This passage has to do with the Gentiles in the flesh and the Jews.  Some items to consider: What does circumcision symbolize? Note verse 14.  It is a verse worth memorizing! Why was the Law given? What makes us into one family? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=28063242

Verses 1-6 show our condition in objective terms.  What is wrong with us?  What happens when we contradict God's design? Considering verse 3, how do we reconcile what we read here with the fact that there are nice people who aren't Christian? Notice the phrase from verse 1 that is repeated in verse 5. Verse … Continue reading Podcast: Eph. 2:1-10

In verse 13, note the sealing of the Holy Spirit, which we experience in the sacraments. What is strange about the Greek in verse 15? Verse 18 speaks of "the eyes of your hearts".  What does that mean? Notice Paul's heaping up of descriptive words in verse 19. Verse 20 refers to the right hand … Continue reading Podcast: Eph. 1:13-23

There is a lot of content packed in these verses.  How do we make sense of them?  Why all the prepositional phrases?  What importance do they have?  What is the greatest praise and honor to God?  Why do praise and glory go together? I make mention of forgiveness of sins as "the tip of the … Continue reading Podcast: Eph. 1:5-12

Why study the book of Ephesians?  Here are some things to consider from just the first few verses: What is included in the first verse?  Compare it with 1 Peter. In verse 3, what are the heavenly places? How does verse 4 run counter to our culture?  What wonderful message is bound up in God … Continue reading Podcast: Ephesians 1:1-4

What do you remember from our study of the Book of John?  What are the most important things that John addresses?  How is John different than the other Gospels? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=27683082

What is up with Jesus asking Peter these, "Do you love me?" questions in verses 15-19? What is required in discipleship? What is the work of an undershepherd of Jesus? Consider verse 21.  How often do we make trouble for ourselves when we wonder about others and compare ourselves with others? Compare verse 24 with … Continue reading Podcast: John 21:15-25

After Jesus' resurrection.  What is unique about how John's Gospel records the time after the resurrection?  Why didn't the disciples catch any fish at first? There are so many details in this passage.  What is interesting about them? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=27620205

The Resurrection.  What is interesting about verb tenses in John?  Note all the details about Peter and John's arrival in verses 6-8.  Also, what is the significance of the burial clothes lying there in verse 7?  And what important thing does Jesus tell Mary Magdalene that we also need to know? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=27552363