Seeds of Faith Podcast

The text for this lesson is Revelation 21–22.

Key Point

• Those who believe that salvation has been accomplished by the all-availing sacrifice of Jesus’ blood on the cross will bear the name of Christ written on their forehead in Holy Baptism and will have the right to the tree of life.
• Law: If I do not believe in Christ as my Savior, I will not enter the gates of heaven.
• Gospel: I am baptized and believe in Jesus, the Lamb of God; He has written my name in His Book of Life, and I shall be saved.

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Discussion Points

1. Sometimes we consider our eternal home to be a celestial, otherworldly place. Read Revelation 21:2–3 again. From where does our eternal home come? Where is our eternal home going to be?
2. Imagine a world without money. Our eternal home will be one in which God will “give from the spring of the water of life without payment” (v. 6). How would your world change if there were no need for money?
3. When John is lifted up and given a vision of our eternal home, he sees the city walls and gates. The walls are built upon twelve foundations, “and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb” (v. 14). In the Creed, we confess a belief in “one holy Christian and apostolic Church” (LSB, p. 158). How do the twelve apostles even now form the foundation for the Church? In what sense is our church apostolic?
4. We are accustomed to thinking about the church as God’s house. On our altars in our sanctuaries, God’s glory dwells in, with, and under the bread and wine. Revisit verses 22–27. How is our eternal home going to differ from our current state?
5. It is often said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. Read Revelation 22:4. Someday, we will get to see God face-to-face. If faith is the “conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1), then what will become of faith in heaven?
6. John records an extensive list of those who will not be in the kingdom. These include “sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood” (Revelation 22:15). Does this imply that those who do such deeds are not capable of entering heaven? Does this reject the idea that we are saved by faith alone?
7. The Scriptures are God’s own story in His own words. How would you feel if someone came along and changed your story? How would you feel if someone spoke your story in different words? Look at verses 18–19. How does God feel about someone changing His story or His words?
8. Read verses 20–21. These are the last words of the Bible. You have just read some of the most amazing promises that God makes anywhere in the Bible. There will be no more tears and no more pain. There will no longer be anything accursed. Jesus, our Lamb, will be our light. Would you give up this creation for the joys of the new creation? Can you say, “Come, Lord Jesus”?

The text for this lesson is Acts 27.

Key Point

• As Christ was with Paul and his companions, so He is with me, holding me up, keeping me with Him in the ship of the Church, and casting all my sins into the depths of the sea.
• Law: In sinful despair, I let the pains of the present overtake me and no longer believe in God or trust His redemption or love.
• Gospel: Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever, rides out the storms of life with me, granting me hope in my future redemption.

This week’s podcast comes from our archives.  

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Discussion Points

1. Revisit Acts 27:1–8 again. Paul is on his way to Rome to be tried. He faces severe punishment if he is found guilty. Yet, there is no sign of mourning or fear. In fact, Paul befriends his captors. What kind of trust must Julius have in Paul to allow him to go see his friends before he leaves?
2. In verse 10, Paul warns the crew that if they continue on their course, there will be a loss of ship, cargo, and life. Does this come to pass? Read verses 21–23. How does God show Paul that he was wrong? Which of the three objects—ship, cargo, or people—will God save? What might this show us that God values most?
3. In verse 24, an angel of God delivers a marvelous promise to Paul. The angel says, “‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.” What does the angel mean when he tells Paul that God has granted all those who he sails with to Paul?
4. Read verses 31–32. In the beginning of the journey, Paul warned the guards, but they did not listen. Now do the soldiers listen to Paul? Is this act of obedience a sign of faith?
   5. In verse 34, Paul promises that God will not allow a single hair to perish from their heads. Yet God has not acted directly in any miraculous way to save the crew of the ship. Reflect for a minute upon the simple, normal ways in which God directs the ship. How might this challenge us in our own lives to reflect upon the way that God works?
5. Food is so very important. It nourishes us, gives us strength, and helps us to do our daily work. Paul offers bread to everyone on the ship. They hadn’t eaten in two weeks. How does God feed us? In what ways can we find a comparison between Paul’s feeding of the 276 on the ship and Jesus’ feeding us through the Lord’s Supper? In what ways do they differ?
6. Study verses 39–42. No matter what the sailors do, there is no winning in this situation. They are in trouble. During this time, the soldiers despair. What is their plan? How does their plan compare to God’s plan in verse 34?
7. Read verses 43–44. Why does the centurion seek to save Paul? How does the centurion become an unwitting partner in God’s plan to save everyone on board the ship?

The text for this lesson is Acts 16:16–40.

Key Point

• Just as God freed Paul and Silas from prison, granting them life out of death, so Christ by His crucifixion and resurrection frees me from the prison of my sins and grants me life eternal.
• Law: The world hates Christ and His followers and painfully rejects me because of Him.
• Gospel: The Spirit pours the peace of Christ into me, forgiving, strengthening, and sustaining me in Christ.

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Discussion Points

1. Revisit Acts 16:16–20. Paul and Silas meet a woman with a spirit of divination, or a “Pythian” spirit. The word resembles our word python. What kind of imagery comes to mind when you think of a python spirit? The girl was specifically called a slave girl. How might her social status reflect her spiritual status? How might Paul and Silas offer her freedom?
2. In Baptism, we receive the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38–39). In fact, our baptismal liturgy asks each candidate for Baptism to renounce the devil and all his ways (LSB, p. 270). How do the actions of the slave girl reflect our own sinful condition prior to Baptism, and how does her attitude after the exorcism serve as an example for our own lives as baptized children of God?
3. The Gospel is “the power of God for salvation to all who believe,” and because of that, it has powerful enemies. These enemies are sometimes described as the world, the devil, and our own sinful flesh. Once Paul casts out a demon from the girl, how does the world react? Does he receive praise from the world for his kind act?
4. Read Acts 16:25. What kept the disciples’ spirits up while they were in prison? Reflect upon sacred hymns. How does singing influence your faith?
5. The earthquake is certainly a divine sign that God does not want to see His apostles in chains for the time being. The escape would have been so much easier for Paul and Silas if they had remained hidden and allowed the guard to fall on his sword. What motivates their desire to save the prison watchman?
6. Paul and Silas save the guard’s life. This good work inspires the guard to ask for an even greater gift: the way to save his life for eternity. Our good works in no way factor into our own salvation. Nothing but faith saves. However, how can our good works encourage others to seek salvation?
7. The guard asks, “What must I do to be saved?” Paul responds, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:30–31). Each must believe for himself, but how can we use our vocations as parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or children to help others in our households to believe?
8. Why does Paul risk his freedom again by insisting upon a visit to Lydia before he leaves Philippi (v. 40)?

The text for this lesson is Acts 16:11–15.

Key Point

• Just as God worked His miracle beside the river, clothing Lydia with Christ in Baptism, so God works His miracles in pulpits and fonts around the world today, destroying the work of Satan, ripping believers from the jaws of death, washing away sins in water tinged with Jesus’ blood, and clothing believers with His righteousness.
• Law: Full of pride and guided by my emotions and experiences, I look for God and His works where I think He is, instead of humbly following His Word.
• Gospel: Christ locates Himself and His saving gifts for me in specific places: His baptismal font, His pulpit, His altar—wherever His Word is spoken, sung, poured, eaten, or drunk.

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Discussion Points

1. What does the “we” in Acts 16:11 mean? What do Luke 1:1–4 and Acts 1:1–2 tell us about these two books of the New Testament?
2. Some scholars think the reason there was no Jewish synagogue in Philippi was that Jewish practice at the time required at least ten worshiping men in the community to establish one. In any case, at Philippi, the true faith of Old Testament Israel—with its hope for the Messiah’s coming—was being carried on primarily or exclusively by women who gathered regularly for prayer, Lydia being the most prominent (Acts 16:13–15). What similar theme is present in 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14–15?
3. Often, a preacher uses the physical elements of his liturgical setting to illustrate themes (e.g., the font, altar, or crucifix). Paul delivered his sermon to the women at “the riverside” (Acts 16:13). How might Paul have connected their location at the riverside to draw out biblical themes in his message? See Genesis 2:9–10; Joshua 3:17; Mark 1:4–5, 9–11; John 7:37–39; 19:33–34; Revelation 22:1–2.
4. As Paul preached the Gospel, “The Lord opened [Lydia’s] heart to pay attention to what was said” (Acts 16:14). After coming to faith, she was baptized (v. 15). How was Lydia converted? Did her human will play any role in her conversion? Why or why not? See John 3:5–6; 6:44, 63; Romans 10:17.
5. The Lord opened Lydia’s heart so that she would believe the Gospel (Acts 16:14). According to Genesis 3:7, after the fall into sin, what have we opened by our own efforts? What are some things we must totally depend on God to open? See Luke 3:21–22; 24:44–49.
6. Lydia was baptized after hearing the Word (Acts 16:15). Similarly, the Ethiopian eunuch was baptized after Philip “told him the good news about Jesus” (8:35). Based on these apostolic examples, Christians have customarily baptized adults only after they have received proper instruction in God’s Word and have professed their faith in the Gospel. What are some benefits given to those who are baptized? See Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–4; Titus 3:4–7. Should rebaptism ever be performed?
7. Lydia’s household was baptized (Acts 16:15). Were there infants or toddlers among those baptized? Why should Christians baptize infants? See Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 2:38–39; Luke 18:15–16; Matthew 18:1–6.
8. One friend says to another, “I know that I am saved because I believe in Jesus.” The other friend replies, “I know that I am saved because I am baptized into Christ.” Which of these statements best articulates our Christian hope?
9. In Acts 16:13, “on the Sabbath day,” Paul and his companions sought “a place of prayer” because they knew those faithful to the Old Testament would observe the Third Commandment: “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). According to Colossians 2:16–17, were Paul and his companions still required to observe the literal requirement of that commandment? What does the Third Commandment mean for us? See Acts 2:42 and Hebrews 10:24–25.
10. How would you characterize Lydia’s response to the Gospel in Acts 16:15? What are ways that we can follow her example? Also see Romans 12:13; 3 John 5–8; 1 Corinthians 9:14.

The text for this lesson is Acts 15:1–16:5.

Key Point

• Just as many in Paul’s day thought, we think we must do something to be saved. Yet the answer is always Jesus, Jesus, only Jesus, whose resurrection from the dead sealed our salvation and absolved the world.
• Law: I sin when I believe that Jesus is not enough for my salvation, when I think that I must do something, however small, to contribute to my salvation.
• Gospel: Jesus has done it all perfectly for me. My salvation is complete.

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Discussion Points

1. This lesson is about the constant temptation to change “justification (salvation) by grace alone, through faith alone, for the sake of Christ alone” into “justification by grace + works, faith + obedience, for the sake of Christ + our efforts.” But God’s Word won’t allow such nonsense! How does Ephesians 2:4–10 keep us from adding anything to grace, faith, and Christ?
2. According to John 5:24, what is saving faith? What argument does Romans 4:1–8 use to prove that faith is not a human work, but rather a divine gift of grace?
3. How does St. Paul show, in 1 Corinthians 15:1–7, that we are saved by Christ alone?
4. To cut the foreskin off of a male, though bloody and temporarily painful, does not really seem a major issue. Yet this rite, which God gave to Abraham (Genesis 17:1–14) and required of all Israelite males in the Old Testament, became a divisive issue when Jewish converts to Christianity began to teach in the Church that circumcision was necessary for salvation (Acts 15:1). But more important than the physical act of circumcision is a spiritual issue: being circumcised also obligates a person “to keep the law of Moses” (v. 5). What is so problematic about making obedience to the Law a requirement for salvation? See James 2:10; Galatians 3:10; Acts 15:10–11.
5. The Book of Galatians deals with a situation like that of the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15:1–33. A group of legalistic Jewish Christians known as “Judaizers” introduced the idea of salvation by circumcision and the Law into the Church at Galatia. What does St. Paul say to those who are tempted to follow the Judaizers? See Galatians 3:10–14; 5:1–6.
6. What arguments against requiring circumcision of Gentile converts are put forth by Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and James at the council? See Acts 15:7–19.
7. According to Romans 4:8–14, what was the true significance of circumcision in the Old Testament? How does Paul demonstrate that Abraham was the father of all the faithful?
8. Compare Acts 15:28–29 with 1 Corinthians 11:20–22. What would have been the main setting in which the Gentiles’ consumption of “things polluted by idols, . . . what has been strangled,” and from “blood” (Acts 15:20) gave offense to Jewish Christians? In light of 1 Corinthians 6:9–11, 18–20, why would “sexual immorality” (Acts 15:20) in particular be highlighted by the apostles? How were the prohibitions from the council received in Antioch?
9. According to Colossians 2:6–15, what sort of circumcision have we all—male and female alike—received? What brought it about? What is our new situation because of it?

The text for this lesson is Acts 13–14.

Key Point

• Just as God sent Paul and Barnabas to spread the Gospel, so today He sends pastors to preach the Gospel, baptize, and feed Jesus’ body and blood to His children, against whom the gates of hell cannot prevail.
• Law: When I despise the preaching of God’s Word, do not hold it sacred, and do not gladly hear and learn it, I sin and support Satan’s cause.
• Gospel: The gates of hell will not prevail against the Church and God’s Word, through which sinners are converted. I am a fellow partaker of the grace of God.

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Discussion Points

1. What is the meaning of the word church in Acts 13:1? What are other ways that we use the word church? What two fundamental uses of the word church appear in Christ’s words in Matthew 16:16–19; 18:15–20?
2. Paul received a direct call from Jesus to be an apostle (Acts 9:1–19). Barnabas had been a layman in the Church at Jerusalem (4:36) who, after receiving training at the feet of the apostles, later was called into the Office of the Holy Ministry by the apostles and the Church (11:22). Though Paul and Barnabas were called in different ways, who called both of them? Who sent them on their missionary journeys? See 13:1–4.
3. Compare Luke 4:40–5:1 with Acts 13:4–12. What do these passages have in common?
4. Paul’s sermon and subsequent teaching in Pisidian Antioch (13:13–52) are majestic and could provide several hours of Bible study. Yet Christian truth can be summarized even more briefly than his sermon in the Creeds. Compare the outline of Paul’s sermon with the three articles of the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, focusing particularly on vv. 16–17, 26–33, 36–41, 52. What would the hearers of this sermon have taken away as the basic message of the Christian Church?
5. What is so unbelievable about the message of Acts 13:38–41? Also see Galatians 2:16 and John 8:31–36.
6. How does Paul’s sermon (Acts 13:13–41), along with his teaching in verses 44–52, demonstrate the point of Jesus’ parable in Luke 20:9–18?
7. According to Acts 14:19–22, what are two essential components of the Christian life? Also see John 16:33 and 2 Corinthians 4:8–11.
8. What occurs in Acts 14:23? Who were these “elders,” how were they to behave, and what were they to do? See Acts 20:17–18, 27–32; Titus 1:1–9.
9. Why has God given the Office of the Holy Ministry to His Church? See Romans 10:13–17.

The text for this lesson is John 21:1–19.

Key Points

• We are all like Peter in our words and actions, denying our Lord and weeping bitterly over what we have done. We are in need of the same comfort that Peter received—the comfort of sins forgiven and the assurance that even though we are faithless, Jesus will remain faithful.
• Law: God demands that I love Him and none other solely and completely. In my sin, I worship whatever pleases me the most at the time.
• Gospel: God’s love is everlasting and ever faithful; when I deny Him, He acknowledges me for Christ’s sake.

Listen to a podcast from our archives for this week’s lesson.

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The text for this lesson is Mark 15:1—16:8.

Key Points

• Good Friday is both the worst of days, revealing the gravity of our sin and God’s wrath, and the best of days, forever portraying God’s love for us in the crucifixion and resurrection of His Son.
• Law: Though I was not there, I am among those who spat in Jesus’ face and crucified Him by my sinfulness.
• Gospel: Willingly, Jesus came to earth, suffered, died, and rose again so that God might enliven me and forgive my sins.

Context

Our Holy Week was for the Jews the week of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. In Jerusalem, it was standing room only. Because the Jews were under Roman rule, the death penalty could only be pronounced by a Roman official—thus, Pilate’s involvement. Jesus is executed on Friday but rapidly removed from the cross because of the approaching Sabbath. He rests in the tomb the few remaining hours of Friday, then Saturday (the Sabbath), and then rises sometime on the third day, Sunday. Sunday, therefore, becomes the day for Christians, replacing the Sabbath of the old covenant.

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Discussion Points and Questions

1. Since this is Easter, the day of the resurrection, why talk about Christ’s suffering and death today? Answer that query on the basis of 1 Corinthians 2:1–5; Revelation 5:12; Romans 4:25.
2. Occasionally Christians ask, “Why do we need the Old Testament now that the New Testament has come?” How does 1 Corinthians 15:1–8 answer the question? What does Isaiah 52:13–53:12, written about seven hundred years before Christ, teach us about Him?
3. What is remarkable about the dialogue in Mark 15:1–39? (Hint: if you have a “red-letter Bible,” this is readily apparent.) What does this indicate to us about Christ’s Passion?
4. How does Jesus’ “cry of dereliction” in Mark 15:34 serve as a key to understanding the ultimate significance of the entire Passion account? Revisit Isaiah 53:6–10 for insight.
5. Jesus taught, “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). Did He live out that teaching? See 1 Peter 2:22 and Hebrews 4:14–16. What is at stake in this question?
6. According to Mark 15:32, what sort of Christ were the Jewish leaders looking for? What Old Testament passage about the Christ should the Jews have focused on? What is ironic about Mark 15:39, in which Jesus is declared “the Son of God”?
7. According to 1 Corinthians 15:3–5, where does the news of Easter Sunday rank among all the things we will ever be told of in this life? What does 1 Corinthians 15:14–20 say would happen if Christ’s bodily resurrection from the tomb were just a myth?
8. How does Mark 16:6–8, the angel’s message to the women and their reaction, parallel our own experience amid the changes and uncertainties of life? What kind of encouragement are we given in 2 Corinthians 4:13–18 and John 20:29–31?
9. The word torn is common to both Mark 1:9–11 and Mark 15:37–38. What connection might this make? What was significant about the curtain in the temple? How do Galatians 3:26–27 and Romans 6:3–4 connect us to Christ’s Baptism and death?
10. Simon of Cyrene was just a passerby on the day of Christ’s crucifixion, but God changed his plan and made him the bearer of Christ’s cross (Mark 15:21). What does bearing the cross mean for Christians today? See Mark 8:34–38; 1 Peter 2:21–25; Galatians 2:20–21.

For Next Week

Read John 21:1–19 to prepare for the next lesson. As we continue to celebrate the Easter season, we will study one of Christ’s post-resurrection appearances to His disciples. We will focus on the key point that “We are all like Peter in our words and actions, denying our Lord and weeping bitterly over what we have done. We are in need of the same comfort that Peter received—the comfort of sins forgiven and the assurance that even though we are faithless, Jesus will remain faithful.”

The text for this lesson is Mark 14:26–72.

Key Point

• Though we, like Peter, deny Jesus and His gifts, Jesus cannot deny us because we are part of Him, baptized members of His own Body. Instead, He forgives us and welcomes us back.
• Law: To deny Jesus is to commit spiritual suicide.
• Gospel: Even when I deny Him, Jesus will never turn His back on me, never refuse me, and never stop loving me.

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Discussion Points

1. Often we call this day “Palm Sunday” and celebrate by adorning the church with palms and processing. Yet this Sunday is also called the Sunday of the Passion, and in most churches around the world, the full Passion account from one of the Gospels is read during the service (in Mark’s Gospel, it would include chapters 14–15). What is the “Passion,” and why is it commemorated in this way? How does this fit with the celebration of palms and Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Mark 11:1–11)?
2. What do you think of Jesus’ prediction of Peter’s denial (Mark 14:26–31)? Is Jesus setting Peter up for an “I told you so”? What are we to think of Peter’s emphatic refusal to believe Jesus’ prediction?
3. Read the descriptions of Jesus being distressed, sorrowful, and praying that “this cup” be removed from Him (vv. 33–36). When Jesus faced the devil in the desert after His Baptism, He is confident and unwavering, countering each temptation with the Word of God (Luke 4:1–13). But here He seems less sure of Himself, and certainly more shaken. Does this bother you? Does it make you wonder if Jesus ever wavered in the face of temptation? How does the text actually reassure us that no such wavering occurs?
4. Look at Mark 14:42–52 again. What is similar about verses 42 and 50? Who has betrayed Jesus and who remained supporting Him?
5. The next section is verses 53–65, Jesus’ trial. Although there are no witnesses for the defense, even the “prosecuting” witnesses are unable to accuse Him justly. They can only bear “false witness against Him” (v. 56). Yet there is one nearby who could witness for Him. What does this potential witness do? Who is the only one, finally, who can testify on Jesus’ behalf?
6. Finally, we have the account of Peter’s denial (vv. 66–72). Who challenges him? What threat do they really present to Peter? What does this show us about Peter’s state here at the end of the trial?
7. Look again at the account of Jesus praying (vv. 32–41). What does Jesus’ prayer teach us about our own life of prayer?
8. Read Luke 12:8–9. What does Jesus say here about those who deny Him? Read the verses that follow (vv. 10–12). What can we rely on to save us from our denials and failures?

The text for this lesson is Luke 19:1–10.

Key Point

• Like Zacchaeus, we are among the lost whom the Son of Man seeks and forgives. We are called to forgive those who sin against us, no matter how Zacchaeus-like they may be in their sins.
• Law: I sin by ignoring my sinfulness and focusing on the sinfulness of others, casting them aside in shame.
• Gospel: Christ’s blood covers all the sins of every sinner, no strings attached.

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Discussion Points

1. Are there any situations in your life where you remember the pain and distress of someone’s sin against you? Is there a situation like this in which you haven’t forgiven the person who has sinned against you? Are there situations you can recall where you caused someone pain and distress by your sin?
2. What city is Jesus passing through, and where is He going? Can you think of why this travel information may be significant? Verse 1 gives us a little background, but check Luke 9:51; 17:11; and 19:11, 28–48.
3. Who is Zacchaeus? How does Luke describe him and his actions? Does this tell us anything about Zacchaeus’s faith or attitude?
4. What does Jesus do when He reaches Zacchaeus? What does it mean for Jesus to say that He must stay at Zacchaeus’s house? How does Zacchaeus, in turn, respond to Jesus?
5. What is the grumbling complaint of those who see this? How does St. Luke respond to this accusation?
6. Reflect more on Zacchaeus’s promise to amend his life and Jesus’ comment that follows (vv. 8–10). Is Jesus saying that salvation has come to Zacchaeus because he will give his goods to the poor and make restitution with those whom he defrauded? Why or why not?
7. Who does Jesus come to seek and save? Who is included in this? Who is excluded? How do we know if we’re included?
8. What, then, is to be our attitude toward others who commit great sins? What about those who sin against us personally? Read Ephesians 2:14–18 in answering this question.