ARE YOU EXPERIENCING SOME DIFFICULTIES AT THIS TIME? We all have problems at one time or another. Thankfully, we are not alone in coping with these problems. Consider the passages below as you look to the Lord for help:
Perseverence, motivation to keep going: Hebrews 12:1
Growing in your faith: 2 Peter 3:18
Fear: Joshua 1:9
Giving: Proverbs 3:9, Deuteronomy 16:17
Speaking to others as God would have us do: Proverbs 15:1
When others sin against us: Luke 17:3
DID YOU EVER WONDER....?
...where does grace come from? How do we receive it?
...is there a right way or a wrong way to pray? What is prayer anyway?
...how do I find true peace and contentment in this life?
...what happens to someone who commits suicide?
How many times have you asked yourself a question of faith or of the Bible and not been able to find a satisfactory answer? Sometimes it's hard to find those answers, especially in a real time of need. We have the confidence of knowing that God hears all of our prayers and welcomes our questions. Consider the Bible Institute a place to ask your questions. We'll answer commonly asked questions right on the website. Send your questions to bonnie.treloar@cuw.edu, or Bonnie Treloar, 12800 North Lake Shore Drive, Mequon, WI 53097-2402, or 262-243-4422.
*****QUESTION & ANSWER*****
Cheryl K. from Wisconsin poses two questions. Give them some thoughtful and prayerful consideration. Watch for the responses coming soon.
1. Genesis, in reality, espouses two stories of creation. In one, God created them male and femail. IN the second, He created Adam and, out of him, created female. How do you explain these two creations of humans?
2. In the parable that discusses the camel going through the eye of the needle, is the eye of the needle an actual eye or its it a gate in the wall of Jerusalem where the camels had to kneel down in order to get through?
NEW LINKS FOR ONLINE RESOURCES!!
Downloadable audio and video files of lectures, interviews and other educational content.
Articles, homiletical resources and a forum for discussion with Seminary faculty.
CONCORDIA BIBLE INSTITUTE
Resources-- UPDATED January, 2008
Check under Concordia Bible Institute for all the available titles!!
UPDATED LIST OF RESOURCES. EVERYTHING IS IN STOCK! IMMEDIATE SHIPPING.
VHS tapes ($15 each, includes shipping and handling):
CD's ($5 each, includes shipping and handling):
DVD's ($10 each, includes shipping and handling). To order any of the tapes, CD's or DVD's listed here, please call 262-243-4422 or toll free at 1-866-559-0002. You can also e-mail your requests to Rev. Dr. John Saleska or bonnie.treloar@cuw.edu.
SUMMER 2008 TEACHING THE WORD WORKSHOP will be held Monday, August 4 through Wednesday, August 6, 2008. Topics to be announced. It is available for non-credit or for three graduate credits.
Contact bonnie.treloar@cuw.edu for more information.
Summer 2007 Teaching the Word Workshop
Day 1-August 6, 2007:
"Christ, Teacher of All Truth"-Rev. Dr. John Saleska
"The Doctrine of Creation"-Dr. Gary Locklair
"Origin Issues...So What? Practical Applications"-Dr. Gary Locklair
"X's, O's, & Arrows: Reading the Sahpes of the New Testament"-Rev. Dr. Dan Paavola
"Education in the Word"-Rev. Dr. John Saleska
Day 2-August 7, 2007
"Millennialism & the Signs of the End"-Rev. Prof. Timothy Maschke
"Last Judgment & Eternity"-Rev. Prof. Timothy Maschke
"Christ & Creation"-Rev. Dr. John Saleska
"A Snapshot of Digital Culture: Considering Implications for Teaching"-Dr. Bernard Bull
"Digital Storytelling: Storytelling Using Digital Tools"-Dr. Bernard Bull
Day 3-August 8, 2007
"Luther & the Reformation"-Rev. Dr. Patrick Ferry
"Popular Christology"-Rev. Dr. John Oberdeck
"Nurturing the Faith of Young Children"-Dr. Candyce Seider
"The Teacher As Instructional Leader"-Dr. Mary Hilgendorf
"Christ, the Everlasting Gospel"-Rev. Dr. John Saleska
June 2007 Wisconsin Lakeshore Lutherhostel
DVD#1:
"Christ in the Old Testament"-Rev. Dr. John Saleska
"Lutheran Clergy & Their Politics"-Dr. Steven Montreal
"Dead Sea Scrolls & the Bible"-Rev. Dr. Nathan Jastram
DVD#2:
"Christ in the Old Testament-Part 2"-Rev. Dr. John Saleska
"Stem Cell Research & the Bible"-Dr. Kevin Voss
"Bible and Psychology"-Rev. Dr. John Saleska
"Tradition: Blessing or Blight in Worship"-Rev. Prof. Timothy Maschke
Spring 2007 Advanced Bible Certification Series
"Romans: The Heart of God Opened" (Rev. Dr. John Saleska)
"Doctrine of Creation" (Dr. Gary Locklair)
"Philippians: A Joyful Work of One to All" (Dr. Dan Paavola)
"Leviticus & Deuteronomy: Wanderings and Worship" (Rev. Prof. Timothy Maschke)
"Popular Christology: Jesus in America" (Dr. John Oberdeck)
"Luke: God's Saving Health for All Nations" (Rev. Dr. John Saleska)
Fall 2006 Advanced Bible Certification Series
"What the Bible Has to Say About Embryonic Stem Cell Research" (Rev. Dr. Kevin Voss)
"Hebrews: The Superiority of Christ" (Rev. Dr. John Saleska)
Teaching the Word Workshop August 2006
DVD #1: "Christ: TEacher of All Truth" (Rev. Dr. John Saleska)
"Web Cast" (Dr. Michael Uden)
"Luther & the Reformation" (Rev. Dr. Patrick Ferry)
"Using Teaching the Word" (Dr. Michael Uden)
"Education in the Word" (Rev. Dr. John Saleska)
DVD #3: "Dead Sea Scrolls" (Rev. Dr. Nathan Jastram)
"Law & Gospel" (Rev. Dr. John Oberdeck)
"The Image of God in the Church" (Rev. Dr. Nathan Jastram)
"Lutheran Principles of Biblical Interpretation" (Rev. Dr. Tim Maschke)
"Christ, the Everlasting Gospel" (Rev. Dr. John Saleska)
- Spring 2006 Advanced Bible Certification Series
"Parables of the Kingdom" (Rev. Dr. Saleska)
"Law & Gospel in the Sermon on the Mount" (Pastor Raasch)
"Hinduism's Growing Influence in American Society" (Prof. Feiertag)
"Waiting for the Bridegroom: Christians Living in the Last Days" (Rev. Dr. Oberdeck)
"Faith, Hope, & Love--The Gospel's Gifts in 1 Corinthians" (Rev. Dr. Paavola)
"David: Messianic King" (Rev. Dr. Saleska)
- Fall 2005 Advanced Bible Certification Series
"Do Miracles Still Happen?" (Rev. Saleska)
"Finishing the Story: The Unique Story-Telling in the Gospel of Mark" (Rev. Paavola)
"Sickness, Suffering, & Death: What Does the Bible Say About End-of-Life Care?" (Rev. Voss)
"Prayer According to the Scriptures" (Rev. Saleska)
- Teaching the Word Workshop August 2005
"Creation Doctrine and Evolution-Parts I, II, III" (Dr. Gary Locklair)
"Applying Lutheran Theology Inside the Classroom" (Rev. Randy Raasch)
Fall 2004 Advanced Bible Certification Series
"Your Church Building: What Does It Teach?" (Rev. Dr. Timothy Maschke)
"Job" (Rev. Dr. Nathan Jastram)
"God's Plan for the Family" (Rev. Dr. John Saleska)
"The History of Missions" (Rev. Dr. Tom Feiertag)
Spring 2004 Advanced Bible Certification Series
"Biblical Psychology-Part I" (Rev. Dr. John Saleska)
"Biblical Psychology-Part II" (Rev. Dr. John Saleska)
"Isaiah" (Rev. Dr. John Saleska)
"History of Israel-Part I" (Rev. Dr. John Saleska)
"History of Israel-Part II" (Rev. Dr. John Saleska)
"Gospel of John" (Rev. Dr. John Saleska)
"The Pentateuch-Parts I, II, III" (Rev. Dr. John Saleska)
Audio Cassette Tapes ($5 each, includes shipping and handling; please note the quality of these are sub-par)
- "Genesis & Creation" (Rev. Saleska, in two parts)
- "Genesis & the Promise" (Rev. Saleska, in two parts)
- "Matthew" (Rev. Saleska, in two parts)
- "Exodus" (Rev. Saleska, in two parts)
*******************DEVOTIONS*********************
A MOMENT OF RECOGNITION-January, 2008
By Rev. Dr. Dan Paavola
Text: Mark 1:21-29 They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. 22 They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 23 Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, 24 and he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazarath? Have you come to destroy us? I know why you are, the Holy One of God." 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, "What is this? A new teaching--with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." 28 At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee. As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
"I know you!" When someone says that, how do you feel? Good, if you recognize them. But if you're a little unsure, or completely lost as to who they are, then it's embarrassing, isn't it? You might wish that they had kept their memories to themselves.
Jesus began his ministry in the Capernaum synagogue by facing this same sentence. However it came from the demon-possessed man who shouted it. The demon cried out of fear and insolence, perhaps daring Jesus to act.
Jesus answered by saying, in essence, "I know you---and I know what to do with you." He said it with his powerful words, "Be silent and come out of him." Astonishment struck the crown because of this authority. While they might have trouble knowing exactly who Jesus was, the demons clearly knew to obey him. It left the people wondering who Jesus was going to be.
That leaves us with the simple goal of being able to say to Jesus, "I know you!" By seeing his authority and hearing his powerful teaching, we begin to understand him as the only Son of God, the Master over the demons, and the Savior of the weak. "I know you!" is what he invites us to say of him because of his kind outreach to us and his powerful cleansing of our lives. Best of all, by grace he has already said to us, "I know you!" Amen.
WHY SHOULD HE?-November, 2007
By Rev. Dr. Dan Paavola
Text: Mark 1:12-13 And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
What are you leaving undone right now? Very likely there is some project that could have been done today, but you didn't do it. You could have cleaned the yard, worked on that project with the kids, or gone for that long walk you promised yourself. But you did other things, good things, and decided that was enough. You don't need to do everything.
How easily Jesus could have said that. He really didn't need to do anyting during his time on earth. Who was going to make him? Being God, he could have had the easiest life. But how differently he chose to live. Instead of leisure, he chose work. Instead of angels praising him, he chose to face Satan tempting him.
The temptation of Jesus is remarkable for many things but perhaps especially for his willingness to endure it. Why should the creature be allowed to challenge the Creator? Why should this worm of a serpent dare challenge the almighty God who made him? It is not inevitable that evil should have his day with good. It is only the kindness of God for us that brought this day of temptation.
Jesus' days of temptation brought the work that we have always left undone. This was the time, finally, when temptation wouldn't work. For once the serpent slilthered away defeated. This is the day we've been waiting for, knowing we couldn't do the work needed and needing a Savior to carry it out. Thank goodness, this was the day he chose to do that work for us which we could never do. AMEN.
IMMEDIATELY, HE BEGINS-September, 2007
By Rev. Dr. Dan Paavola
Text: "And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. "And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." Mark 1:10-11
Some news shouldn't wait. When the lab test from your physical is in, and it's all good news, don't you want them to call you right away? "Don't send an email and don't put it in the regular mail. Tell me now!"
That is the spirit of this text. There is good news waiting to break out for the world and the baptism of Jesus is the moment to say it. When He is baptized, the sky breaks open so that the Father can announce what the world has been waiting to hear. Finally, the Son of God is here and his ministry is beginning.
This good news is for more than the Son, however. The Son of God is baptized to join himself to us, his experience to ours. He is baptized as the perfect Son, so we are called his perfect children through baptism. When the Father tears open the heavens to acknowledge Jesus as his own, it's the start of him doing the same for us. Isn't this the best news possible for us to hear? "You are my child, my beloved, with you I am well pleased." There is no waiting for this news since it comes entirely through the love, life, and work of Jesus.
So wait no longer for the good news you need. The Father has already spoken. We are his through the only Son who has gone before us. Amen.
FREE TO SERVE-August, 2007
By Rev. Dr. John Saleska
Text:
that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear
Luke 1:74
In the Hebrew language one of the words for ENEMY is TSAR. It means: to suffocate, to hem in. My enemy is one who suffocates me, who hems me in, who prevents me from breathing freely, and from living as I was intended to live. For the Israelites in Egypt, Pharoah was just such an enemy. Egypt was a land of suffocating fear and bondage, a place of misery and plagues and death. With no hope of ever being set free. Pharoah had them in his clutches and would not let them go. The people sighed under their burdens, longing for relief. They yearned and prayed that someone would see their sad plight and deliver them.
We all know the rest of the story. The Lord saw their affliction, as if it were His own. So he was the Savior. In all their affliction, he was afflicted
(Is. 63:8-9). He knew their suffering. He heard their cry. And, He chose Moses to lead them out of that land of suffocation and death. Moses led them through that path in the Red Sea which God Himself had provided. In that Exodus, Pharoah’s (the enemy) head was crushed. In fact, all their enemies were destroyedwashed awayin those waters. They had literally passed over from death to life. No more crushing burdens to bear. The whole nation of Israel must have given off an audible sigh of relief. The Hebrew word, NACHAM (Comfort) actually means to give off sighs. It was as if they had been born againgiven new lifeunder an entirely new leader.
However, that really isn’t the rest of the story. That Exodus Event is only a miniature of a far great EXODUS, OURS. When our first parents, Adam and Eve, sinned, they plunged the whole universe into the darkness of death. The entire creation became a land of plagues and suffocating bondage. Every single person born into this place of darkness was forced to labor under the worst of tyrants who would never let us go. Our best efforts could never deliver us from this living death. If we were to be saved, someone from outside would have to enter our world and set us free.
Well, we all know who that Someone was and is. He’s the One that God Himself elected. Our Lord Jesus Christ saw our affliction as His own. He came into our world of sin and death to take it on Himself. When He said from the cross, It is finished, He meant exactly that! It really is finished. The works, the hard labor, He’s done it allfor us. He brought us out through the waters in which all our enemies were drownedwashed away. In our baptism we were buried with Him and raised with Him to a new life. Born again. We’re like newborns delivered from their dark, cramped prisons who can now stretch and move about freely. We can sigh with relief and breathe again. Christ has dealt with every frightening aspect of that old suffocating life in the land of sin and darkness and death.
We’re free! Free to live under Him in His Kingdom. What a King! What a Kingdom! Just the reverse of that Kingdom of darkness. In this Kingdom the King himself has and will continue to provide everything. We’re free to live under Him and SERVE HIM. Who wouldn’t want to? Who wouldn’t want to give his time, his talents, his treasures in his service to this King? So now we’ll go about our daily tasks with Joy in our hearts and a song on our lips:
Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in cease-less praise.
Take my life, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store;
Take myself, and I will be
Every, only, all for Thee.
The Key to Unlocking the Bible (Fall 2006)
by Rev. Dr. John Saleska
In John 5:39, Jesus says, "Search the Scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me." As we read and study the Bible, Christ reminds us that we are to look for Him. He is the theme and substance of every part of the Scriptures. Jesus Himself asserts that the Bible is the revelation of Himself. He is unveiled there in the word pictures presented by the Holy writers. Following are a few quotations by Luther to underscore this idea: "It is beyond a doubt that the entire Scripture points to Christ alone." "All Scripture is pure Christ, God and Mary's Son." "When Christ is not known, it is impossible to have any understanding in the Scriptures, for He is the sun and the truth in the Scriptures."
Christ Himself teaches us how to study the Bible as He conducts a class for the two disciples as well as for us on the road to Emmaus, and He permits us to view the Old Testament through His eyes when He says, "O fools and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory. And beginning at Moses and the all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself." Later in the evening in the upper room ?He opened their understanding (gave them eyes, if you will) that they might understand the Scriptures, and said unto them, thus it is written and thus it behooved Christ to suffer and rise from the dead the third day." Our Lord is there instructing His disciples that the way to study Scripture is to look for one simple yet profound message: The Death and Resurrection of the Messiah. The theology of the Cross is the theology of all of Scripture. Luther says, "Christ crucified is found everywhere in the Scripture." The center piece for the study of both Old and New Testament is Jesus Christ and him crucified. This is Christ's own approach. He is commending it to us in Luke 24.
Now that we know that Christ crucified is the object of the search, you might want to know why. To anyone whose eyes have been opened the answer is evident. This entire universe is in disarray. The effects of the Fall are apparent everywhere. Pain, heartache, disease and finally death need to be dealt with in order for the world to be restored to its former state of perfection. The Cross is where God Himself took on the effects of the Fall, soaked them up into His person like a sponge, and went to death with them, and having dealt with them came back alive. This is how He has, in effect, put this dying universe back together again-restored it. It is evident, then, that any study of the Bible would have the cross as its guiding principle. This is the Truth that all Scripture points to. It is the gold to be mined as you study the Bible.
As you read portions of the Scriptures, it might be helpful to ask yourself the following questions:
1) Which parts of the event, story, etc., either directly or by example show our sin and need of a Savior?
2) Which parts show God's kindness, either directly or by example, to be bound together with Christ's finished work?
3) Which parts of the Scripture invite us to faith in Christ's work, either directly or by example, and also thus to praise, give thanks and show works of love?
