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1 Corinthians 12 = The Body of Christ Bible Background: Paul’s letters to the church at Corinth have lovely words and harsh words. The Christians there were gifted and challenged at the same time: divided when they could have been united; cocky when they could have been... Read More →

THE BOOK OF RUTH Bible Background: Ruth seems to be the story of an ‘outsider’, who, amid all the ups and downs of life, becomes an ‘insider’, whose famous great-grandson grows up to be King David (and ultimately has a place in the family... Read More →

KEY LUTHERAN TEACHINGS On this 502th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, let’s review some key Lutheran teachings: Grace Alone: Luther insisted that we are “justified by God’s grace as a gift” (Romans 3:24) rather than by good works. We do not make... Read More →

Joseph in Egypt – Genesis 40+ Bible Background: The story of Joseph and his family occupies 13 chapters in Genesis, and takes many twists and turns! His brothers hate him, and sell him to slave traders. He ends up in Egypt with a good master (who has a bad wife!) Landing in... Read More →

John 15:9-17 Gifts of the Redeemer! Bible Background: In John’s gospel, this is part of Jesus ‘Farewell Discourse’, a long section on Jesus’ last night with his disciples. He’s sharing very personally with them. He’s praying for them. And... Read More →

GENESIS 32 – JACOB WRESTLES WITH GOD Bible Background: Jacob and Esau are the twin sons of Isaac and Rebecca, and they never got along! Mom favored Jacob, Dad favored Esau. As a young man, Jacob had to leave home. He moves in with his Uncle Laban in Haran, marries his two... Read More →

Matthew 19 = Rich Man, Jesus, Eternal Life Bible Background: Matthew, Mark, and Luke report this story with slightly different details (young, rich, ruler). Wealth in those days would be seen as a sign of God’s favor. It shocks the disciples to hear how hard it is for a... Read More →

Genesis 24 = Rebekah + Isaac Bible Background: Genesis 24 is a detailed story about how Abraham sends his servant back to the homeland to find a wife for Isaac, and how the servant asks for-and receives-God’s guidance in finding Rebekah, who is willing to go along with this... Read More →

Luke 15, The Prodigal Son=Gifted! Bible Background: Luke is the only place where Jesus tells this story. A better title might be “The Waiting Father”, since this father waits in love for both of his sons to come back to him. Jesus is showing us what God is like!... Read More →

GENESIS 2, Creation version 2.0 Bible Background: Genesis 1 and 2 offer different and complementary stories of how God created the heavens and the earth and humankind. Chapter 1 lifts up the goodness and good order of God’s creation. Chapter 2 gives a much more personal... Read More →