In this episode we continue our look at how to understand Scripture correctly. Mark’s Poem/Prayer Dear Lord Jesus, Your word is pure and your love is sure. Speak truth to me that I may see Your grace so true and what I should do. Dear Lord Jesus, Your word is pure and love is sure. Speak truth in me that all may see Your grace so clear and your love so near. Amen Pastor Mark’s 5 (hopefully) easy-to-remember categories: 1. All Scripture is inspired, inerrant word of God - not just the stuff we like. 2. All of Scripture is centered on Christ. 3. The mission of God (Missio Dei) is evident in every book of the Bible. 4. All of Scripture's passages have one of two possible messages: Law or Gospel. 5. The best way to understand how to apply that Bible to your life today is to understand what it meant to the first writers/hearers. Resources: D.A. Carson, Douglas Moo, “Introduction to the New Testament”, Zondervan Temper Longman III, “Introduction to the Old Testament,” Zondervan Gordon Fee, Douglas Stewart, “How to Read the Bible for all it’s Worth.” Zondervan 4th ed. https://www.BibleProject.com Continue the conversation with us by sending an email to [email protected]  Join our Facebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/TheologyOnTapPodcast  Please rate this podcast and comment on why you like the show. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theologyontap/message

This time we will take a look at what might be some of our listeners favorite passages, and we want to be gentle. Remember the big question of this season: “How can we be confident that we correctly understand the Bible?” That’s all we’re hoping to accomplish. We want you to be confident that you are hearing - and sharing - the truth of God’s Word. Pastor Mark’s 5 (hopefully) easy-to-remember categories: 1. All Scripture is inspired, inerrant word of God - not just the stuff we like. 2. All of Scripture is centered on Christ. 3. The mission of God (Missio Dei) is evident in every book of the Bible. 4. All of Scripture's passages have one of two possible messages: Law or Gospel. 5. The best way to understand how to apply that Bible to your life today is to understand what it meant to the first writers/hearers. Resources: D.A. Carson, Douglas Moo, “Introduction to the New Testament”, Zondervan Temper Longman III, “Introduction to the Old Testament,” Zondervan Gordon Fee, Douglas Stewart, “How to Read the Bible for all it’s Worth.” Zondervan 4th ed. https://www.BibleProject.com Continue the conversation with us by sending an email to [email protected]  Join our Facebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/TheologyOnTapPodcast  Please rate this podcast and comment on why you like the show. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theologyontap/message

Last time we talked about what you might call “situational context” and how that helps our understanding of the Bible. This time we will talk about translations – how they can impact our understanding. The books of the Bible were not originally written in English. The written documents of the Old Testament books were handed down through time in Hebrew language. And the New Testament books were initially written in Greek. We’re not suggesting that faithful Bible students have to learn those languages. But translators do know those languages – intimately – and they take their work seriously. But they have decisions to make. Types of Translations: · Formal equivalence = word for word= English Standard Version · Closest natural equivalence / Meaning for meaning = God’s Word Translation · Dynamic/functional equivalence Thought for thought / phrase for phrase = New International Version · Paraphrase/ retelling = The Message; The Living Bible Link to Episode 203: https://anchor.fm/theologyontap/episodes/Theology-On-Tap--Episode-203-Canon-and-Translations-eqatq3  Pastor Mark’s 5 (hopefully) easy-to-remember categories: 1. All Scripture is inspired, inerrant word of God - not just the stuff we like. 2. All of Scripture is centered on Christ. 3. The mission of God (Missio Dei) is evident in every book of the Bible. 4. All of Scripture's passages have one of two possible messages: Law or Gospel. 5. The best way to understand how to apply that Bible to your life today is to understand what it meant to the first writers/hearers. Resources: D.A. Carson, Douglas Moo, “Introduction to the New Testament”, Zondervan Temper Longman III, “Introduction to the Old Testament,” Zondervan Gordon Fee, Douglas Stewart, “How to Read the Bible for all it’s Worth.” Zondervan 4th ed. https://www.BibleProject.com Continue the conversation with us by sending an email to [email protected]  Join our Facebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/TheologyOnTapPodcast  Please rate this podcast and comment on why you like the show. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theologyontap/message

Throughout this season, we will answer an important question: “How can we be confident that we correctly understand the Bible?” Pastor Mark’s 5 (hopefully) easy-to-remember categories: 1. All Scripture is inspired, inerrant word of God - not just the stuff we like. 2. All of Scripture is centered on Christ. 3. The mission of God (Missio Dei) is evident in every book of the Bible. 4. All of Scripture's passages have one of two possible messages: Law or Gospel. 5. The best way to understand how to apply that Bible to your life today is to understand what it meant to the first writers/hearers. Link to Episode: 204: https://anchor.fm/theologyontap/episodes/Theology-On-Tap--Episode-204-Five-Keys-to-Interpreting-the-Bible-eqb6tm Resources: D.A. Carson, Douglas Moo, “Introduction to the New Testament”, Zondervan Temper Longman III, “Introduction to the Old Testament,” Zondervan Gordon Fee, Douglas Stewart, “How to Read the Bible for all it’s Worth.” Zondervan 4th ed. https://www.BibleProject.com Continue the conversation with us by sending an email to [email protected]  Join our Facebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/TheologyOnTapPodcast  Please rate this podcast and comment on why you like the show. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theologyontap/message

Bible Verses Used in the episode: James 2:18 Another person might say, “You have faith, but I do good things.” Show me your faith apart from the good things you do. I will show you my faith by the good things I do. Romans 10:13 Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”  How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news…. Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. When we gather, we gather around His Truth. That truth is stated in clear, absolute statements. Jesus IS risen Sins ARE forgiven Baptism NOW saves us This IS my body and blood There is NOW NO condemnation for those who believe. We observe that he feeds His Body using ordinary familiar objects – Word, Water, Bread, Wine In a world with all kinds of uncertainty, these absolutes statements attached to ordinary things are comforting and nourishing. But when we go things get a little trickier. We are commanded to do good works and care for those in need and yet, “the poor will always be with us.” We desire to build relationships in our community, to pray and work for prosperity in our world, but we shouldn’t promise our community that we can bring earthly utopia. We’ll never get there, but we can and should strive to make improvements. That takes work and energy and wisdom, so we return to His truths regularly - for renewed strength. But even as we do this work we find that God uses ordinary, familiar things.  We talked about vocations – the idea that God gives to His people - ordinary work - prepared in advance by God - to be done by ordinary people to the best of their ability in order to bless their neighbors. Facilitating the great commandment and the great commission Body of Christ – perhaps not a metaphor that resonates well with people. Are there other metaphors? Wild Olive branches grafted in Family Brothers and sisters God’s children Bride and Groom What metaphor speaks to you? Continue the conversation with us by sending an email to [email protected]  Join our Facebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/TheologyOnTapPodcast  Please rate this podcast and comment on why you like the show. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theologyontap/message

Key Passages for this episode: Micah 6:8 what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Matthew 28: 19.20 “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. So wherever you go, make disciples of all nations: Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Teach them to do everything I have commanded you. And remember that I am always with you until the end of time.” A couple of definitions: Evangelism (εὐαγγέλιόν)  – tellers of the good message (Missionaries) Ephesians 4:11 ”Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists… to the Body” Ambassador: (πρεσβεύω) a person who has been given authority to communicate or to act on behalf of a ruler—‘representative, ambassador. 2 Corinthians 5:20. (Paraphrase) We are Christ’s ambassadors, His representatives calling others to be reunited with God. Witness: (μάρτυς) A person who saw something, To give testimony to it. Testify. To be persecuted for it. Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes to you. Then you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Link to the video Seth mentioned- https://youtu.be/Ug5GBS34B_o  Link the the video Kyle mentioned- https://youtu.be/u4ZoJKF_VuA   Continue the conversation with us by sending an email to [email protected]  Join our Facebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/TheologyOnTapPodcast  Please rate this podcast and comment on why you like the show. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theologyontap/message

The Body of Christ- Why do we go? Why? Because God asks us to go – He sends us. What does he ask us to do? Micah 6:8 what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Matthew 28: 19.20 “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. So wherever you go, make disciples of all nations: Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Teach them to do everything I have commanded you. And remember that I am always with you until the end of time.” So what does God expect of us when we go? Bring Justice, mercy, humility to our neighbor & make disciples How do members of the Body follow those instructions?  Vocation! A neighbor-oriented perspective on Christian living - that develops from the foundation of Grace alone, Faith Alone, Scripture alone, Christ alone. But just as God equips the body when He gathers it, he also equips it when he sends it too. So why do we go? Because God sends us! What does he send us to do? By giving us a vocation to serve our neighbor! How does he equip us to answer that call? Vocations. The book Mark was reading from in this episode is: Vieth, Gene. Working for Our Neighbor: A Lutheran Primer on Vocation, Economics, and Ordinary Life. Christian's Library Press. 2016 Link to order book: https://www.amazon.com/Working-Our-Neighbor-Lutheran-Economics/dp/1942503296/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=gene+veith+working&qid=1622173196&sr=8-2 Continue the conversation with us by sending an email to [email protected]  Join our Facebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/TheologyOnTapPodcast  Please rate this podcast and comment on why you like the show. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theologyontap/message

When God gathers His Body, He feeds His body, gives it nutrition. He is strengthening, growing the koinonia of His Body Some of those feeding experiences seem to be the same through time: In Worship, God feeds us; we respond. Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;   you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. -Psalm 51:16 You must not worship the Lord your God in the way those who worship idols worship their gods. … Seek the place the Lord your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name there for his dwelling. To that place you must go; … There, in the presence of the Lord your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the Lord your God has blessed you. -Deuteronomy 12:5 We love because he first loved us. -1 John 4:19 The Word (Scripture), Communion, and Baptism are constant ways in which God Promises to always feed and strengthen koinonia Some portions of those experiences are different over time 1.      Traditions and cultures change 2.      Location of the gathering place 3.      Worship music 4.      Method of Word study, frequency of Communion, method of baptizing. 5.      What age groups attend? 6.      Do people stand or sit? Why? 7.      Robes, stoles, incense Some of the ways the koinonia is built and fed adapt in time and place. But God also has some unchanging ways which He promises will build and feed koinonia. So what is God doing when He gathers his Body? Feeding and strengthening it! What are his Gathered people doing – being fed and strengthened for the work of the Body. Continue the conversation with us by sending an email to [email protected]   Join our Facebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/TheologyOnTapPodcast  Please rate this podcast and comment on why you like the show. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theologyontap/message

Episode 302- The Body of Christ- Why do we gather? Link to Jacob Collier’s website- https://www.jacobcollier.com/  (not a paid promotion) Psalm 147:2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. Jeremiah 23:3 Then I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and bring them back to their pasture, and they will be fruitful and multiply. Deuteronomy 30:3, 4 Then the Lord your God will restore you from captivity, and have compassion on you, and will gather you again from all the peoples where the Lord your God has scattered you. If your outcasts are at the ends of the earth, from there the Lord your God will gather you, and from there He will bring you back. Matthew 23:37 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. I Corinthians 12:13-18 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. (Through baptism, the Holy Spirit makes believers to be members of Christ’s body, the Christian church)  ... Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them. So why do we gather? - Because that’s how God designed humans - Because the Spirit of God gathers us for His good purposes and His good pleasure Continue the conversation with us by sending an email to [email protected]  Join our Facebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/TheologyOnTapPodcast Please rate this podcast and comment on why you like the show. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theologyontap/message

The Body of Christ- by Mark Siegert His body looking shoddy hanging up there on the cross This is how He gets a win? This is not a loss? There’s extra room in His tomb No body in that prison This IS how He got the win See! He has risen! This now done He makes us one – one body resurrected Our hostile traits are crushed to death In Him we’re all connected This now done He makes us one – one body resurrected Our hostile traits are crushed to death In Him we’re all connected ------ Some things we might mean when we say or hear the phrase, “Body of Christ.” 1. The literal physical body of Jesus. 2. Or, we might think about His body which is truly present in Communion Matt 26:26. Mark 14:22, Luke 22:19, 1 Corinthians 11:24 3. Or – more probably – we use the phrase as a metaphor – a really powerful metaphor to describe the Church and our place in it. Ephesians 1:22,23 Romans 7:4 1 Cor 10:16,17 koinónia spiritual fellowship an association involving close mutual relations and involvement—‘close association, fellowship. Ephesians 2:14-16 Continue the conversation with us by sending an email to [email protected] Join our Facebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/TheologyOnTapPodcast Please rate this podcast and comment on why you like the show. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theologyontap/message