Our sin killed Jesus. Dr. Steven Paulson joins the podcast to discuss the incredibly eventful week Jesus had between his triumphal entry into Jerusalem and his crucifixion and death. So much more happened than the law putting an innocent man to death. Jesus put an end to the law and takes your sin from you. Adam, Kiri and Mason asked him: - What is the one thing Mark focuses on in Jesus' crucifixion? - How does Jesus actually take on the sin of the world? - Why does Jesus' suffering on the cross...
Mar 22, 2021•43 min
"Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life." What if we told you this well-known verse in John isn't telling you what you *should* do, but is showing you what is happening *to* you? This week Sarah Stenson and Dr. Chris Croghan teach on this week's lectionary text in John and how Jesus' glory is unlike anything we've ever known. Adam, Kiri and Mason asked them: - Why do people turn away from God? - What is Jesus' glory? - Why can...
Mar 15, 2021•34 min
John 3:16 may be the most well-known verse in the entire Bible. You haven't heard it taught like this before. At least that's what happened to Adam, Kiri and Mason as they discuss this week's lectionary text, John 3:14-21, with Sarah Stenson. Here's a preview of the topics uncovered discussing both the well-known and the often-overlooked piece of this text: - Why did Martin Luther call Jesus the Serpent of Salvation? - What does it mean to have eternal life? - Why do people love the darkness? Su...
Mar 08, 2021•40 min
An angry Jesus clears the temple and says, "Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” Dr. Chris Croghan is back on Scripture First to discuss the passage where Jesus cleanses the temple. Adam, Kiri and Mason ask Dr. Croghan this week: - Why is Jesus so upset? - How is this text not an example of Jesus being a revolutionary? - How is remembering something that happens outside of yourself? Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or...
Mar 01, 2021•24 min
A rebuking duel, "Get behind me, Satan!" and Jesus foretells his death and resurrection. Dr. Steven Paulson joins Scripture First to have a conversation about Jesus telling Peter how he's going to save us and Peter rebuking what he heard. Adam, Kiri and Mason ask Dr. Paulson this week: - Why does Peter (and we) not want to hear Jesus must suffer? - Why does Jesus tell Peter he's Satan? - How is, "Take up your cross and follow me," misunderstood? Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episo...
Feb 22, 2021•42 min
It's the beginning of Lent. We hear we need to repent. Is that something we need to do? This week on Scripture First, Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson discuss how Lent is more than a time for repenting. It's a time for the Holy Trinity to break into the world to deliver a promise. Adam, Kiri and Mason ask our co-directors this week: - How can I repent? - Why does the Holy Spirit drive Jesus into the wilderness? - What does it mean Jesus was with the wild beasts? Support the show Interested in...
Feb 15, 2021•25 min
The Transfiguration of Jesus. We've heard the story, but what does it actually mean? This week, Sarah Stenson sits down with Kiri, Adam and Mason to talk about this week's lectionary text: the incredible seven verses in Mark where Jesus leads Peter, James and John up the mountain to witness his transfiguration. Here are a few of the questions you'll hear in this episode: Why did Peter offer to build three houses? What is the significance of Elijah and Moses appearing? What is the Messianic Secre...
Feb 08, 2021•34 min
Why does Jesus heal? Dr. Chris Croghan joins the podcast to discuss this week's lectionary text about Jesus healing, daily bread and the mission of the church. Adam, Kiri and Mason ask Dr. Croghan: How is daily bread different than the gospel? Why is the saying, "Preach the gospel and when necessary, use words," incorrect? Why do demons attack faith? Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstu...
Feb 01, 2021•27 min
Dr. Steven Paulson joins the podcast to talk about this week's lectionary text, The Man with an Unclean Spirit. Jesus astonishes the teachers and lawyers by teaching with authority. Then, a demon-possessed man bursts into the synagogue and Jesus has to perform an exorcism before being able to preach to him. Kiri, Adam and Mason ask Dr. Paulson: How do you actually keep the Sabbath holy? Is there a difference between teaching and preaching? How is Jesus' fame his doom? Support the show (https://w...
Jan 25, 2021•40 min
What can we learn about preaching from Jesus' first sermon? In this week's Scripture First episode, Dr. Steven Paulson breaks down Jesus' 19-word sermon and teaches us what it means for both today's preachers and those who hear their sermons. Questions Adam, Kiri and Mason ask Dr. Paulson include: What, where, and who is the kingdom of God for? Why are we always living in anticipation of the future? What does Jesus mean when he says he'll make us, "fishers of men?" Support the show Interested in...
Jan 18, 2021•45 min
"The perfume Jesus wears only attracts sinners." In this week's episode, we get to hear a firsthand account of how *and why* two of Jesus' first followers, Phillip and Nathaniel, end up following him. Lucky for us, those reasons are the same promises we receive from Jesus too. Questions Kiri, Adam and Mason ask Sarah Stenson and Dr. Chris Croghan in this episode: Will people come back to church after COVID? Why are we spending time discussing these seemingly smaller characters in the gospel stor...
Jan 11, 2021•29 min
If baptism is for sinners, why did Jesus have to be baptized? In a discussion about Jesus' baptism, Sarah Stenson joins Adam, Kiri and Mason to discuss all things baptism including: Was baptism a new thing that John the Baptist started? Why do Lutherans baptize infants? What is a baptism of repentance? 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...
Jan 04, 2021•36 min
Have you ever wondered what God's opinion of you was? In this week's episode, Dr. Chris Croghan teaches Kiri, Adam and Mason that grace isn't something that can be given. Grace is God's disposition *to you*. The conversation centers on breaking down a theologically loaded passage, John 1:10-18, that ranges from baptism to crucifixion into manageable pieces. The topics include: What does it mean to be given belief? What's the importance of having God's name? Why do we want to be our own God? Supp...
Dec 28, 2020•36 min
A promise so incredible it'll leave you amazed. That was Mary and Joseph's reaction after they heard the promise Simeon gave them about their child: Jesus Christ. In this week's episode, Dr. Steven Paulson teaches us about the power of our savior's incredible promise is that it saves us from death. We, like Simeon, can actually find peace, even in death, knowing the treasure that's in our arms. Here are some of the questions Adam, Kiri and Mason asked Dr. Paulson: Who is Simeon? What does it mea...
Dec 21, 2020•33 min
“This isn’t just a Christmas story, it’s the story of all time.” In this special edition podcast, Kiri, Adam and Mason are joined by Dr. Steven Paulson to share a conversation about the lectionary text for Christmas Day. In what Dr. Paulson calls some of the most poetic words in Scripture, the team discusses the opening verses of the Gospel of John: The Word Became Flesh. -Why is this the text for Christmas Day? -What does it mean that Jesus is called the Word? -Why is John the Baptist slipped i...
Dec 18, 2020•38 min
Bethlehem. The manger. No place in the inn. You know the story of Jesus’ birth, but in this special edition Christmas Eve podcast the Luther House team takes a deep dive into one of the most well-known passages in the Bible. A few of the questions the conversation centered on: How are Christmas Eve services going to look different this year? Why is it important to emphasize Jesus being born in a barn? Why did the shepherds react in fear? Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Sc...
Dec 17, 2020•35 min
"Greetings, favored one!" What happens when you take a fresh look at a Christmas passage you've heard dozens of times? This week, Kiri, Mason, Sarah and Chris discuss the angel Gabriel delivering the news of Mary's coming birth of the savior of the world to reveal there's more to the passage than we normally hear. Some of the questions they discussed: How are angels preachers? What does "Greetings, favored one," mean? What are the differences between angels and demons? Support the show Intereste...
Dec 14, 2020•38 min
John the Baptist goes from the last prophet to the first preacher. Sarah Stenson sits down with Adam, Kiri, and Mason to talk about the significance of John the Baptist pointing to Jesus in this week's lectionary passage. The Jewish teachers ask John three questions: Who are you? Are you Elijah? Are you the prophet? Sarah explains the significance of these questions and why John's answers speak to our preaching the promise of Jesus Christ today. What does it mean to be sent by God? Should we be ...
Dec 07, 2020•36 min
Spoiler: Mark tells us the end of the story in the first verse. Dr. Chris Croghan joins Kiri, Adam, and Mason to discuss this week's lectionary text about the first verses of the Gospel of Mark. From the very first verse, Mark tells us the story of Jesus Christ is good news, which led to a great conversation including: What is the importance of calling Jesus, Son of God? What is the difference between John baptizing with water and Jesus baptizing with the Holy Spirit? Why is there so many detail...
Nov 30, 2020•26 min
A new church calendar year begins with a text about the end of this world. Dr. Paulson joins Kiri and Adam to discuss this week's lectionary text about Jesus telling Peter all that's to come: his betrayal, his crucifixion, his resurrection, and finally the end of this world. Why is a story of the end of times being told at the beginning of the church calendar year? What does it mean that God has cursed Jesus on the cross? What are the differences between Jesus giving signs and promises? Support ...
Nov 23, 2020•39 min
Are you a sheep or a goat? That's the question Adam and Kiri ask Dr. Steven Paulson about this week's lectionary text: The Judgement of the Nations or the passage where Jesus separates the sheep from the goats. As you'll hear Dr. Paulson teach in this week's conversation, that determination hinges on where you believe glory comes from. What does it mean for us that Jesus separates instead of unites? Does glory come by law or by gospel? How do you know if you're a sheep or a goat? Support the sho...
Nov 16, 2020•48 min
How can you trust God will provide? What does it mean that the master gave each to their ability? How can we be "good and trustworthy" servants of God? These are the questions you'll hear as Sarah Stenson and Dr. Chris Croghan share a conversation with Kiri, Adam, and Mason about this week's lectionary text: The Parable of the Talents. Listen to the promise of how God is providing daily bread for us each and every day. Even right now. Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scrip...
Nov 09, 2020•32 min
Sarah Stenson joins the hosts of Scripture First—Kiri, Adam, and Mason—to discuss this week's lectionary text where Jesus tells the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids. In a conversation where Sarah preached the greatest promise we'll receive in our lifetimes, here are a few of the questions you'll hear: Why do the wise bridesmaids not share their oil with the foolish bridesmaids? How do you receive faith? How is, "Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour," misunderstood? The P...
Nov 02, 2020•25 min
This week on Scripture First, Dr. Chris Croghan shares a conversation with Adam, Kiri, and Mason about this week’s All Saints lectionary text: Matthew 5:1-12, better known as the Beatitudes. A few of the questions you’ll hear in the episode: What does it mean to be blessed by God? Why can’t you “earn” sainthood? How is heaven and hell something that’s happening right now? Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation ...
Oct 26, 2020•33 min
What happens when Jesus pits the law against the gospel? Dr. Steven Paulson, Luther House of Study’s Director of Lutheran Theology, joins Scripture First to discuss this week’s lectionary text: Matthew 22:34-46, or the passage where Jesus explains the greatest commandment as the law and introduces a new world that operates in the Messiah. In the conversation Kiri, Adam, and Mason ask: How is the law essential to understanding the gospel? Why won’t we do the law if we know what to do? How do we k...
Oct 19, 2020•59 min
The Pharisees set the ultimate trap for Jesus. Only to have their own words trap them in their sin. Both of Luther House of Study’s Co-Directors, Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson, talk about the biggest trap the Pharisees set for Jesus: Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor? In the conversation Kiri, Adam, and Mason ask: How is this the ultimate trap? It seems anticlimactic. Are we any different than the Pharisees? Why do we value money so much? Support the show Interested in sponsoring an...
Oct 12, 2020•28 min
What does it mean to be worthy? Sarah Stenson, Luther House of Study’s Co-Director, teaches on the Parable of the Wedding Banquet, an election text centering on the words worthy and chosen. In the conversation Kiri, Adam, and Mason ask: Is being worthy the same thing as being chosen? Why does only reading the text not deliver Christ’s promise? Do we have a role to play in being righteous? Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or vi...
Oct 05, 2020•30 min
Jesus is promised throughout the Old Testament. This week, he shows us where. Dr. Chris Croghan, Luther House of Study’s Co-Director, joins the podcast to discuss the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, a story Jesus tells the Pharisees about what’s happened throughout the Old Testament. In the conversation Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask: How has Jesus been promised throughout the Old Testament? Why does Jesus’ forgiveness crush people who thought they were doing it right? How is this parable different th...
Sep 28, 2020•30 min
Authority. Jesus is the ultimate authority and the irony of the chief priests questioning his credentials. Dr. Steven Paulson, Luther House of Study’s Director of Lutheran Theology, joins the podcast to talk about authority, Jesus flipping the legal trap he’s trying to be caught in, and what change happens to you in your baptism. In the conversation Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask: Why does Christ’s word actually cause something to happen? What is the significance of the temple? What’s the difference ...
Sep 21, 2020•47 min
What does the first will be last and the last will be first *actually* mean? Luther House of Study’s co-directors, Sarah Stenson and Dr. Chris Croghan, join the podcast to talk about the laborers in the vineyard, a story Jesus tells his disciples about a landowner hiring workers throughout the day but paying them all a full day’s wage and ending with the often quoted verse, “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” In the conversation Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask: What does it mean t...
Sep 14, 2020•29 min
