Law and Gospel — Rumination Thursday (Rebroadcast)

Pastor Baker discusses theological distinctions between Law & Gospel with guest Wes Reimnitz.

Sharper Iron & Truth in Genesis: Tawdry Acts and Redemption

Rev. Sean Daenzer studies Genesis 38:1-30 regarding how the actions in this story are all sinful and not given as an example of good behavior, law and the value of promises regarding Tamar’s actions, and where we find Christ in these passages.

Sharper Iron & Truth in Genesis: The Comforting Silence of God

Rev. Samuel Wirgau studies Genesis 37:12-36 regarding what leads to the evils carried out by Joseph’s brothers, why this planned premeditated murder is especially heinous, why God allows this to happen, how we see Jesus in this text, and how this story fits into the salvation story.

Sharper Iron & Truth in Genesis: Similarity-ology

Rev. Gaven Mize studies Genesis 37:2b-11 regarding the chiastic structure of these verses, whether God uses dreams to speak, how Joseph’s narrative is a capstone to Genesis, how Joseph is the most “Christ-like” patriarch, and symbols in revelations and apocalypses.

Sharper Iron & Truth in Genesis: Pre-Assyrian Potpourri

Rev. Jeremiah Johnson studies Genesis 35:16-37:2a regarding the messianic prophecy in Micah and its relation to this text, the lust for power, the death of Isaac and hardships of Jacob, why these Biblical genealogies are important to the bigger story, and the inheritance promised to Abraham.

Sharper Iron & Truth in Genesis: Foreign Gods and Buried Treasure

Rev. Luke Zimmerman studies Genesis 35:1-15 regarding the importance of relationships and vows within the Lord’s religion, how the idea of reconsecrating oneself to the Lord includes removing that with is foreign to the Lord and His ways, and the Lord’s care for Jacob (and us Christians in our Baptisms).

Let’s Talk! The Rev. Lance O’Donnell Is In: Planning for Change

Rev. Lance O’Donnell from Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, answers your questions.

Sharper Iron & Truth in Genesis: Me Too

Rev. Brian Flamme studies Genesis 34:1-30 regarding the grief and wickedness of this chapter, Shechem’s lack of remorse and Hamor’s brazenness, what happens with un-confessed sin, and whether Jacob’s sons were justified in their anger and actions.

Sharper Iron & Truth in Genesis: The Divine Comedy of Mercy

Rev. Andrew Preus studies Genesis 33:1-20 regarding Esau’s civil righteousness and pity of Jacob, Jacob’s gifts to Esau as an offering to the Lord, and Jacob’s faith and boldness in God and His promises.

Sharper Iron & Truth in Genesis: Not Expecting God Part 2

Rev. Matthew Wietfeldt studies Genesis 32:22-33:4 regarding how Jacob is living in total fear, God’s discipline of Jacob as He wrestles with him, and how Jacob and Esau are reunited and restored.