The Lutheran Inquisitor

This episode considers the Biblical account of the many witnesses of Christ’s Resurrection, with the diversity of their details in different contexts - from visitors to the empty tomb, to visions of the Risen Christ. Good reason to regard this as truth is the very common circumstances of the details, such as Jesus place of origin, his apostles as common fishermen, the women as first witnesses. Epi...

Sceptics and scientists disclaim the validity of Christ and His ministry due to the miracles He wrought and His Resurrection. This discussion verifies Jesus as Truth through multiple points, notably the eye-witness accounts of the Risen Christ. Also the massive spread of the Early Church, with many martyrs willing to sacrifice their lives, demonstrates their remarkable commitment to Life in Christ...

Luke emphasises in his account of Christ’s teaching to the disciples precisely how to cry out with lamenting prayer to God. By examples in parables, Jesus conveys that the manner of approach must be with a contrite and humble spirit. Also in faithfulness, we are to be assured that we can certainly anticipate answer from God. Christ stands as our advocate, to offer vindication from our suffering. I...

Here we consider the practice of lament as a traditional Jewish form of prayer, beseeching the Lord for delivery from tribulation. Luke’s account of Christ reflects specific petitions of lament from the Old Testament Overall, it is affirming Jesus’ identity as Saviour: both for being able to answer the people’s pleas with His Divine Power, also serving as intercessor to God the Father for those in...

This continuing study of Paul’s distinctive use of lament really emphasises the Gospel message as God’s response. Suffering was predominant in the early Church - personally and collectively - but we, in turn, can find comfort in these things for our own time. The answer to all suffering through sin, affliction, and separation from God has been assured and resolved for us ultimately through Christ’...

Paul’s Letter to the Romans echoes the cries of lament which are so prominent throughout the Psalms. This is identifiable as a pattern of prayer in most distressing circumstances, by beseeching God for deliverance followed by praise. This certainly indicates faith and trust in His divine power. Although suffering might be perceived as judgement, Paul speaks of God’s righteousness and promise as it...

For the idea of Sanctification as ’making holy’ it is helpful to review the rituals commanded by God’s Law in the Old Testament. The former sacrifices and cleansing, necessary even to enter the temple, we recognise has been fulfilled for us by Christ. Yet it is by faithfully attending the church service and receiving God’s Word and Sacraments that we are incorporated into. This renews us, delivers...

The concern of how our salvation can be verified has caused for much concern and different understandings within the Christian Church. Dr Tom Winger speaks of his article ’The Reformation of Salvation’ to explain the Lutheran perception of how we are justified by grace, as the plan of Salvation which was fulfilled by the Son of God.

The integrity of this book is a valid response to the academics who strive to invalidate the real physical Resurrection of Christ. With a world view, these critics apply their own rational and philosophical strategy so as to deny the incident as possible, plausible, or probable. Yet Bombaro poses an authentic dispute with their own implausibility, in the very technical details and development of t...

Rev Dr John Bombaro introduces the core of his book justifying the Resurrection of Christ against doubt and critical human logic. Respected scholars tend to identify discrepancies in details of the Scriptural accounts, yet the mystic and spiritually-infused texts are correlated with natural facts and likelihood which can be compared. Most distinct and superlative in the significance of our Sacrame...

This second review of Lutheran theology scrutinises the Classic logic which fell short in his revelation of the interplay of God’s grace. The Catholic concept of the merit and measure of righteousness incited his defiance posting the 95 theses, generating further arguments over hermeneutics and Humanistic understanding. Ideas inevitably cause for divide within the Church; yet Luther’s focus upon C...

Here is a review of the different efforts for religious reform which had been pressing prior to the Reformation: regarding the political structure and papal leadership in Rome, individuals such Wycliffe and Huss, civil revolt and logical thinking in the era. The success of Luther’s revolution was related to many circumstances coming together at that time. Notably in his theology of Grace is unders...

The message and language of the Psalms tend to touch deeply to a universal human experience and understanding our relationship with God. Professor Jeffrey Pulse identifies this into three categories and a cyclical pattern which is common throughout the course of Scripture and our own lives. It follows from the time of Creation, to a wayward fall and tribulation, to lamentation and confession, then...

The generous gift Christ delivers during this season is His Light promised to ALL the World. Dr Richard Harvey describes the celebration of Hanukkah from the Messianic Jewish perspective, respecting Christ as Lord. His powerful statement, ’I and the Father are ONE’ - was contentious and not well-received by his own society at the time. Discussion here emphasises the Lutheran understanding of faith...

This final session refers to the point in the Gospel where Christ commences His ministry by quoting the passage of Isaiah as ’the Scripture now fulfilled’ through his arrival as the Messianic King. Bartelt identifies this significantly following His Baptism by John, and likens this as parallel to our Baptism: by which we are clothed in white robe of Righteousness with onset of Christ, relieved of...

Isaiah recounts the history of the Jews in captivity, being God’s judgement as consequence for their unfaithfulness. Yet his prophecy declares the promise of grace and delivery due to come. Dr Andrew Bartelt identifies the Old Testament references foretelling of John the Baptist, as the voice to prepare the way for Christ. With powerful testimony, ’The Word of God will stand forever’ this provides...

What is Advent all about? Christians count times and seasons with a different calendar than the secular world around them. The Church Year reminds us that God has already come into the world, that He comes to us now through His Word and Sacraments and that He will come on the last day to judge the living and the dead. Episode 1 of a 3-part interview with Dr. Andrew Bartelt, Professor of Exegetical...

Here is an informative analysis discussing the security granted us by God, which allows for faithful trust and contentment in our lives and sense of order in the World. Dr Robert Kolb opens some interesting aspects of view determining God as ultimate Provider, by recounting Luther’s own living reality and observations.

Rev Robert Kolb further explores what seems to be a real mystery, the Righteousness which is granted to us: concerning how it is we can be both sinner and saint simultaneously. He elaborates upon Luther’s explanation (e.g. in the Small Catechism) how God’s assured promise is delivered to us through both the Word and sacraments. It is therefore our responsibility to maintain faithful trust ’in Chri...

Rev Robert Kolb investigates in this series ’The Two Kinds of Righteousness’ as understood by Luther, and applicable to our own roles and responsibilities in whatever way of life. As children of God being a product of His Grace, our identity is fostered by God’s expectation. This discussion reviews how we can appreciate His gift, titled ’passive’ facet (as for Unconditional Love). Yet as members o...

The covenantal relationship of Job with God. Second half of this interview with Rev. Jeffrey Pulse, associate professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

An elucidative interview concerning the Book of Job with Rev. Jeffrey Pulse, associate Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Part 1 of 2.

Pastor John Ehlers interviews Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, president of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

The love of God, the Christian heritage and human equality. Second half of this interview with Dr Calum MacKellar, Director of the Scottish Council on Human Bioethics and author of “The image of God, personhood and the Embryo”.

Creation and procreation, the image of God and the origin of personhood. Interview with Dr. Calum MacKellar, Director of the Scottish Council on Human Bioethics and author of “The image of God, personhood and the Embryo”. Part 1 of 2.