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How are music and theology students formed at Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE)? Dr. Jeffrey Blersch (Professor of Music, Concordia University Nebraska) and the Rev. Dr. John Genter (Assistant Professor of Theology, Concordia University Nebraska) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about what drew them to their areas of expertise in music and theology, the church work programs each of them interact with, how they see their individual areas of expertise as important in forming future church workers, what students at CUNE experience academically and socially, how students are fed spiritually, and their encouragement for parents and students to consider CUNE or another Concordia for church worker formation. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
"Behavior modification is not holiness. It's chains. We need to be released from that performance and trying to earn our way with the Lord."— Tasha CalvertToday's Episode: Most of us know that we should do what's right—yet being holy is far harder than it seems. What if the key isn't in trying harder, but in relying more on God? Natalie Abbott sits down with author Tasha Calvert to uncover the secret to a truly set-apart life, rooted in God's transformative power, not in our performance. In this episode, you'll discover how biblical holiness is less about following a moral checklist and more about proximity to God. Tasha shares her powerful journey from legalism to dependence on the Holy Spirit. Tune in to discover more about how you can live a life that's set apart. This month's memory verse: "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." — James 1:19bToday's guest: Tasha Calvert is the women's minister at Prestonwood Church in Dallas, Texas, and host of Digging In, a weekly podcast centered on Christian living. She is the author of Set Apart for More and over 15 Bible studies. Tasha is a sought-after speaker and Bible teacher, often lending her voice in leadership and equipping spaces. Tasha and her husband Robert love spending time with their four daughters, two sons-in-law and two granddaughters. Memorize Scripture with us: Get the Dwell Differently book or bundle (on sale now!), and learn verses to help you overcome negative thinking.Love the show? Support us by leaving a review.Links from today's show: Find out more about Tasha at TashaCalvert.com or on her podcast, Digging In. For new believers and those exploring faith: Check out The Story of Jesus: A Guided Journey Through the Gospel of John. Get 30% off at Crossway.com with a free Crossway Plus account.Need help answering teens big questions? Get Science and God: Do You Have to Choose? from TheGoodBook.com for 30% off with the code: CHOOSE.Renew your commitment to daily Scripture reading. Start today with TheOneYearBible.com.Support the showFollow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferently.
Alex Sarran March 8, 2026 Faith Presbyterian Church Birmingham, ALThank you for listening! Please visit us at www.faith-pca.org.
SET APART | PROPHET SHEPHERD BUSHIRI
As we continue our 'Set Apart' series Sam explores the idea of Holiness and what it means to be called to be Holy. We are told to be Holy as the Lord your God is Holy, but how do we approach this and what does it look like? It feels like something we will constantly fall short of and, for some, it can feel like a real barrier between them and the Lord. But in the Gospel we hear the veil and has been torn and the barrier removed so what does it mean to be Holy and why is it important?
Alex Sarran March 8, 2026 Faith Presbyterian Church Birmingham, AL BulletinThank you for listening! Please visit us at www.faith-pca.org.
[Hebrews 13:8] Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.Jesus is _________________.[Judges 13:1-3] Again the Israelites did evil in the LORD's sight, so the LORD handed them over to the Philistines, who oppressed them for forty years. [2] In those days a man named Manoah from the tribe of Dan lived in the town of Zorah. His wife was unable to become pregnant, and they had no children. [3] The angel of the LORD appeared to Manoah's wife and said, "Even though you have been unable to have children, you will soon become pregnant and give birth to a son.God does His best work in _________________ people.[Judges 13:4-5] So be careful; you must not drink wine or any other alcoholic drink nor eat any forbidden food. [5] You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and his hair must never be cut. For he will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. He will begin to rescue Israel from the Philistines."God sets you _________________ before He _________________ you.[1 Peter 1:15-16] But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. [16] For the Scriptures say, "You must be holy because I am holy."Jesus is the _________________ deliverer.[1 Timothy 2:5] For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity--the man Christ Jesus.Because of _________________ you are set apart.[1 Peter 2:9 NIV] But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.God has called us to be _________________ to Him.God is _________________ working in your life.
How are students formed into faithful future pastors and deaconesses at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis? The Rev. Dr. Jason Lane (Associate Professor of Historical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) and the Rev. Dr. Peter Nafzger (Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about what they love about their work at Concordia Seminary, their areas of theological expertise and why they were drawn to those areas, how these branches of theology intersect for seminary students, the classes that fall under each branch of theology, how their areas of expertise are important in the forming of future pastors and deaconesses, how students are fed spiritually on campus, and the students' academic and social experience on campus. Learn more about formation at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis by visiting csl.edu. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Special Guest Tasha Calvert (host of the Digging In Podcast) joins Holly for a heartfelt conversation about Hope for the Next Generation — passing faith forward, trusting God with our kids' stories, and holding onto hope when parenting teens and young adults feels uncertain or overwhelming.Tasha shares: Ways hope has stayed alive (or even grown) in her kids' faith - even through hard and uncertain seasons of parentingHow she personally held onto hope when parenting felt overwhelming and outcomes felt out of her control A favorite Scripture or promise she's leaning on right now for the next generation — and praying over her own kids and encouraging other moms with A practical “digging in” habit or moment she's used with her family to keep hope alive What she's hoping for her kids (and herself as a mom) in 2026 — and how she's cultivating that hope day by day Perfect for moms, grandmothers, aunts, mentors — anyone who loves the next generation and wants to keep hope alive in the waiting, the uncertainty, and the everyday faithfulness of parenting.A warm, real conversation that feels like coffee with a friend who understands both the joy and the heaviness of raising kids in faith. Tasha Calvert is the Women's Minister at Prestonwood Church in Dallas, Texas and host of Digging In, a weekly podcast centered on Christian living. She is the author of over fifteen Bible studies which can be accessed on platforms like Right Now Media, You Version, YouTube, GLU Network, or at prestonwoodwomen.orgTasha and her husband Robert love spending time with their four daughters, two sons-in-law, and granddaughter. Check out tashacalvert.com for more information.Her new book, Set Apart for More, releases April 21st! Pre-Order your copy on Amazon.
Dr. JB Hixson Mary welcomes back JB Hixson to explore a Bible topic that is both personal and practical: surrendering fully to Jesus. In John 3:29-30, we read, He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. John was said by Jesus to be the greatest among those born of women, but the least in the kingdom. Now that is a conundrum and yet we understand the unique position John was in for all of history, and that he never saw the crucifixion or resurrection. So let’s get practical: what does that mean to decrease and give Jesus preeminence in our lives? What does this look like as the ultimate ministry model? How is the church doing on that front when we consider all the glory some ministries take for themselves? A timely hour with JB. Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A
The early church wasn't culturally uniform, politically aligned, or socially alike—and yet it held together. In a letter to the Galatians, Paul addressed deep divisions and showed what it looks like to follow Jesus in a world full of competing identities. How do we remain rooted in truth without becoming combative? And how do we pursue unity without sacrificing conviction? Guest speaker, Sean Boone explores what it means to belong to Christ in a divided culture.
What do church work students experience at Concordia University, Irvine? The Rev. Dr. Scott Stiegemeyer (Associate Professor of Theology and Bioethics, Concordia University, Irvine) and the Rev. Dr. Paul Elliott (Professor of Theology, Christ College, Concordia University, Irvine) join Andy and Sarah to talk about what they love about their work at Concordia University, Irvine, what drew them to their areas of expertise and how these areas of expertise help form students, what students can expect academically and socially at Concordia Irvine, how students are fed spiritually, and what makes CUI a unique place for church worker formation. Learn more about Concordia University, Irvine at cui.edu. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Subject: Acts Speaker or Performer: Bro. Cody Roberts Scripture Passage(s): Acts 13:1-12 Date of Delivery: February 22, 2026
How are church work students formed at Concordia St. Paul? The Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing (Professor of Theology & Ministry; Director of the Pre-Seminary Program; Director of the Center for Biblical Studies; Concordia University, St. Paul) and the Rev. Dr. Mark Koschmann (Vice President of Faith and Ministry; Theology Department Chair; Chief Mission Officer; Concordia University, St. Paul) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about what they love about their vocations at CSP, how their individual areas of expertise are important in forming future church workers, the academic and social experience at CSP, how students are fed spiritually, and their wisdom for future church work students. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
"Thus you shall separate the Levites from among the people of Israel, and the Levites shall be mine." Aaron lights the seven lamps of the golden lampstand, illuminating the holy place where priests serve. Then the Levites undergo an elaborate consecration, being waved as a living offering before the LORD. In this chapter, we see that those who serve God must themselves be made holy. The light of the lampstand points forward to Christ, the Light of the World, and to His Church called to shine in the darkness. The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Numbers 8. To learn more about Trinity in Edwardsville, visit trinitylutheranministries.org. The Book of Numbers is far more than an ancient census report. It is the story of a people learning to trust God in the wilderness, and failing, and finding grace anyway. In this series, host Pastor Phil Booe and guest pastors walk through the Old Testament book of Numbers chapter by chapter. We follow Israel from Sinai toward the Promised Land, through grumbling and rebellion, fiery serpents and a talking donkey, faithless spies and faithful priests. The journey is hard, the failures are many, and God remains faithful to a faithless people. These ancient accounts point us to Christ. The bronze serpent lifted on a pole points to the cross. The rock struck for water points to the one struck for us. The high priest whose death frees the manslayer points to the Great High Priest whose death sets us free forever. Join us as we discover that the wilderness has more to teach us than we ever expected. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.
Acts Series Message: 24 Episode: 3 of 3 Broadcast: February 16, 2026 Key Verses: Acts 13:1-13 In this powerful episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches through Acts 13:1–13 in a message titled "Set Apart for Me," where we see the Holy Spirit clearly calling and commissioning ordinary believers for extraordinary purposes. As the church prays, fasts, and listens to God, Barnabas and Saul are set apart for the work God has prepared for them—reminding us that every believer has a divine calling and a purpose rooted in obedience, faith, and surrender. This teaching will encourage you to walk more closely with God, recognize His voice in your daily life, and live boldly as someone set apart for His mission. It's a practical, faith-building message that equips Christians with God's truth to navigate real life with confidence, clarity, and a deeper commitment to following Christ. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture. Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com
I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Monday morning, the 16th of February, 2026, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We go to the Book of Numbers 8:14: ”Thus you shall separate the Levites from among the children of Israel, and the Levites shall be Mine.” Then we go straight to the Gospel of Luke 6:22 (Amplified Version): ”Blessed [morally courageous and spiritually alive with life-joy in God's goodness] are you when people hate you, and exclude you [from their fellowship], and insult you, and scorn your name as evil because of [your association with] the Son of Man.” Wow, now that is quite something to think about!The Lord says, ”You are blessed when people don't like you because of your stand for Me.” In fact, if you look at verse 23, He says, “Jump for joy because of your reward that you are going to get in heaven.”Now, this morning, I particularly want to dedicate this little message to the young people. I'm talking about school children, I'm talking about university students, I'm talking about young people who are starting out in life, because some of you are taking a lot of strain, I know that, because you are not sleeping around with other people, you are not drugging and drinking, you are not blaspheming. You are not telling filthy stories, and you are not involved with pornography, so the people, the crowd, think that there's something wrong with you. Oh, no - there is nothing wrong with you. The Lord Jesus Christ has separated you unto Himself. He set you aside. He said, ”I've got a special work for you to do. You are very special to me. Keep yourself pure. I have your husband for you. I have your wife for you. You must be patient.” You say, ”How long must we wait, Uncle Angus?” As long as it takes because those other people that seem to be in the flavour of the month, they are going to fall horribly short, and when they do they are coming to you for help.Make yourself strong! Spend time with the Lord, and He has got a very specific and exciting life for you. That goes for all of us, by the way, but the older people have already been through the mill and we have been identified. They don't want us around them because we are salty and we upset their party as it were. So don't be upset because you are lonely, Jesus understands that, but He is a friend who sticks closer than any brother!Jesus bless you and have a wonderful day.Goodbye.
Living Truth Christian Fellowship Podcast
Fr. Mike points out how blessing something sets it apart for the purposes of God, and it is no longer meant for ordinary uses. So when we are filled with the spirit of God, our daily task becomes extraordinary, because it is consecrated to God. Today's readings are Exodus 30-31, Leviticus 22, and Psalm 115. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Feb 15 | Ray Hughes | Sanctuary, Jones Road The Foundry Methodist Church, Houston TX At Foundry we believe God has called us to be a movement of people committed to helping everyone know, follow and share Jesus. This series invites us to discover a deeper participation in that mission! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Used with Permission - CCLI Copyright License Number #855120 Streaming Plus License Number #21172413
Hey Sis! Are you single this Valentine's Day? That makes two of us. And I'm so excited to have girl talk with you! Let's talk being single and set apart, and all the joys that come with falling in love with Jesus. It might sound cheesy, but the Word I share in this episode was so sweet and so encouraging to me that I HAD to share it with you. You're absolutely worth me risking it all in these innanet streets. Grab your favorite cutesy drink and snack, and let's chop it up! _ _ _ Subscribe Sis! Oh and have we connected on social yet? Hmu!YouTube adriannerobertson.comThanks for listening!– – –Perfectly Whole Podcast inspires and encourages women of faith. The focus is never on what we lack, but on what we have – which is infinite love and provision in God. The goal of every episode is to reassure and remind women of all kinds that God has made us perfectly whole! ~Matthew 14:36~
How are church workers formed at Concordia University Chicago? The Rev. Dr. Kirk Clayton (Assistant Professor of Theology, Director Pre-Seminary program, Concordia University Chicago) and the Rev. Simeon Raddatz (University Chaplain, Concordia University Chicago) join Andy and Sarah to talk about what they love about what they get to do at Concordia Chicago, how their individual areas of expertise are important in the forming of future church workers, what students can experience academically and socially on campus, how students are fed spiritually at CUC, wisdom for parents who are anxious about sending their children to college, and their encouragement for young people to consider church work formation at a Concordia University. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Acts Series Message: 24 Episode: 2 of 3 Broadcast: February 13, 2026 Key Verses: Acts 13:1-13 In this powerful episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches through Acts 13:1–13 in a message titled "Set Apart for Me," where we see the Holy Spirit clearly calling and commissioning ordinary believers for extraordinary purposes. As the church prays, fasts, and listens to God, Barnabas and Saul are set apart for the work God has prepared for them—reminding us that every believer has a divine calling and a purpose rooted in obedience, faith, and surrender. This teaching will encourage you to walk more closely with God, recognize His voice in your daily life, and live boldly as someone set apart for His mission. It's a practical, faith-building message that equips Christians with God's truth to navigate real life with confidence, clarity, and a deeper commitment to following Christ. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture. Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com
Living Truth Christian Fellowship Podcast
Acts Series Message: 24 Episode: 1 of 3 Broadcast: February 12, 2026 Key Verses: Acts 13:1-13 In this powerful episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches through Acts 13:1–13 in a message titled "Set Apart for Me," where we see the Holy Spirit clearly calling and commissioning ordinary believers for extraordinary purposes. As the church prays, fasts, and listens to God, Barnabas and Saul are set apart for the work God has prepared for them—reminding us that every believer has a divine calling and a purpose rooted in obedience, faith, and surrender. This teaching will encourage you to walk more closely with God, recognize His voice in your daily life, and live boldly as someone set apart for His mission. It's a practical, faith-building message that equips Christians with God's truth to navigate real life with confidence, clarity, and a deeper commitment to following Christ. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture. Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com
Living Truth Christian Fellowship Podcast
Set Apart | Consecrated for Mission | Jay Pathak | Mile High Vineyard
How are laypersons involved in church worker formation? John Schmall and DoRena Wirgau join Andy and Sarah to talk about where they live and how they serve in their congregations, their experiences in the SAS Pilot Program and what they learned about church worker formation, how large and small churches can engage youth in the Divine Service, how they see the Church supporting and mentoring youth to consider church work, and conversations they've had with youth and adults who might be considering church work. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What does it mean to be called by God? What can we learn from Jesus' call upon his disciples?
Welcome to the Transformation Church Podcast! Each week you can be a part of the weekly sermon delivered at TC by one of our Pastors. You can join us and listen to each message and then catch our Message Re-Cap Podcast on each Wednesday where we talk a little message and a lot of nonesense. Thank you for taking the time to connect with us and with God through this message! For more info about Transformation Church check out our website at https://transformationchurch.com This week Pastor Brad brings the message from the Sushi, Sex, and Subtitles series with Set Apart, Not Set Aside.
Thank you for joining our online service. If you are watching on your computer or phone we would encourage you to watch from https://milehighvineyard.online.church where you can have a more interactive experience! You can text "hi" or your prayer requests to (833) 460-7312 if you're new. We'd love to connect with you and say, "hi" back!
Kyle Kauffman | Feb 1 2026 God saves us in order to also set us apart. As Christians, we are called to live holy lives as God's people in the midst of whatever culture or context he has placed us in. We see in Corinth that the temptation to be conformed to the culture rather than transformed by God is an ever present struggle for God's people. But we also see that the same grace that saves us in the past, present, and future is also the grace that enables us to live holy lives. God does not save us and then leave us on our own. Rather he gives us all we need to live lives of holiness that distinct from the culture and pleasing to him. We are all people who are a work in progress in this area, but we are also people who held fast by God. As a result we can confidently work out our salvation while continuing to be daily dependent on God's grace to us in Jesus. The more we seek to do this the more we will live as those who are set apart by God's grace in the midst of a confusing culture.
DATE: Feb 01, 2026 SERIES: Poured Out (Acts)TITLE: Set Apart & Sent OutBIG IDEA: When the Gospel collides with culture it will be both accepted & rejected; embraced & opposed. SCRIPTURE: Acts 13SUNDAY SET LIST: https://bit.ly/Sunday-SetlistSERMON NOTES: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=S1XaCydLWxGROUPS QUESTIONS: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=rJK79lOUblRESPOND: http://thecreeksidechurch.org/discovercard
DATE: Feb 01, 2026 SERIES: Poured Out (Acts)TITLE: Set Apart & Sent OutBIG IDEA: When the Gospel collides with culture it will be both accepted & rejected; embraced & opposed. SCRIPTURE: Acts 13SUNDAY SET LIST: https://bit.ly/Sunday-SetlistSERMON NOTES: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=S1XaCydLWxGROUPS QUESTIONS: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=rJK79lOUblRESPOND: http://thecreeksidechurch.org/discovercard
How are church work students formed at Concordia University Wisconsin? The Rev. Dr. Aaron Moldenhauer (Vice President for Mission and Church Relations and Associate Professor of Theology, Concordia University Wisconsin) and the Rev. Dr. Brian German (Department Chair and Associate Professor of Theology, Concordia University Wisconsin, and host of Christ in Every Word, Concordia Bible Institute) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about what they love about what they get to do at CUW, their favorite area of theology and how that area is important in the forming of future church workers, what they want students to experience at CUW academically and socially, how the students are fed spiritually, and their encouragement for students considering church work formation programs at CUW. Learn more at cuw.edu. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
The video "Set Apart: A Reflection on the Readings for the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time" by Deacon Dave & Layperson Lisa Show reflects on the readings for the second Sunday in ordinary time, focusing on Jesus's baptism and the call to holiness.Key takeaways from the reflection include:Sanctifying Grace (0:24-0:36): The Holy Spirit descends upon us at baptism, granting us sanctifying grace, which calls us to a life of holiness and makes us more like God.Called to be Set Apart (0:50-1:08): Similar to how Jesus is the Son of God, we are called to be set apart from the world, living in it but not being "of this world," but rather "of the supernatural world of God."Vessels of Light and Hope (1:23-1:37): In difficult times, we are reminded to be vessels of light, hope, and God's love to others.Holiness as Disposition and Obedience (1:42-2:09): Drawing from St. Thérèse of Lisieux, holiness is described as a disposition where our hearts, souls, and wills align with God, and it involves obedience to His will.Humility and Dependence on God (2:33-3:28): Holiness also means acknowledging our smallness and weakness, allowing God to carry us, as our strength comes through Christ. This calls for a great dependency on God and openness to growth in virtues.Growth in Prudence (3:37-4:38): The speaker shares a personal experience of growing in prudence, a virtue that helps us discern and act on what is good, particularly in communication like texts and emails.Strengthening Sanctifying Grace (4:42-5:00): Sanctifying grace is strengthened through prayer, acts of sacrifice, and acts of charity or love.Embracing God's Will (5:38-5:57): Being holy involves making an act of will towards what God desires, even when it means sacrificing our own desires. This practice makes it easier over time and helps us grow in virtue, allowing us to joyfully and easily do what is good.Call to Love (6:26-6:35): Ultimately, we are called to a life of holiness and love to all we encounter, striving to be like Jesus.
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Many people followed Jesus. Not all of them were truly His disciples.In this episode, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Tiffany Coker walk through John chapter 6 to examine one of the most challenging truths of the Christian life: discipleship is more than separation from sin. It requires active devotion to Christ.As many followers walked away from Jesus when His teaching became difficult, Scripture reveals three distinct types of disciples: nominal disciples, real disciples, and false disciples. This conversation explores how each group responds to Jesus, why separation without devotion can be spiritually dangerous, and how believers today can honestly examine their own hearts.What We Discussed02:26 Why Biblical Separation Is MisunderstoodBiblical separation is not about isolation or moral superiority. Scripture calls believers to holiness through repentance and obedience, not excuse or compromise, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15–16 and Romans 6.05:22 Separation from Personal SinChristians are called to deal honestly with their own sin through repentance, confession, and intentional turning away, rather than minimizing or justifying sinful patterns.08:20 Why Small Sins Are Spiritually DangerousHidden or “small” sins do not remain contained. Like poison in a well, personal sin affects prayer, spiritual sensitivity, relationships, and a believer's witness.09:54 Separation from Unrepentant BelieversScripture teaches that fellowship should be withheld from those who profess Christ yet persist in unrepentant sin, both to protect the church and to call the individual to repentance, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 5:11.12:41 Why the Church Must Take Sin SeriouslyUnaddressed sin spreads within the church like yeast through dough 1 Corinthians 5:6.13:42 Separation from False TeachersBelievers are commanded to test teaching against Scripture and separate from those who distort the gospel or deny its truth, following the warning of 1 John 4:1.18:31 Separation from the World SystemScripture calls believers to resist the values and priorities of the world that oppose God, choosing spiritual transformation over conformity, as taught in 1 John 2:15 and Romans 12:2.19:43 Set Apart, Not IsolatedBiblical separation doesn't mean withdrawing from people. It means living with distinct loves, loyalties, and standards while remaining engaged, compassionate, and Christlike.“Discipleship is not about perfection. It is about bringing every area of life under the Lordship of Christ.” – Pastor Jeff CranstonWe love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at pastorjeff@lowcountrycc.orgVisit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter. Join me on Sunday mornings at LowCountry Community Church. Check in with us on Facebook or Instagram @pastorjeffcranstonRemember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!