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Scripture First

Luther House of Study
Jesus
Lutheran Theology
Faith
Jesus Christ
Mercy
Forgiveness
Holy Spirit
Sin
Baptism
John the Baptist
Lutheranism
Advent
Discipleship
Lent
Lutheran Lectionary
Idolatry
Luke
Easter
Lutheran Church
Repentance

Three millennials sit down with Lutheran theologians to understand how Scripture is working in our lives. God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, sin, faith, forgiveness, Luther, and more are on the table as Mason Van Essen, Kiri Haugen, and Adam Guthmiller discuss each week's upcoming lectionary Bible passage with Luther House of Study's theologians to hear the context in and around Scripture before it's pr... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes366Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Religion & SpiritualityChristianity

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Artwork for Scripture First

Latest Episodes

In John 10, right on the heels of exposing the Pharisees’ blindness, Jesus shifts the image and declares that there is only one way into the sheepfold—and it’s not through climbing, striving, or proving yourself. In this episode we unpack how his she... more

On the road to Emmaus, two disciples walk away from the empty tomb confused and disappointed, even after hearing the resurrection preached to them. In this episode we see how Jesus meets them in their blindness, draws out their unbelief, and then doe... more

Behind locked doors in John 20, fearful disciples cling only to the word of Mary Magdalene—until Jesus himself stands among them and speaks, “Peace be with you,” a Word that does what it says. In this episode, we trace how that same living Word deliv... more

On Easter morning in Matthew 28, we arrive with Mary Magdalene expecting death, but instead the earth shakes and a new creation breaks in where the crucified Jesus is no longer in the tomb. In this episode we resist the urge to soften the shock and s... more

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Recent Guests

Lars Olson
A Lutheran theologian discussing the interpretation of scripture.
Luther House of Study
Episode: You Cannot Divide Them | John 16:12-15 with Dr. Chris Croghan & Lars Olson
Dr. Chris Croghan
Lutheran theologian
Luther House of Study
Episode: Tell Us Plainly | John 10:22-30 with Dr. Chris Croghan
Sarah Stenson
Theologian and guest contributor
Luther House of Study
Episode: We Are All Judas | John 12:1-8 with Sarah Stenson

Host

Mason Van Essen
Host of Scripture First

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 109 ratings
  • My Main Sermon Preparation

    Luther House of Study provides these invaluable resources each week. For years, I have used Luther House as my first source for preparing my sermons each week. The faculty is top notch. If you’re looking for a clear means for “handing over the goods” as the dear Dr. James Nestingen used to say, then this podcast is for you.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PrairiePreacherLady
    United States3 years ago
  • The Truth will make us free!

    It’s no big secret that the Bible isn’t always easy to understand. The people giving this podcast ask regular people questions for us laypersons. It’s so easy to get confused by the secular worldview. Scripture First removes that confusion. Thanks!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Imhagar
    United States4 years ago
  • Keep the questions coming Kiri!

    This podcast is how I start my week. I greatly enjoy the text study, and especially appreciate the questions that Kiri is willing to ask. They are typically the questions that all of us have, but are reluctant to voice. Keep it up, it is greatly appreciated. Thank you all for the Work the Lord does through you… we are truly blessed.

    Blayne from Montana

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Blayne from Montana
    United States5 years ago
  • Straight Gospel (while addressing the law)

    The crew at Luther House break down the ELCA lectionary in an accessible way without watering down and of the promise of Christ.

    This podcast has been a critical part of my discernment of my call to ministry.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Rugern
    United States5 years ago
  • Great Podcast

    I love this podcast and it’s one that I listen to every episode. I give 4/5 stars because I personally think it would flow better if the engine/foundation of the podcast wasn’t the students questions. I’d like to hear the teachers teach the text and then the students ask questions as they have them, rather than their questions drive the podcast.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Danielito11
    United States5 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some listeners suggest a more exam-like structure with teacher-led segments, rather than student-driven questions.
Listeners praise accessible theology and practical sermon prep.
Audience notes strong teaching on law and gospel and clear, respectful dialogue.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Ax is at the Root | Matthew 3:1-12 with Dr. Chris Croghan
Q: What is the purpose of baptism?
Baptism is to remove sin, bringing the promise of mercy from God that deals with skepticism.
Jesus Didn’t Come to Prevent Suffering | Matthew 2:13-23 with Sarah Stenson
Q: How long did Mary and Joseph remain in Egypt?
They stayed there until the death of Herod, though the exact duration is unclear.
Jesus Didn’t Come to Prevent Suffering | Matthew 2:13-23 with Sarah Stenson
Q: What is the significance of angels communicating via a dream?
Angels, as messengers of God, delivering important messages to humans both in dreams and while awake.
What Does “Lamb of God” Mean? | John 1:29-42 with Lars Olson
Q: Why is John the Baptist such a significant figure in Lutheranism?
John the Baptist is significant because he prepares the way for Christ and declares Jesus as the Lamb of God, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ in relation to sin.
God, Your Avenger | Luke 18:1-8 with Sarah Stenson
Q: What is the difference between God granting justice versus God granting mercy?
God's justice is fundamentally about mercy, as He is giving to His elect rather than avenging as humans often perceive justice.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Scripture First

What is Scripture First about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A theology-forward show that uses the weekly lectionary to unpack Scripture with Luther House of Study theologians. The hosts guide accessible discussions around passages from the Gospels and Epistles, focusing on grace, law, suffering, faith, and the role of the Holy Spirit in everyday life. Episodes frequently pair open-ended questions from lay listeners with scholarly insights, creating a practical, sermon-prep oriented exploration of biblical texts and Lutheran theology. A standout pattern is the clear emphasis on distinguishing law and gospel, plus applying ancient texts to contemporary experiences, making it a strong fit for clergy, seminarians, and lay Christians who want deeper, church-contextual Bible study.

Noteworthy is the coll... more

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1. Preaching The Text
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3. 30 Minutes In The New Testament
4. Outlaw God
5. 40 Minutes In The Old Testament

How many episodes of Scripture First are there?

Scripture First launched 7 years ago and published 366 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Scripture First?

Recent guests on Scripture First include:

1. Lars Olson
2. Dr. Chris Croghan
3. Sarah Stenson

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