Podcasts about reading hebrews

Pastor Sal dives deep into one of the core mysteries of the Christian faith — the dual nature of Jesus Christ. Fully God and fully man, Jesus bridges the divine and the human in a way that changes everything. Drawing from Scripture and sound theology, Pastor Sal unpacks how Jesus' divinity and humanity work together in perfect unity — and why that truth is essential for our salvation, our worship, and our daily walk with God.

Jesus becomes like us and takes on our greatest trouble, sin, death and the devil, and wins the victory for our forgiveness and life.

Jesus is our Sabbath, our rest in Him for eternity, given to us by faith.

Jesus was silent and content to do His Father's will and be The Perfect sacrifice for all our sins.

In this powerful message from Week 4 of our Hebrews series, Pastor Steve unpacks Hebrews 3:12-19 and the danger of unbelief. Disappointment, fear, and life's struggles can slowly pull us away from trusting God. Through the story of the Israelites and their struggles in the wilderness, we learn that unbelief is not just doubt—it's a slow drift away from faith. Pastor Steve challenges us to check our hearts, encourage one another, and hold tight to the promises of God.Are you struggling with doubt? Feeling distant from God? This message will remind you that faith isn't about knowing all the answers—it's about trusting God even when things don't go as planned. Don't let unbelief keep you from the fullness of God's promises!

March 4, 2025Today's Reading: Hebrews 3:1-6Daily Lectionary: Job 36:1-21; John 11:38-57“But Christ is faithful over God's house as a Son. And we are His house if we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in hope.” (Hebrews 3:6)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. I will spare you from asking whether or not we're a building (The answer is yes: 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 1 Peter 2:4-5.), but there's another way this term can be understood. The House of Israel is all the descendants of Israel. The House of David is all the family of David through the generations and their servants. That's important. Because Moses is part of the house of God. It's as a servant, but he is part of the house nonetheless. Moses is a servant. Jesus is the Son. And being the Son comes with more honor and glory. And to the people of Jesus' day, this is big news. Because in all the Old Testament, there was no one apart from God who was worthy of more glory and honor than Moses. He was the Lord's chosen prophet who led them out of Egypt. He was the one through whom the Lord fed His people manna in the wilderness. He was the greatest of all the prophets, and there was no one like Him.But there was a promise that there would one day be a prophet like Moses. But Jesus was greater than Moses. Jesus didn't have to go see God; Jesus is God. Jesus didn't need someone else to cause the miraculous to happen; Jesus caused the miraculous to happen. Moses died, but Jesus did not stay dead. He rose on the third day. And to the people of Jesus' day, this was a big deal. Then Jesus did something amazing for us. He made us His house. We're of His household. However, Jesus didn't make us mere servants in the house of God. Jesus adopts us as sons and daughters of God. As a baptized Christian, you've been given a higher rank than Moses had when he was alive. You're a child of God, for Jesus has given you His place as heir of the kingdom of God. This adoption happens by Jesus' death on the cross and His rising again on the third day. He did that for you. This adoption happens at your Baptism, where you are baptized into His death in order to have His life. This adoption happens as your every sin is forgiven by His ultimate sacrifice. This adoption happens as He speaks His saving Word into your ears. This adoption happens as He brings you to His table and sets you a place. This adoption happens as He gives you His own body and His own blood. You are a beloved child of God. You are an heir in His house. And the kingdom of heaven is made yours. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We are God's house of living stones, Built for His habitation. He through baptismal grace us owns Heirs of His wondrous salvation. We we but two His name to tell, Yet He would deign with us to dwell With all His grace and His favor. (LSB 645:3)-Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord 1st Reading:  Malachi 3:1-4 Responsorial: Psalm 24          2nd Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18 Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord 1st Reading:  Malachi 3:1-4 Responsorial: Psalm 24          2nd Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18 Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord 1st Reading:  Malachi 3:1-4 Responsorial: Psalm 24          2nd Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18 Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

Fourth Sunday of Advent 1st Reading: Micah 5:1-4 Responsorial: Psalm 80          2nd Reading: Hebrews 10:5-10 Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

Thank you to Amy, Dave, Paul, Achile, and everyone else involved in the service. Happy birthday this week to Lee, Jimmy, and Brian. Songs from this service: Take My Life And Let It Be - https://youtu.be/qTy0zvUrgS4 -- Instruments Of Your Peace - https://youtu.be/ZWqT1OPvI7I -- I Love To Tell The Story - https://youtu.be/gLuOz0g8rOA -- The Lord Almighty Reigns - https://youtu.be/2TdEZXPuKOo -- What The Lord Has Done In Me - https://youtu.be/FbVEz-6J_j0 Scriptures from this service: Reading - Hebrews 8:10-11. Sermon - 2 Corinthians 1:3-7; John 13:1-5; 13:12-17; John 7:37-38; 7:38; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9; Hebrews 8:10-11; James 2:14-19; 2:26; John 15:1-2; 15:8-17. Closing - Colossians 3:12-17 (NET) Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash [accordion] [accordion-item title="NIV Copyright" state=closed]Scripture quotations marked (NIV) taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version© NIV© Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc. TM Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.[/accordion-item][accordion-item title="NET Copyright" state=closed]Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible© copyright ©1996, 2019 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved[/accordion-item] [/accordion]

November 19, 2024 Today's Reading: Hebrews 10:11-25Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 38:1-28; Jeremiah 39:1-44:30; Matthew 27:57-66 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:23-25)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Being a Christian is not as easy as some may think. The world rejects the Gospel of Jesus. In some places, it is outlawed; in others, it is frowned upon; in our own nation, it is no longer the cultural force it used to be. The church in America faces new challenges as it loses some of the privileges it once had. Yet, there is no reason to fear. Christ will sustain His church no matter what it looks like. He is Lord over all. Yet, as you go through life following Jesus, there is no doubt that fear, anxiety, and struggle will greet you. Satan will poke at your wounds, whisper poisonous lies in your ears, and remind you of old sins that have been forgiven. He will assault you relentlessly, especially those who follow Christ. This is all the more reason to heed the words of Hebrews, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Christ has conquered all things. He has conquered the sin Satan throws in your face, He has conquered death that awaits you, and He has conquered the devil himself. He has kept His promises, of that you can be sure. Yet, if you find yourself doubting, go to church and, along with your fellow brothers and sisters, hear the promises of Jesus spoken and proclaimed. This church spurs one another along in love and good works, prays and cares for one another, and rejoices and weeps with one another. Do not try to stand against sin, death, and the power of the devil alone, but instead stand with Christ and all the faithful. So, do not forsake the gathering together of the church. Do not forsake attending the Divine Service on Sundays. The less you go, the more weak spots you have, the more lies you'll believe, and you'll forget the forgiveness Christ has won for you. Instead, run to the house of the Lord as often as possible. Go and have your sins forgiven by your Pastor in Christ's stead, receive Christ's true Body and Blood in the Sacrament of the Altar, and rest assured in the promises of Jesus. This world is rough, life is difficult, and the burdens can be heavy, but Jesus will lead you on. He will carry the load, and He will invite you to rest.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We share our mutual woes, We pour our ardent prayers; And often for each other flows The sympathizing tear. (LSB 649:3)-Rev. Caleb Weight, associate pastor of Peace In Christ Lutheran Church in Hermantown, MN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Spend time reading and meditating on God's Word throughout the Church Year with the Enduring Grace Journal. Includes scripture readings, prayers, prompts, and space for journaling. The Church Year Journal, Enduring Grace, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: Daniel 12:1-3 Responsorial: Psalm 16          2nd Reading: Hebrews 10:11-14, 18 Gospel: Mark 13:24-32

Thank you to Earl, Ed, Don, Temi, and Paul for being part of the video. The scripture reading is Hebrews 1:1-4. Happy birthday this week to Charlotte and Matthias. Songs from this service: We Praise Thee O God - https://youtu.be/I2M3CjpV_Wc -- Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah - https://youtu.be/kx-lXR_ibbM -- To God Be The Glory - https://youtu.be/1aTqMxmxl -- Ancient Words - https://youtu.be/HSHsL4DQG9c -- Hope Of The Nations - https://youtu.be/yOxVonkxVi4 Scriptures from this service: Communion - Philippians 2:4; Hebrews 9:24-28; 9:28. Reading - Hebrews 1:1-4. Sermon - Hebrews 1:5; 2:1; 13:5; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 2:1; 2:14-15; 2:18; 2:14; 2:18; 13:5; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 4:8-11; 4:12; 4:14-16; 6:1-2; 7:23-25; 7:27; Jeremiah 1:5; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 9:11; 9:15; 10:11-12; 10:19-23; 10:24-25; 10:32-33; 10:35; 10:38; 11:1; 11:13-15; 11:16; 12:1-2; 12:14-15; 12:22; 13:5; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 12:22-23; 13:1-2; 13:5; 13:6; 13:15-16; 13:20-22; 13:25. Closing - Hebrews 13:20-21. Photo by Aron Visuals on Unsplash [accordion] [accordion-item title="NIV Copyright" state=closed]Scripture quotations marked (NIV) taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version© NIV© Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc. TM Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.[/accordion-item][/accordion]

November 12, 2024 Today's Reading: Hebrews 9:24-28Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 25:1-18; Matthew 26:1-19For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf… But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. (Hebrews 9:24, 26b)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Is there anything worse than standing at someone's face when you're in trouble? Maybe you had to tell your dad you broke the car window with a baseball or tell your mom that you dropped her pottery bowl on the ceramic tile floor.There's nothing worse than having to stand at someone's face in judgment. But then there's Holy God! To stand at his face, where's relief from that?Wait. Someone's standing at the face of God! It's Jesus. Holy and blameless. He stands with no sin of His own. Why is He standing there? The Letter to the Hebrew Christians tells of Jesus standing at the Father's face on our behalf (Hebrews 9:24). He's at His Father's face not for Himself, but for you, for me! Are we troubled? Is Satan able to twist your conscience with guilt? He keeps bringing up your malice and inadequacies. Are the demons covering you in shame for what you have done, but also for what has been done to you? You have someone standing in your place before the Father. The Apostle John says this: You have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous! (1 John 2:1-2) The Apostle Paul speaks of Jesus testifying to his Father on your behalf: Jesus is at the right hand of God interceding for you! (Romans 8:34) What is Jesus saying on your behalf? What is His intercession for you? It is the testimony of his own blood. Jesus testifies that His sacrifice on the cross has put away your sin (Hebrews 9:26). With your sin put away, you're guilty no more. You are no longer covered in shame. Jesus covers you in the honor of His own Name. We do, indeed, stand at the face of the Father, but there's relief. By the word of Jesus, you stand before His Father with no sin, no guilt, and no shame. You are now clothed in honor— you have Jesus' Name on you! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord of life, according to your abundant mercy, blot out my transgressions. Declare me clean of all my sin. Against you only have I sinned. Purge me with the blood of the cross, cleanse me and my conscience will be whiter than snow. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and give me your Spirit. Let me stand before your face in righteousness, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Amen. [paraphrase from Psalm 51]-Rev. Warren Graff, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NMAudio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Spend time reading and meditating on God's Word throughout the Church Year with the Enduring Grace Journal. Includes scripture readings, prayers, prompts, and space for journaling. The Church Year Journal, Enduring Grace, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: 1 Kings 17:10-16 Responsorial: Psalm 146        2nd Reading: Hebrews 9:24-28 Gospel: Mark 12:38-44

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: 1 Kings 17:10-16 Responsorial: Psalm 146        2nd Reading: Hebrews 9:24-28 Gospel: Mark 12:38-44

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: 1 Kings 17:10-16 Responsorial: Psalm 146        2nd Reading: Hebrews 9:24-28 Gospel: Mark 12:38-44

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: 1 Kings 17:10-16 Responsorial: Psalm 146        2nd Reading: Hebrews 9:24-28 Gospel: Mark 12:38-44

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: Deuteronomy 6:2-6 Responsorial: Psalm 18          2nd Reading: Hebrews 7:23-28 Gospel: Mark 12:28-34

November 5, 2024 Today's Reading: Hebrews 9:11-22Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 7:1-29; Matthew 23:1-12How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive. (Hebrews 9:14-17)A man sits in a room with twelve other men. The twelve are legal witnesses. This is serious business. The man knows that he will shortly die. He has assembled the legal witnesses in order to establish his Last Will and Testament. Upon his death, his legally binding Last Will and Testament will be put into effect, and his wealth will be distributed to his beneficiaries, as he established in his testimony to his legal witnesses.The man on His way to His death is Jesus. Into this death, He was baptized to be the sacrificial “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).His wealth to be distributed? His Body and Blood (“Take, eat … Drink ye all of it … this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” [Matthew 26:26-28 KJV]). The beneficiaries? They're the sinners for whom He will shortly die. When you go to the Lord's Supper, you are receiving the Last Will and Testament Jesus made before He died. As Hebrews 9 says, a Testament is put into force only upon the death of the Testator. Jesus is the Testator. He then died. His death puts His Testament into force until He comes again. So take and eat, take and drink; it is His Body and Blood for the forgiveness of your sins. Because He is bodily resurrected and living, His wealth, His Body and Blood, never runs out. By the way, some Bible translations weakly use the word covenant instead of testament. So why does your Pastor always repeat Jesus' command as “this is the New Testament in My Blood” when consecrating the Lord's Supper? To answer that, look at Hebrews 9:16-17, where Scripture makes clear that the Greek word is here, emphasizing that it is the legal testament made by a man before his death. In this case, the man making the testament is Jesus; the beneficiary of the wealth is you. Your sin is forgiven. For Jesus will never abandon the promise of his Body and Blood.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Jesus, blessed Lord, to Thee My heartfelt thanks forever be, Who has so lovingly bestowed On me Thy body and Thy blood. (LSB 632:1)-Rev. Warren Graff, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NMAudio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Spend time reading and meditating on God's Word throughout the Church Year with the Enduring Grace Journal. Includes scripture readings, prayers, prompts, and space for journaling. The Church Year Journal, Enduring Grace, now available from Concordia Publishing House. 

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: Deuteronomy 6:2-6 Responsorial: Psalm 18          2nd Reading: Hebrews 7:23-28 Gospel: Mark 12:28-34

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: Deuteronomy 6:2-6 Responsorial: Psalm 18          2nd Reading: Hebrews 7:23-28 Gospel: Mark 12:28-34

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: Deuteronomy 6:2-6 Responsorial: Psalm 18          2nd Reading: Hebrews 7:23-28 Gospel: Mark 12:28-34

October 29, 2024Today's Reading: Hebrews 7:23-28Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 31:1-29; Matthew 19:16-30Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Perhaps you have heard it said of someone, “That's their life. It's what they live for.” It could be a boyfriend or a girlfriend. It could be fishing, school, or sports. There's just something about those things that seem to define who they are. When it comes to Jesus, what is that? You're not going to believe this, but it's you. The writer to the Hebrews tells us Jesus “always lives to make intercession” for you. That is why, as your High Priest with God, Jesus is able to save you “to the uttermost.”You think your sins will finally damn you. Your sins lost that power over you when Jesus died for them on the cross. You think your sins are why God will finally forsake you someday. Your sins lost that power over you when Jesus died for them. You think your sins are why God and you are as close as the East is to the West. Your sins lost that power over you when Jesus died for them. And risen now from the dead, Jesus lives to keep it that way, for you.In Confirmation class, you learned about Jesus' humiliation, that He was “conceived… born… suffered… crucified, died and was buried.” You learned this was designed by God to save you “to the uttermost.” You also learned about Jesus' exultation and that “He descended into Hell… rose again from the dead… ascended into heaven… sits at the right hand of God… (and) will come to judge the living and the dead.”  You were taught that this, too, was designed by God to save you “to the uttermost” (Romans 5:9-10). This is the promise God makes with you every day in your baptism. It's the promise you hear in His Word. It's the promise that is given to you at the Lord's Supper, “for you, for the forgiveness of sins.” Yes, Jesus lives to save even you “to the uttermost.”You ask, “How far can Jesus save a poor, miserable sinner like me?” The writer to the Hebrews gives you the answer. That's His life. It's what Jesus lives for. Jesus lives for you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. He lives triumphant from the grave; He lives eternally to save; He lives all glorious in the sky; He lives exalted there on high. He lives to silence all my fears; He lives to wipe away my tears; He lives to calm my troubled heart; He lives all blessings to impart.”  (LSB 461:2, 5)-Rev. Bradley Drew, pastor of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Metairie, LA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Spend time reading and meditating on God's Word throughout the Church Year with the Enduring Grace Journal. Includes scripture readings, prayers, prompts, and space for journaling. The Church Year Journal, Enduring Grace, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-9 Responsorial: Psalm 126        2nd Reading: Hebrews 5:1-6 Gospel: Mark 10:46-52

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: Isaiah 53:10-11 Responsorial: Psalm 33          2nd Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16 Gospel: Mark 10:35-45

October 22, 2024 Today's Reading: Hebrews 4:1-13, 14-16Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 21:1-23; Deuteronomy 22:1-24:9; Matthew 16:1-12Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. As with Israel of old, the promises God makes with us seem too good to be true. When we die, we will not die but live forever. When we face His judgment, God will find no sin at all to accuse or condemn us. Does God even know us? When God calls out to “strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience (Hebrews 4:11),” He is calling us to ignore every other voice but the one calling us back to our Baptism into Christ. For God knows how many our sins are, how overwhelming our guilt is, how insurmountable the odds of us doing anything to help ourselves in His judgment. Either Jesus saves us all the way, or we will not be saved.In his commentary on Galatians, Luther writes, “I remember how Doctor Staupitz used to say to me: ‘I have promised God a thousand times that I would become a better man, but I never kept my promise. From now on I am not going to make any more vows. Experience has taught me that I cannot keep them. Unless God is merciful to me for Christ's sake and grants unto me a blessed departure, I shall not be able to stand before Him.'”  Luther goes on to point out how this was “a God-pleasing despair. For no true believer trusts in his own righteousness, but says with David, ‘If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?'” (Ps. 130:3).What we need from the throne of grace is not more time or energy. For poor, miserable sinners who ever offend God and justly deserve His temporal and eternal punishment, what we need, what truly helps us, is the grace from above that says, “I love you. I forgive you. I got this. And true to My Jesus, true to My Word, I save you.”But that is the promise God makes with Jesus on the cross for you, with Jesus in your Baptism for you, with Jesus on your pastor's lips for you, and with Jesus at His Supper for you. Yes, your rest, too, has been won. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The world seeks to be praised And honored by the mighty Yet never once reflects That they are frail and flighty. But what I truly prize Above all things is He, My Jesus, He alone. What is the world to me! (LSB 730:2)-Rev. Bradley Drew, pastor of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Metairie, LA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.In Embracing Your Lutheran Identity, Author Gene Edward Veith Jr. will guide readers through that heritage, starting with the Early Church and moving through the Reformation to Lutheranism today. Readers will learn about key people in the history of Lutheranism, from two teenagers who were the first martyrs of the Reformation, through the Saxon immigrants who left everything behind so they could practice Lutheranism freely, to the Lutherans who have stood strong for the faith in our own day.

Dr. Eric Bryant interviews Dr. Ben Blackwell who serves as a Professor of Early Christianity and as the Vice Principal at Westminster Theological Centre in the U.K.. He completed his PhD through Durham University where he studied under John Barclay and worked as N.T. Wright's research assistant.  Ben is the author or editor of the following books: Engaging Theology: A Biblical, Historical, and Practical Introduction. Reading Hebrews in Context: The Sermon and Second Temple Judaism, co-edited with John Goodrich and Jason Maston. Reading Revelation in Context: John's Apocalypse and Second Temple Judaism, co-edited with John Goodrich and Jason Maston. Reading Mark in Context: Jesus and Second Temple Judaism, co-edited with John Goodrich and Jason Maston. Reading Romans in Context: Paul and Second Temple Judaism, co-edited with John Goodrich and Jason Maston. THE POST-CHRISTIAN PODCAST AND GIVEAWAYS: We help you make disciples in our increasingly post-Christian world. We discuss reaching new people and raising up leaders while removing the barriers of churchianity. Be sure to sign up for Eric's email newsletter at www.ericbryant.org for a chance to win future book giveaways and assessments! Subscribe, Rate, and Review The Post-Christian Podcast at Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.com/@ericbryant777. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-bryant1/support

Worship by Pastor Leah Holloway-Nilsen.  Reading: Hebrews 5:1-10.  Gospel: Mark 10:35-45.

Twenty-eight Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: Wisdom 7:7-11 Responsorial: Psalm 90          2nd Reading: Hebrews 4:12-13 Gospel: Mark 10:17-30

Twenty-eight Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: Wisdom 7:7-11 Responsorial: Psalm 90          2nd Reading: Hebrews 4:12-13 Gospel: Mark 10:17-30

Twenty-eight Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: Wisdom 7:7-11 Responsorial: Psalm 90          2nd Reading: Hebrews 4:12-13 Gospel: Mark 10:17-30

October 15, 2024Today's Reading: Hebrews 3:12-19 Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 13:1-18; Matthew 13:1-23But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. (Hebrews 3:13)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Hebrews is a definitive book that states so well the freedom we have from fear, death, and the Devil. So exhortation/ encouragement is spoken of here as an ongoing action. It is for today, for each other, that we provide exhortation, encouragement, and comfort… and that can be accomplished in no other way than in preaching the full counsel of God. At first, this sounds overwhelming, doesn't it? That would mean we'd need to know the entirety of Scripture, all that God has done for us… and that's certainly true… reading, marking, and hearing the Word of God is certainly important enough for God to give us a commandment that says we should gladly hear the Word of God. There's more, though… we hear the Word of God together, we talk about what our Lord says to us in the Word of God, and we wrestle with the text and discuss it. What better place to do this than the Lord's church? As St. Paul mentions to us in Acts 20, he never failed to preach the whole counsel of God… what does this mean? Just this: that Christ Jesus was born to suffer for us, bear our sins to the cross, die, and rise again for our justification! That's the whole counsel of God, and here's the best part… what does the writer of Hebrews mean when he writes, “as long as it is ‘today?'”  A friend of mine once asked me a good question… “Do you live in yesterday? Perhaps you believe that you live in tomorrow?” “Of course not,” I said… to which he replied, “Of course you're right!” It's always today. What greater joy do we have as the baptized children of God than to believe and trust that our Lord Jesus has been raised from the dead to bestow to us eternal day, the light of His word, and His forgiveness today and forever! It's always today, and yet, within each day, we are bought and redeemed. The deceitfulness of sin continues, the temptations of the Devil and world seek to harden us… so it will be until the Last Day… so our Lord gives us His good counsel, sends the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, to attend to the Word, and to give faith, hope, and trust in the Lord Who abides with us in His church. So we exhort, provide good counsel and correction to erring brothers, encourage one another with the word of Christ the Crucified, and always are given to the comfort and the stilling of troubled consciences in the word of forgiveness. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, for my many sins I justly deserve eternal condemnation. In Your mercy, You sent Your Son, my dear Lord Jesus, Who won for me forgiveness and everlasting salvation. Grant good and faithful exhortation from my brothers in the faith that in contrition I would make a true confession, that dead to my sin, I may be raised up by Your life-giving Absolution. Grant, I pray, your Holy Spirit, that I may be ever watchful and live a godly life in Your Service and in service to my neighbor. Amen. -Rev. Adam DeGroot, pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, NM.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.In Embracing Your Lutheran Identity, Author Gene Edward Veith Jr. will guide readers through that heritage, starting with the Early Church and moving through the Reformation to Lutheranism today. Readers will learn about key people in the history of Lutheranism, from two teenagers who were the first martyrs of the Reformation, through the Saxon immigrants who left everything behind so they could practice Lutheranism freely, to the Lutherans who have stood strong for the faith in our own day.

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: Genesis 2:18-24 Responsorial: Psalm 128        2nd Reading: Hebrews 2:9-11 Gospel: Mark 10:2-16

October 8, 2024 Today's Reading: Hebrews 2:1-13, 14-18Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 7:1-19; Matthew 10:1-23For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:18)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Isaiah the prophet told us: “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Isaiah 7:14).   That's good news to we who live in a suffering and sinful world. It is wonderful news to we who suffer to know that there is One who was made lowly to suffer for us that we would be comforted in sorrow and sadness and forgiven of our sins which lead to death… AND having been thus forgiven, we wouldn't fear death!That's a tall task! Who doesn't fear death!? We can handle the fear of public speaking, the fear of flying, the fear of snakes or spiders… but death… that's another deal altogether. Just how is this done? Think back to Holy Week… Jesus entering into Jerusalem to shouts of Hosanna… He wasn't under allusions that the people in Jerusalem liked Him or even liked how He was going to save them. Jesus knew well what was required of Him; sin deserves death, and Jesus had become sin for us… not that He was sinful but that He carried ALL our sins in His body, for us. Death was necessary, and Jesus goes to Maundy Thursday and Good Friday willingly and joyously because what He was doing was all for you. So, Jesus wins salvation on the Cross and gives salvation by His resurrection through the church. He did it as God… but more importantly for us, He was a Man like us.That means that He knew temptation, pain, suffering, and tears… that's part of how He helps us when we're tempted… that's how He helps us in pain and sorrow and tears… not just that He knew them once back in the day… but because He's with us now. He attends to us, cries with us, holds us to Himself in the church, and wipes our tears away while comforting us with His Word. He's with us in our cradles, in the good and tough days of school and work. He's with us when we're old, and He's with us in the hour of our death; He who has known death abides with us. He who has been risen from the dead provides comfort that though we die, Christ, Who was raised from the dead, will raise us on the Last Day. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, grant us your unworthy servants Your grace, that in the hour of death, the adversary may not prevail against us but that we may be found worthy of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.-Rev. Adam DeGroot, pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, NM.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.In Embracing Your Lutheran Identity, Author Gene Edward Veith Jr. will guide readers through that heritage, starting with the Early Church and moving through the Reformation to Lutheranism today. Readers will learn about key people in the history of Lutheranism, from two teenagers who were the first martyrs of the Reformation, through the Saxon immigrants who left everything behind so they could practice Lutheranism freely, to the Lutherans who have stood strong for the faith in our own day.

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: Genesis 2:18-24 Responsorial: Psalm 128        2nd Reading: Hebrews 2:9-11 Gospel: Mark 10:2-16

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: Genesis 2:18-24 Responsorial: Psalm 128        2nd Reading: Hebrews 2:9-11 Gospel: Mark 10:2-16

Feast of Corpus Christi 1st Reading: Exodus 24:3-8 Responsorial: Psalm 116        2nd Reading: Hebrews 9:11-15 Gospel: Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

April 5, 2024 Today's Reading: Hebrews 12:1-24Daily Lectionary: Exodus 18:5-27, Hebrews 12:1-24Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1b-2)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. We're not really built for endurance in our society today. We have a way out of, or away from just about any kind of suffering we can imagine. We will even avoid things that are mildly inconvenient, or mask over them by retreating to our phones for that next dopamine fix. When difficult things come, we do not know how to handle them, or what endurance even looks like. But our Lord built us for endurance. Jesus says, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24) And, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.” (Matthew 5:11) St. Paul also says, “we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame….” (Romans 5:3-5a) Or as the verse that my pastor gave me on my Confirmation day says, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer… Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)You see, there is more joy when suffering is over than can ever be achieved by running away from it. And Jesus has that in store for us, both in this life, and into the next. That's why we confess our sins, and receive forgiveness instead of pretending we have no sin. That's why we endure the cost of being a Christian in this pagan world, with the sure and certain hope of eternal life. And that's why Jesus, for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross. His joy was in your salvation.After Jesus said, “It is finished” (John 19:30) on the cross, He cried out with a loud shout. I think it was a shout of joy. Because it shook the earth, tore the curtain of the temple in two, and raised the dead. But the suffering was done. He endured. Your forgiveness is won. And now, it was time to rest. Remember, the Lord has built you for endurance. He is the one who gives it to you. He is your founder and perfecter. And His gifts of life, forgiveness, and salvation are worth enduring all for. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!  Unto Christ our heav'nly king, Alleluia!  Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!  Sinners to redeem and save, Alleluia!  (LSB 457:2)- Pastor Eli Davis is pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, Oregon.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols This collection of over 600 hand-drawn Christian symbols by artist and author Edward Riojas will teach you the extensive history of the imagery of the Church. Each symbol is a beautiful and historical connection to generations of Christians that have worshiped before you. A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols. Now available from Concordia Publishing House.

March 20, 2024 Today's Reading: Hebrews 5:1-10Daily Lectionary: Exodus 4:1-18, Mark 15:1-15And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 5:9-10)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. You hear a lot of priestly stuff and temple stuff and tabernacle stuff in the book of Hebrews.  It can be a little overwhelming and perhaps even a little confusing for those of us who are not as well versed in the Old Testament as we should be.  So at risk of over simplifying it all, let's just say that the writer of Hebrews is showing us how Jesus fulfills the entirety of the Old Testament; and He does so for you.Jesus is a priest.  We have all heard that before, but He isn't a priest in the normal order of priesthood.  He doesn't come from the line of Levi.  His umpteenth great grandfather wasn't Aaron.  And so He isn't a priest like we would see in the temple.  Don't get me wrong, He has some similarities with the Levitical priesthood, namely standing as a mediator between God and His people, but there are some differences as well.  And the major difference is that Jesus is an eternal priest, whereas all the rest were merely temporal.But there is more…  Melchizedek was the king of Salem.  His name means “King of Righteousness” and His title means “King of peace”.  For Jesus to be a priest in this order means that He is an eternal priest who eternally brings righteousness and peace to His people.  …  Priests stand as mediators.  They stand in the stead of God for the people and in the stead of the people for God.  This Jesus does more perfectly than any priest in the order of Aaron because every other priest had to first offer sacrifices for his own sins, but not Jesus.Jesus only offers a sacrifice for us, for you.  And opposite the Levitical sacrifices, which were made up of bulls and goats and rams and lambs, perpetually and habitually being slaughtered day and night, Jesus' sacrifice was once and for all.  He, the priest, He, the sacrifice.  He, in the order of Melchizedek, He, in the order of the Passover Lamb.  …  Jesus gives you gifts as your High Priest and those gifts stem from His sacrifice on the cross.  So receive from your kingly priest the gifts He has for you:  life, salvation, and forgiveness. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.They rise and needs will have  My dear Lord made away; A murderer they save, The Prince of Life they slay.  Yet cheerful He  To stuff'ring goes That He His foes From thence might free.  (LSB 430:5)-Pastor Eli Lietzau is pastor of Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.Unforgivable? Unforgiveness is a prison—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. In a world full of turmoil, many use forgiveness as a coping mechanism without understanding what true forgiveness is. Learn what forgiveness from Christ looks like, and how He forgives His people.

“Hebrews might be even harder to read than Revelation!” And that's why we're chatting about the book of Hebrews and why it's so rich, and matters so much for us today. Plus, we have some friends who are releasing a podcast to help guide you through exploring this book - you can check that out in the link below, or by searching for ‘Hebrews a conversation' on your podcast apps. We hope you are inspired to dive in and read.   You can find Tim and Steve's last project about Revelation at https://arevelationconversation.com/   And, you can find the Hebrews resources there at https://arevelationconversation.com/hebrews/   Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast. This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.   If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, subscribe, and share with someone. And if you have a question you'd like us to chat about, please let us know!

Jennifer T. Kaalund (Ph.D., New Testament and Early Christianity, Drew University) is Associate Professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Her research focuses on Christian Scriptures, contextual Biblical hermeneutics, and African American history, culture, and religion. She is the author of Reading Hebrews and 1 Peter with the African American Great Migration: Diaspora, Place, and Identity (Bloomsbury T&T Clark Press, 2018). She currently serves on the editorial board for the Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion. Follow Dr. Jennifer Kaalund: https://twitter.com/jkaalund Visit Sacred Writes: https://www.sacred-writes.org/luce-cohort-spring-2023

Reading Hebrews 13:17-25 and finishing up a study in the book of Hebrews with a final exhortation, benediction, and closing words of encouragement. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

Lauds, Morning Prayer for Friday in the 3rd week of Lent, March 17th, 2023, Feast of St. Patrick. Here in the Archdiocese of Boston, St. Patrick is our patronal saint, so his "optional memorial" is practiced as a feast liturgically. Thanks for praying with us! For inquiries, requests, and feedback please email singthehours@gmail.com.Follow us on Twitter @singthehours Please support this work directly through any of our funding platforms:Venmo: @singthehoursPayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=UT522UGV68ANSPatreon: patreon.com/singthehoursBy Mail: St. Paul’s Parish, attn: Paul Rose, 29 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138 Check out our website at singthehours.org! Deus in Adjutorium – "O God, come to my assistance" Hymn: "Inclitus Rector," pg.293, Liber Hymnarius, Ordericus Vitalis, 1143 A.D. Psalm 63v2-9 (Gregorian tone 2d major, Antiphon adapted from the official Latin proper by Sing the Hours, 2022) Canticle: Daniel 3v57-88, 56 (Sing the Hours arrangement, mode VIII, antiphon adapted from the official Latin proper by Sing the Hours, 2022) Psalm 149 (Gregorian tone I, psalm simple tone, antiphon adapted from the official Latin proper by Sing the Hours, 2022) Reading: Hebrews 13v7-9a Antiphon: On your walls, Jerusalem, I have set my watchmen to guard you. Benedictus (Latin, Tone 8, Luke 1v68-79) Intercessions: "Nourish your people, Lord." The Lord's Prayer (ICEL) Concluding Prayers Ora Pro Nobis Sancta Dei Genetrix – "Pray for us O Holy Mother of God" The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes), ©1974, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Readings and Old and New Testament Canticles (except the Gospel Canticles) are from the New American Bible © 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C.

Reading Hebrews 13:10-16 where the preacher gives the illustration of Jesus being crucified outside the gate, therefore let us all go out from sin and the world to Christ. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

Reading Hebrews 13:7-9 where the apostle says to remember those who taught us the word of God and to imitate their faith. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

Reading Hebrews 13:1-6 where the preacher gives various instructions to believers, in light of the salvation we have been given in Christ, beginning with growing in love. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

Reading Hebrews 12:25-29 where we come to understand, because of God's great mercy and the giving of His Son, we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, so live with gratitude unto the Lord. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

Reading Hebrews 12:18-24 where the preacher says that in Christ, we have been gathered into a better assembly, the church, and have come to a better mountain, Mt. Zion. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!