Scripture First Luther House of Study

After performing the first miracles of His ministry and demonstrating authority at the temple, a Pharisee named Nicodemus seeks Jesus out at night to determine where He gets His power. Dr. Chris Croghan teaches us context and meaning packed into this text starting with why Nicodemus came to Jesus at night. We also discuss Jesus’ response to Nicodemus, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above,” and how hearing the Greek translation of t...

The day of Pentecost had come. A sound like the rush of a violent wind. Divided tongues of fire rested on each of them. Speaking in tongues. Kiri, Cole, and Mason ask Sarah Stenson about the many misguided assumptions Christians have about this passage of Acts. Why do we assume speaking in tongues is some sort of gibberish that requires an interpreter? There are a lot of misunderstandings about what the Holy Spirit does and does not do. The Spirit is never separated from Christ. It ...

The same night that Jesus is arrested, He gives a lengthy prayer. Kiri, Max, and Mason ask Lars Olson, why did Jesus say this prayer and what is the content of what He’s praying? Jesus tells His disciples, and us, that He has given His word to everyone God has given to Him. That word delivers God’s very nature: mercy. Having received God’s mercy, you are now a new creation. You are comfortable being God’s creature. Keep this in mind as you hear about Judas and the rest of the discip...

In a text that says, “abide in my love,” “if you keep my commandments,” and, “I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another,” you may think Jesus is giving you the instruction manual on how to live correctly. But then He says, “You did not choose me but I chose you.” Sarah Stenson and Dr. Chris Croghan explains how the texts from recent weeks all point to this moment of election. Some people are chosen. Others are not. God is the one acting. But it’s not a sur...

This week’s text says that Jesus is the vine and God is the vinegrower. Everyone who produces fruit, God prunes to produce more fruit. Everyone who doesn't produce fruit, God lops off the vine to wither and burn. And this is supposed to be reassurance?Dr. Chris Croghan explains how this is an election text. The fact you’re hearing this means you’re connected to the vine; you’re connected to Jesus. Through that connection, you’re producing fruit: faith. COURSESDo you like what you l...

Many of Jesus’ “I Am” statements lend themselves to comforting depictions for Christians. “I am the light of the world,” makes for a nice painting! But in today’s passage, Jesus is the gate. Sarah Stenson teaches us how Jesus is being categorical in this text. There are two options: enter through the gate by hearing the shepherd’s voice or climbing in another way which makes you a thief and a bandit. Many will hear this as a prescription: how can I be a sheep and not a thief who ste...