Podcasts

WATCH, LISTEN, SUBSCRIBE

HT_Uncultured Saints WEB GRAPHICS - 2602

Watch UnCultured Saints on Youtube

Tag along with Pastors Harrison Goodman and Eli Lietzau as they discuss the finer point of ancient pop culture and plunge into the scriptures in The Uncultured Saints.

HT_Life in Genesis WEB GRAPHICS - 2602

Watch Life Issues in Genesis on Youtube

Join Y4Life Director Michele Bauman and Pastor Harrison Goodman for this Genesis Bible Study with a focus on how we see life supported in this book, from creation to the first murder, and more!

HT_Drive to School WEB GRAPHIC - 2602

Watch Drive To School on Youtube

Join us as we tackle issues facing our youth at school, and how their faith applies to the world around them.

HT_Sinner Saint WEB GRAPHICS - 2602

COMING SOON!

Check back for details on our latest series.

HT_Why Bodies Matter WEB GRAPHICS - 2602

Watch Why Bodies Matter on Youtube

One day, your body will die. But it still matters. Christ took on flesh to redeem your sins. Your body will one day turn to dust, but rejoice because that dust will rise in a newness of life! Join hosts Erica Sorensen and Pastor Harrison Goodman, as they talk to guests from throughout the Church and walk the path from birth to death to answer the question, “Why Bodies Matter?”

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

We Do Not Struggle As Those Without Hope

YouTube Video VVU3QzdNQVVqcGVzX1hSTXNYMXJFOFNnLnZoVHZQamVkbVBN

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

It Has Been Revealed Even in the Worst Places

YouTube Video VVU3QzdNQVVqcGVzX1hSTXNYMXJFOFNnLnpwWnNBTUVsU3ZJ

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

He Uses the Things That Hurt for Your Good

YouTube Video VVU3QzdNQVVqcGVzX1hSTXNYMXJFOFNnLlNaQUFKaXB5ODMw

In this episode of the Sinner Saint Chronicles, Deaconess Heinz and Pastor Goodman discuss the topic of providence, including the following:

What is God’s providence?
What do Christians mean when they say God has a plan?
What is the difference between the hidden will and the revealed will of God?
Why do bad things happen to good people and good things to bad people?
Why is it a problem to measure God's love by whether things hurt or feel good?
How can we trust God when life seems so broken?
What can the Apostles Creed teach us about how God cares for us?
Are rich people more blessed by God than poor people?

Contributor Deaconess Emma Heinz serves as the Registrar of Higher Things.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #christianmisconceptions

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Christian Misconceptions: How Providence Is Misunderstood | Season 1: Episode 8

YouTube Video VVU3QzdNQVVqcGVzX1hSTXNYMXJFOFNnLjRFSlczdFl6SGtJ

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

God Created Even the Earth to Withstand Sin Entering It

YouTube Video VVU3QzdNQVVqcGVzX1hSTXNYMXJFOFNnLkxfeVpRTkxJNE0w

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

The Choices You Make Have Effects on Others

YouTube Video VVU3QzdNQVVqcGVzX1hSTXNYMXJFOFNnLkNCMGRZN0VGUFU0

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

The Vocations Given to Adam are More Important Now

YouTube Video VVU3QzdNQVVqcGVzX1hSTXNYMXJFOFNnLkE5VnlBN0xJM0kw

In this episode of the Sinner Saint Chronicles, Deaconess Heinz and Pastor Goodman discuss the topic of environmentalism, including the following:

Does theology inform politics or the other way around?
How should we talk about environmentalism as Christians?
Are you a mass murderer if you wear leather belts and shoes?
What is the relationship between environmentalism and vocation?
Are we responsible for taking care of the environment?
Does it matter what we do given the fact that the world is already broken?
How should Christians care about the environment?

Contributor Deaconess Emma Heinz serves as the Registrar of Higher Things.

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Christian Misconceptions: Should Christians Care About the Environment? | Season 1: Episode 7

YouTube Video VVU3QzdNQVVqcGVzX1hSTXNYMXJFOFNnLjlLaHBTTlJnaVYw

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

What Do You Do With the Sins You Can't Get Away From?

YouTube Video VVU3QzdNQVVqcGVzX1hSTXNYMXJFOFNnLk5wbmszVHN6TXU0

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

We're Talking About the 6th Commandment

YouTube Video VVU3QzdNQVVqcGVzX1hSTXNYMXJFOFNnLm5WLVBhZHBraXNZ

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

We Struggle Against the Sins We Cannot Escape From

YouTube Video VVU3QzdNQVVqcGVzX1hSTXNYMXJFOFNnLmRrV2xRZHlBSDNF

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

St. Constantine

YouTube Video VVU3QzdNQVVqcGVzX1hSTXNYMXJFOFNnLndtYjVPaHI2c0ZR

In this episode of the Sinner Saint Chronicles, Deaconess Heinz and Pastor Goodman discuss the topic of original sin and actual sin, including the following:

Does it actually matter if people are born gay?
Are we able to stop sinning?
Can we choose not to sin or what sin we engage in?
What do we do with the sins we can’t get away from?
As Christians, are we defined by our sin?
Where do we find our identity?
Is there a limit to the patience of the Lord?
Should Christians love people who are sinners?

Contributor Deaconess Emma Heinz serves as the Registrar of Higher Things.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #christianmisconceptions

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Christian Misconceptions: Original Sin vs Actual Sin | Season 1: Episode 6

YouTube Video VVU3QzdNQVVqcGVzX1hSTXNYMXJFOFNnLkJsUkdqaV9raVdF

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

The Religion of the Law and the Religion of the Gospel

YouTube Video VVU3QzdNQVVqcGVzX1hSTXNYMXJFOFNnLkh4bXg5MDI5RTBF

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Your Identity as a Christian Isn't One of Them

YouTube Video VVU3QzdNQVVqcGVzX1hSTXNYMXJFOFNnLkxna0RTRWh2dFlN

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

You Cannot Measure Yourself by Your Works

YouTube Video VVU3QzdNQVVqcGVzX1hSTXNYMXJFOFNnLlBDU29lTDJ2VFFB

In this episode of the Sinner Saint Chronicles, Deaconess Heinz and Pastor Goodman tackle the topic of works righteousness and the role works play in the life of the Christian. Here are some of the questions they address:

What is works righteousness?
How do we know if we’re doing enough good works?
How do we measure our good works? Should we measure them according to the law or the gospel? Or should we even be measuring our good works?
Where do we find the certainty of our salvation? How do we battle uncertainty?
Why is the word “if” so dangerous?
How do we endure in our faith as Christians?
What role does the law play in the life of the Christian?
What is antinomianism and why is it bad?
Who are our good works for?

Contributor Deaconess Emma Heinz serves as the Registrar of Higher Things.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #christianmisconceptions

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Christian Misconceptions: Works Righteousness | Season 1: Episode 5

YouTube Video VVU3QzdNQVVqcGVzX1hSTXNYMXJFOFNnLjAzSjRQLVBwaFpV

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

YouTube Video VVU3QzdNQVVqcGVzX1hSTXNYMXJFOFNnLkVMX25XWHh3TGhF

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Mortal Sins and Venial Sins

YouTube Video VVU3QzdNQVVqcGVzX1hSTXNYMXJFOFNnLl9UeWZFb0NXSG00

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

How Much Sin is Too Much Sin?

YouTube Video VVU3QzdNQVVqcGVzX1hSTXNYMXJFOFNnLmZWUDRBQ1UtT2NN

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

The Difference Between Sin and Unbelief

YouTube Video VVU3QzdNQVVqcGVzX1hSTXNYMXJFOFNnLnFJQ0ZKRmhQSERr

It’s the post-resurrection “encore," AKA Mark's longer ending.

While the earliest manuscripts don't include this section, it doesn't mean it wasn't originally there or part of first-century church tradition.

Our confessions reference this passage, particularly regarding baptism in the Small Catechism.

It is split into three sections:

- Mary Magdalene

Jesus appears first to Mary Magdalene, who tells the mourning disciples. They don't believe her.

It's notable that in this culture that if you wanted credible witnesses, you wouldn't choose women because they couldn't legally testify in court.

But Jesus doesn't follow human logic. This defies reason but not history.

- The Two Disciples

Jesus appears to two disciples walking to the country. This likely references the Emmaus road account.

They return and tell the others, who still don't believe.

It’s a reminder that the church isn't founded on the apostles' strength but on the risen Christ working through them despite their doubt.

- The Apostolic Sending

Jesus appears to the eleven at table and rebukes their unbelief.

Then comes the sending: "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel."

The promise: "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved."

The accompanying signs he gives them such as casting out demons, speaking in tongues, handling serpents, drinking poison, and healing were likely specific to the apostolic ministry, not universal promises.

We see these fulfilled in Acts.

The danger with "enthusiasm" is when some measure God's presence by signs rather than by His promises in Word and sacrament.

The church is NOT sustained through impressive signs, but through the faithful proclamation of the gospel with the Lord working (and growing His church) through Word and sacrament.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #gospelofmark
If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Mark’s Second Ending | A Study of Mark 16:9-20

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4RWVFX21pdkhGUTByWVBhWlJjR3BUdC44QzVGQUU2QjE2NDgxM0M4

Mark 15:16-32: The Crucifixion

The soldiers led Jesus to the palace, clothed him in purple, crowned him with thorns, and mocked him saying "Hail, King of the Jews!"

They struck him, spat on him, and knelt in false homage before leading him out to crucify him.

- Irony

The soldiers unknowingly proclaimed truth through their mockery.

Christ truly is King of Kings, and the crown of thorns represents what God's earthly kingdom actually looks like — suffering for sinners.

The entire scene drips with irony as everyone involved unwittingly confesses the gospel narrative.

- Active vs. Passive

Jesus wasn't passively swept along by events. He remained in complete control, actively choosing to endure this suffering.

He could have called legions of angels but chose to be "a lamb led to the slaughter."

It was deliberate submission for our sake.

- The Crucifixion

Simon of Cyrene was compelled to carry Jesus's cross.

The soldiers divided his garments by casting lots, fulfilling prophecy.

Jesus was crucified between two robbers while mockers demanded he save himself

- Simon of Cyrene

This random man, pulled from his journey, unexpectedly bore Christ's cross.

Church history suggests he became a believer — the fact that he's named indicates the early church knew him.

- The Thieves

Both likely mocked Jesus initially (in Mark's account), but one eventually recognized Jesus's innocence and asked to be remembered in his kingdom (in Luke's account).

- The Central Truth

Every detail — from the crown of thorns to the divided garments — points to one reality: Christ is dying for sinners.

This is God's work of salvation.

The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all participated in this redemptive act.

All Good Friday preaching must return to this core truth: Jesus died for you.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus
If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Jesus Is Crucified | A Study of Mark 15:16-32

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4RWVFX21pdkhGUTByWVBhWlJjR3BUdC5ENjI1QUI0MDI5NEQzODFE

It’s the post-resurrection “encore," AKA Mark's longer ending.

While the earliest manuscripts don't include this section, it doesn't mean it wasn't originally there or part of first-century church tradition.

Our confessions reference this passage, particularly regarding baptism in the Small Catechism.
It is split into three sections:

Mary Magdalene

Jesus appears first to Mary Magdalene, who tells the mourning disciples. They don't believe her.

It's notable that in this culture that if you wanted credible witnesses, you wouldn't choose women because they couldn't legally testify in court.

But Jesus doesn't follow human logic. This defies reason but not history.

The Two Disciples

Jesus appears to two disciples walking to the country. This likely references the Emmaus road account.

They return and tell the others, who still don't believe.

It’s a reminder that the church isn't founded on the apostles' strength but on the risen Christ working through them despite their doubt.

The Apostolic Sending

Jesus appears to the eleven at table and rebukes their unbelief.

Then comes the sending: "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel."

The promise: "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved."

The accompanying signs he gives them such as casting out demons, speaking in tongues, handling serpents, drinking poison, and healing were likely specific to the apostolic ministry, not universal promises.

We see these fulfilled in Acts.

The danger with "enthusiasm" is when some measure God's presence by signs rather than by His promises in Word and sacrament.

The church is NOT sustained through impressive signs, but through the faithful proclamation of the gospel with the Lord working (and growing His church) through Word and sacrament.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #gospelofmark

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Mark’s Second Ending | A Study of Mark 16:9-20

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4RWVFX21pdkhGUTByWVBhWlJjR3BUdC41RTNBREYwMkI5QzU3RkY2

Joseph of Arimathea, a respected council member, asks Pilate for Jesus's body.

This marks a transition from Jesus's humiliation to his exaltation. Even in death, he receives honor through a proper burial in a rich man's tomb.

Joseph represents faithful belief transcending social status.

He's not just a poor outcast following Jesus, but a wealthy, respected leader who risks everything.

This demonstrates that Jesus calls the faithful regardless of their social position. The measure isn't deeds but faith alone.

The expensive tomb fulfills Isaiah 53's prophecy about being "buried with the rich."

The Resurrection Account (Mark 16:1-8)

Mark's resurrection narrative seems to deliberately end with fear and confusion.

The women find the empty tomb, encounter an angel who proclaims Christ's resurrection, and flee in terror, saying nothing to anyone.

This ending troubled many, but it may serve Mark's purpose.

The Gospel concludes not with triumphant disciples but with frightened, confused followers. Yet Christ is still risen.

Hope doesn't depend on our understanding or perfect faith response.

Mark writes for Christians facing persecution and doubt, reminding them that the only question that matters is: "Is Christ still risen?"

If suffering, sin, or fear could put Jesus back in the tomb, we'd have reason to panic. But since Christ remains risen, that's enough.

The angel specifically mentions telling "the disciples and Peter." This acknowledges Peter's particularly difficult weekend but ensures he hears the good news.

Easter isn't about our perfect response but about Christ's perfect victory.

Whether we feel triumphant or struggle with doubt, Christ is risen, and that's sufficient.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #resurrection

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Jesus’ Exaltation Begins | A Study of Mark 15:42 to 16:8

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4RWVFX21pdkhGUTByWVBhWlJjR3BUdC40QzRDOEU0QUYwNUIxN0M1

Mark 15:33-41: Jesus Dies on the Cross

Jesus' Cry from the Cross

When Jesus cries out "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" This isn't merely a cry of anguish but a public proclamation.

The Greek word suggests Jesus "shouted" or "proclaimed" these words from Psalm 22.

This fulfills OT prophecy while serving a dual purpose: Jesus experiences genuine forsakenness as He bears our sin, yet proclaims this truth for our benefit.

The crowd thinks He's calling for Elijah, missing that Jesus is quoting Scripture and declaring His identity as the suffering Messiah. They offer sour wine, not mercy, but mockery

Jesus' Authority Over Death

When it says that Jesus "breathed His last," it demonstrates His divine authority.

Jesus dies when He chooses to lay down His life.

As He said, "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord" (John 10:18).

The Temple Curtain Torn

The temple curtain tore from top to bottom.

This massive veil separated the Holy of Holies from the people. Only the high priest could enter once a year on the Day of Atonement.

Now, through Christ's sacrifice, the separation between God and humanity is removed. Every believer can approach God's presence.

This echoes Mark's opening where the heavens were "torn open" at Jesus' baptism.

The Centurion's Confession

The Roman centurion declares, "Truly this man was the Son of God!"

Having witnessed Jesus' authority over His own death and the supernatural signs, this pagan soldier becomes the first human in Mark's Gospel to confess Jesus' true identity.

Faithful Witnesses

The women who followed Jesus remain at the cross while the male disciples flee.

Their presence as witnesses establishes the credibility of the Gospel accounts and honors their faithfulness to Him.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Jesus Dies on the Cross

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4RWVFX21pdkhGUTByWVBhWlJjR3BUdC4yQUJFNUVCMzVDNjcxRTlF

Mark 15:16-32: The Crucifixion

The soldiers led Jesus to the palace, clothed him in purple, crowned him with thorns, and mocked him saying "Hail, King of the Jews!"

They struck him, spat on him, and knelt in false homage before leading him out to crucify him.

Irony

The soldiers unknowingly proclaimed truth through their mockery.

Christ truly is King of Kings, and the crown of thorns represents what God's earthly kingdom actually looks like — suffering for sinners.

The entire scene drips with irony as everyone involved unwittingly confesses the gospel narrative.

Active vs. Passive

Jesus wasn't passively swept along by events. He remained in complete control, actively choosing to endure this suffering.

He could have called legions of angels but chose to be "a lamb led to the slaughter."

It was deliberate submission for our sake.

The Crucifixion

Simon of Cyrene was compelled to carry Jesus's cross.

The soldiers divided his garments by casting lots, fulfilling prophecy.

Jesus was crucified between two robbers while mockers demanded he save himself

Simon of Cyrene

This random man, pulled from his journey, unexpectedly bore Christ's cross.

Church history suggests he became a believer — the fact that he's named indicates the early church knew him.

The Thieves

Both likely mocked Jesus initially (in Mark's account), but one eventually recognized Jesus's innocence and asked to be remembered in his kingdom (in Luke's account).

The Central Truth

Every detail — from the crown of thorns to the divided garments — points to one reality: Christ is dying for sinners.

This is God's work of salvation.

The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all participated in this redemptive act.

All Good Friday preaching must return to this core truth: Jesus died for you.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Jesus Is Crucified | A Study of Mark 15:16-32

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4RWVFX21pdkhGUTByWVBhWlJjR3BUdC4yQjZFRkExQjFGODk3RUFD

Mark 15:1-15 Uncultured Saints Bible Study

Jesus Before Pilot

Pilate likely doesn't care about Jesus or Jewish religious disputes.

As a Roman proconsul dealing with occupied territory during times of insurrection, he's primarily concerned with security and Caesar's interests.

The charge against Jesus that he is claiming to be "King of the Jews" matters to him because it suggests political rebellion.

When Pilate asks if Jesus is the King of the Jews, Jesus responds, "You have said so."

This non-answer, combined with Jesus's refusal to defend himself against accusations, gradually disarms and confuses Pilate.

Pilate seems to recognize Jesus's innocence, but he likely feels politically trapped.

The Crowd

Who is the crowd? This might be the same Palm Sunday crowd, manipulated by chief priests and scribes.

These religious leaders likely gathered people early in the morning, exploiting their disappointment that Jesus failed to be the revolutionary they expected.

When Jesus doesn't overthrow Roman rule, the crowd turns against him.

Barabbas

Barabbas represents layered biblical irony.

His name literally means "son of the father," creating a striking parallel when the crowd chooses a false "son of the father" while rejecting the true Son of the Father.

Barabbas was an actual insurrectionist and murderer, the very thing they falsely accused Jesus of being.

Why is Jesus silent?

Jesus's silence fulfills Isaiah 53, where the suffering servant doesn't open his mouth.

The discussion emphasizes that Jesus simultaneously stands innocent before Pilate yet guilty before God not because he sinned, but because he took on humanity's sin.

In this section of Mark 15, the conversation highlights how God uses human schemes to accomplish divine purposes.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Jesus Before Pilate & the Crowd

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4RWVFX21pdkhGUTByWVBhWlJjR3BUdC41MzY4MzcwOUFFRUU3QzEx

📖 Mark 14:53-72

Jesus Before the High Priest

Jesus is led to the high priest, where the entire council seeks testimony against Him.

There is irony throughout the passion narrative — even when trying to lie about Jesus, the accusers can't get their stories straight.

They struggle to find consistent witnesses, highlighting the mob mentality and one-upmanship among the accusers.

The temple destruction claim becomes their focus since it was publicly witnessed.

When asked if He's "the Christ, the son of the blessed," Jesus responds with "I am" — potentially the divine name (Yahweh in Greek).

He adds that they'll see "the son of man seated at the right hand of power," a clearly divine Old Testament reference.

The high priest's dramatic response — tearing his garments and crying "blasphemy" — proves that Jesus' contemporaries understood His divine claims.

This refutes arguments that Jesus never claimed to be God.

Peter's Denial

Peter's threefold denial reveals how quickly human courage crumbles.

The same disciple who promised loyalty and drew his sword now denies even knowing Jesus.

Peter represents all believers. We're sinners in need of redemption, not heroes earning salvation.

Mark (possibly influenced by Peter) intentionally includes this failure to show that apostles weren't sinless leaders but redeemed sinners.

This prevents us from viewing ourselves as superior to Peter.

Jesus' prediction of Peter's denial demonstrates divine omniscience without fatalistic predestination.

The appropriate response isn't "I would never do that" but "thanks be to God" that Christ saves sinners.

We need the gospel preached continually, not just information from a book, because we forget our identity and need as redeemed sinners daily.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Jesus Before the High Priest, Peter’s Denial

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4RWVFX21pdkhGUTByWVBhWlJjR3BUdC5DRUQwODMxQzUyRTlGRkY3

📖Mark 14:32-52

➡️ Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays with deep sorrow.

“Abba, Father,” He pleads, “remove this cup from me.”

It’s a window into His full humanity.

Jesus knows what’s coming: not just the nails and thorns, but the full wrath of God.

He’ll be abandoned, crushed under judgment meant for us.

It shows that we too are allowed to bring our fears to God.

And yet, Jesus finishes with, “Not what I will, but what You will.”

Meanwhile, His disciples can’t stay awake. This isn’t just sleepiness—it may be despair.

Their bodies shut down under the weight of grief and fear.

Jesus tells them, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

➡️ Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested

Then comes Judas. The Uncultured Saints wrestle with what’s really going on with Judas.

Was it greed? Despair? Misguided hope?

Did he think Jesus would escape again and this was just a push?

He calls Jesus “Rabbi,” not “Lord” — a hint he still didn’t truly see who Jesus was.

The kiss, a sign of peace, becomes a signal of betrayal.

Whether his intentions were confused or malicious, the outcome was the same.

Judas’ betrayal triggers the arrest, yet Jesus remains in control, willingly surrendering to fulfill His mission.

➡️ A Naked Man Flees

Mark describes a young man following Jesus, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. When the crowd grabs him, he escapes by slipping out of the cloth and runs away naked.
Many believe this was Mark himself, quietly placing his own story in the margins.
A confession of fear, maybe shame — but also a witness. He was there. He saw it. And even though he ran, he still wrote it down.
Because that’s the point: Jesus didn’t run. He faced the cross — for them, for Judas, for Mark, for us.
Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.
Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.
#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Jesus Prays, Judas Betrays & a Naked Man Runs

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4RWVFX21pdkhGUTByWVBhWlJjR3BUdC5DNkMwRUI2MkI4QkI4NDFG

📖Mark 14:22-31

➡️ Jesus Institutes the Lord’s Supper

Jesus gives His disciples bread and wine and declares, “This is my body” and “This is my blood of the covenant, poured out for many.”

This moment isn’t just symbolic — it’s sacramental. Jesus isn’t speaking metaphorically; He’s delivering His very body and blood for the forgiveness of sins.

As Lutherans confess, Christ is truly present in the Supper, and His gifts are given to sinners in real time. It’s not nostalgia or reenactment. It’s God working here and now.

This meal fulfills the Passover. In the OT, the Passover wasn’t just a remembrance — it was participatory. Israelites didn’t simply recall the Exodus; through the meal, they were joined to it.

Jesus brings that same reality to the Lord’s Supper. No longer are believers just remembering past salvation. In the Supper, they receive it.

Recreating Seder meals today misses the point. Clinging to the shadow when the reality is given every Sunday in the Lord’s Supper turns salvation into nostalgia instead of participation.

➡️ Jesus Predicts That Peter Will Deny Him

Immediately after this, Jesus predicts Peter’s denial.

Though Peter insists that he won’t, Jesus tells him the rooster will crow twice before he denies Him three times.

The disciples all join Peter in pledging loyalty.

This exchange shows the danger of turning Jesus’ words into challenges instead of warnings. Jesus wasn’t testing Peter — He was preparing him.

But Peter, in pride, saw it as a chance to prove himself. Like us, he wanted to be the hero. Salvation doesn’t rest on our performance — it rests on Christ.

The Lord’s Supper isn’t a ritual for the strong. It’s a gift for the weak, the scattered, and the sinful — for Peter, for you, for me.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

The Lord’s Supper: Nostalgia or Sacrament?

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4RWVFX21pdkhGUTByWVBhWlJjR3BUdC45NkVENTkxRDdCQUFBMDY4

A Bible Study of Mark 14:1-11

➡️ The Pharisees Plot to Kill Jesus

It was now two days before Passover. The chief priests and scribes sought to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him, yet feared causing an uproar during the feast.

Their need for secrecy spoke volumes — if they were truly doing God's work, why hide in darkness?

Since the beginning of Mark's gospel, they had been at odds with Jesus, looking for ways to destroy him.

Even back in chapter three, they allegedly planted a man with a withered hand in the synagogue to test if Jesus would heal on the Sabbath.

Their secretive plotting revealed their fear — not of wrongdoing, but of the people's reaction.

They were fully committed to silencing Jesus, willing to employ dangerous and evil methods.

➡️ Jesus Anointed at Bethany

While at Simon the leper's house in Bethany, a woman approached Jesus with an alabaster flask of pure nard, costly ointment worth a year's wages.

Breaking the flask, she poured it over his head.

Some became indignant, asking why such waste when it could have been sold for over 300 denarii and given to the poor.

Jesus defended her: "Leave her alone. Why trouble her?

She has done a beautiful thing.

The poor you always have with you—whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me."

He explained she had anointed his body for his coming burial.

What she did would be remembered wherever the gospel was proclaimed. (And it is!)

➡️ Judas Decides to Betray Jesus

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus.

They were glad and promised him money.

Judas sought opportunity to betray him.

The contrast is striking — the woman spent extravagantly to honor Jesus while Judas sought payment to betray him.

While some saw her act as wasteful, Jesus recognized it as faith.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

The Plot, the Annointing & the Betrayal

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4RWVFX21pdkhGUTByWVBhWlJjR3BUdC4zQzFBN0RGNzNFREFCMjBE

Mark 13 may appear frightening with its talk of the "abomination of desolation" and cosmic disturbances, but it actually contains profound comfort for Christians.

When Jesus speaks of the "abomination of desolation standing where it ought not to be," He's giving us a sign.

Some interpret this as the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in 70 AD, while others see it pointing toward Christ's crucifixion itself — the ultimate moment when the innocent bore what should have been our punishment.

Throughout this chapter, Jesus doesn't aim to terrify us but to prepare us.

The warnings about tribulation, false prophets, and cosmic signs aren't meant to create anxiety but to reassure: "This world, with all its brokenness, is not your final home."

Notice Jesus' practical advice: when things get difficult, flee to safety. Don't try to salvage your possessions.

This is solid spiritual guidance — we aren't called to fix everything that's broken in this world. Some suffering simply can't be eliminated this side of glory.

The good news shines through when Jesus says, "For the sake of the elect, whom He chose, He shortened the days."

God limits our suffering and preserves us through faith until the end.

When Jesus speaks of the Son of Man coming in clouds with power and glory, He's describing not just judgment but salvation — the angels gathering His elect from the ends of the earth.

The fig tree illustration reminds us that these signs aren't meant to frighten but to encourage — summer is coming! The difficult seasons will end.

Jesus tells us to "stay awake" — not through anxious vigilance but by remaining where Christ has promised to be through Word and Sacrament.

This isn't a burden but a gift.

Mark 13 isn't a chapter of doom but of profound hope.

Even in the darkest times, lift up your heads — your redemption draws near.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Mark 13: 14-37: The Abomination of Desolation, The Fig Tree & More

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4RWVFX21pdkhGUTByWVBhWlJjR3BUdC5GNDg1Njc1QzZERjlFRjE5

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Is Wealth Evil?

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4SGZHYnRIQ1lNekRyZENFZW5iUGp3Vi4wMTYxQzVBRDI1NEVDQUZE

In Genesis 13, we continue with Abram after his sin in Egypt where he trafficked his wife Sarai to Pharaoh.

Yet God remained faithful, returning Sarai to her husband and preserving the line of Christ.

Abram leaves Egypt wealthy, riches that came from Pharaoh.

These possessions would serve as daily reminders of his sin.

He returns to Bethel where he'd begun, and there he worships, recognizing his need for God's forgiveness.

Now both Abram and his nephew Lot have grown wealthy, and their flocks need more space.

Abram graciously offers Lot first choice of land even though as the elder, he could have claimed the best for himself.

Lot chooses the lush Jordan Valley, which looks prosperous and appealing. But this valley contains Sodom and Gomorrah, foreshadowing trouble ahead.

This reveals an important truth: We're tempted to chase what looks lush and prosperous: better jobs, wealthier communities, more worldly goods.

While wealth isn't evil (God gives daily bread to believers and unbelievers alike), it brings temptation.

Money isn't the root of all evil, but the love of money is. Wealth gives us control, which can be used for great good or great damage.

The church was never called to be wealthy or powerful but faithful.

When choosing colleges or careers, we shouldn't just ask "Will I make good money?" but "Where will I worship? What community will surround me?"

Lot chose wealth over Godly community, and there were real consequences for him and his daughters.

God in His mercy sometimes prevents us from having the wealth that would tempt us into destructive decisions.

Even when we fail, He doesn't tie our salvation to our performance. He brings forgiveness and hope through Christ.

The chapter closes with Abram building an altar to the Lord, reminded again of God's promise: Jesus is coming.

Contributor Michelle Bauman is the Director of Y4Life.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #genesis

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Life Issues in Genesis 13: Abram and Lot Divide the Land

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4SGZHYnRIQ1lNekRyZENFZW5iUGp3Vi4wNEU1MTI4NkZEMzVBN0JF

In this episode of Life Issues in Genesis, we are diving into Genesis 12 where God gives Abram a few promises and then Abram and Sarai travel to Egypt in search of more fertile land.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

What do we make of Patriarchs in the Bible who are both sinner and saint?
What makes Abram a saint?
Why does Abram ask Sarai to pretend she’s his sister when they arrive in Egypt?
What happens as a result of this decision?
How does this impact Sarah?
How does this impact Pharaoh?
How does God react to this situation?
What can we learn from this situation for the times when we sin and cause life issues?

Contributor Michelle Bauman is the Director of Y4Life.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #genesis

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Life Issues in Genesis 12 w/ Pastor Harrison Goodman & Michelle Bauman

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4SGZHYnRIQ1lNekRyZENFZW5iUGp3Vi43NERCMDIzQzFBMERCMEE3

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4SGZHYnRIQ1lNekRyZENFZW5iUGp3Vi5GNjAwN0Y0QTFGOTVDMEMy

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Not Contigent on You Doing the Right Thing

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4SGZHYnRIQ1lNekRyZENFZW5iUGp3Vi5CQkEwRDA0MDkwNUM2MDY1

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

It's Rooted in Fear

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4SGZHYnRIQ1lNekRyZENFZW5iUGp3Vi4zMEQ1MEIyRTFGNzhDQzFB

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

A Question of His Character

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4SGZHYnRIQ1lNekRyZENFZW5iUGp3Vi42Qzk5MkEzQjVFQjYwRDA4

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Sin Divides, Christ Unites

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4SGZHYnRIQ1lNekRyZENFZW5iUGp3Vi41NTZEOThBNThFOUVGQkVB

In this episode of Life Issues in Genesis, we are diving into Genesis 11 where we learn about the Tower of Babel, and we get to meet Abram for the first time.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

How was the Tower of Babel a breaking of the of first commandment?
Why did God want to break up this building project?
How was the motivation behind the Tower or Babel is rooted in fear
How is the Tower of Babel story is connected to Pentacost
How do we have a tendency to look for other “saviors” who aren’t Jesus
How does only Christ give us something that endures
Who are Abram and Sarai?
How is the messianic line supposed to come through Abram if Sarai is barren?
Where do we find Jesus in these stories?

Contributor Michelle Bauman is the Director of Y4Life.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #genesis

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Life Issues in Genesis 11

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4SGZHYnRIQ1lNekRyZENFZW5iUGp3Vi4xMzgwMzBERjQ4NjEzNUE5

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Generational Trauma

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4SGZHYnRIQ1lNekRyZENFZW5iUGp3Vi41RTNBREYwMkI5QzU3RkY2

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Find a Church at College

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4SGZHYnRIQ1lNekRyZENFZW5iUGp3Vi5ENjI1QUI0MDI5NEQzODFE

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

If You Catch Yourself Far, Far Down the Path

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4SGZHYnRIQ1lNekRyZENFZW5iUGp3Vi44QzVGQUU2QjE2NDgxM0M4

Sinners & Saints in Genesis 12: When Abram Trafficked Sarai

🤔 Ever notice how sometimes the "heroes" in Bible stories aren't exactly perfect? Let's talk about Abraham in Genesis 12 - it's not your typical Sunday school lesson! 📖

✨ Abraham starts off strong — he hears God's amazing promises (land, kids, becoming a great nation) and responds with faith, even at 75! But then things get messy... 😬

🌵 When a famine hits, he and Sarah head to Egypt, but Abraham was so scared for his own life that he told his wife Sarah to pretend she was his sister.

👑 Why? Because he knew Pharaoh would want her (she was beautiful) and might kill him to have her. Instead of protecting his wife, he basically trafficked her to save himself.

💰 Even worse? He accepted gifts from Pharaoh in exchange for her.

✅ But here's why this story matters for us today:

▶ 🎭 Even the "heroes" of faith were sinners
▶ 😱 Fear can make us do terrible things to people we love
▶ 💔 Sin creates real trauma (imagine how Sarah felt!)
▶ ✝️ God still shows up, even in our worst moments
▶ 🌟 Your past mistakes don't define your identity, the gospel does. You are holy, forgiven, and pure.

🤯 The wild part? God didn't give up on either of them. He stepped in, protected Sarah, and kept His promises to them both — even though Abraham majorly messed up.

❤️‍🩹 If you've hurt others? Own it and repent, but know that there is forgiveness and healing on the other end.

✨ That's the whole point: God's love isn't based on your perfect record. Our salvation and identity in Christ depends on His faithfulness, not ours. Whether you're the one who messed up or the one who got hurt, God promises forgiveness, life, and salvation.

✝️ This happens through the death of His Son.

Contributor Michelle Bauman is the Director of Y4Life.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #genesis12

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Abram: The Sinner and Saint in Genesis 12

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4SF9kdGdaTVdsUjREQjlwWmItaF9HcS4zMzI1MzRGNURGODI4MkVC

Ever felt bored in church and wondered, "Is this even working? Does this mean I’m not really saved?"

You're not alone.

Here's the truth: Boredom doesn't determine your salvation.

The power of God's Word works regardless of how you feel about it.

American Christianity often measures faith by emotions, but that's not the true measure of faith.

What to remember when you're bored:

✅ Your salvation isn't dependent on perfect attention or emotional experiences.
✅ It's based on what Jesus has done for you.
✅ The Word does what God promises, whether you feel it or not.

Practical tips:

✅ Keep showing up, even when it's boring
✅ When your mind wanders, gently bring it back
✅ Take notes during the sermon
✅ Write down distracting thoughts so you can let them go

Church might seem boring sometimes, but that repetition serves you when life is anything but boring — in hospitals, during stressful times, or when it feels like everything is falling apart.

Recognize this struggle as one more area where you need Jesus. Even your inability to pay attention is covered by His grace.

Remember: God loves you and meets you exactly where you are — fidgety, distracted, bored and all.

Your feelings don't determine His faithfulness.

Contributor Chris Brademeyer is Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Oakes, ND.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #church

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

If I’m Bored in Church, Am I Saved?

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4SF9kdGdaTVdsUjREQjlwWmItaF9HcS40MEE4MzM5MDQwOUEyQUZB

How Do We Bring Unity to the Church? 🤔

We might think unity comes from what we do – our efforts, programs, or activities. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

True unity isn't something we create — it's something we receive as a gift from God. 🎁 It comes through His Word and through Jesus. ✝️

Think about Pentecost: The Holy Spirit brought thousands together not through team-building exercises, but through a simple message: 🕊️

"You're sinners. Jesus died for you. Get baptized for the forgiveness of your sins." 🌊

Fellowship also isn't about something we're doing. It points to something Jesus gives us through His Spirit, Word, and Sacraments. 🍞🍷

But if unity comes from God, why are there so many denominations? 🤷‍♀️
➡️While Jesus unites, false teachings divide. ⚔️

Unity isn't ignoring differences — it's standing together in truth. 🧩

It's like a fire drill at school. Everyone needs the same belief about what to do when the alarm rings (or it will be chaos). 🚨

Similarly, when someone faces sin and death, we need one clear message of hope through Jesus. ✝️

You might not always feel united with other Christians, just like you might not always feel close to family members. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Real unity doesn't depend on feelings. It's based on what God has already done by connecting us to Jesus when we became his children. 👶

When we're tied to Jesus as your head, you're automatically tied together with other Christians to His body - AKA, other Christians. 👐

True unity flows from receiving God's gifts together: one Lord, one faith, one baptism. 1️⃣

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Marsh Shamburger is Pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Rocklin, CA.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #churchunity

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

How Do WE Bring Unity to the Church?

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4SF9kdGdaTVdsUjREQjlwWmItaF9HcS5DQ0NEMjhGODBDMzAyRTUz

In John 10:10, Jesus says, "I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly." ✨ But what does that actually mean? 🤔

If life is supposed to be abundant, why does it sometimes feel so hard? 😔

Jesus doesn’t ignore the fact that there’s evil in the world. 💔 In the same verse, He warns about thieves who come to steal, kill, and destroy. 🏴‍☠️

But He also promises that He is the Good Shepherd, 🐑💖 the one who lays down His life for His sheep — that’s you and me. 🙌

So what does abundant life look like? 🤷‍♂️ It’s not about having an easy, problem-free existence. 🚫 Jesus never promised that.

Instead, abundant life means that even when you face struggles, pain, and doubts, ⛰️ you are never alone. 🤝 You belong to Him. 💙

Your life is so secure in Jesus that nothing — not sin, not suffering, not even death — can take it away. ✝️🔒

The church isn’t perfect; it’s full of sinners, hypocrites, and yes, even thieves and robbers. 😬⛪ But that doesn’t mean Jesus has abandoned it.

In fact, the presence of opposition only confirms that we are in the right place. 🎯🔥

The Good Shepherd is still here, speaking to us, 📖 carrying us when we fall, 🤗 and feeding us with His grace. 🍞

Abundant life isn’t about worldly success. 💰🚗🏡 It’s about knowing that Jesus died and rose for you. ✝️🌅

It’s about hope that can’t be stolen and a love that never runs out. 💛✨

No matter how dark things seem, 🌑 the Good Shepherd hasn’t left. ❤️

He’s right here, offering you life that even death can’t take away. 🎉

That’s real abundance. 🙌💖

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

What Did Jesus REALLY Mean by ‘Abundant Life’?

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4SF9kdGdaTVdsUjREQjlwWmItaF9HcS43ODUxQUQzOEI2RDEwM0FG

Let's talk about self-hatred. 😔💭

It’s something we all deal with at some point.

When battling self-hatred, it’s easy to get caught in an endless cycle of thinking about ourselves. 🔄 (The same goes with too much self-love.)

We know our mistakes and secrets better than anyone, and we assume if others knew everything, they'd hate us, too. 💔

But here's the truth: some people know us better than you realize, and they still love us. ❤️

More importantly, God knows everything about us — even things we haven't done yet — and chooses to love us anyway. ✝️💖

Remember C.S. Lewis's wisdom: "True humility isn't thinking less of yourself. It's thinking of yourself less." 🧠✨

Both excessive self-love and self-hatred keep us focused on ourselves rather than on God and others. 🙏

When self-hatred flares up, here are some things that might help:

✔️ Recognize your identity comes from outside yourself.
God calls you His beloved child. 👑💙

✔️ You're not allowed to hate what God loves, and He says you're worthy of love because Jesus paid for that love with His precious blood. 💞🩸

✔️ Talk to someone.
Don't hide your feelings. Talk to friends, parents, or pastors who can remind you of God's grace. 🗣️🤝

✔️ Seek confession and absolution.
There's a comfort in hearing someone say, "Jesus died for that. You're still loved." ✝️🤍

✔️ Look for the good God works through you.
God not only loves you, calls you worthy of love, but then He does things worth loving through you. 🌱✨

Self-hatred is a daily battle because we sin daily, but remember this truth daily — God says you’re worthy of love and you are worth more than gold and silver. 💰💖 You are worth the precious blood He shed for you. 🩸🙏

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Amelia is a college student and HT’s assistant webmaster.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #selfhatred

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

As Christians, How Do We Overcome Self-Hatred?

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4SF9kdGdaTVdsUjREQjlwWmItaF9HcS41ODEzODFCRDIzQURGRjU5

🤔 Ever wonder what forgiveness really means? It's not just something you create from your own heart — it comes from Jesus

🙏 When you pray "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us," that "as" is key. It means "in the same way."

💫 Your forgiveness and the forgiveness you extend to others both come from the same source — Jesus on the cross ✝️

💭 Think about it: Jesus died for everyone's sins — yours and the person who hurt you. When God forgives, it's complete.

🧹 Your sins don't just get reduced — they're erased entirely, "separated as far as east is from west." 🌎↔️🌏

❤️‍🩹 This matters because if you think forgiveness has to come from your heart, you'll always struggle.

🤷 How can you truly erase someone's debt to you when you're still hurting? You can't — but Jesus can! ✨

👀 When you look at the cross, you see two things:

1️⃣ Your sins are forgiven ✅
2️⃣ Your enemy's sins are forgiven too ✅

⚖️ The justice you're looking for already happened on the cross. Jesus took the punishment for everyone.

When your heart 💔 struggles to forgive, don't beat yourself up. Instead, look to the cross again. Remember that all forgiveness — both what you receive and what you share — comes from Jesus. ✝️

This transforms people from enemies into brothers and sisters. We're joined together by the same gift of forgiveness. 💝

💪 So when you're finding it hard to forgive someone, remember: you don't have to create forgiveness from nothing. ⚫

Go to the cross ✝️, receive more forgiveness for yourself, and let that same forgiveness flow through you to others. 🌊

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #forgiveness

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

What Does It Mean to Forgive?

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4SF9kdGdaTVdsUjREQjlwWmItaF9HcS5FMTRBMDgyN0ZFQjY4Mzkw

❓Are kids allowed to date if they're Christian? 🤔✝️

For Christians, dating isn't just a recreational activity — it has purpose. 🎯 You're exploring whether this person could be a potential life partner in marriage. 💍

This means having real conversations about faith, values, and future goals. 🙏💭

Unlike what society often portrays, love isn't just a feeling — it's an action. ❤️🚶‍♂️
Real love means being willing to sacrifice for someone else. 🤲

In dating, you're discovering if this is someone you're willing to commit to, build a life with, and sacrifice yourself for. 🏗️🏠

Some practical wisdom:

▶️ Set clear boundaries. Physical affection easily crosses into territory that you might regret later. 🛑⚠️
▶️ Practice chastity — this means making choices now that lead to a healthy marriage in the future. 👑🔒

Remember that physical intimacy connects souls, not just bodies. Like fire, sex is wonderful in the right place (marriage) but destructive outside of it. 🔥

You will make mistakes. Everyone does. The good news is that Jesus offers forgiveness and grace for every sin, including against the sixth commandment. 🙌

When you mess up, don't run from God — run to Him through confession and absolution. 🏃‍♀️🙏

Confession and forgiveness are also key ingredients in a healthy marriage. 💯

One thing to look for when dating is if you will be able to forgive the person when he or she betrays you? It will happen. 🤝

Just as Christ forgives the church, so husbands and wives forgive each other. ✝️

It all builds on the forgiveness we receive in Jesus. 💖

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Chris Brademeyer is Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Oakes, ND.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #christiandating

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Should You Be Dating? A Conversation for Christian Teens

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4SF9kdGdaTVdsUjREQjlwWmItaF9HcS5DOTNDNjAwMzFFNUY5NzYy

❓What is Redemption?

🛍️ Think of redemption like purchase – but in this case, it's the most important purchase ever made.

🎫 Just as you might redeem a coupon at a store, Jesus redeemed you, but not with money.

❤️ Instead, He purchased you with something far more precious: His own holy and precious blood and His innocent suffering and death.

✨ Here's what makes this so incredible: your value isn't determined by what you can do or who you are.

💎 In life, things are worth what someone is willing to pay for them. (If someone is willing to pay $10K for a diamond, that's what it's worth.)

💫 By this measure, you are priceless because Jesus paid the ultimate price for you.

🤗 He saw everything about you — even the parts you might be ashamed of — and still chose to pay that enormous price.

👶 Through this redemption, God pays the price for you to become His child.

🌱 While we want to be independent, we are "owned" by God, and He gives us our identity.

🏡 We are owned by someone who cares for us, and we don't have to earn our worth.

💝 You're a precious possession that's been bought at an enormous price.

🎁 Unlike those impulse purchases we sometimes make and forget about, God cherishes you and continues to care for you.

⚓ This identity as one of God's redeemed children can't be taken away from you, even in difficult times.

🌅 While you might have painful moments, they don't change your worth or who you are.

✝️ You're someone Christ has bought with a price, someone Jesus saves. That's your permanent identity, and it's a tremendous source of comfort.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #redemption

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Someone Already Paid the Highest Price For You

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4SF9kdGdaTVdsUjREQjlwWmItaF9HcS4yNjFFMzVEMkVDRTRDOEMz

Here's what you need to know about Jesus ✝️ and the Old Testament 📖

When you look at what Jesus says about the Old Testament, it's actually quite simple — it's all about Him. 👑

Christ isn't just the center of scripture — He's actually the author of all of it, both Old and New Testaments. ✍️

You can see this connection clearly when comparing biblical events. 🔍

Take the story where Jesus calms the storm — the winds and waves recognize His voice because it's the same voice that spoke at creation in Genesis. 🌊

Or consider the cloud that appears at Jesus's transfiguration — it's the same divine presence that led the Israelites in Exodus. ☁️

If you've ever found the Old Testament puzzling (like those ancient battles or ceremonial laws), here's the key: they make sense when you see Jesus in them. 🗝️

Take David and Goliath — it's not a lesson in how to be brave. It's about God protecting the lineage that would lead to Jesus, with David's victory over Goliath echoing the promise that the Messiah would crush evil. ⚔️

Sometimes people think the Old Testament (with its wars and laws) contradicts the New Testament's message of love. But that's only if you remove Jesus from the picture. ❤️

When you keep Him at the center, you'll see remarkable consistency throughout the entire Bible. It's one unified story of salvation. 🌟

The Apostle Paul understood this. When he went to synagogues to teach about Jesus, he used the Old Testament to make his case. Why? Because all of scripture - starting with Genesis funnels into Christ. 📜

So when you read the Old Testament, Jesus invites you to look for Him in its pages. 👀

If you haven't found Jesus in an Old Testament story, you might want to take another look - because He's there, weaving together God's story of salvation for you. 🫶

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #oldtestament

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

How the Old and New Testaments Are Actually One Book

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4SF9kdGdaTVdsUjREQjlwWmItaF9HcS4wOEE0NEE4QTk1RTc0MUJB

What is the difference between justification and sanctification? 🤔

Let’s break it down. ✂️

Justification is God’s completed work of saving you through Jesus’s death and resurrection. ✝️

You don’t contribute anything to it — it’s purely God’s grace through faith. 🙏

When you’re justified, you’re declared innocent because Jesus took your punishment. ⚖️

It’s done, finished, complete. ✅

Sanctification is God’s ongoing work of making you holy through the Holy Spirit, using His Word and sacraments. 🔥📖💧

Think of it like this: every day, the old Adam is drowned, and a new man emerges. 🌊🆕

Must Christians do good works? Yes. Just like an apple tree naturally produces apples. 🍎🌳

While you’re alive, you live at the intersection of these two things. 🛤️

The key is to avoid measuring with “Is it working?” and instead ask “Is it true?” ❓✅

Both justification and sanctification are God’s work, not yours. 🎁

The apparent tension between them exists because we live in the “now and not yet” — the time between Christ’s resurrection and our own. ⏳✝️

When you want assurance about your justification, don’t look at yourself — look at Jesus’s death and resurrection. 👀✝️

The same goes for sanctification. 🙌

The best place to measure your sanctification isn’t by looking at yourself but at the communion rail and baptismal font, where God gives His gifts to forgive sinners. 🍞🍷💦

Think of sanctification in action as the church at work: sinners encouraging and forgiving each other, proclaiming the cross to one another, hearing absolution from their pastor. ⛪❤️✝️

It’s God’s daily work in you, making you holy through His Word and sacraments, shaping you into what He declared “good” at creation. 🌍✨

Both justification and sanctification are true, both are yours, and both are God’s gifts to you. 🎁🙌

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #justification

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

What’s the Difference Between Justification and Sanctification?

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4SF9kdGdaTVdsUjREQjlwWmItaF9HcS4wRjA0RDE2QTUwMTk2MkY2

🤔 What is repentance, and why is it important?

🙏 Repentance isn't just about feeling sorry for your sins.

It's a two-part process that includes:
💔 Contrition (acknowledging your wrongs)
✨ Hope (faith in God's mercy)

🌟 In other words, when you repent, you're not just feeling guilty; you're trusting that God will forgive you.

💭 Think of it like this: If you break something valuable and know the punishment will be severe, you might try to blame others — the dog, gravity, or circumstances.

➡️ But real repentance means admitting your fault (not blaming anyone else) because you believe in God’s truth and mercy.

⚖️ When you're exposed to the law, it produces contrition — you recognize where you've fallen short.

🙏When you hear the gospel, it creates hope — you trust in His forgiveness.

🌱 Both these responses might be imperfect in this life, and that's okay.

⚓ You don't need to measure how sorry you feel or how strong your faith is. Instead, focus on Christ, who rose from the grave.

🎯 The importance of repentance lies in giving you somewhere to take your sins. You shouldn't have them, but since you do, Jesus gives you a place to take them.

⛪ Through baptism, communion, and the church, you have concrete places to receive this forgiveness.

🌅 Rather than trying to bury your sins or become numb to them (which doesn't solve the underlying problem), you can bring them to Jesus.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #repentance

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

What Is Repentance and Why Is It Important?

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4SF9kdGdaTVdsUjREQjlwWmItaF9HcS5CMTk0M0ExREZBODAzNDUw

🤔 What does Jesus say about facing death?

⏰ It's a reality we all must confront, even though we often get caught up in our daily routines and become numb to this truth.

✝️ But here's the beautiful thing – Jesus offers you profound comfort and peace about death.

🗣️ Remember when Jesus held intimate conversations with his disciples? He emphasized being alert and awake, not just about his second coming, but about the reality of our mortality.

⚰️ The early church had a saying: "memento mori" (remember your death). This doesn't mean YOLO! 🎉

⚖️ Instead, it's about confronting the fact that you will be judged. So, go to the place where you will be judged: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

⛪ Where is that? Church.

🎵 Every single week the church prepares you to die because it teaches you your funeral hymn.

👶 In Luke 2, when Simeon held the baby Jesus, he said he could now "depart in peace" because he had seen salvation.

🙌 (Here's the cool part: We sing these very words every week in our liturgy!)

🕊️ This is the peace Jesus offers you — the assurance that death isn't the end, but a transition to being with Him.

🍷 Through communion, you participate in what Jesus called "the marriage feast of the lamb."

🍞 Each time you receive His body and blood, you're reminded that you can depart in peace because your sins are forgiven, and where Jesus is, you will be also.

⚔️ Jesus's message about death is an invitation to rest in the assurance that He has conquered death for you.

⚡ You don't need to fear judgment because He has already paid the price and received the judgement we deserve in our place.

🌟 Whether you live another fifty years or face death tomorrow, you can have peace knowing that in Christ, death has lost its sting.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

Contributor Matt Richard is Pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot, ND.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #christiandeath

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Remember Your Death

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4SF9kdGdaTVdsUjREQjlwWmItaF9HcS4yMDAwMzEwNzAzNENFRTUw

We know that Jesus had a body — he was born, lived, died, rose again, and ascended to heaven where He sits at the right hand of the Father.

There's another body of Christ, too — the Church.

But what exactly is it and why does it matter?

Being part of Christ's body isn't just a nice metaphor. It's real and tangible.

When you belong to the church, you receive specific gifts and gain brothers and sisters in Christ.

Church is where Jesus promises to be. It's where we eat His body and drink His blood. It's where forgiveness happens.

Not going to church would be like spiritually starving yourself.

Our faith needs nourishment just like our bodies do. The body follows the head, and the head is Jesus.

It’s not going to look perfect. The church is full of sinners, but the good news is that Jesus is really good at saving people like us.

Your salvation isn't something that can be reversed. There are no take-backsies with Jesus.

Even when you mess up (and you will), even when the people around you are just as broken (and they are), Jesus keeps forgiving.

The body will follow where the head leads — and the head rose from the dead.

When you go to church and hear Jesus preached, receive absolution, and take communion, you're with Jesus.

You're already connected to the resurrection because He conquered sin and death.

Your faith is about going to Jesus, who is in your church through the Holy Spirit.

There, you become part of His body.

Contributor Deaconess Emma Heinz serves as the Registrar of Higher Things.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #bodyofchrist

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

What Does it Mean That We Are Christ’s Body

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4RnVFS2g5VDNVbWNwQ2dwOGE5QVJ1TC4yMDhBMkNBNjRDMjQxQTg1

When life feels too heavy, you are not alone in your struggle.❤️‍🩹

In Philippians 1, the Apostle Paul may have been wrestling with wanting to die when he wrote: "To live is Christ, to die is gain."

He was likely feeling the weight of beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonment. (In fact, he was in prison when he wrote that.)

When everything hurts and we wonder why we should keep going, remember this truth: two things can be good at once . . .

It's good to look forward to being with Christ eternally, AND it's good to remain here now.

Your life matters. It matters so much that Jesus came to undo death by dying for you.

Some days are unbearably painful. Some days the darkness feels overwhelming. But here's what you need to know:

You can't outrun God's grace. Nothing — not even your darkest thoughts — is bigger than Jesus and what He's done for you.

When you're struggling:

➡️ Talk to someone. Your pastor, parents, friends, or a hotline. You don't have to carry this alone.

➡️ Get to church. Not because it instantly fixes everything, but because that's where Jesus meets you with His gifts of grace.

➡️ Let others help you. On days when you can barely get out of bed, let someone else drag you to where Jesus is — or bring Jesus to you.

➡️ Remember your baptism. You belong to Christ. Nothing — not even your darkest thoughts — can separate you from His love.

Christ defines what is good — not our feelings. And He says YOU are worthy, loved and necessary.

Remember: Jesus isn't distant when you're hurting, and his mercy is deeper than any darkness.

He's right there in the Word, the sacraments, and the people He's placed around you.

You are His baptized child, and nothing can change that.

The God who defeated death will never abandon you to fight alone. ✝️

Contributor Deaconess Emma Heinz serves as the Registrar of Higher Things.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #mentalhealth

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Finding Christ in Your Darkest Moments

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4RnVFS2g5VDNVbWNwQ2dwOGE5QVJ1TC5ENDU4Q0M4RDExNzM1Mjcy

❓Do Feelings Matter?

What are my feelings in relation to God, other people and ourselves? 🤔

Your emotions matter! 💗

Jesus had them, too — he wept 😢, got angry 😠, and even celebrated at parties 🎉.

From the beginning, God created humans to feel things. Adam was so excited when he met Eve that he broke into song! 🎵

As Christians, we need to avoid two extremes: ↔️
1️⃣ The "just don't feel anything" approach (stereotypically "Lutheran") 🧊
2️⃣ The "if I feel good, God must be happy with me" approach (think televangelism) 🌈✨

The truth is somewhere in the middle. ⚖️

Your emotions are real and valid, but because of sin, they don't always point "true north." 🧭

You can be mad about things God isn't mad about, or love things God doesn't want you to love. ❤️‍🩹

The Psalms are full of emotions — from deep sadness to immense joy. 🥹

When you're feeling sad, you can pray a sad psalm. But notice how the Psalms usually end with hope in God's love and help. 🙏

Here's the good news: Christ not only had emotions, he redeemed them! ✝️

When you feel things . . .
☑️It's okay to feel them — God made you this way 👍
☑️ Check them against Scripture — emotions aren't your God 📖
☑️ Seek help when needed — from friends, pastors, or counselors 🤝

Sometimes you'll have to sit with difficult emotions for a while. ⏳

God's timing often feels terrible to us, but he provides promises to focus on and people to support you through those seasons. 🌦️

Learning to navigate your emotions is lifelong spiritual and emotional growth - emotional sanctification! 🌱

It's not easy, but it's worth it, like physical therapy after breaking a leg. 🦵💪

In the resurrection, your emotions will always point true north again. Until then, Christ gives you his Word to guide you, and forgiveness when you fail. 🌟

Contributor Deaconess Emma Heinz serves as the Registrar of Higher Things.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #emotions

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

As Lutherans, How Should We Treat Feelings and Emotions?

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4RnVFS2g5VDNVbWNwQ2dwOGE5QVJ1TC45RTgxNDRBMzUwRjQ0MDhC

Why do we have bodies and what are they for? 🤔

Our bodies are for our neighbors. 💝

When we think about loving our neighbors, it's easy to want to dodge the hard parts. 🏃‍♂️

We might prefer to care about issues happening far away rather than dealing with the messy relationships right in front of us (because it doesn’t take as much work). 🌍

But love has a specific shape – it looks like sacrifice, like Jesus on the cross. ✝️

Our first neighbors are the people God has specifically placed in our lives through vocations: our family, our classmates 🏫, the people you interact with daily.

These are often the most challenging relationships because we see their sins up close (and they see ours 🫣).

It's much easier to love people from a distance or through social media, where there's no real sacrifice required. 📱

But here's the thing: when we spend all our energy on distant causes while neglecting those close relationships, the people who should be receiving our time and attention end up paying the price. ⚖️

Our families miss out when we're busy being angry on the internet. 😠

The good news is that Jesus shows us what real love looks like. ❤️

He had compassion on everyone — both Jews and Gentiles — and backed it up with action. 🤝

Every miracle He performed was a down payment on undoing sin, pointing toward His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. 🙏

When we're wondering who our neighbor is, ask: "Is this someone for whom Christ died?" (Hint: The answer is always yes.) ✨

This means loving people who are different from us, and sometimes even harder, loving people who are just like us. 🌈

Your role isn't to pay the price for their forgiveness — Jesus already did that. 💫

Instead, you get to point them to hope and forgiveness, over and over again, because love isn't a one-time transaction. It's a gift. 🎁

Contributor Deaconess Emma Heinz serves as the Registrar of Higher Things.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #whybodiesmatter

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

What’s the Point of Having a Body?

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4RnVFS2g5VDNVbWNwQ2dwOGE5QVJ1TC4yMUQyQTQzMjRDNzMyQTMy

Why should we take care of our bodies? 💪

Our bodies are a gift from God 🎁, and while they're not perfect (thanks to sin) 😔, they’re still worth taking care of.

But here's the interesting part: we’re not caring for our bodies to prove our worth to God or anyone else. Instead, we’re maintaining them so we can better serve others. 🤝

Think about it: when we’re exhausted 😴, hungry 🍽️, or unwell 🤒, it’s much harder to be there for our neighbors.

Just as Jesus grew "in wisdom and stature," we too are called to maintain our physical selves — not for vanity's sake 💅, but for service. 🙌

We might struggle with this concept from two different angles:
💃Body image issues — trying to meet impossible standards.
🫠Neglecting our bodies entirely — thinking only spiritual matters count.

Both extremes miss the point: our bodies, minds, and souls are all connected. 🧠💖💪 When one suffers, they all do.

Consider something as simple as sleep. 😴 God created day and night for a reason. When you get enough rest, you’re better equipped to love and serve others.

The same goes for eating well 🥗 and staying active 🏃‍♂️.

It’s not about looking like Captain America 🦸‍♂️ or following the latest fitness trend — it’s about being healthy enough to fulfill our vocations.

This balance can be tricky. ⚖️

Society pushes us to prove our worth through constant busyness 🏃‍♀️ or perfect appearances 📸.

But remember: your worth isn’t in what you can do or how you look. It’s in what Christ has done for you. ✝️

Your body, broken as it may be 😔, is redeemed by Him 🙏 and will be restored in the resurrection. 🌅

So care for yourself — not too little, not too much.

✔️ Get enough sleep 😴
✔️ Eat well 🍎
✔️ Stay active 🚶‍♂️

When we take care of ourselves, we’re better able to love our neighbor ❤️ as Christ loves us. ✝️

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

Contributor Deaconess Emma Heinz serves as the Registrar of Higher Things.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Taking Care of Our Bodies

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4RnVFS2g5VDNVbWNwQ2dwOGE5QVJ1TC41QTY1Q0UxMTVCODczNThE

❓What was Jesus doing the first 29 years of his life?

⏳ Jesus's time before he started his ministry was not wasted.

✨ If he fulfilled the whole of the law, even 15-year-old table-making Jesus matters.

🌟 While we often focus on His miracles and teaching, Jesus actually spent more years not doing ministry than doing it.

🪚 Think about it — Jesus was a carpenter's son. He learned the trade from Joseph, making tables and furniture for specific people in His community.

👥 He lived an ordinary life, fulfilled regular responsibilities, and worked with His hands. He was someone's carpenter before He was known as their Messiah.

🌱 You might feel like your life will "finally start" when you reach some future milestone — getting married, landing that dream job, or making a big difference in the world.

💫 But consider this: if Jesus' time as a teenager and young adult wasn't wasted, neither is yours.

👨‍👦 Jesus lived the vocations given to Him — worker, son, friend, citizen.

📚 He grew in wisdom, which means He had to learn and improve at His craft. He probably even made some wobbly tables while learning carpentry!

✨ This means those "boring" Tuesdays when you're just trying to get through your chores? They're redeemed.

🌟 The seasons when you feel overlooked or ordinary? They matter.

❤️ Loving and serving the specific people God has placed in your life today is meaningful work.

🌍 (And by the way, it's not your job to change or save the world . . . Jesus already did that!)

🎓 Whether you're a student struggling through trigonometry, a parent changing diapers in the middle of the night, or a worker making spreadsheets, your current role has value.

💝 Your worth isn't measured by how many people know your name or how big your impact seems — it's found in faithfully living out your current vocations, serving your specific neighbors in love.

✝️ Christ's death redeems our imperfect efforts in any calling and at any age.

Contributor Deaconess Emma Heinz serves as the Registrar of Higher Things.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

What Was Jesus Doing Before He Started His Ministry?

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4RnVFS2g5VDNVbWNwQ2dwOGE5QVJ1TC4zMDg5MkQ5MEVDMEM1NTg2

🤔 Ever wonder what Jesus was like as a teenager?

🏃‍♂️ There's actually only one story about teen Jesus in the Bible when He ditched his parents to hang at the temple, schooling all the religious leaders.

😅 When his worried parents finally found him, he hit them with the classic "didn't you know I'd be at my Father's house?" - the kind of response that would've gotten most of us grounded.

🙏 But here's what's interesting: despite being literally God, Jesus still submitted to his parents and grew up under their guidance.

👨‍👦 He even honored his stepdad Joseph, no "you're not my real dad, I don't have to listen to you" drama. This shows that family dynamics — even holy ones — are messy.

🤝 Think about your own relationship with your parents. You're probably dealing with the classic tension between honoring them and asserting independence.

✨ The good news? Even Jesus's family wasn't perfect (except for him). His parents didn't always get it right, and that's okay.

💭 Here's something you might not have considered: in Christian families, reconciliation isn't just about kids apologizing to parents. Both sides can admit when they've messed up.

💬 You can go to your parents and say, "Look, we're both God's children here. Can we work this out?"

(It's like a mini-version of what happens in church — forgiveness going both ways.)

❤️ Your parents aren't perfect, but God works through imperfect people.

🌱 When they're being annoying about homework, curfews, or making you eat vegetables, remember: they're trying to take care of you, even if they sometimes mess up.

🤗 The whole parent-child relationship isn't about being flawless — it's about learning to forgive and grow together.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

Contributor Deaconess Emma Heinz serves as the Registrar of Higher Things.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

What Was Jesus Like as a Teenager?

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4RnVFS2g5VDNVbWNwQ2dwOGE5QVJ1TC45ODRDNTg0QjA4NkFBNkQy

Ever thought about how weird it is that God became a baby? 🤔 Not just any baby, but a fetus? 👶

If God could choose any way to enter the world, why start as a tiny cluster of cells? 🧬 Why not just appear as a fully-grown adult, like a superhero dropping from the sky? ⚡️

God chose to experience everything humans do, starting from the very beginning. ✨

And it wasn't glamorous – Jesus wasn't born in a hospital with pain meds and doctors. 🏥

His mom Mary gave birth in what was probably a cave, and then they had to run away to Egypt because a king wanted to kill him. 🏃‍♀️ Pretty messy start for the Son of God, right? 😅

There's this old church teacher named Tertullian who said something profound: "That which Christ did not assume, he did not redeem." 📚

In other words, God became everything that we might think is too messy or shameful, because he wanted to save all of it – not just the nice, clean parts of being human. ❤️

Some people struggle with this idea. They'd rather imagine Jesus as some kind of spiritual being who never really had a physical body (that's called Gnosticism). 👻 It's easier to think of him floating above all the mess of being human. But that misses the whole point. 🤷‍♂️

Jesus didn't come as Superman in a cape. 🦸‍♂️ Instead, he chose to be vulnerable – first as a fetus, then as a baby, and ultimately as someone who died on a cross. ✝️

This tells us something about what real faith looks like: it's not perfect or Instagram-worthy. 📱 Real faith is messy, just like real churches are messy – because they're full of real people with real problems. 💫

The amazing thing is that God promises to be present in all this mess. 🙏 He doesn't say "Clean yourself up first."
Instead, he invites you to church where he can remind you over and over again who you are (his child! 👋) and what he's done for you. ✨

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

Contributor Deaconess Emma Heinz serves as the Registrar of Higher Things.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

What Does It Mean That God Became a Fetus?

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4RnVFS2g5VDNVbWNwQ2dwOGE5QVJ1TC5EMEEwRUY5M0RDRTU3NDJC

🎙️ Welcome to Season 2 of "Why Bodies Matter" with Pastor Harrison Goodman and Deaconess Emma Heinz!

🎬 In this season premiere, we're diving deep into Christianity's first and most persistent heresy: Gnosticism.

📚 But don't worry – we're not just rehashing ancient church history.

✝️ This season explores how Jesus himself addresses Gnosticism through his life, death, and resurrection.

⏳ We'll examine why those "silent" 30 years before Jesus' ministry matter, and what his fully human experience – from embryo to carpenter to crucified Savior – is all about.

Our hosts unpack how Gnosticism shows up in two main ways:👇

1️⃣Either rejecting the physical world as evil while seeking purely spiritual enlightenment
2️⃣ Embracing physical pleasures because "only the spiritual matters"

💫 Both miss the truth that Jesus became fully human while remaining fully God, redeeming both body and soul.

🌟 Throughout this season, we'll explore how Jesus became like us so that we could become like Him.

❤️ We'll discover why the simple truth of Jesus dying on the cross and saying your sins are forgiven isn't just "enough" religion — it's the right amount.

👉 Join us for what promises to be an engaging, occasionally amusing, and meaningful exploration of why our physical existence matters to God.

❓Have questions or topics you'd like us to address in future episodes? Drop them in the comments below!

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

Contributor Deaconess Emma Heinz serves as the Registrar of Higher Things.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #Jesus

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Battle Gnosticism w/ Us | Why Bodies Matter

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4RnVFS2g5VDNVbWNwQ2dwOGE5QVJ1TC5EQUE1NTFDRjcwMDg0NEMz

Season 1, Episode 8: Bodies Matter in Suffering and Trauma
Special guest, Deaconess Emma Heinz joins Erica Sorensen and Pastor Harrison Goodman to discuss the question, if God loves us and is a good God, why do we suffer? Emma explains how our suffering brings us back to Christ who suffered perfectly for us and how this robs suffering of the ability to own us, giving us hope and freedom.

“The suffering that I have endured has uniquely gifted me to care for other people going through the same.”
-Deaconess Emma Heinz

Guest Bio: Emma serves as the Registrar for Higher Things. She has long admired the mission of Higher Things and its vital role in the spiritual formation of the youth and young adults of the church. She believes that the traditions of the church are a great gift that must be shared for generations, as through them, we see Christ crucified and His love for sinners. As the registrar for HT, Emma seeks to provide grace-filled service to all and loves the behind-the-scenes work, knowing that God works even these small things into good for those who love Him.

Bible Links: https://www.esv.org/Matthew+27/ , https://www.esv.org/Psalm+22/ , https://www.esv.org/John+19/ , https://www.esv.org/Psalm+103/
Apostle's Creed: https://catechism.cph.org/en/creed.html

Higher Things is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Please consider supporting our podcast by donating today: https://higherthings.org/about/giving/:

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Why Bodies Matter in Suffering and Trauma

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4RnVFS2g5VDNVbWNwQ2dwOGE5QVJ1TC4wMTcyMDhGQUE4NTIzM0Y5

Season 1, Episode 7: Bodies Matter in Parenthood/Adulthood
Special guest, Dr. Scott Keith joins Erica Sorensen and Pastor Harrison Goodman to discuss the ways we have been misled by the world, our sinful flesh, the devil to view God’s gift of family. We unpack how God uniquely gifts individuals as parents and children through Christ to hear and receive the good news of our forgiveness in His suffering, death, and resurrection.

“We always talked to our kids like they were people, and not like they were kids.”
-Dr. Scott Keith

Guest Bio: Scott Keith is the Executive Director of 1517. He is a co-host of The Thinking Fellows Podcast and a contributor to 1517. He is also the author of "Being Dad: Father as a Picture of God’s Grace." He earned his doctorate from Foundation House Oxford, under the sponsorship of the Graduate Theological Foundation, studying under Dr. James A. Nestingen.
https://www.1517.org/about
https://shop.1517.org/products/being-dad?_pos=1&_sid=cb9fcfd33&_ss=r

Bible Links: https://www.esv.org/John+10/ , https://www.esv.org/Matthew+27/ , https://www.esv.org/Genesis+1/
Other Links: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=generations+by+jean+twenge&hvadid=656366719427&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9031217&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=8677936417748540503&hvtargid=kwd-2023881905664&hydadcr=15526_13558562&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_8f1b4y6sri_e by Jean M. Twenge, Ph.D.

Higher Things is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Please consider supporting our podcast by donating today: https://higherthings.org/about/giving/

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Why Bodies Matter in Parenthood

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4RnVFS2g5VDNVbWNwQ2dwOGE5QVJ1TC4xMkVGQjNCMUM1N0RFNEUx

Season 1, Episode 6: Bodies Matter in Marriage
Special guests, Allison Hull and Pastor Chris Hull join Erica Sorensen and Pastor Harrison Goodman to discuss the joy and sacrifice that is the one-flesh union of marriage and how it points us to Christ and His bride, the Church.

“Marriage is a training ground for spirituality.”
-Pastor Christ Hull

Guests Bios: Pastor Chris Hull and his wife and rib, Allison Hull, are the parents to five crazy boys, Lonny, Manny, Ty, Jamie and Killian and one girl, Avonlea. He is the senior pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Student Center in Macomb, IL. Pastor Hull met his wife at Concordia University in River Forest, from where they both graduated in 2006. He graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN in 2010. He is currently in the Doctor of Ministry program at Fort Wayne. Pastor Hull is a regular speaker and contributor to Higher Things content.

Bible Links: https://www.esv.org/Genesis+2/ , https://www.esv.org/Hosea+13/ , https://www.esv.org/Psalm+37/ , https://www.esv.org/Genesis+2/ , https://www.esv.org/Ecclesiastes+4/ , https://hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/724

Higher Things is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Please consider supporting our podcast by donating today: https://higherthings.org/about/giving/

If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTGospel4All

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
------
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings

Why Bodies Matter in Marriage

YouTube Video UEwwbnh1SXpZaFU4RnVFS2g5VDNVbWNwQ2dwOGE5QVJ1TC4wOTA3OTZBNzVEMTUzOTMy