Episode Show Notes
This week we are joined by Professor Stephen Geiger, who teaches New Testament and education at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wisconsin. He also hosts a YouTube channel called His Word 360.
Professor Geiger shares how his ministry, whether in the seminary, his church, or his family, focuses on equipping people to use God's Word to fight their own spiritual battles.
The conversation delves into the genealogies of Jesus found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, highlighting how each was crafted by the Holy Spirit to connect with a specific audience. Matthew's genealogy traces Jesus's line back to Abraham for a Jewish audience, while Luke's traces it back to Adam for a Gentile audience. This serves as a powerful model for missionaries to apply the same gospel message in culturally sensitive ways, without compromising its truth.
The discussion also explores the concept of God's "long game" in salvation history. Professor Geiger uses the Abrahamic covenant as an example of God's 2,000-year plan, a period that culminated at Pentecost when the gospel began to be spread to the entire world. This perspective provides encouragement for missionaries who may not see immediate results, reminding them that their responsibility is the work, while the results belong to God.
Finally, the episode highlights the story of the demon-possessed man whom Jesus commanded to "go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you". This simple testimony serves as a model for all believers, proving that simplicity is not deficiency when sharing the Gospel.
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
His Word 360 YouTube Channel: The YouTube channel hosted by Professor Stephen Geiger.
Forward in Christ: The official publication of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS).
Common Terms and Links on Jesus and Jetlag
WELS = Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (wels.net)
WLS = Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon Wisconsin (wisluthsem.org)
BWM = WELS Board for World Missions
CICR = Commission on Inter-Church Relations of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Vicar = a pastoral intern in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran system
Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly (WLQ) - A theological journal, published by Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, that aims to serve pastors and theologians with scholarly articles, book reviews, and reflections on contemporary theological and pastoral concerns.
Pastoral Studies Institute of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary
All commentary, statements, and discussion on this podcast reflect the knowledge, insight, and experience solely of the individuals presenting and featured on the podcast.
