020•41 min
Are you afraid of death? Why did Jesus let Lazarus die? How does Jesus actually defeat death? This week, Luther House of Study’s Director of Lutheran Theology, Dr. Steven Paulson, joins the podcast to talk about the death of Lazarus and how Jesus incredibly turns our relationship with life and death on its head. You’ll hear Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask questions like: -What does Jesus mean when he says, “I am the resurrection?" -Why is Jesus so disturbed by Lazarus’ death if he knew he would raise ...
Mar 23, 2020•38 min
Who are God’s elect? Why did Jesus use mud to give the man sight? History is full of God’s works? This week, Luther House of Study’s Director of Lutheran Theology, Dr. Steven Paulson, joins the podcast to talk about the passage where Jesus gives the blind man sight in what he says, "Jesus tells us what history is all about and what the meaning of life is." You’ll hear Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask questions like: -Why does Jesus use lowly things like mud and bread? -How does this passage reflect all...
Mar 16, 2020•32 min
Why is Jesus tired? Can asking the right questions lead to faith? What's the significance of Jesus calling himself Messiah? This week, Luther House of Study’s co-directors, Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson, join the podcast to talk about Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well in a Samaritan city. You’ll hear Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask questions like: -Why does John, the gospel writer, include small details like Jesus was tired and the time of day? -Can I ask the right questions and end up...
Mar 09, 2020•36 min
Why does Nicodemus come by night? What does Jesus mean, “the wind blows where it chooses?” Do we have any role in our salvation? This week, Luther House of Study’s co-director, Sarah Stenson, joins the podcast to talk about the passage around the well known verse, John 3:16, centering on Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. You’ll hear Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask questions like: -If Nicodemus knew Jesus had authority, why did he come by night? -We don’t have any control of where the wind blows; do we ...
Mar 02, 2020•29 min
How does the devil tempt us? Baptism sends you back into the world. What does Jesus do to the devil? This week, Luther House of Study’s co-director, Dr. Chris Croghan, joins the podcast to talk about Jesus being tempted by the devil in the wilderness. You’ll hear Adam and Mason ask questions like: -How does the devil interact with us in the world? -Does baptism separate us from creation? -How can we not doubt our faith? Matthew 4:1-11 1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to ...
Feb 24, 2020•26 min
