Podcasts about lutheran

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley answer questions submitted by listeners!Questions Covered in This Episode:Can you talk to the value or lack thereof of being a credential holder in any particular fellowship or denomination? Are there any secondary beliefs your denomination holds that you don't agree with?Why is it good that denominations have core confessions?Do you think there will be salt in the new heavens and the new earth since there is no sea or no tears?Jen, what is your favorite classical music?Can you share thoughts on what your church requires of members? How does your church handle discipline?I have heard that Old Testament prophecies have an immediate fulfillment and another fulfillment in the future. Can you explain that?Is any of the content in the Deep Discipleship Program in conflict with Lutheran beliefs? (or other denominations)After the episode on therapeutic language, I wonder if you are going to talk about the fascination with “New Age” practices?What is going on with Women's Bible Study? How do you evaluate curriculum?Did Jesus ever make mistakes during his earthly life?Does Jesus display the imcommunicable attributes?Is the incarnation itself an accommodation?Did God the Father love the Son at the moment of the crucifixion?Do you have resources for the “false stories” you talk about on the podcast?What would you tell someone about tithing who is in deep debt?Should we as Christians celebrate the feasts given to Israel?How is orthodoxy determined? How do we explain differences among believers?Where would you start a scope & sequence for college students and young adults?Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Deep Discipleship ProgramBFM 2000Westminster ConfessionNicene CreedThe Creed of ChalcedonApostles CreedHandel's MessiahVivaldi The Four SeasonsKnowing Faith: Has Therapeutic Language Invaded the Church?Jen Wilkin's Instagram Highlight of bible StudyKnowing Faith: Does God have Emotions with Ronni Kurtz“Remember and Rehearse” by JT English“Formed for Fellowship” by Kyle Worley Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcast:Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251218dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. Isaiah 35:1-2 God Makes the Desert Bloom In northern Chile, along the Pacific coast, lies one of the driest places on earth. Known as the Atacama, it sometimes goes decades without measurable rainfall. It’s so barren that NASA uses it to simulate conditions on Mars. But in rare years, the Atacama Desert receives a few inches of rain, like it did a few months ago. Within days, something astonishing happens. Dormant seeds that have been buried in the dust for years suddenly burst into life. The desert floor becomes carpeted with a palette of pink, purple, yellow, and white. The transformation is so dramatic that satellites can detect the color change from space. That’s the picture Isaiah gives us. Maybe your life feels a little like that dry ground right now. Life feels empty, brittle, and you’re waiting for something to change. Isaiah reminds us that God hasn’t forgotten how to make things bloom. His Word and his Spirit still bring renewal, transformation, and life. God rains down his grace, forgiveness, and peace on dry and weary hearts. God is able to transform the dry and the forsaken into vibrant life. God turns death into life. Jesus Christ went from barren death and three days later to life and immortality. He broke through the grave as the firstfruits from the dead. He endured the scathing punishment for your sin. He bore the withering wrath you deserved. He did all this so that God’s glory might be brought to full flower. He did it so that you, too, can go from death to life. Prayer: Dear God, send your rain on the dry places in my life. Let your grace soak into the cracks of my heart. Remind me that your Son, Jesus, was parched so that I can spend an eternity in paradise with you. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Venture north of England to the Reformation in Scotland, which created something truly distinctive—a Presbyterian church that would reshape the English-speaking world. Dr. Alan Strange guides us through the smuggling of Lutheran tracts in cargo shipments, the martyrdom of Patrick Hamilton, and the extraordinary life of John Knox, the fiery preacher who once dared to tell a French ambassador to call his king a murderer to his face. Learn how Knox's time as a galley slave, his years in Geneva with Calvin, and his commitment to justification by faith alone contributed to the formation of a movement that produced groundbreaking documents like the Scottish Confession and the Books of Discipline.

Venture north of England to the Reformation in Scotland, which created something truly distinctive—a Presbyterian church that would reshape the English-speaking world. Dr. Alan Strange guides us through the smuggling of Lutheran tracts in cargo shipments, the martyrdom of Patrick Hamilton, and the extraordinary life of John Knox, the fiery preacher who once dared to tell a French ambassador to call his king a murderer to his face. Learn how Knox's time as a galley slave, his years in Geneva with Calvin, and his commitment to justification by faith alone contributed to the formation of a movement that produced groundbreaking documents like the Scottish Confession and the Books of Discipline.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251217dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Matthew 11:11 Made Great by Jesus John the Baptist was no ordinary man. He was courageous, faithful, and unwavering in his mission. He spoke God’s truth without fear, even when it landed him in prison. He received a beautiful compliment from Jesus: “among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.” That’s an incredible commendation! And yet, Jesus adds something surprising: “whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” How can that be? John was a prophet chosen by God. He baptized Jesus. He prepared the way for the Messiah. How could anyone be greater than that? The answer is that John looked forward to what we now live in. John pointed ahead to the Savior who was to come. We get to see what John only glimpsed from a distance. We know the full story. We see how Jesus carried our sins to the cross, rose from the dead, and opened heaven's door to all who believe. Greatness in God's kingdom isn’t about status, reputation, or how much you do for God. It's about what Jesus has done for you. The least person who trusts in Christ, clinging to his forgiveness and grace, will live in eternal glory in heaven. That person stands on the finished work of Jesus. So, if you ever feel small or unimportant, remember who you are in God's eyes. You are part of something infinitely greater. You belong to the kingdom John was waiting for, the kingdom Jesus won for you. Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for bringing me into your kingdom. When I feel small or unworthy, remind me that my worth comes from you. Help me live with the confidence that I am yours, now and forever. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

On December 17, the Church commemorates Daniel the Prophet and the Three Young Men. The Rev. Dr. Walter A Maier, III, (professor of Exegetical Theology, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne) joins Andy and Sarah to discus who Daniel was, what was unique about him, who the three young men were and their place in the book of Daniel, things about Daniel we might not have learned in Sunday School, what the Lord teaches us in their story, and why the Church commemorates the Prophet Daniel and the Three Young Men. Read more about Daniel in the Concordia Commentary series at cph.org/daniel-concordia-commentary. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Each week, Pastor Keith Foskey and is wife Jennifer answer email questions about ministry, the bible, and theology from all around the world as well as engaging with their live audience in the comments. Come join the fun! Questions and Timestamps:Discuss the Death of Rob Reiner 34:16Question about Flat Earth 41:18Besides the Bible, what books have you re-read the most? 48:30Shout Out from “Down Under” 53:20Can a Christian smoke? 58:50Why are the prophecies of Ezekiel so specific if Amillennialism is true? 1:02:00Can AI really be a person? 1:08:15Why is the Lutheran view of Predestination not as popular among baptists? 1:13:34How do I address my friend with seemingly poor discernment? 1:20:15Why are Arminians NOT heretics? 1:33:20How does a Christian “die well”? 1:39:10What is a Free Will Baptist? 1:47:17What did worship look like for Jesus? 1:49:45How to find specific questions 1:53:00How do we know when certain numbers are significant in the Bible? 1:55:00How do you know when someone is a false teacher? 1:59:50How do we celebrate the second advent? 2:05:57Capital Punishment and Defiant Children 2:07:34Navigating getting married later in life 2:13:33Support the Show: http://www.buymeacoffee.com/Yourcalvinisthttps://www.TinyBibles.comYou can get the smallest Bible available on the market, which can be used for all kinds of purposes, by visiting TinyBibles.com and when you buy, use the coupon code KEITH for a discount.Love Coffee? Want the Best? Get a free bag of Squirrelly Joe's Coffee by clicking on this link: https://www.Squirrellyjoes.com/yourcalvinistor use coupon code "Keith" for 20% off anything in the storeDominion Wealth Strategies Visit them at https://www.dominionwealthstrategists.comhttp://www.Reformed.Moneyand let them know we sent you! Spiraling Impressions — Custom Stickers — Facebook: Spiraling Impressions Website: spiralingimpressions.com.COUPON CODE: YourCalvinist (gets 10% 0ff)https://www.HighCallingFitness.comHealth, training, and nutrition coaching all delivered to you online by confessionally reformed bodybuilders and strength athletes.Visit us at https://www.KeithFoskey.comIf you need a great website, check out https://www.fellowshipstudios.com

Dr. Tracie Salgado and Richard Schumacher welcome Dr. Alan Freeman, Director of LCMS School Ministry to the podcast. Freeman talks about his background in Lutheran education and how it prepared him to be able to do what he's doing today. The three talk in depth about the latest trends and topics in Lutheran education.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251216dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” Matthew 11:4-6 Good News Proclaimed to You The disciples of John the Baptist brought a question of doubt to Jesus. Was Jesus really the Messiah, or should they expect someone else? John the Baptist sat in prison, and it didn't look like God's kingdom was advancing. Jesus’ answer was both gentle and firm. He pointed to the Bible and quoted prophecies about the coming Savior from the book of Isaiah. Jesus told them to report what they saw and heard. The blind see, the lame walk. People are cleansed; the deaf hear. God’s promises about the Savior were being fulfilled even if it wasn’t the way or the timeline John or his disciples expected. We can relate to John. We see others receiving their miracles and their answers to prayers. We wonder, “When will God act for me? When will he answer my prayer?” It's easy to stumble when God seems silent or slow to respond. But notice what Jesus includes last: “the good news is proclaimed to the poor.” That’s us. We are poor in spirit, weary, doubting at times, and unable to fix ourselves or earn our way to heaven. The good news is that Jesus came for us. Jesus brings us forgiveness for our sins. Jesus doesn't turn us away because of our doubts. God has accomplished everything for our salvation. We are blessed, not because life always goes as planned, but because Jesus did not stumble in his mission. He lived perfectly where we have failed, and through his cross and resurrection, he gives us faith that can withstand the brokenness of this world. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for meeting me in my doubt and disappointment. Help me to trust your Word and your work, even when I can't see what you're doing. Remind me that your good news is for me too. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Kelsi talks with Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions, John Pless, about compiling and editing, The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation. These essays were written by Dr. Pless' good friend, James Arne Nestingen (1945-2022). Jim was a beloved pastor, seminary professor, and most of all a confessor and preacher of the Gospel of Jesus. John talks about his friendship with Jim, Jim's legacy and the importance of collaboration within Lutheran theology. Rev. John T. Pless is assistant professor of pastoral ministry and missions at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He also serves as the director of field education for the seminary. Previously, Rev. Pless spent seventeen years as a campus pastor at University Lutheran Chapel at the University of Minnesota. He is the book review editor for Logia: A Journal of Lutheran Theology and a member of the editorial council of Lutheran Quarterly. In addition, Rev. Pless is copresident of the International Loehe Society, a regular lecturer at various conferences, and a member of the LCMS Committee on the Sanctity of Human Life. Rev. Pless received his BA from Texas Lutheran College and his MDiv from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio.Show Notes: Support 15171517 PodcastsThe 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts1517 on YouTubeKelsi KlembaraFollow Kelsi on InstagramFollow Kelsi on TwitterKelsi's NewsletterSubscribe to the Show:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeMore from Dr. Pless: The Essential NestingenPastor CraftLuther's Large Catechism with Annotations and Contemporary Applications

Step aboard the Punky Steamer and watch everyday moments turn into portals. -> listen to the fantastic tale here! I highly recommend checking this audio play out before listening to the episode. For one it's awesome and for sure lots of what we talk about will feel deeper and make even more sense.  We sit down with Clay Hillman—once a Lutheran minister, now the imagination behind a toy-and-coffee shop and the audio adventure KC Bonker's Road to Joy—to explore how play can be both serious and sacred. Clay's world is richly built: a flying machine crewed by six archetypes of play, potions served with straight-faced wonder, and an audio play that clicks from past to present like a spell taking hold. The result is a practical philosophy of joy that you can taste, touch, and breathe.Clay introduces the Aeronaut, Cartographer, Chronaut, Philosopher, Goggle Jockey, and Tinker—personae that map how children experiment and how adults find vocation. When we keep those roles playful, work feels like meaning rather than grind. We dig into “sacred toys” too: stick, string, plane, block, wheel, and ball. Open-ended objects invite agency; they don't perform for you, they ask you to perform with them. That's why a simple paper toy can outshine a pricey gadget—it expands your world instead of prescribing one.Ritual ties it all together. In the shop, dragon blood, beetle juice, and unicorn milk layer in a glass until the final step demands your breath through a one-way straw. That small act completes the drink and inducts you into the story—breath revealing the invisible like a pinwheel turning wind into sight. We trace the same thread through vinyl records, soundscapes, and live showmanship where attention is the real currency. Presence isn't forced; it's designed through steps you choose to take.If you've ever felt a toy hold more truth than a lecture, or a performance feel like a pact kept, this ride is for you. Hear how myth, craft, and commerce meet without losing soul, and pick out your own play archetype along the way. If it moves you, subscribe, share this episode with a curious friend, and leave a review telling us the one small ritual that brings you wonder.Support the show...If you want to help support this podcast it would be tremendous if you wrote a glowing review on iTunes or Spotify.If you want to contact me about anything, including wanting me to collaborate on one of your projects you can reach me on thewayoftheshowman@gmail.comor find out more on the Way of the Showman website.you can follow the Way of Instagram where it is, not surprisingly thewayoftheshowman.If you find it in you and you have the means to do so, you can suport the podcast financially at:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/captainfrodo

What happens when faithful Christians disagree—and refuse to caricature one another?In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Pastor David Bukes for an honest, brotherly conversation about some of the most sensitive and debated issues in the Lutheran Church—without turning it into a fight.This is not a debate episode.It's a listening episode.Together, they explore:- Where disagreement is genuinely adiaphora—and where it isn't- How “liturgical pietism” and “it's just contextual” can both miss the mark- Why drawing lines too tightly or too loosely can damage unity- The pastoral tension between hospitality and faithfulness, especially around the Lord's Supper- What faithful disagreement actually looks like when everyone shares the same confession- Rather than trying to “win,” this conversation models something increasingly rare: theological conviction held with humility, charity, and love for the Church.If you've ever felt skeptical of church conversations that seem polarized, dismissive, or reactionary—this episode is for you.If you care about unity without compromise—this episode is for you.If you believe the Church is strengthened by honest dialogue rooted in Christ—this episode is for you!Our hope is not that you leave with every question answered, but that you leave encouraged to wrestle together, grounded in the gospel, for the sake of Christ's Church.Join the LCMS Current!(weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentThe Best Pizza Franchise OpportunityAnthony & Luca's Pizza Kitchen is the hottest new Cheesesteak & NY Pizza Franchise.Support the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

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What's been happening at the Lutheran Heritage Foundation? Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise (Executive Director, LHF) and Rev. Dr. Ted NaThalang (Asia Director, LHF), join Andy and Sarah to share updates from around the world. They discuss how the Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML) supports LHF's work in significant ways, including a National LWML grant that enabled the distribution of resources in Indonesian schools, the recent Sudan Seminary graduation, and the opening of a new LHF office in the Philippines. They also highlight projects happening in Norway and Iceland, the development of resources in Arabic and Farsi, and more. Learn more about Lutheran Heritage Foundation at LHFmissions.org. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Dr Adam Koontz and Col Willie Grills talk about Appalachia, how dependence on government support hurts a people, and people lose can their dignity even while leaving poverty. Visit our website - A Brief History of Power Sign up for Memento, a Lutheran devotional for men. Thanks to our sponsor, Gnesio Health Dr Adam Koontz - Redeemer Lutheran Church Pr. Willie Grills - Zion Lutheran Church Music thanks to Verny

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251215dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Matthew 11:2-3 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Matthew 11:2-3 Carry Your Doubt to Jesus Christmas is almost here! That means expectations are sky high. Children expect every toy on their wish list to be under the tree. Parents expect children to be happy and thankful for the gifts they’ve received, even if not every gift is crossed off their list. Employees expect a fat bonus from their employers. Employers expect their workers to meet every end-of-the-year deadline and quota. This time of year, we expect celebrations, cookies, and core family memories. Yet rarely does the season called “the most wonderful time of the year” live up to the name. The calendar is packed, the to-do list never ends, and it feels like you’re barely getting by. “The most stressful time of the year” might be a more accurate name. Beneath the glittery decorations and bright lights is the realization that most of these expectations will not be met. John the Baptist knew that feeling. Once a fiery preacher in the wilderness, John now sat in a dark dungeon prison. It was the last place his disciples expected him to be. John preached about repentance and judgment. He spoke about axes being at the root of trees and wheat being separated from chaff. In other words, he foretold the coming judgment of God on the wicked. Yet now John was in the prison cell of one of the most wicked rulers of that time. It seemed like things had gotten twisted. So, John told his followers to carry the question to Jesus, “Are you the one… or should we expect someone else?” Even from prison, John was teaching his disciples and us what to do with our questions of doubt when expectations are not met. Take them to Jesus. Bring your unmet expectations to Jesus. Bring your doubt to Jesus. He won’t shoo you away or dismiss you or utter some pious platitudes. Jesus will not condemn you; he will answer your doubts. Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are gracious and forgiving. Forgive me for my doubts and give me a faith that trusts in you through all things and above all things. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sarah Stenson and Lars Olson teach us in today's episode that the temptation with this text is to tone down just how crazy this story is into something tame, understandable, and familiar. But, as you'll hear, this story is truly out of this world. Joseph thought his righteousness came from the law and his gentle demeanor toward Mary. Instead of stoning her, he was divorcing her quietly. Isn't he a good guy? But God's word came to Joseph in a dream and changed him forevermore. God is with us. You are out of time to save yourself. Now it's up to God's mercy through His Son, Jesus. CHALLENGE GRANTA Luther House of Study donor is sponsoring a challenge grant. If you sponsor one podcast episode by the end of the year, another podcast episode will be sponsored on your behalf. If you'd like to have your donation doubled, email Sarah Stenson at sarah@lhos.org or go to lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate CARE OF SOULS - ADDICTIONLutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those struggling with life's challenging situations: addiction, death, family disharmony, and more. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders.With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the broken places of addiction not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ.Because in the end, it's not about fixing people—it's about preaching the Gospel.Care of Souls - AddictionSING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

How is Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE) supporting continuing education for adults? Dr. Bernard Bull (President, Concordia University, Nebraska) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how CUNE serves the church at large, how CUNE's new program, Studia Vitae, furthers this work of serving the church, where the idea for Studia Vitae came from, the exciting course offerings for 2026, potential course topics in the future, and how people can enroll in these courses. Learn more about Studia Vitae at ceu.cune.edu. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

• Pastor Stanton's message for: Sun, Dec. 14 2025• Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 1:26-39 (The angel visits Mary)• Narrative Lectionary: Year 4• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us! 1stlu.org/worship

In our increasingly isolated world, one of our deepest needs is to be truly seen and known. While technology has made life more convenient, it has also optimized human connection out of our daily experiences. We work from home more, have shorter conversations, and spend more time looking at screens than faces. This has created an epidemic of loneliness that intensifies during the holiday season. Being seen goes far beyond being noticed or tolerated. It means being experienced, appreciated, and valued for who you truly are. Real friendship begins when someone shares something about themselves and another person responds with genuine understanding - "same here." Over time, these connections deepen until explanations become unnecessary because the other person simply "gets it." Hebrews 4:15 reveals that "we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet was without sin." Whatever temptation you're wrestling with - even the ones you're too embarrassed to share with anyone - Jesus completely understands. He's felt the pull of every human struggle without giving in to sin. And Jesus didn't just understand our condition - He did something about it. When He saw us broken by sin and separated from God, He didn't use His divine resources from a distance. Instead, He spread out His arms on a cross and gave His own blood to lift us up and make us whole.

Are you ready to move beyond the sanitized Christmas card version of Jesus and discover who he really is according to Scripture? This powerful message reveals three life-changing truths about the real Jesus that will transform how you understand Christianity, faith, and your relationship with God.Learn why Jesus truly understands your struggles, pain, and temptations. Unlike distant religious figures, Jesus experienced full humanity - exhaustion, hunger, difficult relationships, loss, and every form of temptation. He doesn't check the weather app from his warm bed; he walked in the cold himself. This makes him the perfect counselor who actually sees and hears you without interruption or distraction.Discover how Jesus combines perfect empathy with divine authority. While he sits with you in your pain, he also comes to transform your life completely. Jesus loves you exactly as you are but refuses to let you stay that way. His compassion never excuses destructive behavior - instead, it provides the foundation for real change and spiritual growth.Understand the unique forgiveness that only Jesus can offer. Having faced every temptation without sinning, Jesus offered his perfect life as a sacrifice for your sins. This means you can approach God with complete confidence, knowing that shame from your past doesn't have to define your future.Perfect for anyone seeking authentic faith, struggling with doubt, or wanting to deepen their relationship with God. Whether you're new to Christianity or have been a believer for years, this message will challenge cultural assumptions and reveal the Jesus who feels for you, fixes you, and forgives you completely.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251214dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. Isaiah 35:3-7 God’s Coming with a Vengeance One group of people tries to annihilate another. Terrorists kill the innocent. A child is molested. Some question: Why doesn’t God step in … if there is a God? I can add to that. There are plenty of people who sin against God without fear of punishment. There are people who laugh at the idea of facing God’s judgment for their sins. Why doesn’t God step in? The prophet Isaiah talks about God coming “with vengeance” and “divine retribution.” And the prophet says that the result of God's coming with “divine retribution” is that “the lame leap like a deer,” “the eyes of the blind are open.” All kinds of good things happen. It sounds like a happy vengeance. The coming of God is the happiest of all events because he comes to save you. God comes to tackle a sinful world—not by destroying it, but by saving it. The words of Isaiah were fulfilled when Jesus came and died for the sins of the world. Jesus did the only thing that really helps for sin. He paid the penalty for it. He washed it away in his blood shed on the cross. The whole world can rejoice because the promised Savior has come with vengeance to free us from the guilt of our sin. With eyes and ears open to the good news of Jesus, we jump and shout for joy because his salvation flows into our hearts with life-giving power and hope. Prayer: Oh, Lord, our God, I thank you for coming to save this sinful world by offering yourself for me and the sins of the whole world. Help me to see your salvation and rejoice in it every day. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Zechariah's voice had been silent for months, yet when he finally spoke, he celebrated God's faithfulness. God had kept his promises and was bringing salvation to the world. His song reminds us that we don't have to face life's uncertainties alone—God's mercy and faithfulness give our hearts confidence as we wait for Christmas.Support the show~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTubeInstagram @dscsienna

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Needing Patience / James 5:7-11Get the episode here.                                                                                                                           

Welcome to Calvary Lutheran Church 619 3RD AVE SW, PERHAM, MN 56573 Thank God. Share Jesus. Help Others Prayer of the Day Stir up the wills of all who look to you, Lord God, and strengthen our faith in your coming, that, transformed by grace, we may walk in your way; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.   Support Our Livestream Ministry—and Empower Our Youth! Each week, our YouTube, Facebook Live and our podcast services are made possible by our amazing youth media team. That's right—they run the cameras, audio, and streaming software—and we're proud to pay them for their work, helping them build life skills while serving the church. Your donation supports: Livestream costs (equipment, internet, tools) Paid media roles for our youth Continued outreach through digital ministry If you've been blessed by our services, consider giving here: https://www.calvaryperham.com/gifts Thank you for helping us serve our community—and raise up the next generation! Facebook: / calvaryperham YouTube: / @calvaryperham Podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7hbXujm... Podcast public site https://rss.com/podcasts/april16th2023/ Lakes 99.5 Radio Sundays at Ten Thirty AM https://player.listenlive.co/64121 TUESDAY WORSHIP 9 AM Arvig TV Channel 14 Egiving https://secure.myvanco.com/YMVS/home Website: https://calvaryperham.com/ Vanco Mobile App on Phone/Tablet: Vanco Mobile Faith Engagement has replaced the Give+ App. Search “vanco mobile faith engagement” in the app store to download on your phone or tablet, Calvary is “Calvary Lutheran Church ELCA.” Website: Click the orange E-Giving button at https://calvaryperham.com/

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251213dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD—and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. . . In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious. Isaiah 11:1-3,10 Put Your Hope in Jesus Have you ever heard of nurse logs? They are dead tree trunks, like stumps. Yet, those dead trees are still thriving. The decaying surface of the dead tree creates a perfect growing medium for a tiny seed, for a shoot. The decaying tree becomes a nursemaid, a nurse-tree, to the new tree generation. Out of the stump of Jesse, a shoot, a Branch came up; it was the baby Jesus. Like a tiny shoot, his beginnings were humble. A little twig from a small town. Born in a stable with only shepherds and livestock to greet him. Born helpless and dependent on others. But despite the humble beginnings, this Branch was special. Jesus, the living shoot, comes up out of the dead stump, bringing life out of death. By his perfect life and his death on the cross, Jesus saves us from eternal death! By taking our sins on himself, he freed us from guilt and gave us his perfection! Jesus’ death is our death. His life is our life. His righteousness is our righteousness. Does your life feel like a stump? Have you been cut down by the axe of adversity? Have the problems of this life chopped you down at the knees? All is not lost. There is hope in the Root of Jesse. There is hope in Jesus. He offers you his life and his perfection. He offers you everything! He offers you peace and rest, which you’ll find nowhere else. Put your hope in Jesus. Trust in him for everything! It will be glorious. You have God’s Word on that! Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, Righteous Branch, send your Holy Spirit into my heart through the power of your Word so I can enjoy your perfect rest. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

We ask for God's kingdom to come among us. Where you find the kingdom, there you find the King (Jesus). Where you find the King (Jesus), there you find the kingdom. We ask that He would give us His Holy Spirit to believe His Word. An earthly kingdom is found by the work of its people and by force. God's kingdom is found by the work of God in Christ and by His grace. His kingdom is seen now by the Word, Baptism, and the Lord's Supper. We anticipate beholding the kingdom that is yet to come, that we may keep our focus on what truly matters in this life! Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Minot, ND, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the 2nd Petition of the Lord's Prayer. To learn more about St. Paul's in Minot, visit anchoredminot.com. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org. 

In this Third Sunday of Advent sermon, “Blessed Is the One Who Is Not Offended by Christ,” Pastor David Balla explores Matthew 11:6 and the powerful comfort Jesus gives to John the Baptist and to every believer who wrestles with doubt, suffering, and unmet expectations. This sermon proclaims the heart of Advent: Christ comes in humility, hidden glory, and saving mercy through His Word, Baptism, and the Lord's Supper. Discover how the Gospel reveals the true blessedness of faith—not in the Christ we imagine, but in the Christ who truly comes to forgive, restore, and strengthen His people.This message is especially helpful for those searching for solid Lutheran preaching, LCMS sermons, Advent Bible teaching, real presence theology, and Christ-centered proclamation rooted in Scripture and the historic Christian faith. Whether you seek encouragement, biblical clarity, or deeper understanding of Jesus' words to John, this sermon will lead you to the hope found only in Christ crucified and risen.Support this ministry at: https://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalphWebsite written out: buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalphHashtags#LutheranSermon #AdventSermon #LCMSPreaching #Matthew116 #ChristCentered

In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Pastor Wendy Farone welcome our guest, the newly installed Bishop Melissa Stoller, from the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod, to discuss her new role as bishop, expectations for the future of the synod and the ELCA and much more!

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251212dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:11-12 Jesus Is the Judge We have all read stories in the news where it seems like someone got away with it. Whether it is the politician who has his cronies in his corner who help him evade prosecution or a murder which goes unsolved, whatever the case might be, we could give countless examples of people who don’t get caught and never face justice. Like you probably do, I get angry. But something that has always brought me peace when I see those things happening is the knowledge that Jesus sees what is happening. And, ultimately, Jesus will judge everyone for their lives and punish those who have done wrong. However, if I could give you some encouragement, don’t be so worried about those people who seemingly got away with it. I want YOU to be prepared! You might think to yourself, ‘I’m a good person. I’ve never even gotten a parking ticket!’ But the truth is, we all will be judged not by what we think is fair or just, but rather by God’s standards. And those standards are impossibly high. God tells us in the Bible that he demands us to be perfect. God doesn’t say to be better than the next guy. He doesn’t say try your hardest. He says we have to be perfect. Now I’m not perfect, and neither are you. But that’s why God sent Jesus to pay for all our faults. Jesus promises that when we trust in him, we won’t be punished, but rather be gifted forgiveness and an eternity in paradise! So, we thank God that he doesn’t treat us as we deserve but rather, he is full of mercy. Prayer: Dear Jesus, when I see injustice, help me to trust that you are the ultimate judge. Help me to turn my heart to you every day. And please help others who do wrong to turn their hearts to you and find forgiveness and mercy. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

St. Paul reminds the Thessalonians about the coming day of the Lord. No one knows the date. Christ's return will be sudden, and those who have sought security apart from Him will go to destruction. Christians, however, do not live in that darkness. Christ has called us into His light, and so we live in alert, wakeful sobriety produced by attention to the Lord's Word. His gifts of faith, love, and hope protect us from the devil's attacks, as God fulfills His will of bringing us to His gift of eternal salvation.  Rev. Nate Hill, pastor at St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Winchester, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11.  To learn more about St. Michael's Lutheran, visit stmichaelswinchester.org. “Yearning for the Day of Christ's Returning” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies St. Paul's two epistles to the Thessalonians. Although Paul's time in Thessalonica was brief, he had great affection for the Christians there. His two letters to the Thessalonians show us the joy that God gives us together in the Church and encourage us to live faithfully in expectation of Jesus' coming on the Last Day.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

The most important WELS history resource might not sit on a shelf — it's already in your browser.In this episode, we sit down with Professor Nathan Ericson, Library Director at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and Editor of the Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly, to explore the quiet engine behind much of modern WELS scholarship: Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Digital Library. We discuss how thousands of digitized papers—from convention essays to rare historical documents—form an indispensable record of the synod's past and a living resource for pastors, teachers, researchers, and congregational historians today. Ericson unpacks how these materials are curated, what hidden gems lie inside, and how a new generation can use them to build a clearer, richer understanding of our church's story. This is the episode for anyone who loves archives, theology, or the thrill of finding the perfect source—right when you need it most.WLS online collectionsSupport the show Confessional Languages Scholarship The Wauwatosa Diary (book) Youtube ( even more behind-the-scenes videos available for certain patron tiers) Facebook Website Interview Request Form email: thelutheranhistorypodcast@gmail.com About the HostBenjamin Phelps is a 2014 graduate from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts with a German emphasis. From there went on to graduate from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2018. Ben has been a regular writer and presenter on various Lutheran history topics. His 2018 thesis on Wyneken won the John Harrison Ness award and the Abdel Ross Wentz prize. He is also the recipient of several awards from the Concordia Historical Institute.Ben is currently a doctoral student in historical theology through Concordia Seminary's reduced residency program in St. Louis. ...

Watch the Devotion Based on Isaiah 35:3-4 Do Not Be Afraid I'm certain you've heard it at least once the past couple of weeks and will continue to hear it until December 25th if not until January 1st—that old-time classic, “It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” But I know that's not always true. The holiday season can lend itself to more tension in the family. Tighter budgets as families plan for Christmas gifting and Christmas travel create financial strain. There can be stress from family gatherings. Increased alcohol consumption can create a volatile environment. That's when military families see a rise in domestic abuse. Unfortunately for some, or maybe for you or someone you know, there could be emotional manipulation, physical or sexual violence, financial deprivation, intimidation, or deliberate isolation preventing you from gathering with family, cutting off emotional support. If this is you, I want you to know a few things. First, you do not deserve to be subjected to abuse. It is not okay. Second, this world is a broken place, filled with people who are so broken by sin they do awful things to each other. I am sorry that this is happening to you. You may feel powerless and alone, but you are not. You do not have to be afraid. If you are a victim of abuse, your knees may be weak and wobbly, afraid to walk into a pastor's or chaplain's office. Your hands may tremble, afraid to pick up the phone and call, with a heart that is so afraid you don't know what to do or what to think. Listen to the words of your Savior God through the prophet Isaiah: “Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you' ” (Isaiah 35:3-4). Please do not misunderstand God when he says to you, “Be strong, do not fear.” He is not saying, “Chin up! Just be stronger, pray harder, believe more, and you'll get through this!” When God makes this statement, “Be strong, do not fear,” he gives you the power to do just that. Your God gives power by bringing a message of hope and life for you. Your God is the God who saves the broken, and that salvation is yours today, tomorrow, and forever. Through Jesus you are right with God. You have an identity in him. You are his child. You are loved by him. And I don't know why this is happening to you right now, but he knows and he has done something about it. He redeemed all things, including you and your situation, when he became the victim of abuse on the cross. He also wants you to know that he is the God of justice. His justice will come. God will hold abusers accountable. This promise from God is meant to strengthen your feeble hands and weak knees, to give confidence to your fearful heart to take the next steps. He will be your power when you feel you have no power to move forward. He will be your presence when you feel alone. While you wait for his justice, it does not mean staying in an unsafe situation. God provides earthly help and shelter through the people he places around you—pastors, chaplains, commanders, police officers, family advocates, judges, lawyers, family members, and friends. Be strong. Do not be afraid. Your God comes to save you. Prayer: Lord Jesus, you know brokenness. You know abuse. You were once broken and abused. You endured it all by your death on the cross and were raised again to give us the hope of life in that place of perfect peace. Empower victims of abuse to get help. Help us to become faithful advocates and safe spaces for victims of abuse. Open our ears to listen, our arms to hold, our mouths to speak your words of comfort and love. In your name we ask it. Amen. Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

What does it mean to be a Lutheran?  The Lutheran Reformation was founded on the “Three Solas” (Latin for “alone”): “Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Scripture Alone”.   In 1517, Martin Luther's 95 Theses were headed in that direction.  His 1529 Small Catechism condenses those biblical truths into a text book for instruction.  In 1521, He was called to Worms and told to “sit down and shut up” by withdrawing all his writings and declaring them to be false.  Luther stood up instead and kept proclaiming the truth.  By 1530, it was time to set the record straight - against false accusations hurled against them and confusion that was spread as to what Lutherans believed.  So the process began to draft the Augsburg Confession. It was a clear and concise summary of the teachings of Scripture, a bold declaration of what the Scriptures say and what they do not.  It was a statement of biblical truth and a refutation of biblical error.  It was a demonstration that the Lutheran faith is the Christian faith and the orthodox teachings that the church has held too since the time of Christ.   So on June 25, 1530, the Augsburg Confession was boldly, confidently and loudly read.  Charles V and anyone else within earshot heard a systematic presentation of the Bible's truth.  They heard an incredible answer to the question: What does it mean to be a Lutheran?”  And all who read its 28 articles today hear that answer as well.     What a blessing to generations of Lutheran Christians those men and their courage, conviction, and confession have been!   June 25, 1530 was truly a turning point in the life of the Lutheran Church.  Blessings have been coming our way as a result ever since.  And now as you join in our discussion, those blessings are sure to come your way as well! The Augsburg Confession is included in the Book of Concord.  You can find a free version online here.  Grab your printed copy off the shelf or get your own copy here. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org.  If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.  

“Why Aren’t You Catholic?” addresses common concerns about Catholic beliefs, including the role of Mary and the saints. The discussion also touches on the significance of the Miraculous Medal, the challenges of baptism in the Catholic Church, and the differences between Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, providing a comprehensive look at these important topics. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:56 – I'm Lutheran. What is the Miraculous Medal? How does it work? 12:12 – I'm not Catholic because of the idolization of Mary and the saints and the claim that Jesus founded Catholicism? 19:36 – How would you convince an LDS member why you think Mary is the Mother of God? 30:41 – Why is it so difficult to get baptized as a Catholic? 35:47 – My best friend is becoming Eastern Orthodox and I'm becoming Catholic. What are the reasons why I should become Catholic instead of EO? 44:03 – How would Mary and Jesus be different if they were both immaculately conceived? 50:28 – I'm not Catholic because I've been lied to about it all my life.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251211dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 3:7-10 Are You Ready? When we bought our house, it came with an orange tree. I was pretty excited. However, it didn’t take long before my dream of freshly squeezed orange juice at breakfast was shattered. The tree wasn’t producing fruit, so I cut it down. The Pharisees and Sadducees, who had come to John, thought that because of their heritage, they were all good with God. Sometimes people today think that because their parents went to church, or they themselves used to attend church, or they stepped foot into a church at some point in their lives, they’re all good with God, too. But John’s words of warning should give all our hearts a gut-check moment. Are you ready? If you had to meet your Maker, do you think you’d be all good with him? Your readiness doesn’t depend on what your parents believe or whether you went to church at some point. Your readiness depends on your heart. Please understand that I’m only saying this to you because I care about you and don’t want you to be unprepared. So, if you were to die tonight and God asked you why he should let you into heaven, what your parents believed won’t matter for you. But this is what will: God has given an incredible gift. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, who was cut down on his cross and paid for your sins and mine. So, when that time of death comes, and God asks you why he should let you into heaven, you can say with confidence, “Jesus has paid for me.” Prayer: Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus, who has paid for all my sins. Turn my heart to you today and every day. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

This episode of Dangerous Dogma features a conversation between Word&Way Editor Brian Kaylor, Lutheran minister and journalist Angela Denker, and Disciples pastor and author Beau Underwood. The conversation includes consideration of U.S. strikes against Venezuelan boats, Pete Hegseth's Christian prayer services at the Pentagon, the use of AI in churches, and alarms about AI Christian music and books. You can watch a video version of the conversation here. Here are a few pieces mentioned in the episode: Brian wrote a piece for A Public Witness about the prayer services at the Pentagon. Ross Douthat of the New York Times wrote about Hegseth and Christian Nationalism. People can now text with AI Jesus. Christianity Today wrote about a hit AI Christian artist. Brian created a video review of a Noah's ark children's book voiced by an AI Donald Trump. Also, check out the most recent books by the three panelists: Brian Kaylor, The Bible According to Christian Nationalists: Exploiting Scripture for Political Power Angela Denker, Disciples of White Jesus: The Radicalization of American Boyhood Beau Underwood (with Brian Kaylor), Baptizing America How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism

Dr. Richard Fischer is retiring after more than 51 years at Concordia University Chicago, and we celebrate his legacy today. Dr. Richard Fischer (distinguished professor of music and conductor of Concordia University Chicago's University Band and Wind Symphony), Adam Friedrich (Concordia University Chicago Alumni), and Amanda Bowman (Concordia University Chicago Alumni) join Andy and Sarah to talk about Dr. Fischer's formation as an educator, how he began at Concordia in 1974 and how his role evolved over time, some favorite highlights from his years of teaching and leadership at Concordia, Adam and Amanda's time with Dr. Fischer and their favorite memories, and how their education and experience with Dr. Fischer shaped who they are and how they serve today. Read more about "Doc" Fischer at cuchicago.edu/news/2025/02/dr.-richard-fischer-to-retire-after-51-years-of-musical-excellence-at-concordia-university-chicago. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

‘Tis the WELSTech Christmas season! Join us for a giveaway announcement that involves the good news of Christmas, coloring books, and AI. You could win a fun WELS item while you exercise your AI skills. Christmas concerts, anniversary offerings, travel apps, managing your smart home, and free EDU GPT round out this episode. Let’s goooo! The interview and discussion Celebrating in color – Martin and Sallie are collocated, Christmas-color coordinated, and collaborating on a coloring project. Everyone is invited to participate in an AI experiment, creating Christmas-related coloring pages which we’ll compile into a sharable book. Send your entries to welstech@wels.net, and we’ll choose a random contributor to receive some sweet WELS swag! Microsoft Designer Adobe Express Coloring Page Generator ColorBliss.art Crayola Color Camera Ministry resource WELS Christmas Concert details – wels.net/events WELS 175th Anniversary – Special Offering Picks of the week iExit Hubitat Community feedback Chat GPT is free for teachers until June 2027 Learn more from Tom’s Guide Next time Melanie Giddings, Curriculum Coordinator from the Lutheran Schools office, shares details on this important work. Get involved Add comments Send us an e-mail welstech@wels.net Join the WELSTech community: WELSTech Google Group WELSTech on Facebook WELSTech on Pinterest WELSTech on Instagram Add to the WELSTech wiki welstechwiki.gapps.wels.net Contribute to the #WELSTech Twitter conversation Follow us on Twitter – welstech, mspriggs and salliedraper Share with the Diigo group welstech

• Pastor Karyn's message for Wed., Dec. 10 2025• Matthew 3:1-12 (Proclamation of John the Baptist)• Revised Common Lectionary: Year C• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us for worship! 1stlu.org/worship

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251210dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. Matthew 3:4-6 Confess Do you ever wrestle with regret? I’m not talking about how you may regret not buying that stock when it was at $20 per share or eating at that sketchy restaurant and getting food poisoning. I’m talking about the regret of the decisions that have left you with shame. You know what I’m talking about, don’t you? There was that time when you took things too far. There was that time when, so enraged, you said or did something you can’t take back. Or maybe there is that constant guilt that you carry around because you know your life choices aren’t the right ones, and you’ve been acting on that urge or behavior, even though you know it is wrong. You know that it is toxic for you and/or your relationships with others, and you’ve gone back to it more times than you can count. The people who came to see John preaching at the Jordan River were just like you and me. They wrestled with guilt. They knew shame. And, tragically, when they went to their religious leaders, they were told, ‘Stop doing that! Be better!’ However, John said something else. When they talked with John, they unburdened themselves of that weight of regret and shame. They confessed to their sins that had weighed them down and left them feeling lost. And do you know what John told them? He assured them of their forgiveness! Whatever guilt or shame has brought regret into your life, confess it. Open your heart to God and confess that sin. Because when we do that, God promises that he has forgiven us because of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus has paid for all the things you regret, and he promises that you and I are loved and wanted by him. Prayer: Dear Jesus, forgive me for my past missteps and failures. I am sorry for them. Help me to trust in my Savior Jesus for his forgiveness today and every day. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

'Tis the season to celebrate Christmas with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra! Peter Henderson (SLSO Principal Keyboard player joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his time with the SLSO, what he loves about playing Christmas programs with the SLSO, what makes these programs so special for the St. Louis community, and the line up for this year's celebration. Learn more about how you can attend at slso.org. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Handel's Messiah | Joyful Praise Friday, December 12, 7:30 CST Saturday, December 13, 7:30 CST Sunday, December 14, 3:00 CST   Nicholas McGegan, conductor Sherezade Panthaki, soprano Sara Couden, contralto (SLSO debut) John Matthew Myers, tenor Philippe Sly, bass-baritone St. Louis Symphony Chorus | Erin Freeman, director   G.F. Handel's Messiah:   G.F. Handel's Messiah has stood the test of time. Originally written as a retelling of Jesus' life through text compiled from the King James Bible, the oratorio has gained prominence as a holiday favorite, especially the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Nicholas McGegan, one of the world's foremost experts on Handel's music, conducts the SLSO and St. Louis Symphony Chorus in this beloved holiday tradition. Joining McGegan is a quartet of vocal soloists, including soprano Sherezade Panthaki, mezzo-soprano Sara Couden in her SLSO debut, tenor John Matthew Myers, and bass-baritone Philippe Sly.   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- IN UNISON Christmas with the Clark Sisters Thursday, December 18, 7:30 CST Friday, December 19, 7:30 CST   Kevin McBeth, conductor The Clark Sisters, vocals St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON® Chorus | Kevin McBeth, director Repertoire and additional artists announced later. Supported by Bayer Fund.   A beloved holiday tradition for decades, the SLSO and St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus celebrate the season with soulful melodies of Christmas favorites. This year, the ensembles are  joined by gospel legends the Clark Sisters. This festive concert brings together a beautiful blend of gospel, jazz, and traditional holiday tunes. As a group, the Clark Sisters have won two Grammy Awards and are the highest-selling female gospel group in history. In 2020, the Clark Sisters were honored with the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award at the 35th Annual Stellar Awards. In 2022, the group was inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mercy Holiday Celebration Saturday, December 20, 2:00pm & 7:30pm CST Sunday, December 21, 2:00pm & 7:30pm CST Tuesday, December 23, 2:00pm CST   Stuart Malina, conductor Kennedy Holmes, vocals St. Louis Symphony Chorus | Erin Freeman, director Repertoire and additional artists announced later. Presented by Mercy.   Experience the magic of the holidays as St. Louis native Kennedy Holmes joins the SLSO to perform seasonal favorites and exciting twists on timeless classics. A cherished tradition, this festive performance promises to fill the air with cheer. From the joyous sounds of sleigh bells to new renditions of beloved tunes, this concert brings the holiday season to life in a way that only the SLSO and hometown favorite Holmes can. Holmes originally rose to fame during season 15 of the NBC hit show “The Voice” and has since performed with the SLSO several times.   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Home Alone in Concert Saturday, December 27, 2:00pm & 7:00pm CST Sunday, December 28, 2:00pm CST   Joshua Gersen, conductor The St. Louis Children's Choirs | Dr. Alyson Moore, artistic director John Williams Home Alone   A true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams' charming and delightful score performed live by the SLSO. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who's accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heart-warming, Home Alone is fun for the entire family. The SLSO is joined by the St. Louis Children's Choirs for this holiday treat.   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Year's Eve Celebration Wednesday, December 31, 7:30pm CST   Stéphane Denève, conductor Stewart Goodyear, piano   Leonard Bernstein Candide Overture Georges Bizet Selections from L'Arlésienne Jacques Offenbach Excerpts from Gaîté Parisienne Orchestrated by Manuel Rosenthal George Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue Orchestrated by Ferde Grofé George Gershwin An American in Paris Revised by Frank Campbell-Watson   Break out the bubbly and ring in the new year in style with the SLSO's sparkling New Year's Eve Celebration, led by Music Director Stéphane Denève. Denève pays homage to two countries in this rousing program: his native France and his adopted home of the US, concluding with George Gershwin's An American in Paris, capturing the essence of his two home nations. Canadian pianist Stewart Goodyear returns to the SLSO for Gershwin's iconic Rhapsody in Blue. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Concordia Publishing House is launching a new VBS, and it's based on a hymn! Dr. Lisa M. Clark (Senior Editor, Curriculum Resources, Concordia Publishing House) and Mary Laesch (Editor, Curriculum Resources, Concordia Publishing House) join Andy and Sarah to preview the new "Wake Awake" VBS curriculum, including the inspiration for this hymn-based curriculum, how this VBS is different from others, the theme for this curriculum, what the structure looks like (including some brilliantly fun snacks and crafts!), special features like catechism lessons, and how listeners can learn more. Find this VBS curriculum (shipping in January) at cph.org/wake-awake-watching-for-jesus-hymn-vbs. Join the VBS email list from CPH by sending a message to vbsteam@cph.org. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Patrick welcomes callers with questions about Christ’s divinity and humanity, referencing Church Fathers and resources that clarify centuries-old mysteries. Stories about homeschooling surface alongside practical tips for families navigating education and faith, then shift to conversations about marriage, family conflict, and the reliability of artificial intelligence tools for research. Through personal anecdotes, resource recommendations, and candid exchanges, Patrick keeps listeners thinking and engaged. David - I am thinking about the divinity and humanity of Christ. How is Jesus both fully God and fully man and yet not a created being? (00:32) Susan - Homeschooling concerns: I am a homeschool parent who deals with disability. This is a possibility. Also, some Catholic Schools have excellent financial aid. (07:15) Lisa - My son no longer wants to be Catholic. He is marrying a girl who is Lutheran. What does this entail for us a family? How do I handle this? (16:51) Todd - Do you think that AI are more like influencers than fact providers? (28:40) PJ - My father-in-law started going to Mass after years of not going. There is abuse going on in the family. How can I as a young man intervene and help him? (35:32) Alexandra - I am 6 months pregnant and it is becoming very difficult to kneel at Mass. Should I suffer through it or sit back? (44:07) Ruth - The K12 program for homeschoolers is no longer Catholic friendly. It has become highly woke. (46:22)

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251209dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'” Matthew 3:1-3 Ready Your Heart for Jesus! When I was a kid, I remember that we got the word that the President of the United States was coming to town. And, somehow or another, we even heard that his motorcade was going to be driving down the street right by my house. We were so excited! Our family waited by the sidewalk, looking down the road with anticipation, and then, sure enough, a procession of vehicles came whizzing by, with the president’s hand (or some unlucky staffer’s) waving to us! When a president or, in ancient times, a king, comes to town, you need to make preparations. You must get the road ready for his arrival. That is the picture we see in the message of God’s Word we’re looking at for our devotion. A great king is coming to town, and the road needs to be cleared. “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.” John’s whole purpose in life was to prepare the world for Jesus. He was the opening act who came onto the scene just before the headliner. And the way he got everyone ready was by preaching to them. He preached God’s Word to them. With that Word of God, he shook them with his call to prepare their hearts. That call is still applicable to you and me. Our hearts are often filled with things that don’t please God. We prioritize things that don’t really matter. We go our own way rather than listening to God’s Word. But John calls us to repent, to prepare our hearts! Turn away from that sin which so often entices your heart and turn to Jesus who has paid for it with death. Turn your heart to God with joy and see the forgiveness so freely given in our Savior. Ready your heart for Jesus! Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for taking away my sins. Help me to turn away from my sin each day and turn to you to find forgiveness and peace. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Learn More about the Songwriter Initiative:https://www.cui.edu/academicprograms/christcollege/center-for-worship-leadership/songwriterMusic from the Songwriter Initiativehttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLd3R1O9BFY1fGEI6aoZfNFfB8eEYxp2-F&si=0a8D71hlAmDZCFFgIn today's episode, Tim and Jack sit down with Kip Fox, director of the Songwriter Initiative at Concordia University Irvine. Kip's research into Luther's theology of music may surprise you. Luther wasn't afraid of emotion, innovation, or new styles—in fact, he believed the Church should be at the forefront of creativity.In this conversation, we explore:- Why Luther rejected the idea that music is “dangerous”- How contemporary worship has matured in Lutheran settings- Why some popular worship songs create real theological problems- Why the LCMS may be entering a musical renaissance- How 188+ Lutheran songwriters are creating thousands of new songs- Why all TSI resources are free and made for local congregationsWhether you're a traditional hymnal purist, a modern worship leader, or someone who loves both—this episode will challenge and encourage you.Join the LCMS Current!(weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentSupport the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

Dr Adam Koontz and Col Willie Grills answer listener emails about how to bring those living in sin into the church, how to talk to your family who have fallen away from the faith, and whether recent developments in the Catholic church are movements toward ecumenism. Visit our website - A Brief History of Power Sign up for Memento, a Lutheran devotional for men. Thanks to our sponsor, Gnesio Health Dr Adam Koontz - Redeemer Lutheran Church Pr. Willie Grills - Zion Lutheran Church Music thanks to Verny

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251208dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 3:1-2 Something Has Got to Change Something has got to change. Have you ever thought that? You might have thought that about your marriage or your relationship with your kids. You probably have thought that about your job or a working relationship with a coworker. At some point in your life, you have probably said that about something going on in government. Something has got to change. I would suspect, however, that when we’ve had this thought, often, we think this change should happen in someone else. Someone else needs to be fixed. Someone else needs to turn things around. After all, wouldn't the world just be better if everyone thought like I do and did things my way? But before we try to change everyone else, it might be helpful if we first look in the mirror and see if there are things about ourselves that need to be changed. That's really the message that God teaches us through the voice of John the Baptizer. If you had to summarize, John’s whole message, it would be this: repent. Repentance has two parts: 1) to acknowledge shortcomings, failures, and guilt, and then 2) to turn to Jesus and find forgiveness. You and I can’t change the hearts of other people. But God can and does change our hearts! Through the voice of John, God is calling for you and for me to look at our own lives and be honest about where we fall short, where we have done wrong, not just against others but against God. But in that call to repentance, God beckons us to lift our eyes to see the Savior who has forgiven us of our faults! That’s what Jesus has done for you! You don’t have to live in shame or fear for your faults. No, Jesus has paid for them with his sacrifice! Recognize your guilt but turn to Jesus and find that peace of forgiveness! Prayer: Dear God, I am broken and am truly sorry for my sin. Thank you for sending me my Savior who loves me and forgives me. Continue to help me daily repent and see the peace which Jesus brings. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.