Topics
Preaching and Apologetics
April 17, 2021
The Rev. Dr. Kim Riddlebarger delivers the first of three lectures entitled, “The Pastor as Apologist, Theologian, and Bible Scholar: How What You Learn in Seminary Can Inform Your Preaching” at the 2021 WSC Den Dulk Lectures.
ListenThe Unfolding Word
March 1, 2021
In this episode, Office Hours talks to Rev. Zach Keele about his new book, “The Unfolding Word: The Story of the Bible from Creation to New Creation.”
ListenThe Foundational Qualification for Ministry | John 21:15-17
February 23, 2021
As the risen Christ forgives Peter and restores him to his Apostolic office and ministry, He reminds Peter and us what the foundational qualification for Christian ministry is.
ListenWhy Pray? | Matthew 6:5-13
February 16, 2021
This devotional commences a series exploring the Lord's Prayer. This morning we will seek to unpack the answer to the question: Why Pray? We will examine some of the challenges of prayer, as well as some of the reasons to pray. We will highlight the 'who' or prayer, as we pray to Our Father, in the Son, through the Holy Spirit: the one who loves us and is for us.
ListenA Pagan Priest in the Presence of God | Exodus 18:10-22
February 11, 2021
This devotional will focus on the fact that God welcomes all kinds of people into his presence as he converts them by his grace. Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, offers a splendid exam as God causes this pagan priest to make a beautiful profession of faith, followed by Jethro eating with the elders of Israel in the presence of God. Who can’t God save?
ListenBoundless Joy | Philippians 1:18b-26
February 9, 2021
What makes Paul joyful? It certainly was circumstances and future expectations. Paul's boundless joy is tethered to the eternal promise of God, the same promises believers have in Christ Jesus.
ListenThe Church as Exiles
February 3, 2021
Our uncomfortable calling as exiles—to be neither isolated from nor absorbed into our environment—means following the footsteps of the Suffering Servant.
ListenPsalm 91: Trust in God
December 28, 2020
In the last year, we also have all been reminded about the fragility of life and the uncertainties that can come with disease and death: COVID, a plummeting economy, violence in the streets almost unparalleled in history. Often in such times, we turn to the Psalter for comfort. Today, I’d like to take the reader on a brief survey of a familiar Psalm: Psalm 91.
ListenGive Thanks | Isaiah 12:1-6
December 3, 2020
We are reminded by the Word always to give thanks. No matter the circumstance, the Lord's grace and presence give us sufficient reasons for thanks.
ListenJesus’ Prayer and Desire | John 17
December 1, 2020
A Portrait in Thanksgiving | Luke 17:11-19
November 24, 2020
This devotional highlights Jesus' willingness and power to heal and to save. Furthermore, it reveals the heart of thanksgiving and praise which flows from a life touched by God's grace and mercy.
ListenPsalm 130
November 10, 2020
Psalm 130 is a microcosm of the ordinary Christian life of guilt, grace, and gratitude.
ListenA Proper Approach to Suffering | 1 Peter 5:6-14
November 5, 2020
Peter exhorts Christians to trust in God’s sovereign plan and remain vigilant while we await our blessed hope.
ListenPaul’s Prayer for Christ’s Church | Ephesians 3:14-22
November 3, 2020
This meditation reflects upon the Apostle Paul's prayer for the church in Ephesus, which he planted, knows, and loves. By extension this prayer is for Christ's church and people in this present age as we await the Lord's return. Paul's prayer is bold and audacious. It is confident and comforting, knowing that the Lord is able and willing to do more than we can even ask and think.
ListenReformation Day | Romans 3:21-28
October 27, 2020
In his 1521 translation of the Greek New Testament into German Luther used the word allein (alone) in his translation of Romans 3:28, which says, “For we reckon that a man is justified through faith apart from the works of the law.” Luther was right. He captured Paul's intent, which was to teach salvation sola fide, by faith alone.
ListenMary’s Song of Praise | Luke 1:26-38 and 46-56
October 20, 2020
In this devotional we reflect upon Mary's prayer of praise to the Lord for his favor towards her and his mercy toward all of his children. Mary marvels at the word, works, and presence of the Lord, as do all who share the same faith and Lord as Mary.
ListenThe Priest Becomes the Sacrifice
October 15, 2020
The Old Covenant was a visible thing — the priests, the altar, the animals and the blood. The New Covenant is, in many ways, an invisible reality.
ListenJustification, The Love of God, and Boasting
September 24, 2020
In Romans 5:1-11, the Apostle Paul preached the bad news of our sin and the good news of our free, once-for-all, justification and salvation. The heart of passage is that, in Christ, God loves sinners, justifies them, saves them, and as a consequence, sanctifies them by his love and Spirit.
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