Podcast appearances and mentions of craig koester

Join Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Craig Koester on "I Love to Tell the Story" as they explore the narrative lectionary reading for October 26th, focusing on the building of Solomon's Temple from 1 Kings 8:1-13. In this episode, the hosts discuss the transition from King David's reign to his son Solomon, who fulfills David's vision of building a permanent temple for worship. They examine how the temple serves as a central place where God's presence is "intensified" while not confining God to a single location - similar to how we understand the sacraments today. Key topics covered: * The significance of the Ark of the Covenant and the stone tablets at the temple's heart * How the covenant relationship ("I will be your God, you will be my people") remains central to worship * The connection between this reading and Reformation Sunday * Personal reflections on visiting St. Peter's Basilica and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher * The importance of communal worship versus privatized religion * How sacred spaces connect us to the communion of saints across centuries The hosts bring their expertise from Luther Seminary to illuminate how this ancient story speaks to contemporary questions about worship, community, and God's presence among us.

Join hosts Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Craig Koester as they dive deep into one of the most compelling stories from the Hebrew Bible - the call and anointing of David from 1 Samuel 16:1-13, paired with the powerful verses from Psalm 51 about creating a clean heart. In this episode, we explore: * Why Samuel's mission to anoint David was an act of treason * The dramatic irony of Samuel falling into the same trap he's warned against - judging by appearances * The ancient symbolism of shepherds as kings throughout the Near East * How God's value system clashes with human expectations of leadership * The Hebrew understanding of "heart" as the seat of wisdom and discernment, not just emotion * Why the youngest son pattern appears throughout Scripture * How David's capacity for repentance becomes more important than his perfection This podcast explores the Narrative Lectionary, offering fresh insights into familiar Bible stories and their relevance for today's world. Whether you're a pastor preparing for Sunday, a student of Scripture, or someone seeking deeper understanding of these ancient texts, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, calling, and God's surprising choices.

Welcome to "I Love to Tell the Story," a podcast exploring the Narrative Lectionary! In this episode for October 12th, 2025, hosts Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferducker, and Craig Koester dive into 1 Samuel 3 - the powerful story of God calling the young boy Samuel. Join us as we explore: * The crisis of leadership in ancient Israel at the end of the judges era * Why Samuel didn't initially recognize God's voice calling him * The challenging truth-telling ministry Samuel was called to, including confronting his mentor Eli * How God's persistent calling doesn't depend on our ability but on God's faithfulness * What it means to be a "trustworthy prophet" who speaks difficult truths * The ongoing vocation of listening that defines prophetic ministry * How all Christians are called through baptism to various forms of ministry and witness This episode tackles the uncomfortable reality that sometimes God calls us to speak truth to power, even when it's difficult or involves confronting corruption. The hosts remind us that everyone - not just pastors - has callings from God in multiple areas of life.

The mark of the beast. Signs and portents. A whole dang book about the "apocalypse" at the end of the Bible.What on EARTH do we do with Revelation? Is it a literal guidebook for surviving hell? Is it a wacky political cartoon we've overblown? Or is it ... something more? (Spoiler alert: it is much more. It is a book about the end of the world - but that's not what you might think it means). Join us with the fantastic Rev. Brian Fox, longtime friend of both of us and friend of the pod, as we do a deep and wide dive into this book and what good news it has for us as we face our own end times fears.MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST:Brian Fox is an Episcopal priest and the rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church & Montessori School in San Antonio, TX. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, Princeton Theological Seminary, and the Seminary of the Southwest, Brian was real-life friends with Laura and Lizzie (and attended both of their ordinations!) before they became internet friends. You can follow his church on Instagram (@stpauls-satx), and read some of his writing at Earth & Altar (https://earthandaltarmag.com/posts?author=5e703169cdb56336186f3add)If you want to read more about Revelation, Brian commends Revelation and the End of All Things by Craig Koester and Picturing the Apocalypse by Natasha and Anthony O'Hear.+++Like what you hear? We are an entirely crowd-sourced, you-funded project. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/AndAlsoWithYouPodcastThere's all kinds of perks including un-aired live episodes, Zoom retreats, and mailbag episodes for our Patreons!OUR HOTLINE - call in your questions! - 262.229.9763+++Our Website: https://andalsowithyoupod.comOur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andalsowithyoupodcast/++++MERCH: https://www.bonfire.com/store/and-also-with-you-the-podcast/++++More about Father Lizzie:BOOK: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/762683/god-didnt-make-us-to-hate-us-by-rev-lizzie-mcmanus-dail/RevLizzie.comhttps://www.instagram.com/rev.lizzie/https://www.tiktok.com/@rev.lizzieJubilee Episcopal Church in Austin, TX - JubileeATX.org ++++More about Mother Laura:https://www.instagram.com/laura.peaches/https://www.tiktok.com/@mother_peachesSt. Paul's Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh, PA++++Theme music:"On Our Own Again" by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue).New episodes drop Mondays at 7am EST/6am CST! 

In this episode of I Love to Tell the Story, Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Alan Padgett, and Jennifer Pietz dive into the powerful parables of Luke 15, exploring the Prodigal Son and the profound themes of divine love, grace, and community. Why does Jesus tell these stories together? What do they reveal about repentance, inclusion, and the heart of God? Join us as we unpack the tensions between sinners and Pharisees, the joy of redemption, and the often-overlooked perspective of the older brother. Follow along with the commentary on Luke 15:1-32 by contributing author Angela Dienhart Hancock, found at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/lost-sheep-coin-son/commentary-on-luke-151-32-4.

In this episode of I Love to Tell the Story, Profs. Craig Koester, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Rolf Jacobson discuss the significance of Moses and Elijah, the contrast between glory and suffering, and the powerful healing moments in Jesus' ministry. With thoughtful commentary, they reflect on how glimpses of the future kingdom shape faith in the present, offering insight and encouragement for preaching and teaching.

What does it mean to be truly forgiven?  In this episode of I Love to Tell the Story: A Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary, Craig Koester, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Rolf Jacobson dive into the moving story of the sinful woman who weeps at Jesus' feet. Join us as we explore the cultural context, her devotion's depth, and grace's transformative power.

In this episode of I Love to Tell the Story, hosts Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker dive deep into Luke 7, where John the Baptist asks a crucial question: Is Jesus really the one? Together, they explore the tension between expectation and reality, the culture of offense, and how Christ's legacy is revealed through acts of compassion. But what does true wisdom look like? And how do actions speak louder than words when it comes to faith? Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges us to see Jesus in a new light. The commentary on Luke 7:18-35 will be published shortly. We appreciate your patience! 

In this episode of I Love to Tell the Story, Profs. Craig Koester, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Rolf Jacobson dive into Luke 7, particularly focusing on the stories of the centurion and the widow. The hosts explore themes of authority, worthiness, and the nature of faith in relation to Jesus' actions.  Tune in as our hosts discuss how Jesus interacts with individuals of varying social statuses and the significance of compassion over faith as a prerequisite for receiving mercy, also touching on the challenges of pastoral care in times of grief and the universal experience of death as an equalizer.

Are rules made for people, or are people made for rules?  In this episode of I Love to Tell the Story, Profs. Craig Koester, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Rolf Jacobson dive deep into Luke 6, unpacking the Sabbath controversies and what they reveal about Jesus' radical message of grace. They reflect on how Jesus redefines the meaning of the Sabbath, focusing on human well-being rather than rigid rule-keeping. Plus, they discuss the significance of Jesus selecting the twelve disciples and what it means to be a true follower in light of his teachings. If you're curious about how Jesus' actions challenge conventional religious thinking and what that means for us today, you won't want to miss this conversation!

In episode 4 of season 4, Prof. Kathryn Schifferdecker and Katie Langston speak with Professor Emeritus and Asher O. and Carrie Nasby Chair of New Testament. of Luther Seminary, Craig Koester. They gather to answer the listener submitted question, "What does the bible say about the rapture?" This episode was recorded on July 28, 2022 over Zoom. Watch the video version on Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 3 of season 4, Prof. Kathryn Schifferdecker and Katie Langston speak with Professor Emeritus and Asher O. and Carrie Nasby Chair of New Testament. of Luther Seminary, Craig Koester. They gather to answer the listener submitted question, "Where did the souls of Old Testament believers go? Heaven?" This episode was recorded on July 28, 2022 over Zoom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL446 for June 5, 2022 (Pentecost; Rejoice in the Lord), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on May 6, 2022, in person for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL445 for May 29, 2022 (The Christ Hymn), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on May 6, 2022, in person for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL444 for May 22, 2022 (Paul's Sermon at Athens), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on May 6, 2022, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL443 for May 15, 2022 (Paul's Sermon at Athens), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on Apr. 12, 2022, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL442 for May 8, 2022 (Paul and Silas), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on Apr. 12, 2022, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Lectionary readings NL441 for May 1, 2022 (Pauls' Conversion), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on Apr. 12, 2022, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL440 for Apr. 24, 2022 (Thomas), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on Apr. 12, 2022, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL439 for Apr. 17, 2022 (Resurrection), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on Mar. 11, 2022, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL437-438 for Apr. 14 & 15, 2022 (Jesus' Last Words; Jesus the Passover Lamb), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on Mar. 11, 2022, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL436 for Apr. 10, 2022 (The Crucified Messiah), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on Mar. 11, 2022, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL435 for Apr. 3, 2022 (Jesus Condemed), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on March 11, 2022, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL434 for Mar. 27, 2022 (Jesus and Pilate), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on March 11, 2022, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL431 for Mar. 20, 2022 (Peter's Denial), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on March 11, 2022, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

This rebroadcast Narrative Lectionary episode from 2018 focuses on John 13:1-17, featuring Profs Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Craig Koester.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL431 for Mar. 6, 2022 (Jesus Raises Lazarus), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on Jan. 21, 2022, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL430 for Mar. 2, 2022 (The Good Shepherd), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on Jan. 21, 2022, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL429 for Feb. 27, 2022 (The Man Born Blind), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on Jan. 21, 2022, via Zoom for Working Preacher. Download a script of John 9 "The Man Born Blind" (NRSV translation) for use in worship on Feb. 27: https://www.workingpreacher.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/NL429_John-9_script.pdf

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL427 for Feb. 20, 2022 (Living Water), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on Jan. 21, 2022, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL426 for Feb. 13, 2022 (Bread of Life), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on Jan. 21, 2022, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL425 for Feb. 6, 2022 (Healing Stories), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on Jan. 21, 2022, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL425 for Feb. 6, 2022 (Healing Stories), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on Jan. 21, 2022, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL424 for Jan. 30, 2022 (Woman at the Well), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on Dec. 3, 2021, via Zoom for Working Preacher. Download a script of John 4 "The Woman at the Well" (NRSV translation) for use in worship at

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL423 for Jan. 23, 2022 (Nicodemus), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on Dec. 3, 2021, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL422 for Jan. 16, 2022 (Jesus Cleanses the Temple), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on Dec. 3, 2021, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL421 for Jan. 9, 2022 (Wedding at Cana), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on Dec. 3, 2021, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL420 for Jan. 2, 2022 (Jesus Says Come and See), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on Dec. 3, 2021, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL417-418 for Dec. 24-25, 2021 (Birth of Jesus, Shepherds Visit), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on Dec. 3, 2021, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL419 for Dec. 26, 2021 (A Voice in the Wilderness), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on Dec. 3, 2021, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Podcast providing an introduction to preaching the Gospel of John in Year 4 of the Narrative Lectionary, featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on Dec. 3, 2021, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL416 for Dec. 19, 2021 (Word Made Flesh), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on Dec. 3, 2021, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL415 for Dec. 12, 2021 (Word Accomplishes God's Purpose), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on August 30, 2021, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL414 for Dec. 5, 2021 (Ezekiel: Valley of the Dry Bones), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on August 30, 2021, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Dr. Thomas Power joins the podcast to discuss his longtime interests and work in apocalyptic thought in church history- especially in regard to the Church of Ireland in the 19th century. Tune in to learn about how multiple societal and political factors led to an apocalyptic fervor and revival of millennialist thought in the church- in ways that we still see today. Dr. Power is Professor Emeritus of Church History at Wycliffe College. He received his Ph.D. from Trinity College in Dublin. His areas of expertise include Christian history in Britain and Ireland particularly in the history of millennialism. He has authored and edited several books and publications including the forthcoming 1825: Apocalypse in Ireland (working title) and the 2019 book Trauma and Survival In The Contemporary Church: Historical Responses in The Anglican Tradition that he contributed to and edited which we discuss content from in this episode. This is the link to the book: https://www.cambridgescholars.com/product/978-1-5275-6582-1 Check more of Dr. Power's publications out on this link: https://www.wycliffecollege.ca/users/thomas-power This is a link to the commentary Revelation and the End of All Things by Craig Koester that Dr. Power mentioned and enjoyed: https://www.eerdmans.com/Products/7578/revelation-and-the-end-of-all-things-2nd-ed.aspx --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL412 for Nov. 28, 2021 (Jeremiah's Letter to Exiles), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on August 30, 2021, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL411 for Nov. 21, 2021 (Isaiah: A Child Is Born), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on August 30, 2021, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL410 for Nov. 14, 2021 (Amos: Justice Rolls Down), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on August 30, 2021, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary readings NL409 for Nov. 7, 2021 (God Speaks to Elijah), featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker. Recorded on Aug. 30, 2021, via Zoom for Working Preacher.

In this episode, Ryan and Brian explore symbolism in the gospel of John. This conversation is centered around a book "https://amzn.to/3qQfc52 (Symbolism in the Fourth Gospel: Meaning, Mystery, Community)" by Craig Koester. They discuss how some individuals are representative of larger groups, the pairing of stories contrasting light and dark, and a myriad of other things. LinksBook: https://amzn.to/3dKSk1t (Symbolism in the Fourth Gospel: Meaning Mystery, Community by Craig Koester) Book: https://amzn.to/3Ap4dUi (The Word of Life: A Theology of John's Gospel by Craig Koester) Book: https://amzn.to/3dM8RSH (History and Theology in the Fourth Gospel) Relevant Previous Episodeshttps://thebiblebistro.com/podcast/e005 (The One where We Rethink John 14) https://thebiblebistro.com/podcast/e006 (The Bonus One about John 14) https://thebiblebistro.com/podcast/e012 (Exploring the Temple Theme in the Gospel of John) https://thebiblebistro.com/podcast/e013 (The Connection between Living Water & the Feast of Tabernacle)