The Lutheran Witness Podcast

Following the Formula, Article IX: Christ’s Descent into Hell — LW Searching Scripture, September 2026

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 09:30:00 -0500

In the 16th century, there were some disputes among Lutherans over the phrase of the Apostles’ Creed, “He descended into hell.” The FC explains its meaning: Christ “destroyed hell for all believers, and delivered them from the power of death and of the devil, from eternal condemnation and the jaws of hell” (FC Ep IX 4). The FC also holds up Martin Luther’s 1533 sermon on this topic (WA 37:62–67) as a model for how to preach it. Luther’s sermon teaches that we must not rely on our reason or five senses to understand this (or any other) article of the faith but rather should trust God’s Word as articulated in the Creed, which leads us to confess everywhere and always, “Christ is risen!” This Bible study will examine passages that show how in Christ we are victorious over all these enemies.

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the September 2026 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Article IX: Christ’s Descent into Hell” on Article VIX in the Formula of Concord. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Following the Formula” and will walk through the Formula of Concord in the Augsburg Confession. Follow along every month!

This year, “Searching Scripture” is walking through the Formula of Concord (FC) from our Lutheran Confessions, exploring the biblical foundations for each topic. Before starting this study, it may be helpful to read FC Ep IX on Christ’s Descent into Hell (p. 495) in Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions (CPH, 2005). Or follow along with the full Formula of Concord monthly reading plan at witness.lcms.org/reading-plan.

Listen to the Coffee Hour episode with Rev. Brady Finnern on Article VIX at kfuo.org/2025/09/05/coffee-hour-090525-the-descent-into-hell-in-the-formula-of-concord, and find correlating Concord Matters episodes at kfuo.org/formulaofconcord.

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Stories in Global Lutheranism: Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil (IELB)

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 09:30:00 -0500

What does the confessional Lutheran church look like in Brazil? We were honored to meet and share stories of global Lutheran church leaders at the International Church Relations Conference (ICRC), held during the LCMS Synod Convention. In this conversation, the Rev. Geraldo Schüler (President, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil - IELB) joins Sarah Gulseth (co-host of The Coffee Hour), Rachel Bomberger (managing editor of The Lutheran Witness, LCMS Communications), and translator Rev. Airton Schroeder (Vice President of Mercy Work, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil - IELB) to talk about where he lives and works, the history and culture of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil, the long history between the IELB and the LCMS, how the church fits into the broader culture of Argentina, how they are able to serve their neighbors with the love of Christ, challenges the church body has faced as they seek to be faithful to Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, and the joy he’s found among fellowship with fellow Lutherans.

Find the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil (IELB: Igreja Evangélica Luterana do Brasil) at ielb.org.br.

To learn more about Global Lutheranism:

Read more about the 2026 International Church Relations Conference at reporter.lcms.org/2026/global-lutheran-leaders-challenges-abound-contentment-rules.

Learn more about partner churches around the globe at lcms.org/how-we-serve/international/partner-church-bodies.

Find the International Lutheran Council at ilc-online.org/members.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org.

Stories in Global Lutheranism: Christian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bolivia

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 09:15:00 -0500

What does the confessional Lutheran church look like in Bolivia? We were honored to meet and share stories of global Lutheran church leaders at the International Church Relations Conference (ICRC), held during the LCMS Synod Convention. In this conversation, the Rev. Limberth Fernandez Coronado (President, Christian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bolivia) joins Sarah Gulseth (co-host of The Coffee Hour), Rachel Bomberger (managing editor of The Lutheran Witness, LCMS Communications), and translator Rev. Tyler McMiller (LCMS Missionary serving the Lord in Italy) to talk about where he lives and works, the history and culture of the Christian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bolivia, how the church fits into the broader culture of Bolivia, how they are able to serve their neighbors with the love of Christ, challenges the church body has faced as they seek to be faithful to Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, and the joy he’s found among fellowship with fellow Lutherans.

To learn more about Global Lutheranism:

Read more about the 2026 International Church Relations Conference at reporter.lcms.org/2026/global-lutheran-leaders-challenges-abound-contentment-rules.

Learn more about partner churches around the globe at lcms.org/how-we-serve/international/partner-church-bodies.

Find the International Lutheran Council at ilc-online.org/members.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org.

Stories in Global Lutheranism: Evangelical Lutheran Church of Argentina

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:30:00 -0500

What does the confessional Lutheran church look like in Argentina? We were honored to meet and share stories of global Lutheran church leaders at the International Church Relations Conference (ICRC), held during the LCMS Synod Convention. In this conversation, the Rev. Arturo Truenow (President, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Argentina) joins Sarah Gulseth (co-host of The Coffee Hour), Rachel Bomberger (managing editor of The Lutheran Witness, LCMS Communications), and translator Rev. Tyler McMiller (LCMS Missionary serving the Lord in Italy) to talk about where he lives and works, the history and culture of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Argentina, how the church fits into the broader culture of Argentina, how they are able to serve their neighbors with the love of Christ, challenges the church body has faced as they seek to be faithful to Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, and the joy he's found among fellowship with fellow Lutherans.

Find Evangelical Lutheran Church of Argentina at iela.org.ar.

To learn more about Global Lutheranism:

Read more about the 2026 International Church Relations Conference at reporter.lcms.org/2026/global-lutheran-leaders-challenges-abound-contentment-rules.

Learn more about partner churches around the globe at lcms.org/how-we-serve/international/partner-church-bodies.

Find the International Lutheran Council at ilc-online.org/members.

Stories in Global Lutheranism: Lutheran Mission - Australia

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:15:00 -0500

What does the confessional Lutheran church look like in Australia? We were honored to meet and share stories of global Lutheran church leaders at the International Church Relations Conference (ICRC), held during the LCMS Synod Convention. In this conversation, the Rev. Matt Anker (President, Lutheran Mission – Australia) joins Sarah Gulseth (co-host of The Coffee Hour) and Rachel Bomberger (managing editor of The Lutheran Witness, LCMS Communications) to talk about the general landscape of religion and Lutheranism in Australia, the current state of the Lutheran Mission - Australia and exciting things coming up, the seminary currently in development for LMA students, the first Synodical Assembly happening in August 2026, challenges LMA has faced as they seek to be faithful to Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, and the joy Rev. Anker has found in being in fellowship with other Lutherans at ICRC.

Find Lutheran Mission - Australia at lutheranmissionaustralia.org.au.

To learn more about Global Lutheranism:

Read more about the 2026 International Church Relations Conference at reporter.lcms.org/2026/global-lutheran-leaders-challenges-abound-contentment-rules.

Learn more about partner churches around the globe at lcms.org/how-we-serve/international/partner-church-bodies.

Find the International Lutheran Council at ilc-online.org/members.

Stories in Global Lutheranism: Lutheran Church–Canada

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:30:00 -0500

What does the Lutheran church look like in Canada? We were honored to meet and share stories of global Lutheran church leaders at the International Church Relations Conference (ICRC), held during the LCMS Synod Convention. In this conversation, the Rev. Timothy Teuscher (President/Bishop, Lutheran Church—Canada) joins Andy Bates (co-host of The Coffee Hour) and the Rev. Roy Askins (executive editor of the Lutheran Witness, LCMS Communications) to talk about where he gets to live and work, a history of Lutheran Church–Canada and how the LCMS uniquely shares some of that history, the relationship between the LCMS and LCC, how the Lutheran church fits into the broader cultural context in Canada, challenges the Church faces in Canada, and his message to the members of the LCMS during his time in Phoenix. Find Lutheran Church—Canada at lutheranchurchcanada.ca.

To learn more about Global Lutheranism:

Read more about the 2026 International Church Relations Conference at reporter.lcms.org/2026/global-lutheran-leaders-challenges-abound-contentment-rules.

Learn more about partner churches around the globe at lcms.org/how-we-serve/international/partner-church-bodies.

Find the International Lutheran Council at ilc-online.org/members.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org.

LCMS Convention: Meet the Parliamentarian!

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:15:00 -0500

What does a Professional Parliamentarian do, and why is this role important at the LCMS Convention? Al Gage (current Parliamentarian for the National Association of Parliamentarians, CPP-T, PRP, PAP; past president of the American Institute of Parliamentarians) joins Andy Bates (co-host of The Coffee Hour) and the Rev. Roy Askins (executive editor of the Lutheran Witness, LCMS Communications) to share his story and why he became a parliamentarian, what exactly a professional parliamentarian is, the purpose and intention behind Robert’s Rules of Order, what these rules accomplish and how they do it, how congregational voter’s assembly can get the benefits of Robert’s Rules without having to have a full time parliamentarian, one of the most creative ways Al has seen Robert’s Rules used, and how congregations can implement Robert’s Rules of Order in their congregations.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org.

Following the Formula, Article VIII: The Person of Christ — LW Searching Scripture, August 2026

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 09:30:00 -0500

Article VIII of the Formula of Concord (FC), “The Person of Christ,” is closely related to Article VII, “The Holy Supper of Christ.” After Luther’s death in 1546, Calvinist errors about Communion and Christ found their way into some Lutheran churches and schools. The FC criticizes Calvinists for attempting to explain the mysteries of the Supper and the Savior in terms acceptable to human reason rather than simply following the truth of God’s Word.

It is helpful that the FC has separated articles VII and VIII, because they answer slightly different questions, though both originated in the debate over the Lord’s Supper. Article VII answers what the Sacrament is, taking its answer directly from the Words of Institution (for example, Matt. 26:26–28). Article VIII answers the challenge, “How can the true body and true blood of Christ be present in, with and under the bread and wine in all the countless places where the Sacrament is celebrated, and in heaven with the ascended Christ, at once?” It does so by taking up Christology (the theology of the person and work of Christ), providing an answer from Scripture. The answer is that the God-man can cause His Word to do what it says it does, for as He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (MATT. 28:18). This study will search Scripture for its teachings on the divine and human natures personally united in the one Lord Jesus Christ.

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the August 2026 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Article VIII: The Person of Christ" on Article VIII in the Formula of Concord. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Following the Formula” and will walk through the Formula of Concord in the Augsburg Confession. Follow along every month!

This year, “Searching Scripture” is walking through the Formula of Concord (FC) from our Lutheran Confessions, exploring the biblical foundations for each topic. Before starting this study, it may be helpful to read Formula of Concord Epitome VIII on the Person of Christ (p. 491–493) in Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions (CPH 2005). Or follow along with the full Formula of Concord monthly reading plan at witness.lcms.org/reading-plan.

Listen to the Coffee Hour episode with Rev. Brady Finnern on Article VII at kfuo.org/2025/08/11/coffee-hour-081125-the-person-of-christ-in-the-formula-of-concord, and find correlating Concord Matters episodes at kfuo.org/formulaofconcord.

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Following the Formula, Article VII: The Lord’s Supper — LW Searching Scripture, July 2026

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 09:30:00 -0500

Article VII of the Formula of Concord confesses the biblical doctrine of the Lord’s Supper, distinguishing it from the teachings of the Zwinglians (“openly crass Sacramentarians”) and the Calvinists (“crafty Sacramentarians”). The former rejected the real presence of Christ’s body and blood in the Sacrament, while the latter taught a “spiritual” presence of Christ in the Supper, received by faith (not by oral eating).

The Formula of Concord frames the debate this way: “In the Holy Supper, are the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ (a) truly and essentially present, (b) distributed with the bread and wine, and (c) received with the mouth by all those who use this Sacrament — whether they are worthy or unworthy, godly or ungodly, believing or unbelieving? Are they received by the believing for consolation and life, but by the unbelieving for judgment? The Sacramentarians say No. We say Yes” (FC Ep VII 2). This study will lead us to the Scriptures that support the position of the FC, which simply confesses the truth of God’s Word.

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the second “Searching Scripture” feature in the June/July 2026 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Article VII: The Lord’s Supper” on Article VII in the Formula of Concord. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Following the Formula” and will walk through the Formula of Concord in the Augsburg Confession. Follow along every month!

This year, “Searching Scripture” is walking through the Formula of Concord (FC) from our Lutheran Confessions, exploring the biblical foundations for each topic. Before starting this study, it may be helpful to read FC Ep VII on the Lord’s Supper (p. 487–491) in Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, CPH 2005). Or follow along with the full Formula of Concord monthly reading plan at witness.lcms.org/reading-plan.

Listen to the Coffee Hour episode with Rev. Brady Finnern on Article VII at kfuo.org/2025/06/02/coffee-hour-060225-third-use-of-the-law-the-lords-supper-in-the-formula-of-concord, and find correlating Concord Matters episodes at kfuo.org/formulaofconcord.

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Resolution 9-11: How can the Synod support its entities and agencies?

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:00:00 -0500

How can the Synod better support the entities and agencies of Synod in their work at home and abroad? In this special 2026 Convention episode of The Lutheran Witness podcast, the Rev. Dr. Mike Gibson, district president of the LCMS Pacific Southwest District; Andrew Grams, vice chairman of the LCMS Board of Directors; and the Rev. Dr. John Sias, LCMS Secretary join the Rev. Roy S. Askins to discuss Resolution 9-11, which proposes bylaw changes that would address changes to corporate law and business needs affecting Synod-wide entities. The podcast addresses the critiques of the resolution and offers a way for Synod to order its life together in a God-pleasing and legal way.

Listeners can reach out directly to Secretary Sias at lcmssecretary@lcms.org.

Resources:

Following the Formula, Article VI: The Third Use of God’s Law — LW Searching Scripture, June 2026

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:30:00 -0500

God’s Word plainly teaches, “The law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good” (Romans 7:12). And so, we do not discard the Law, which is a holy gift from God. However, Lutherans have sometimes debated that Law’s applications. In the 16th century, Lutheran theologians debated the question, “How many uses of God’s Law are there?” While there is but one Law of God, He uses it in various ways, depending on the person to whom it is applied. Theologians attempted to catalogue these uses. Some disputes over numbering and terminology amounted to misunderstandings, but there were substantive disagreements as well, mainly involving the third use of the Law (the Law as a guide for Christian life). In response to these debates, the Formula identified three proper uses of God’s holy Law. This study will explore the biblical basis for these three uses.

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the first “Searching Scripture” feature in the June/July 2026 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Article VI: The Third Use of God’s Law” on Article VI in the Formula of Concord. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Following the Formula” and will walk through the Formula of Concord in the Augsburg Confession. Follow along every month!

This year, “Searching Scripture” is walking through the Formula of Concord (FC) from our Lutheran Confessions, exploring the biblical foundations for each topic. Before starting this study, it may be helpful to read FC Ep VI on the third use of the Law (p. 485–486) in Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, CPH 2005). Or follow along with the full Formula of Concord monthly reading plan at witness.lcms.org/reading-plan.

Listen to the Coffee Hour episode with Rev. Brady Finnern on Article V at kfuo.org/2025/06/02/coffee-hour-060225-third-use-of-the-law-the-lords-supper-in-the-formula-of-concord, and find correlating Concord Matters episodes at kfuo.org/formulaofconcord.

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Following the Formula, Article V: Law and Gospel — LW Searching Scripture, May 2026

Mon, 04 May 2026 09:30:00 -0500

Luther famously said that students of the Bible need “to retain the distinction between Law and Gospel” (AE 26: 406). This became the official position of Lutherans with Article V of the Formula of Concord: “We believe, teach, and confess that the distinction between the Law and the Gospel is to be kept in the Church with great diligence” (FC Ep V 2). If we want to be distinctively Lutheran today, this distinction between Law and Gospel must retain a prominent place in our interpretation of Scripture, preaching and catechesis.

This task is challenging, because the terms “Law” and “Gospel” can be used in different senses. In the Bible, both terms can be used in a wide sense to refer to God’s work and speech, but they also can be used in a narrow (proper) sense, which is what this article focuses on. Properly speaking, the Law is what God tells us to do, think, say and be, and it threatens wrath and punishment on those who break His will; the Gospel is what God by grace has done and is still doing for our salvation through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. This distinction also opens the whole Bible to us, reinforcing the proper understanding that the Old Testament is not just Law and the New Testament is not just Gospel. In fact, the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) contain Law as well as Gospel, and the Law (the Books of Moses) contains Gospel as well as Law!

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the May 2026 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Article V: Law and Gospel” on Article V in the Formula of Concord. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Following the Formula” and will walk through the Formula of Concord in the Augsburg Confession. Follow along every month!

This year, “Searching Scripture” is walking through the Formula of Concord (FC) from our Lutheran Confessions, exploring the biblical foundations for each topic. Before starting this study, it may be helpful to read FC Ep V on The Law and The Gospel (p. 484–485 in Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, CPH 2005). Or follow along with the full Formula of Concord monthly reading plan at witness.lcms.org/reading-plan.

Listen to the Coffee Hour episode with Rev. Brady Finnern on Article V at kfuo.org/2025/05/01/coffee-hour-050125-law-gospel-in-the-formula-of-concord, and find correlating Concord Matters episodes at kfuo.org/formulaofconcord.

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Following the Formula, Article IV: Good Works — LW Searching Scripture, April 2026

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 09:30:00 -0500

Article IV of the Formula of Concord elaborates on teachings introduced in the previous article: “Good works always follow justifying faith and are surely found with it — if it is true and living faith. Faith is never alone, but always has love and hope with it” (FC Ep III 11). The authors of the Formula chose to include a separate article on good works in order to resolve a dispute that had occurred among Lutheran theologians: Some argued that good works are necessary for salvation, while others argued that good works are detrimental to salvation. Both claims are unscriptural. The Formula of Concord follows the Bible in confessing that good works are “necessary,” but in the sense that God wants them to be done and that they will always be produced by true faith.

The Formula also counters the accusation that Lutherans discourage good works. Far from it! Lutherans maintain the necessity of good works while upholding a distinction between justification by faith and the good works that are produced by the Holy Spirit in one who is justified. Certainty of salvation by grace alone is preserved by this distinction. If the quantity or quality of our good works had any bearing on our salvation, we would be in a constant state of doubt about whether or not we are saved!

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the April 2026 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Article IV: Good Works” on Article IV in the Formula of Concord. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Following the Formula” and will walk through the Formula of Concord in the Augsburg Confession. Follow along every month!

This year, “Searching Scripture” is walking through the Formula of Concord (FC) from our Lutheran Confessions, exploring the biblical foundations for each topic. Before starting this study, it may be helpful to read FC Ep IV on Good Works (p. 482–484 in Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, CPH 2005). Or follow along with the full Formula of Concord monthly reading plan at witness.lcms.org/reading-plan.

Listen to the Coffee Hour episode with Rev. Brady Finnern on Article IV at kfuo.org/2025/04/02/coffee-hour-040225-good-works-in-the-formula-of-concord, and find correlating Concord Matters episodes at kfuo.org/formulaofconcord.

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Following the Formula, Article III: The Righteousness of Faith Before God — LW Searching Scripture, March 2026

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 09:30:00 -0600

Article III of the Formula of Concord addresses doctrinal errors spread by two 16th-century teachers, Andreas Osiander (1498–1552) and Francesco Stancaro (1501–1574). Osiander taught that the righteousness of Christ’s divine nature dwelling in Christians is their righteousness before God, while Stancaro insisted that the righteousness of Christ’s human nature is the Christian’s righteousness. The article quickly dispenses with the controversy by demonstrating from Scripture (for example, 1 Corinthians 1:30 and Jeremiah 23:6) that the righteousness of the whole, indivisible Christ is what Christians receive by faith, for which God the Father justifies them (that is, declares them righteous before His judgment throne). This article also demonstrates the falsehood of the Roman Catholic teaching that Christians are justified by becoming righteous in themselves rather than trusting solely in the righteousness of Christ. Lest we think this issue is merely part of an arcane debate hundreds of years ago, note what the Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church continues to teach: “Justification is not only the remission of sins, but also the sanctification and renewal of the interior man. … Justification … conforms us to the righteousness of God, who makes us inwardly just by the power of his mercy” (CCC 1989, 1992). The Formula of Concord confesses the comforting truth that our righteousness is a gift from God, which means that it depends completely on Christ, not on us. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the March 2026 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Article III: The Righteousness of Faith Before God” on Article III in the Formula of Concord. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Following the Formula” and will walk through the Formula of Concord in the Augsburg Confession. Follow along every month! This year, “Searching Scripture” is walking through the Formula of Concord (FC) from our Lutheran Confessions, exploring the biblical foundations for each topic. Before starting this study, it may be helpful to read FC Ep III on The Righteousness of Faith Before God (p. 479–482 in Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, CPH 2005). Or follow along with the full Formula of Concord monthly reading plan at witness.lcms.org/reading-plan. Listen to the Coffee Hour episode with Rev. Brady Finnern on Article III at kfuo.org/2025/03/04/coffee-hour-030425-the-righteousness-of-faith-before-god-in-the-formula-of-concord, and find correlating Concord Matters episodes at kfuo.org/formulaofconcord. Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Following the Formula, Article II: Free Will — LW Searching Scripture, February 2026

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 09:30:00 -0600

“Free will” is not a phrase found in the Bible. The concept seems to have been brought into Christian theology by the church father Tertullian (160–240), who likely borrowed it from Stoic philosophy. Augustine (354–430) wrote a treatise called "On Free Choice of the Will" early in his career but altered some of his views later, which led to much debate and confusion on the issue throughout the Middle Ages. The Roman Catholic Desiderius Erasmus (1466–1536) wrote a treatise on free will against Martin Luther, to which Luther replied with his "Bondage of the Will" in 1525. The second article of the Formula of Concord upholds Luther’s biblical teachings on free will but also clarifies misunderstandings about Luther’s teachings that had persisted in the decades after 1525. The central question of this article is: After the fall, what are unregenerate human beings able to do, from their own will and intellect, toward their conversion and regeneration? (See FC SD II 2.) The answer logically follows from the preceding article on original sin, which exposes us as guilty, condemned sinners under God’s wrath. Until the Holy Spirit converts us to Christ, we are powerless to enter a saving relationship with God or even prepare ourselves to receive God’s grace. This teaching also safeguards the truth of the Gospel: God does everything necessary to save us and we, by faith, receive His salvation totally as a gift. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the February 2026 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Article II: Free Will” on Article II in the Formula of Concord. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Following the Formula” and will walk through the Formula of Concord in the Augsburg Confession. Follow along every month! Before starting this study, it may be helpful to read FC Ep II on Free Will (p. 477–479 in Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, CPH 2005). Or follow along with the full Formula of Concord monthly reading plan at witness.lcms.org/reading-plan. Listen to the Coffee Hour episode with Rev. Brady Finnern on Article II at kfuo.org/2025/02/03/coffee-hour-020425-free-will-in-the-formula-of-concord, and find correlating Concord Matters episodes at kfuo.org/formulaofconcord. Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Following the Formula, Article I: Original Sin — LW Searching Scripture, January 2026

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 09:30:00 -0600

Readers of The Lutheran Witness are likely familiar with the Formula of Concord (FC) — not only from its inclusion in the Lutheran Book of Concord, but also from the monthly reading plan published in these pages last year. This year’s “Searching Scripture” will walk through the 12 topics explored by the Formula — original sin, free will, election, Law and Gospel, and so on — in order to examine the biblical basis for what Lutherans confess in this edifying and timeless statement of faith. Almost 450 years after its publication, the Formula remains relevant. Its topics continue to be points of contention among various Christian denominations. As the Formula confesses, Lutherans unite in concord around teachings drawn from “the true, firm ground of the holy, divine Scriptures” (FC SD Summary 17). Along with the other documents in the Book of Concord, the Formula is not “unnecessary and useless wrangling,” but addresses “articles of faith or the chief points of Christian doctrine” and demonstrates what we “should regard and receive as right and true according to God’s Word of the prophetic and apostolic Scriptures.” It also tells what we “should reject, shun, and avoid as false and wrong” — lest we seek the wrong salvation. “The truth must be preserved distinctly and clearly and distinguished from all errors” (FC SD Summary 15–16). This truth can only be established from God’s Word, which Jesus says “is truth” (John 17:17). We respond, “The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous rules endures forever” (Psalm 119:160). Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the January 2026 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Article I: Original Sin” on Article I in the Formula of Concord. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Following the Formula” and will walk through the Formula of Concord in the Augsburg Confession. Follow along every month! Before starting, it may be helpful to read FC Ep I on Original Sin (p. 474–477 in Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, CPH 2005). Follow along with the full Formula of Concord monthly reading plan at witness.lcms.org/reading-plan. Listen to the Coffee Hour episode with Rev. Brady Finnern on Article I at kfuo.org/2025/01/07/coffee-hour-010725-studying-original-sin-in-the-book-of-concord, and find correlating Concord Matters episodes at kfuo.org/formulaofconcord. Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

"Son of David, Son of God" LW Searching Scripture, December 2025: Isaiah 9 & 11

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 09:30:00 -0600

As our year of focusing on the Old Testament comes to a close, it is fitting that we conclude with texts from the Messiah’s first “biographer,” the prophet Isaiah, whose career spanned 740–680 B.C. Thanks to the Lutheran composer Handel, whose “Messiah” is especially popular around Christmas and Easter, many of Isaiah’s prophecies are quite familiar (in fact, about one-third of the movements in “Messiah” are from Isaiah!). As we open these Old Testament texts, we discover the incarnate Lord and the gifts of forgiveness of sins, life and salvation that He came to bring. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the December 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Son of David, Son of God" on Isaiah 9:2–7 and Isaiah 11:1–10. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

“The New Heavens and New Earth” LW Searching Scripture, November 2025: Isaiah 65-66

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 09:30:00 -0600

November brings us to the end of another church year, which focuses our attention on the last things, on death and resurrection, on heaven and hell. We confess in the creeds, “I believe in … the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting”; “I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.” It is remarkable that these creedal truths were already as good as accomplished thousands of years ago, with prophecies inspired by the Holy Spirit and written down by men such as Job (19:25–27), Daniel (12:2–3) and Isaiah (26:19). Some Christians take Revelation, Daniel, Ezekiel and other prophetic books of the Bible to be “guidebooks to the end times.” However, careful study of both the Old and New Testaments shows that their focus is on comforting the church on earth with knowledge of the victory of Jesus Christ over sin, death and the devil and His promise to take us to Himself for eternity. As we open the Old Testament and see our present and future revealed there, we will need to keep in mind the “prophetic perspective” that could be observed in Jeremiah 31:31–34 and Joel 2:28–32, in which some predictions have been fulfilled in the messianic age but others must wait until the end of time. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the November 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “The New Heavens and New Earth” on Isaiah 65-66. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

“Do Lutherans Do Allegory?” LW Searching Scripture, October 2025: Genesis and Galatians

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 09:30:00 -0500

In 2013, a popular national TV host provoked a sharp reaction from Christian viewers when he asserted that much of the Bible is allegorical, meaning that the narratives of Adam and Eve, Noah, and Jonah are non-literal and symbolic. This is not how Christians have historically understood allegory. Even in the Middle Ages, when ingenious allegorical interpretation sometimes resulted in nonsense, Christians still approached the Bible with the conviction that it was literal and historical — they just thought they were finding additional symbolic or spiritual meanings. While the Lutheran Reformation reined in allegorical interpretation of the Bible, there is one divinely inspired allegory given in Scripture that stands alongside messianic prophecy and typology as an interpretive technique for opening the Old Testament. Whether or not St. Paul’s example gives license to Lutherans to do allegory — that’s debatable! Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the October 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Do Lutherans Do Allegory?” on selected passages from Genesis and Galatians. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Nominations with the Synod Secretary

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Lutheran Witness podcast, we dive deep into nominations for offices, boards and commissions of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. The Rev. Dr. John Sias, LCMS Secretary, discusses why the Synod needs nominations, who to nominate, the types of roles these nominees fill and much more. To learn more about the nomination process within the LCMS, visit lcms.org/nominate. For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

“Sacramental Shadows” LW Searching Scripture, September 2025: Exodus 13 & 14

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 09:30:00 -0500

Anyone who has studied the Third Commandment in confirmation class has encountered Colossians 2:16–17, which answers the question, “Why don’t Christians have to worship on Saturday (the Sabbath) as the Israelites did in the Old Testament?” St. Paul writes, “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance [literally, “body”] belongs to Christ.” Not only does this passage teach that under the New Testament Christians are not obligated to keep Old Testament ceremonial or political laws (although the moral Law does continue to apply to all people of all times and all places), but it also leads Christians to ask, “Why would we try to cling to mere shadows of our Savior, when He is really present in His Body, the church?” We have Jesus as our Bridegroom, so we lack nothing. Nevertheless, the New Testament does use types, examples and shadows from the Old Testament to teach us about life in Christ and in the church. We can gain insights into the New Testament Means of Grace by opening the Old Testament. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the September 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Sacramental Shadows” on Exodus 13 & 14. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Providing for Refugees in Germany

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:00:00 -0500

This edition of The Lutheran Witness podcast was recorded almost a year ago in Berlin-Steglitz, Germany. In this episode, we speak with Sandra, an American living in Germany and working with the members of Trinity Lutheran Church, Berlin-Steglitz, Germany. She discusses her life between Germany and the USA, and the great privilege and opportunity she has to help care for refugees in Germany.

For the full story, visit engage.lcms.org/persian-project-winter-2025.

To learn more about the Independent Evangelical — Lutheran Church (SELK), visit lcms.org/partner-church-bodies/independent-evangelical-lutheran-church.

Photo credit: LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

“Substitutes” LW Searching Scripture, August 2025: Genesis 17:15–21 and 22:1–18

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 09:30:00 -0500

In May, we studied Exodus 12:1–14, which introduced the idea of substitution: In order to escape the destroyer, who would kill the firstborn male of every family as a judgment on Egypt, an unblemished male lamb had to be killed and its blood sprinkled on the lintels and doorposts of Israelite houses. The Passover lamb was a substitute for the firstborn males of Israel, and St. Paul makes the connection with Jesus explicit when he says, “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). Later in the same Epistle, St. Paul emphasizes the substitutionary work of Jesus, teaching that it was “of first importance … that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3). In addition to the Passover lamb, there are other substitutes in the Old Testament that point to the person and work of Jesus Christ. These will be the subject of this study.

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the August 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Substitutes” on Genesis 17:15–21 and 22:1–18. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Baptized into Christ: Sebastian’s Story

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 10:00:00 -0500

This edition of The Lutheran Witness podcast was recorded almost a year ago in Berlin-Steglitz, Germany. In it, we speak to Sebastian, who was baptized during our trip to Germany. In this podcast, he discusses the importance of dreams in Iranian culture, how he came to faith, and how the Lord is working through Trinity Lutheran Church, Berlin-Steglitz, Germany.

For the full story, visit engage.lcms.org/persian-project-winter-2025.

To learn more about the Independent Evangelical — Lutheran Church (SELK), visit lcms.org/partner-church-bodies/independent-evangelical-lutheran-church.

Photo credit: LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Persians Find a New Home in Christ in Germany

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 10:00:00 -0500

In this podcast recorded almost a year ago, the Rev. Dr. Gottfried Martens, the Rev. Dr. David Preus and the Rev. Dr. Christian Tiews join the podcast to discuss the work at Trinity Lutheran Church, Berlin-Steglitz, Germany. This congregation of the Independent Evangelical — Lutheran Church (SELK) cares for Persian immigrants seeking asylum in Germany. The conversation includes an explanation of the political situation in Germany, and the LCMS mission with Farsi speakers in Germany and beyond.

For the full story, visit engage.lcms.org/persian-project-winter-2025.

To learn more about the Independent Evangelical — Lutheran Church (SELK), visit lcms.org/partner-church-bodies/independent-evangelical-lutheran-church.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Congregational Spotlight: Augustana Lutheran Church, Moscow, Idaho

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0500

The Walking Together column in The Lutheran Witness is a regular column that features congregations of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. In this special edition of the LW podcast, we interview the Rev. Jonathon Krenz, pastor of Augustana. He talks about the struggles of starting a church plant without a physical building, and what it’s like being a pastor in Moscow, Idaho.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Ancient Mission, New Alliances

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 09:30:00 -0500

In this episode, we interview the Rev. Isaac Machado and the Rev. Allison Henn, alliance missionaries in Spain. Alliance missionaries are called by LCMS partner church bodies to serve as missionaries for the LCMS in an LCMS mission field, with the full support and guidance of the LCMS.

For the full story, please read the summer edition of Lutherans Engage the World.

To learn more about alliance missionaries, read this downloadable FAQ.

Photo credit: LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Preaching Christ Crucified in Italy

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 09:30:00 -0500

In this episode, we interview the Rev. Tyler McMiller, LCMS missionary in Italy, to learn about the work of the Confessional Lutheran Church of Italy (CLCI). McMiller serves a number of house churches across the peninsula and recent developments — the ordination of two new local pastors — have greatly expanded the ability of the CLCI to proclaim the Gospel across the nation.

Watch engage.lcms.org for the full story in the fall issue of Lutherans Engage.

Photo credit: LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

“The Promised Spirit” LW Searching Scripture, June/July 2025: Joel 2:28–32 & Acts 2:1–22

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 09:30:00 -0500

We have now come through Lent and the Easter season, including the Ascension of Jesus to His Father’s right hand, and in June we celebrate Pentecost. In these studies, we have explored messianic prophecies in January through April, with an introduction to messianic typology last month. This month’s study will deal with a prophecy that is not exactly messianic, but features prominently in the New Testament: in Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost. We also will explore the Old and New Testaments’ witness to the Holy Spirit and His work then and now.

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the June/July 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “The Promised Spirit” on Joel 2:28–32 and Acts 2:1–22. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

"Isn’t That Typical?" LW Searching Scripture, May 2025: Typological Connections Throughout Scripture

Tue, 06 May 2025 09:30:00 -0500

“Type” has to do with forms, shapes, patterns, images. People demonstrate “typical” behavior when they act in a similar pattern time and again. In typesetting, a block with a typographic character on it makes an image of that character on the page. Our first four Bible studies in this year’s series have focused on straightforward messianic prophecies, which abound in the Old Testament. However, Jesus and His church are prefigured in other ways in the Old Testament. This is known as typology — seeing an Old Testament person or event (a “type”) as a pattern for a New Testament one (the “antitype”). This sort of interpretation is employed by the New Testament, which shows us how it can be done responsibly (and not fancifully!). For example, Jesus says, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life” (John 3:14–15). Here Jesus teaches about Himself and His work by pointing back to Numbers 21:4–9, with the bronze serpent that saved snakebitten Israelites (the type) corresponding to Jesus as One who was lifted up on the cross that we might look to Him in faith and be saved (the antitype). In this study, we will look at more typological connections between the Old Testament and New Testament.

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the May 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Isn’t That Typical?” on Typological Connections throughout Scripture. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

“The Suffering Servant” LW Searching Scripture, April 2025: Isaiah 52:13–53:12 and Psalm 22

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Jesus says of the Old Testament Scriptures that “they … bear witness about Me” (John 5:39). This is especially true of two central messianic prophecies, Isaiah 52:13–53:12 and Psalm 22, which feature prominently in Holy Week services. In Isaiah 52–53, we gain remarkable details about Jesus’ crucifixion from a prophecy that was written more than 700 years before His death. In Psalm 22, the Holy Spirit inspired David, about 1,000 years before Jesus’ birth, to record words that apply in part to David himself but above all to the Messiah. It would not be a stretch to say that Isaiah 52–53 is a biographical portrait of Jesus Christ, and Psalm 22 is autobiographical, since Jesus took the words of David on His own lips at His crucifixion. Or perhaps we should view it the other way around, with “David’s Son, yet David’s Lord” (LSB 451:1; cf. Matthew 22:41–46) lending the words to His ancestor. Either way, opening the Old Testament leads us straight to Jesus.

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the April 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “The Suffering Servant” on Isaiah 52:13–53:12 and Psalm 22. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

“Covenant or Testament?” LW Searching Scripture, March 2025: Jeremiah 31:31–34

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 09:30:00 -0600

On Ash Wednesday (March 5), the church enters the holy season of Lent, in which we focus on Christ’s righteousness, sufferings and death, and the new testament in His blood. Much ink has been spilt over the decision of St. Jerome to translate the Greek "diatheke" as "testamentum" in his Latin Vulgate, which ultimately influenced the King James Version’s selection of “testament” as a translation of this term. This, in turn, led to our common division of “Old Testament” (2 Corinthians 3:14) and “New Testament” (Matthew 26:28; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Hebrews 9:15). However, diatheke can also mean “covenant,” which is how many recent English translations, such as the ESV, render the term (except in Hebrews 9:16–17, where it opts for “will,” as in, “last will and testament”). Lutherans tend to prefer the translation “testament” over “covenant,” since covenants in the Bible sometimes require works on the part of humans. But in no case does a testament (a will) involve the works of the beneficiary — not to mention that it must be put into effect by the death of the testator. As we will see, even “covenant” can be understood correctly — provided that we pay attention to context and keep in mind the proper distinction between Law and Gospel.

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the March 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Covenant or Testament?” on Jeremiah 31:31–34. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

"The Prophet Like Moses" LW Searching Scripture, February 2025: Deuteronomy 18:15–19

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 09:30:00 -0600

On the Epiphany of Our Lord (January 6), we followed the Wise Men as they brought gifts (Matthew 2:11) predicted by the Old Testament (Isaiah 60:6) to Jesus, “He who has been born king of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2). The Wise Men even found Christ using the Old Testament: at first, through the fulfilled prophecy of Numbers 24:15–19 concerning a star and a king’s scepter in Israel; ultimately, through the fulfillment of Micah 5’s words about the Good Shepherd of Judah being born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2–5). And not only does the whole Bible reveal Jesus as King, it also shows that He is God’s Prophet, one like — yet greater than! — Moses.

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the February 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “The Prophet Like Moses” on Deuteronomy 18:15–19. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

"The Blessed Seed" LW Searching Scripture, January 2025: Genesis 3:9-15

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 09:30:00 -0600

The Old Testament is about Jesus, which is reason enough for us to open our Bibles and read it regularly. “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, [Jesus] interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself” (Luke 24:27). Jesus opens our minds to understand the Hebrew Scriptures (Luke 24:45) and teaches us how to read them. “Everything written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled... Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem” (Luke 24:44, 46–47). This year’s “Searching Scripture” columns will lead us through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. This month we focus on the foundational messianic prophecy of the blessed “offspring” (or “seed”) of the woman first given in Genesis 3 and then reiterated to the patriarchs.

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the January 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “The Blessed Seed” on Genesis 3:9-15. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

"A Worldwide Community" LW Searching Scripture, December 2024: 1 Peter 5:8-14

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 09:30:00 -0600

This issue of LW focuses on the community of family. Peter reminds us that Christians have a much larger family, our “brotherhood throughout the world” (1 Peter 5:9). Paul says something similar in 1 Corinthians 1:2: “To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours.” While we properly focus most of our attention on our local communities of family and congregation, our Lord has a global mission: “This gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). Peter’s emphasis on the common suffering of Christians throughout the world is a reminder that we are part of something much greater than ourselves, as Paul also writes: “There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call — one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4–6).

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the December 2024 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “A Worldwide Community” on 1 Peter 5:8-14. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Elect Exiles” and will walk through the First Epistle of St. Peter. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour— "A Humble Community" LW Searching Scripture, November 2024: 1 Peter 5:1–7

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 09:30:00 -0600

This issue of LW focuses on the LCMS community, which is made up of “flock[s] of God” (1 PETER 5:2) under “the chief Shepherd” (1 Peter 5:4), who sends men to shepherd His holy people (in Latin, pastor means “shepherd”). If both preachers and hearers heed Peter’s advice, congregations will be blessed with peace and concord; if they don’t, dissension and conflict will ensue. Peter encourages humility for all Christians (1 Peter 5:6–7). Although he doesn’t mention the example of Jesus in this passage, He should be on our minds as we act in humility toward one another and humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:5–8).

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the November 2024 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “A Humble Community” on 1 Peter 5:1-7. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Elect Exiles” and will walk through the First Epistle of St. Peter. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

From Wittenberg: ILC-Chile President Rev. Juan Pablo Lanterna

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 09:30:00 -0600

Hear about our Lutheran brothers and sisters in Christ in Chile! In our special crossover series "From Wittenberg" with The Lutheran Witness Podcast, the Rev. Roy Askins (Executive Editor of The Lutheran Witness) speaks with President Rev. Juan Pablo Lanterna of the Confessional Lutheran Church of Chile / Iglesia Luterana Confesional de Chile (ILC-Chile). In this conversation, President Lanterna discusses the history of the church, its current state, and its challenges. The church was founded 70 years ago through the Lutheran Hour radio program and has grown to eight churches and numerous preaching stations. The church body recently worked to create a new Spanish hymnal. It also operates a large school and is actively involved in disaster relief efforts, particularly after a recent earthquake that affected 50,000 people. President Lanterna emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and the power of the gospel in overcoming challenges. Find the ILC-Chile online at soyluterano.cl.

Learn more about LCMS Church relations at lcms.org/about/leadership/president/church-relations.

Find The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org.

From Wittenberg: ELCK Archbishop Joseph Ochoa Omolo

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 09:30:00 -0500

Hear about our Lutheran brothers and sisters in Christ in Kenya! In our special crossover series "From Wittenberg" with The Lutheran Witness Podcast, the Rev. Roy Askins (Executive Editor of The Lutheran Witness) speaks with Archbishop Joseph Ochoa Omolo of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya (ELCK). In this conversation, Archbishop Omolo discusses the history, growth, and mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya (ELCK). He shares insights into the church's formation, its current status with 350,000 members, and the importance of liturgy and diaconal work in their mission. The conversation highlights the collaborative efforts of various Nordic mission organizations in establishing the ELCK and the church's commitment to gospel proclamation and community service.

Learn more about LCMS Church relations at lcms.org/about/leadership/president/church-relations.

Find The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org.

From Wittenberg: FELSISA Bishop Helmut Paul

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 09:15:00 -0500

Hear about our Lutheran brothers and sisters in Christ in South Africa! In our special crossover series "From Wittenberg" with The Lutheran Witness Podcast, the Rev. Roy Askins (Executive Editor of The Lutheran Witness) speaks with Bishop Helmut Paul of the Free Evangelical Lutheran Synod in South Africa (FELSISA). In this conversation, Bishop Paul discusses the FELSISA and its history, growth, and collaboration with other Lutheran churches. They explore the challenges and opportunities faced by FELSISA, including the importance of mission work and the role of the seminary in training future leaders. The conversation highlights the significance of international conferences in fostering support and sharing experiences among church leaders. Prayer support is crucial for the ongoing work of FELSISA, and you can learn more about FELSISA at felsisa.org.za.

Learn more about LCMS Church relations at lcms.org/about/leadership/president/church-relations.

Find The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org.

From Wittenberg: The Challenges Facing Global Lutheranism

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 09:35:00 -0500

What are the challenges facing Global Lutheranism? Beginning our special crossover series "From Wittenberg" with The Lutheran Witness Podcast, the Rev. Roy Askins (Executive Editor of The Lutheran Witness) speaks with the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison (President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) and the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Shaw (LCMS Director of Church Relations) from the 2024 International Church Relations Conference (ICRC) held in Wittenberg, Germany. This conference brings together Lutheran church leaders from around the world to discuss theological issues, build relationships, and provide mutual support. The theme of the 2024 conference is "Christ the Lord of History," with speakers including the LCMS President, Matthew C. Harrison, and Chaplain Jonathan Shaw. In this episode, they discuss the challenges facing global Lutheranism, such as persecution, financial difficulties, and secularism.

Learn more about LCMS Church relations at lcms.org/about/leadership/president/church-relations.

Find The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org.

From the Field: Lutherans in Brazil Help with Flooding

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 10:45:00 -0500

This episode of The Lutheran Witness podcast was recorded in Brazil. The Rev. Airton Schroeder, the Rev. Ross Johnson, the Rev. James Sharp, and Erik Lunsford discuss the flooding that occurred in Brazil this summer and the historic response of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil (IELB).

To learn more, visit https://engage.lcms.org/disasters-fall-2024/.

Photo: LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

The Coffee Hour— "A Suffering Community" LW Searching Scripture, October 2024: 1 Peter 4:7-19

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 09:30:00 -0500

This issue of the Lutheran Witness focuses on the Christian church as a confessing community. 1 Peter 4:7–19 teaches how we confess our faith through words, works and, perhaps surprisingly, through suffering as Christians (1 Peter 4:16). Jesus had promised this would happen to His followers: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will also keep yours” (John 15:18–20). But for some reason, we are shocked when His promise comes true in our own lives. Peter helpfully reminds us not to “be surprised” (1 Peter 4:12) when sufferings come but, rather, to “rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings” (1 Peter 4:13).

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the October 2024 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “A Suffering Community” on 1 Peter 4:7–19. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Elect Exiles” and will walk through the First Epistle of St. Peter. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

1 Peter 4:7-19

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. ⁸Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. ⁹Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: ¹¹whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Suffering as a Christian

¹²Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory[a] and of God rests upon you. ¹⁵But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. ¹⁶Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. ¹⁷For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸And

“If the righteous is scarcely saved,

what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[b]

¹⁹Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

1 Peter 4:14 Some manuscripts insert and of power
1 Peter 4:18 Greek where will the ungodly and sinner appear?

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact Andy Bates at andrew.bates@kfuo.org or call 314-996-1519.

The Coffee Hour — "A Baptized Community" LW Searching Scripture, September 2024: 1 Peter 3:18–4:6

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 09:30:00 -0500

Most of Peter’s First Epistle is straightforward in meaning, but this month’s reading contains two difficult passages: 1 Peter 3:18–20 and 4:6. Consulting a faithful and reliable resource such as The Lutheran Study Bible is advisable when you are faced with challenging texts. For the first difficult passage, one should ask, “What else could this refer to other than Christ’s victorious descent into hell to proclaim defeat over sin, Satan and the enemies of God?” This is the proper meaning, as we confess in the Apostles’ Creed: Christ “descended into hell.” With the second difficult passage, other Scriptures clarify the meaning: “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27; see also Luke 16:19–31). “Those who are dead” (1 Peter 4:6) to whom the Gospel has been preached must be those dead in sin (Ephesians 2:1) in this life who need to hear and believe the life-giving Word of Christ. In the verses for this month, Peter makes it perfectly clear that Baptism is a saving bath that unites us with Christ’s resurrection and gives us power for a new life. As a baptized community made alive “through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21), we now “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the September 2024 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “A Baptized Community” on 1 Peter 3:18–4:6. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Elect Exiles” and will walk through the First Epistle of St. Peter. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

1 Peter 3:18-4:6

For Christ also suffered[a] once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, ¹⁹in which[b] he went and proclaimed[c] to the spirits in prison, ²⁰because[d] they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. ²¹Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, ²²who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

Stewards of God's Grace

4 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh,[e] arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, ²so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. ³For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. ⁴With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; ⁵but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. ⁶For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

Footnotes

1 Peter 3:18 Some manuscripts died
1 Peter 3:19 Or the Spirit, in whom
1 Peter 3:19 Or preached
1 Peter 3:20 Or when
1 Peter 4:1 Some manuscripts add for us; some for you

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour — “Community of Hope” LW Searching Scripture, August 2024: 1 Peter 3:8–17

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 09:30:00 -0500

This issue of LW focuses on the church as a teaching and learning community. Peter encourages Christian education oriented toward apologetics, the defense of the Christian faith: “Always [be] prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). Lutherans have a wonderful resource for apologetics in the Small Catechism, which is a foundation and guide for deeper knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. Peter does not encourage Christians to force their faith on others but tells them to be well-prepared to — when asked! — offer a gentle, respectful account of why Christ the Lord is the way, the truth and the life.

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the August 2024 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “A Community of Hope” on 1 Peter 3:8–17. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Elect Exiles” and will walk through the First Epistle of St. Peter. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

1 Peter 3:8–17

Suffering for Righteousness' Sake

⁸Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. ⁹Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. ¹⁰For

“Whoever desires to love life

and see good days,

let him keep his tongue from evil

and his lips from speaking deceit;

¹¹let him turn away from evil and do good;

let him seek peace and pursue it.

¹²For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,

and his ears are open to their prayer.

But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

¹³Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? ¹⁴But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, ¹⁵but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. ¹⁷For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.

Read full chapter

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact Andy Bates at andrew.bates@kfuo.org or call 314-996-1519.

Christian Hope Amidst Numerical Decline

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 13:00:00 -0500

Numerical growth is not promised to the church. But even when numbers decline, the Christian church clings to the promise that Jesus promised to build His church, and so He does.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

On ‘Hannah Coulter’: Conforming our memories to Christ

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 13:00:00 -0500

Hannah is the eponymous narrator of Wendell Berry’s novel Hannah Coulter, which is set in the small fictional town of Port William in rural Kentucky. The storyline is simple: Hannah, now an old woman, gives an account of her life. Though her narrative focuses on her day-to-day life, eternity is her most constant theme. For Hannah, the daily and the eternal are in no tension with each other, so long as she is thankful and looks on everything in love.

Read the article.

Cover image: “View of Benjamin Reber’s Farm,” by Charles C. Hofmann, 1872. Courtesy National Gallery of Art.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ and Christian Love in the Three Estates

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 13:00:00 -0500

Almost every freshman in America reads Harper Lee’s classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, in English class. And it is good that so many people read it — the novel is an excellent expression of what it means to love your neighbor, the vocation to which every Christian is called.

Read the full article.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Part 3: Worship Is God’s Work, Incomplete without You

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 13:00:00 -0500

Cantor Phillip Magness wrote a three-part series on worship. Part 1 focuses on how the Holy Spirit creates and sustains the Christian community through the Word and Sacraments. Part 2 discusses the alien nature of worship. As God’s people receive His alien righteousness, so also the community of the church is alien to this world. In Part 3, Magness reminds us that worship, while remaining God’s work, is incomplete without you.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Part 2: Worship Nurtures a Community That Is Alien to This World

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 13:00:00 -0500

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Part 1: Worship Reveals a Community Created by the Holy Spirit

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 13:00:00 -0500

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

The Coffee Hour – "A Community of the Word" LW Searching Scripture, March 2024: 1 Peter 1:22–2:3

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 09:30:00 -0600

This issue of LW encourages us to be a hopeful community. In current English usage, “hope” usually expresses a wish about something yet to be determined, such as, “I hope I don’t have cancer,” or “I hope the Astros win the World Series.” In the Bible, hope does not convey mere wishfulness; rather, it conveys expectation — patiently waiting for God’s reliable promises in His Word to be fulfilled, since He “has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). Christian hope is not in this life, with all its changes and chances. Paul says, “If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:19–20). Through Christ, you “are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God” (1 Peter 1:21). Your hope is sure and certain because it rests upon “the word of the Lord [that] remains forever” (1 Peter 1:25).

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the March 2024 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "A Community of the Word" on 1 Peter 1:22–2:3. This year, "Searching Scripture" is themed "Elect Exiles" and will walk through the First Epistle of St. Peter. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

1 Peter 1:22–2:3

²²Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, ²³since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; ²⁴for

“All flesh is like grass

and all its glory like the flower of grass.

The grass withers,

and the flower falls,

²⁵but the word of the Lord remains forever.”

And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

A Living Stone and a Holy People

2 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. ²Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour – "A Holy Community" LW Searching Scripture, February 2024: 1 Peter 1:13–21

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 09:30:00 -0600

The February issue of the Lutheran Witness explores a broken community. Peter summons Christians to gather as a holy community — consecrated by and set apart for the One who alone is holy, God the Holy Trinity. Whenever Christians fall short of this calling, they inevitably revert to “the passions of [their] former ignorance” (1 Peter 1:14) and “the futile ways inherited from [their] forefathers” (1 Peter 1:18), whether the Gentile proclivity for idolatry and licentiousness or the Jewish inclination toward self-righteousness. Peter wisely guides us away from both antinomianism and legalism by upholding both Law and Gospel as God’s unchanging Word for humanity. He proclaims our redemption from sin by the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18–19) while urging sober-mindedness and reverent conduct (1 Peter 1:13, 17). In fact, believers can receive Peter’s quotation of Leviticus 11:44, “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (1 PETER 1:16), as both a command and promise: He will make us holy by His Word, so we must always “be holy in all [our] conduct” (1 Peter 1:15).

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the February 2024 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "A Holy Community" on 1 Peter 1:13–21. This year, "Searching Scripture" is themed "Elect Exiles" and will walk through the First Epistle of St. Peter. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

1 Peter 1:13–21

Called to Be Holy

¹³Therefore, preparing your minds for action,[a] and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ¹⁴As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, ¹⁵but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, ¹⁶since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” ¹⁷And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, ¹⁸knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, ¹⁹but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. ²⁰He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you ²¹who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

1 Peter 1:13 Greek girding up the loins of your mind

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour – LW Searching Scripture "Grace Be With You" December 2023: Philippians 4:8-23

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 09:30:00 -0600

Rev. Anthony Oliphant, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, IL, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the December 2023 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Grace Be With You" on Philippians 4:8-23. This is the final "Searching Scripture" feature for 2023 on the book of Philippians. Stay tuned for a new study in 2024 to follow along and search Scripture with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Philippians 4:8-23

⁸Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ⁹What you have learned[a] and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

God's Provision

¹⁰I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. ¹¹Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. ¹²I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. ¹³I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

¹⁴Yet it was kind of you to share[b] my trouble. ¹⁵And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. ¹⁶Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. ¹⁷Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.[c] ¹⁸I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. ¹⁹And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ²⁰To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

²¹Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. ²²All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.

²³The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

Philippians 4:9 Or these things—⁹which things you have also learned
Philippians 4:14 Or have fellowship in
Philippians 4:17 Or I seek the profit that accrues to your account

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour – LW Searching Scripture "Pressing on Toward the Goal" October 2023: Philippians 3:12-16

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Anthony Oliphant, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, IL, joins Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the October 2023 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Pressing on Toward the Goal" on Philippians 3:12-16. This year, "Searching Scripture" will study the book of Philippians, so stay tuned each month for a new Bible study. Follow along and search Scripture with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Philippians 3:12-16

Straining Toward the Goal

¹²Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. ¹³Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. ¹⁶Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

Read full chapter

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Word of the Lord Endures

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 08:45:00 -0500

Sarah Reinsel joins The Lutheran Witness podcast to discuss her article in the September issue of the magazine. In the article, she explains the manuscript traditions of the Greek New Testament and how, in the end, we can be confident in the text we have received.

Look the table of contents for the September issue of LW. Subscribe or learn more about the flagship periodical of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

The Limits of Archaeology

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 08:45:00 -0500

The Rev. Dr. David Adams stopped in to talk with The Lutheran Witness about the limits of archaeology. Sometimes we expect that it will tell us more than it can. Adams explained that archaeology is about uncovering facts. The interpretation of those facts can vary dramatically from one archaeologist to the next.

See the table of contents for the September issue of The Lutheran Witness.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

September 2023 Snippets

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 06:45:00 -0500

The Rev. Roy S. Askins and the Rev. Sean Daenzer discuss the Snippets from the September issue of The Lutheran Witness. Enjoy their unscripted thoughts on the Synod convention and other general news topics.

Review the table of contents for the September issue of The Lutheran Witness. Subscribe to the magazine or learn more about how to interpret the world from a Lutheran perspective.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

The Coffee Hour — LW Searching Scripture “All Is Rubbish Compared to Christ” September 2023: Philippians 3:7-11

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Anthony Oliphant, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, IL, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the September 2023 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “All Is Rubbish Compared to Christ” on Philippians 3:7-11. This year, “Searching Scripture” will study the book of Philippians, so stay tuned each month for a new Bible study. Follow along and search Scripture with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Philippians 3:7-11

⁷But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ ⁹and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— ¹⁰that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour — Heresies Ancient and Modern

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Roy Askins, managing editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about some of the heresies explained in the August 2023 LW “Heresies: Ancient and Modern,” including Gnosticism, Moralistic Therapeutic Deism, and Prosperity Gospel. Pick up a copy to read more about these heresies and also Arianism, Nestorianism, Eutychianism, Pelagianism, and Double Predestination. Find it at witness.lcms.org/2023/lutheran-witness-august-2023.

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

June/July 2023 Snippets

Sat, 10 Jun 2023 10:45:00 -0500

The Snippets are short newsworthy items of interest to folks in the LCMS. The “Around the LCMS” portion of the Snippets focused on preparation for the upcoming convention.

Read the magazine at witness.lcms.org/the-magazine.

Photo: LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

The Coffee Hour – LW Searching Scripture "Receive Him in the Lord" June/July 2023: Philippians 2:19–3:1

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Anthony Oliphant, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, IL, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the June/July 2023 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Receive Him in the Lord" on Philippians 2:19–3:1. This year, "Searching Scripture" will study the book of Philippians, so stay tuned each month for a new Bible study. Follow along and search Scripture with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Philippians 2:19–3:1

Timothy and Epaphroditus

¹⁹I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. ²⁰For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. ²¹For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. ²²But you know Timothy's^[^a^] proven worth, how as a son^[^b^] with a father he has served with me in the gospel. ²³I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, ²⁴and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.

²⁵I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, ²⁶for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. ²⁷Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. ²⁸I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. ²⁹So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, ³⁰for he nearly died^[^c^] for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

Righteousness Through Faith in Christ

3 Finally, my brothers,^[^d^] rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

Footnotes

Philippians 2:22 Greek his
Philippians 2:22 Greek child
Philippians 2:30 Or he drew near to the point of death; compare verse 8
Philippians 3:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 13, 17

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact Andy Bates at andrew.bates@kfuo.org or call 314-996-1519.

June/July Editor’s Letter

Sat, 03 Jun 2023 10:45:00 -0500

The June/July issue of The Lutheran Witness previews the upcoming convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

Read the magazine at witness.lcms.org/the-magazine.

Photo: LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Being Merciful to the Toxic

Tue, 30 May 2023 10:45:00 -0500

“Christ calls us to love our enemies, to act with mercy. We should not as a knee-jerk reaction insist on our rights. … There is a sense, however, in which that mercy has limits. Jesus does not command that we suffer abuse and injustice passively. He does not teach that our forgiveness means we completely forget what has been done to us nor does it eliminate boundaries.”

Listen in to hear the rest of David Petersen’s article on setting boundaries and being merciful to the toxic.

Read this article at witness.lcms.org/2023/being-merciful-to-the-toxic.

Find the resource mentioned in the article at seattlechristiancounseling.com/articles/how-setting-boundaries-can-save-your-relationship.

Photo: LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

The Coffee Hour — Why (and How) to Teach Your Children Classic Poems

Thu, 11 May 2023 09:30:00 -0500

Anna Mussmann, Lutheran homeschool mom and writer and author of "Why (and How) to Teach Your Children Classic Poems" in the May 2023 issue of The Lutheran Witness, joins Sarah to talk about why poetry is an important part of our language arts, how a Christian worldview influences how we view poetry, why we should teach our children classic poems, ways we can reclaim this in our family life, and some resources. Read her article and find her suggested books at witness.lcms.org/2023/why-and-how-to-teach-your-children-classic-poems.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

Digging Deeper into ‘Made and Marked by Christ’

Mon, 08 May 2023 10:45:00 -0500

In this episode of The Lutheran Witness podcast, Stacey Egger and Sarah Reinsel stop in to talk about the articles they wrote for the May issue of LW. The May issue, “Made and Marked by Christ,” included articles on the marks of the church, partner churches in Latin and South America, and multi-congregation parishes.

Read Stacey Egger’s article here.

Purchase a copy of the magazine to read Sarah’s.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

The Coffee Hour – LW Searching Scripture "A Drink Offering" May 2023: Philippians 2:12-18

Wed, 03 May 2023 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Anthony Oliphant, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, IL, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the May 2023 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "A Drink Offering" on Philippians 2:12-18. This year, "Searching Scripture" will study the book of Philippians, so stay tuned each month for a new Bible study. Follow along and search Scripture with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Philippians 2:12-18

Lights in the World

¹²Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

¹⁴Do all things without grumbling or disputing, ¹⁵that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, ¹⁶holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. ¹⁷Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. ¹⁸Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

Read full chapter

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour – LW Searching Scripture "The Example of Christ" April 2023: Philippians 2:1–11

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Anthony Oliphant, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, IL, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the April 2023 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "The Example of Christ" on Philippians 2:1–11. This year, "Searching Scripture" will study the book of Philippians, so stay tuned each month for a new Bible study. Follow along and search Scripture with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Philippians 2:1-11

Christ's Example of Humility

2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, ²complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. ³Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. ⁴Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. ⁵Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,^[^a^] ⁶who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,^[^b^] ⁷but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,^[^c^] being born in the likeness of men. ⁸And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ⁹Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

Philippians 2:5 Or which was also in Christ Jesus
Philippians 2:6 Or a thing to be held on to for advantage
Philippians 2:7 Or slave (for the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface)

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

Gospel Reductionism

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 13:00:00 -0500

What happens when you pit the Gospel and Scripture against one another? We inevitably compromise the whole counsel of God. In this article from the Commission on Theology and Church Relations, the Rev. Dr. Richard J. Serina explains what Gospel reductionism is and how the CTCR addressed this topic in a document from 1972.

Read more at witness.lcms.org/the-magazine.

Visit cph.org/witness to subscribe to The Lutheran Witness. Your support of LW helps us continue this work. Thank you.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

For the Love of Spoken Words

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 13:00:00 -0500

We often hide behind screen and written words, eager to attack and tear down. In this letter, the editors make the argument that perhaps now is the time for spoken words. There’s something about looking someone in the eye when you tell them hard news. It teaches you to be kind, even as you are firm and faithful. To read the entire magazine, visit cph.org/witness to subscribe.

Read more at witness.lcms.org/the-magazine.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

A Sacrifice for Our Children

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 13:00:00 -0500

Lutheran Education can be a sacrifice, both in terms of expense and time. The Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz shares how this is a sacrifice worth making for the good of your children and the church. To read all of Dr. Koontz’s article this month, visit cph.org/witness and subscribe.

Read more at witness.lcms.org/the-magazine.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Who’s Influencing Our Children?

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 13:00:00 -0500

Our children see “influencers” on a regular basis. They show up in social media apps, television and much more. The Rev. James Baneck reminds us that God has placed parents and church members as key influencers in the lives of our children, and this means parents, pastors and teachers are often the best placed influencers to encourage children to consider church work vocations.

If you enjoyed this article, please subscribe at cph.org/witness.

Read more at witness.lcms.org/the-magazine.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

On Witchcraft: a growing spiritual trend

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 13:00:00 -0500

Witchcraft has resurfaced among modern Americans. This is part of the religious beliefs of the Nones, who tend to have a buffet style of faith: Pick what works for you. The Rev. Dr. Jon Furgeson, in the March issue of The Lutheran Witness shared some updated research and background on the growth of witchcraft and offered suggestions for avoiding it in our modern times.

Read more at witness.lcms.org/the-magazine.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Government: the god of the Nones

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 13:00:00 -0500

In the March issue of The Lutheran Witness, the Rev. Peter Burfeind explored the deity behind the belief structures of the Nones. Many of them fear, love and trust in the government above all things. Where did this come from? How did it develop? Listen on for more details. Visit cph.org/witness to subscribe to The Lutheran Witness.

Read more at witness.lcms.org/the-magazine.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Reversing the Trend

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 13:00:00 -0500

The Word of God remains central to the task of reversing the trend toward disaffiliation among our children. The Rev. Joshua Hayes offers some advice on how to inculcate the regular study of God’s Word in your home. For more, visit cph.org/witness and subscribe to The Lutheran Witness.

Read more at witness.lcms.org/the-magazine.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

None Excluded

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0500

The Nones are the fastest growing religious group in America. Where did they come from? What do they believe? This article from the March issue of The Lutheran Witness explores these roots and more.

Read more at witness.lcms.org/the-magazine.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

March 2023 Snippets

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Every issue of The Lutheran Witness includes the “Snippets,” short little news items from around the LCMS and around the world. But, in the podcast edition, you get a little extra commentary from the editor on why he selected these particular news items. Enjoy your March 2023 Snippets.

Read more at witness.lcms.org/the-magazine.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

What Is It Like to Be President of the Synod?

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 13:39:00 -0500

Pastor Matthew C. Harrison, president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), offers a reflection on his years of service as president of the LCMS. This raw picture shares both the joys and challenges of this work.

Find more at witness.lcms.org/2023/what-it-is-like-to-be-president-of-the-synod and witness.lcms.org/the-magazine.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

March 2023 Editors Letter

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 01:30:00 -0600

The March 2023 issue of The Lutheran Witness addresses the Nones. For many, this is a difficult topic to address, in part because of past failures. We learn to fall on the grace of God. This episode will give you a preview of what’s coming in the rest of this month’s issue of LW.

This month, enjoy receiving the entire issue of LW as a podcast. To support this work and help us continue, please purchase a print subscription at cph.org/witness.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

The Coffee Hour – LW Searching Scripture "Encouragement in Christ" March 2023: Philippians 1:27-2:2

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 09:30:00 -0600

Rev. Anthony Oliphant, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, IL, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the March 2023 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Encouragement in Christ" on Philippians 1:27-2:2. This year, "Searching Scripture" will study the book of Philippians, so stay tuned each month for a new Bible study. Follow along and search Scripture with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Philippians 1:27-2:2

²⁷Only let your manner of life be worthy^[^a^] of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, ²⁸and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. ²⁹For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, ³⁰engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Christ's Example of Humility

Footnotes

Philippians 1:27 Greek Only behave as citizens worthy

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour – LW Searching Scripture "Reasons to Rejoice" February 2023: Philippians 1:12-26

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 09:30:00 -0600

Rev. Anthony Oliphant, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, IL, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the February 2023 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Reasons to Rejoice” on Philippians 1:12-26. This year, “Searching Scripture” will study the book of Philippians, so stay tuned each month for a new Bible study. Follow along and search Scripture with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Philippians 1:12-26

The Advance of the Gospel

¹²I want you to know, brothers,^[^a^] that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, ¹³so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard^[^b^] and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. ¹⁴And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word^[^c^] without fear.

¹⁵Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. ¹⁶The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. ¹⁷The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. ¹⁸What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.

To Live Is Christ

Yes, and I will rejoice, ¹⁹for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, ²⁰as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. ²¹For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. ²²If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. ²³I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. ²⁴But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. ²⁵Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

Philippians 1:12 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verse 14
Philippians 1:13 Greek in the whole praetorium
Philippians 1:14 Some manuscripts add of God

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

In Everything Give Thanks

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 09:45:00 -0600

The Rev. Michael Kasting shares the joy and sorrows of serving as a caregiver for someone struggling with Alzheimer’s. Make sure you also see the full story shared in this pamphlet. This is part of the story from the February issue of The Lutheran Witness.

Download a free PDF of Into the Valley of Shadows.
Purchase Into the Valley of Shadows.
Learn more in the February issue of The Lutheran Witness.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

The Coffee Hour – LW Searching Scripture “Grace and Peace to You” January 2023: Philippians 1:1-11

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 09:30:00 -0600

Rev. Anthony Oliphant, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, IL, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the January 2023 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Grace and Peace to You” on Philippians 1:1-11. This year, “Searching Scripture” will study the book of Philippians, so stay tuned each month for a new Bible study. Follow along and search Scripture with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Philippians 1:1-11

Greeting

1 Paul and Timothy, servants^[^a^] of Christ Jesus,

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers^[^b^] and deacons:^[^c^]

²Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

³I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, ⁴always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, ⁵because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. ⁶And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. ⁷It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace,^[^d^] both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. ⁸For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. ⁹And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, ¹⁰so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, ¹¹filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

Philippians 1:1 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface
Philippians 1:1 Or bishops; Greek episkopoi
Philippians 1:1 Or servants, or ministers; Greek diakonoi
Philippians 1:7 Or you all have fellowship with me in grace

The Coffee Hour – LW Searching the Scriptures, December 2022: Ephesians 6:1-24

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 09:30:00 -0600

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the December 2022 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Stand Firm” on Ephesians 6:1-24. This year, “Searching the Scriptures” will study the book of Ephesians, so stay tuned each month for the next Bible study. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Ephesians 6:1-24

Children and Parents

6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ²“Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), ³“that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” ⁴Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Bondservants and Masters

⁵Bondservants,^[^a^] obey your earthly masters^[^b^] with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, ⁶not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, ⁷rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, ⁸knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. ⁹Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master^[^c^] and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

The Whole Armor of God

¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹²For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. ¹³Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ¹⁴Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, ¹⁹and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Final Greetings

²¹So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. ²²I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.

²³Peace be to the brothers,^[^d^] and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

Footnotes

Ephesians 6:5 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; also verse 6; likewise for bondservant in verse 8
Ephesians 6:5 Or your masters according to the flesh
Ephesians 6:9 Greek Lord
Ephesians 6:23 Or brothers and sisters

The Coffee Hour – LW Searching the Scriptures, November 2022: Ephesians 5:22-33

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 09:30:00 -0600

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the November 2022 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “A Profound Mystery” on Ephesians 5:22-33. This year, “Searching the Scriptures” will study the book of Ephesians, so stay tuned each month for the next Bible study. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Ephesians 5:22-33

Wives and Husbands

²²Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. ²³For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. ²⁴Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.

²⁵Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, ²⁶that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, ²⁷so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.^[^a^] ²⁸In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. ²⁹For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, ³⁰because we are members of his body. ³¹“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” ³²This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. ³³However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

Ephesians 5:27 Or holy and blameless

The Coffee Hour – LW Searching the Scriptures, October 2022: Ephesians 5:1-21

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the October 2022 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Walk in the Light” on Ephesians 5:1-21. This year, “Searching the Scriptures” will study the book of Ephesians, so stay tuned each month for the next Bible study. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Ephesians 5:1-21

Walk in Love

5 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. ²And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

³But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. ⁴Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. ⁵For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. ⁶Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. ⁷Therefore do not become partners with them; ⁸for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light ⁹(for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), ¹⁰and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. ¹¹Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. ¹²For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. ¹³But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, ¹⁴for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

“Awake, O sleeper,

and arise from the dead,

and Christ will shine on you.”

¹⁵Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. ¹⁷Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. ¹⁸And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, ²⁰giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Read full chapter

The Coffee Hour — Teaching the Word: Sunday School Through the Years

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 09:30:00 -0500

Lisa Clark, Senior Editor of Curriculum Resources at Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Sunday School through the years, including when it first began, how it made its way to the United States, concerns about this method of teaching at the beginning of the practice, and how Sunday School has changed in the LCMS in the last 50 years. Read Lisa and Deaconess Anna Johnson's article "Teaching the Word: Sunday School Through the Years" in the September 2022 Lutheran Witness. Find Sunday School materials from CPH at teachthefaith.cph.org/enduring-faith.

See what is included in the September 2022 issue of LW at witness.lcms.org/2022/lutheran-witness-september-2022. Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour — VBS: Particular Needs of a Particular Place

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Jason M. Braaten, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tuscola, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of Vacation Bible School, as he wrote about in the September 2022 of The Lutheran Witness, including the concept of the first Vacation Bible Schools in the United States, how these programs were vastly different depending on the location of the students, how Vacation Bible School has chanted over the last 50 years, and how a locally developed program may be very beneficial to individual congregations and their children.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour – LW Searching the Scriptures, September 2022: Ephesians 4:17-32

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the September 2022 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Walk in Love" on Ephesians 4:17-32. This year, "Searching the Scriptures" will study the book of Ephesians, so stay tuned each month for the next Bible study. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Ephesians 4:17-32

The New Life

¹⁷Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. ¹⁸They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. ¹⁹They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. ²⁰But that is not the way you learned Christ!— ²¹assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, ²²to put off your old self,^[^a^] which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, ²³and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, ²⁴and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

²⁵Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. ²⁶Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, ²⁷and give no opportunity to the devil. ²⁸Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. ²⁹Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. ³⁰And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. ³²Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

Ephesians 4:22 Greek man; also verse 24

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour — Four Accounts: One Truth, The Baptism of Jesus

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 09:30:00 -0500

The Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, pastor and evangelist of Trinity Lutheran Church in Denver, Colorado, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his article in the August 2022 issue of The Lutheran Witness titled "Four Accounts: One Truth, The Baptism of Jesus," including some misunderstandings regarding events recorded in Scripture in multiple accounts or by multiple writers, how to best approach these sections of Scripture, how each Gospel writer delivers the account of Jesus' Baptism, and how this can be beneficial for us as we digest God's Word. Read Dr. Koontz's article at witness.lcms.org/2022/four-accounts-one-truth.

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour – LW Searching the Scriptures, August 2022: Ephesians 4:1-16

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the August 2022 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "United in the Bond of Peace" on Ephesians 4:1-16. This year, "Searching the Scriptures" will study the book of Ephesians, so stay tuned each month for the next Bible study. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Ephesians 4:1-16

Unity in the Body of Christ

4 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, ²with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, ³eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ⁴There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— ⁵one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. ⁷But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. ⁸Therefore it says,

“When he ascended on high he led a host of captives,

and he gave gifts to men.”^[^a^]

⁹(In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth?^[^b^] ¹⁰He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) ¹¹And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds^[^c^] and teachers,^[^d^] ¹²to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, ¹³until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood,^[^e^] to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, ¹⁴so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. ¹⁵Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, ¹⁶from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

Ephesians 4:8 The Greek word anthropoi can refer to both men and women
Ephesians 4:9 Or the lower parts of the earth?
Ephesians 4:11 Or pastors
Ephesians 4:11 Or the shepherd-teachers
Ephesians 4:13 Greek to a full-grown man

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

Kansas District Convention Part Part 2: Nones and the Our Witness in the Home

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 12:15:00 -0500

This June, the Rev. Roy S. Askins, managing editor of The Lutheran Witness, was asked by the LCMS Kansas District to speak on their convention theme, “Proclaim, Teach, Share,” based on 1 Peter 2:9–10. This podcast is the second 45-minute presentation that looked at those who describe themselves as religiously “None,” and how we might work on our witness into the home.

Listen to Part 1 of these presentations at kfuo.org/2022/07/05/lutheran-witness-podcast-kansas-district-convention-part-1-the-churchs-witness.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Kansas District Convention Part 1: The Church’s Witness

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 12:15:00 -0500

This June, the Rev. Roy S. Askins, managing editor of The Lutheran Witness, was asked by the LCMS Kansas District to speak on their convention theme, “Proclaim, Teach, Share,” based on 1 Peter 2:9–10. This podcast is the first 45-minute presentation that addressed the theme verse and how this has been interpreted by The Lutheran Witness throughout its 140-year history.

Part 2, to be published next week, looks at the religiously “None,” and how the church can work to more effectively witness in the home.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

God Declares His Pronouns: He/Him

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 12:30:00 -0500

In this article, the Rev. Dr. Jason Lane, professor of theology at Concordia University Wisconsin, explains why God’s pronouns are important and how the move to stop using masculine pronouns grows out of a feminist theology that rejects a biblical view of God.

You can read the article on The Lutheran Witness website.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

The Coffee Hour — The Russia-Ukraine War

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Dr. Jonathan Shaw, LCMS Director of Church Relations and assistant to the LCMS president, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Russia-Ukraine War, including the questions we should ask to understand if we should be involved in this war, how we understand the kingdom of the right and the kingdom of the left, how we understand just war theory, how our understanding of these things have changed throughout history, and what we as the Church can do about this war.

Read Dr. Shaw's article 'The Russia-Ukraine War' in the June/July 2022 issue of The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2022/the-russia-ukraine-war.

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour — Making the Most of Your Kids’ Summer Boredom

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 09:30:00 -0500

Anna Mussmann, homeschool mom of four and author of "Making the Most of Your Kids’ Summer Boredom" on The Lutheran Witness Online, joins Sarah and guest co-host Rachel Bomberger, co-host of the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Podcast, to talk about how healthy boredom is a good thing, why we are so uncomfortable with boredom and solitude, how adults can overcome this uneasiness and lean into the boredom, and how we can help our children grow and thrive with boredom. Read Anna's article at witness.lcms.org/2022/making-the-most-of-your-kids-summer-boredom.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

Rev. Dr. Joel Elowsky, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis

Thu, 26 May 2022 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Dr. Joel Elowsky, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about when the historic church began observing the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord as its own festival, the sources we have from the early church about the church's practices, what this celebration might have looked like, where we see the Ascension depicted in early church art, and why remembering the Ascension is important for the Church today. Read about the Ascension in the May 2022 issue of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2022/lutheran-witness-may-2022.

The Coffee Hour – LW Searching the Scriptures, April 2022: Ephesians 2:11-22

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the April 2022 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Reconciled in Christ" on Ephesians 2:11-22. This year, "Searching the Scriptures" will study the book of Ephesians, so stay tuned each month for the next Bible study. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Ephesians 2:11-22

One in Christ

¹¹Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— ¹²remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. ¹³But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. ¹⁴For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility ¹⁵by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, ¹⁶and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. ¹⁷And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. ¹⁸For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. ¹⁹So then you are no longer strangers and aliens,^[^a^] but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, ²⁰built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, ²¹in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. ²²In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by^[^b^] the Spirit.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

Ephesians 2:19 Or sojourners
Ephesians 2:22 Or in

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour — Fighting Acedia: Tips for the Struggle Against Sloth

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Dr. Stephen Pietsch, lecturer in pastoral theology at Australian Lutheran College in North Adelaide, Australia, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about acedia and how to respond to it, including what acedia is, the symptoms of this in our lives, how to keep praying through acedia, talking back to Satan (antirrhesis), and more ways to fight acedia. Read his article "Fighting Acedia: Tips for the Struggle Against Sloth" in the March issue of The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2022/fighting-acedia.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour – LW Searching the Scriptures, March 2022: Ephesians 2:1-10

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 15:54:00 -0600

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the March 2022 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "By Grace You Have Been Saved" on Ephesians 2:1-10. This year, "Searching the Scriptures" will study the book of Ephesians, so stay tuned each month for the next Bible study. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Ephesians 2:1-10

By Grace Through Faith

2 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins ²in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— ³among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body^[^a^] and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.^[^b^] ⁴But^[^c^] God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, ⁵even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— ⁶and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ⁷so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. ⁸For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹not a result of works, so that no one may boast. ¹⁰For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

Ephesians 2:3 Greek flesh
Ephesians 2:3 Greek like the rest
Ephesians 2:4 Or And

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour – LW Searching the Scriptures, February 2022: Ephesians 1:15–23

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 09:30:00 -0600

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the February 2022 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Unceasing Prayer” on Ephesians 1:15–23. This year, “Searching the Scriptures” will study the book of Ephesians, so stay tuned each month for the next Bible study. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Ephesians 1:15–23

Thanksgiving and Prayer

¹⁵For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love^[^a^] toward all the saints, ¹⁶I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, ¹⁷that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, ¹⁸having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might ²⁰that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. ²²And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, ²³which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

Ephesians 1:15 Some manuscripts omit your love

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour – LW Searching the Scriptures, January 2022: Ephesians 1:1-14

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 09:30:00 -0600

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the January 2022 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Ephesians: God’s eternal work marks the way we walk” on Ephesians 1:1-14. This year, “Searching the Scriptures” will study the book of Ephesians, so stay tuned each month for the next Bible study. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

O Holy Nights

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 10:45:00 -0600

The church celebrates a number of rather somber festivals in the days following Christmas. We remember St. Stephen, St. John and the Holy Innocents who died at Herod’s behest. Rebekah Curtis offers some perspective for Christians on why we celebrate these days following Christmas.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

How to Celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas with Your Family

Sat, 25 Dec 2021 10:45:00 -0600

Have you ever wondered how to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas? And why? If we just finished Christmas, why celebrate another 12 days? Joy Pullmann, executive editor of the Federalist shares how and why her family celebrates the 12 days of Christmas.

Read the article here.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Welcoming ‘Church Shoppers’ in the Holiday Season (and Anytime)

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 10:45:00 -0600

Rachel Bomberger is the wife of a navy chaplain. This means she is frequently moving and frequently church shopping. In today’s podcast, she talks about church shopping during the holiday season and how we who aren’t church shopping might welcome those who are.

Read the article here.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Fast Before You Feast

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 10:15:00 -0600

In America, our great wealth makes almost every day seem like a feast. The rhythms of the church year that give us fast and feasting help break us out of this mentality. Join Anna Mussmann as she writes about her family traditions of fasting before feasting.

Read the article.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Body and Soul; Bits and Bytes

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 11:15:00 -0600

In this article, the Rev. Jeffrey Hemmer explores our identity as children of God, as beings with body and soul. In our increasingly digitized world, it’s easy to obsess over our screens and forget that we are body and soul, made in the image of God, and renewed in the image of Christ, who redeemed us in body and soul.

Read the article on the LW website.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Eve

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 10:15:00 -0600

In this article, Katie Schuermann talks about a family tradition, started by her parents, that kept her focused on Christ on Christmas Day. She wasn’t interested in opening presents; she wanted to gather in worship on Sunday morning. How did her parents do it? Listen to learn more.

Read the article here.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

The Coffee Hour – Searching the Scriptures: December 2021 Lutheran Witness

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 09:30:00 -0600

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the December 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “The resurrection of the body and the life + everlasting. Amen.” about the this phrase of the Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed. Follow along and search the Scriptures and Apostles’ Creed with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

Angels and Archangels

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 10:45:00 -0500

In this second article by Edward Riojas on church artwork, he discusses imagery surrounding the angelic hosts and why, for some reason, they often appear in gossamer gowns instead of frightening appearances of four-faced, six-winged killing machines. Read the article at witness.lcms.org.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

The Coffee Hour – Searching the Scriptures: October 2021 Lutheran Witness

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the October 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “The holy Christian church, the communion of saints” about the this phrase of the Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed. Follow along and search the Scriptures and Apostles’ Creed with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

God Bless You

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 10:45:00 -0500

After a failed attempt to mediate a dispute between two angry neighbors, Rachel Bomberger offered a “Blessings on your day” as she continued her run. Little did she know what that little, offhand phrase would cause. Read the article on The Lutheran Witness website.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

The Coffee Hour - The Very Stones Cry Out

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 09:30:00 -0500

Heather Smith, wife of the Rev. Sean Smith, joins Andy to share insights on their parsonage life in rural Southern Illinois and the many lessons in history, faith, and witness from the church graveyard. Read her article, "The Very Stones Cry Out" in the September 2021 issue of The Lutheran Witness. Find LW online and subscribe at witness.lcms.org.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour – Searching the Scriptures: September 2021 Lutheran Witness

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the September 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “I believe in the Holy Spirit” about the first phrase of the Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed. Follow along and search the Scriptures and Apostles’ Creed with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Earliest Christian Symbols

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 11:15:00 -0500

 Just as Jesus’ parables employed normal life to illustrate the mysteries of the Kingdom of God, so Christian artists have often found examples from non-Christian artists of beneficial ways to depict the teachings of Scripture. With this article, Edward Riojas, Lutheran artist and illustrator, begins a nine-article series on symbols in Christian art. In this first installment, he addresses the earliest Christian symbols, including the phoenix, shepherds, and more.

Read the entire article on The Lutheran Witness website.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

The Coffee Hour - Church Worker Recruitment Initiative

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Dr. James Baneck, Executive Director of the LCMS Office of Pastoral Education, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Church Worker Recruitment Initiative, including the roles pastors and auxiliary offices carry out in our Church today, why the church needs pastors and other auxiliary workers, how God raises up church workers, and how the Church Worker Recruitment Initiative will help encourage more young men and women to serve the Church. Read the article in the August 2021 issue of The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2021/understanding-the-church-worker-recruitment-initiative.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour – Searching the Scriptures: August 2021 Lutheran Witness

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the August 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead” about this last phrase of the Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed. Follow along and search the Scriptures and Apostles’ Creed with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour – How Do Pastors and Musicians Choose Hymns for the Divine Service?

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0500

Dr. Mark Bender, retired teacher and minister of music at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how hymn planning for Divine Services is done, the collaboration that happens behind the scenes, the resources available for pastors and church musicians, and how pastors and church musicians decide how these hymns will be placed within the service. Read his article in the August 2021 issue of The Lutheran Witness. Find LW online and subscribe at witness.lcms.org.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour - One Holy Christian Church

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Dr. Jason Lane, Associate Professor of Theology at Concordia University Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the doctrine of the Church, what we confess about the Church in our Lutheran Confessions, where our confidence lies when confessing the one Holy Christian Church, and how we confess this in our daily vocations. Read Dr. Lane's article "I Believe in One Holy Christian Church: The doctrine of the Church" in the June/July 2021 issue of The Lutheran Witness and at witness.lcms.org/2021/i-believe-in-one-holy-christian-church-the-doctrine-of-the-church. Listen to the article on the LW Podcast!

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Ballad of Baby Peach

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 09:45:00 -0500

Three-legged chickens do not usually survive in the savage world of hen-pecked chickens. Join Rachel Bomberger as she tells the story of the three-legged chicken who lived to serve, and how God cares for three-legged chickens everywhere.

Read the article on The Lutheran Witness website.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

‘I Believe in One Holy Christian Church’: The doctrine of the church

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 10:45:00 -0500

Why do Lutherans confess a belief in “one holy Christian church” when, by all appearances, the reality seems to be entirely opposite? The Rev. Dr. Jason Lane explains in this article from the June/July issue of The Lutheran Witness.

You can read the article online or purchase a subscription to The Lutheran Witness to learn more.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

The Paradoxical Church

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 10:45:00 -0500

In this excerpt from A Little Book on Joy from the June/July issue of The Lutheran Witness, the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison discusses the paradox of the church that is filled with spotted people but at the same time spotless and perfect.

Read the excerpt online or purchase a copy of The Lutheran Witness.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Una Sancta, One Holy

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 09:45:00 -0500

We confess the church is one, holy, Christian and apostolic. The June/July issue of The Lutheran Witness is all about the church and how we live together as God’s people.

You can also read the editor’s letter online or purchase a subscription to The Lutheran Witness today.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

The Coffee Hour - Searching the Scriptures: June/July 2021 Lutheran Witness

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the June/July 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty" about this phrase of the Second Article of the Apostles' Creed. Follow along and search the Scriptures and Apostles' Creed with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour - Sharing the Gospel on Social Media

Fri, 14 May 2021 09:15:00 -0500

Seth Hinz, Director of brand, marketing and creative at Pathfinder Church and St. John School in Ellisville, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we use social media, how we navigate conversations and interactions even when they make us frustrated, what's important to consider when we want to share the Gospel on social media, and how to build relationships to have better interactions in the long run. Read his article "Sharing the Gospel on Social Media" in the May 2021 issue of The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2021/two-views-on-technology-and-faith-part-2-sharing-the-gospel-on-social-media.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

How the Church Can Support Military Families during Deployment

Wed, 12 May 2021 08:45:00 -0500

A military deployment can be an exceptionally trying time for family. When one member of the family is absent from the daily routine, it has the potential to create all sorts of problems and difficulties. Rachel Bomberger shares how the church can help these families. She shares not only her own experiences, but experiences from a number of spouses and military members.

Read the story on The Lutheran Witness website.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

The Coffee Hour - Searching the Scriptures: May 2021 Lutheran Witness

Fri, 07 May 2021 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the May 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead," about this phrase of the Second Article of the Apostles' Creed. Follow along and search the Scriptures and Apostles' Creed with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

Good Works in the Freedom of Faith

Sun, 18 Apr 2021 10:45:00 -0500

This is the final episode of a three-part series by the Rev. Dr. John T. Pless, professor of theology at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. In it, Prof. Pless explains the role good works serve in the Christian life from Martin Luther’s treatise, “The Freedom of a Christian.”

Read the entire article on The Lutheran Witness website.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Anointed for Burial

Sat, 17 Apr 2021 10:45:00 -0500

Two days before the Passover, a woman pours oil on Jesus’ head, expending expensive ointment that could have been used for better purposes, or so the disciples thought. The Rev. Dr. Edward Naumann tells the story of Jesus’ anointing and helps us understand what it has to do with us.

Read the full article on The Lutheran Witness website.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

The Christian Artist

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 10:45:00 -0500

Everyone is an artist. This might be surprising to consider; in this episode, David Cox shows us how Christian art reflects the Creator, and how each Christian artist fulfills a unique role in Christ’s body.

Read the full article on The Lutheran Witness website.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

The Coffee Hour – Memory Matters

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Brian Heller, Chaplain at Lutheran Senior Services in Laclede Groves, Missouri, and author of “Memory Matters” in the April 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how he has seen memorization of Scipture and hymns as a blessing to those in memory care units, how families can teach their children Scripture and hymnody, and why we should commit these things to memory. Read this article online at witness.lcms.org/2021/memory-matters.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Easter Feast: A Table Laden with Meaning

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 10:45:00 -0500

Easter dinner is one of Rachel Bomberger’s favorite meals. Why? Because of the theological meaning she finds in so many of the meals she makes. Enjoy this savory and sweet episode of The Lutheran Witness as Rachel discusses what she finds in these recipes.

Read the entire article on The Lutheran Witness website.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

The Coffee Hour - Searching the Scriptures: April 2021 Lutheran Witness

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the April 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried," about this phrase of the Second Article of the Apostles' Creed. Follow along and search the Scriptures and Apostles' Creed with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

Did Mary Have Morning Sickness? A mother’s perspective on the Annunciation

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 09:45:00 -0500

The Annunciation marks the church’s commemoration of Gabriel’s appearance to Mary and announcement to her that she would bear the Son of God. In this episode of The Lutheran Witness podcast, Rachel Bomberger reflects on what — perhaps — Mary thought and experienced during her months bearing the Christchild.

Read the entire story on The Lutheran Witness website.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Biden’s Executive Orders

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 10:45:00 -0600

In this episode, David Cox explains two of Biden’s early executive orders that are of particular interest to Christians. In particular, he discusses Biden’s reversal of the Mexico City Policy and the order that opens new territory in the transgender movement.

Read the article on The Lutheran Witness website.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

With All Confidence: Superstitions from age to age

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 10:45:00 -0600

In this episode, Stacey Egger, staff writer for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), explains some of the history of common superstitions. She also takes a moment to explain the current rising interest in astrology and manifesting, and how these feed the need for many people to experience something ancient.

Read the article on The Lutheran Witness website.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Writing for Lutherans, Part 3: Don’t be Boring

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 08:45:00 -0600

In this episode, Rachel Bomberger concludes her three-part series on how to write for Lutherans. Of course, she gives away the answer in the title. But don’t let that keep you from listening: There’s much more to learn.

Read the article on The Lutheran Witness website.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

March Editor’s Letter

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 10:45:00 -0600

In the March issue of The Lutheran Witness, we tackle superstitions, new and old. In the Letter from the Editor, the Rev. Roy S. Askins explains what to expect in this issue.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Writing for Lutherans Part 2: Tell the Truth

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 10:45:00 -0600

In this second article by Rachel Bomberger on how to write for Lutherans, she explains her second fundamental principle of writing: Tell the truth. It might seem obvious, but it’s not always easy to tell the truth. To read the article, visit witness.lcms.org/2021/writing-for-lutherans-part-2-tell-the-truth. Don't miss Rachel’s first article, Writing for Lutherans Part 1: Be Lutheran, and you can listen to it at kfuo.org/2021/01/11/lutheran-witness-podcast-january-2021-writing-for-lutherans-part-1-be-lutheran.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Pure Christ: How to Read the Bible

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 10:45:00 -0600

In this episode, Dr. Kevin Armbrust teaches you how to read the Bible. In short, keep your eyes focused on Jesus Christ and Him alone. He is the key to understanding all of Scripture. To read the article in full, visit witness.lcms.org. Subscribe to The Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Return to the Word

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 10:15:00 -0600

In this letter from the editor, the managing editor of The Lutheran Witness encourages readers to return to the Word, particularly in your homes. Read the article atwitness.lcms.org/2021/return-to-the-word and subscribe to The Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

The Coffee Hour - Reading Scripture with the Church Fathers

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 09:30:00 -0600

Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Boyle, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church and Grace Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kansas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what we learn from the Church Fathers, how these writings are especially beneficial for us today, a few recommendations of where to start, and some wonderful examples of teachings. Read Dr. Boyle's series on "Reading the Old Testament with the Early Church Fathers" at witness.lcms.org/2020/reading-the-old-testament-with-the-early-church-fathers.

Recommended Writings:

St. Athanasius "On the Incarnation" — amazon.com or svspress.com/on-the-incarnation-english-only.

Melito of Sardis "On Pascha" — amazon.com or svspress.com/on-pascha-second-edition-pps55.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

Writing for Lutherans Part 1: Be Lutheran

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 10:45:00 -0600

Writing for Lutherans can be a challenge. Rachel Bomberger provides some advice on how best to write for Lutherans. In short, be Lutheran.

Read the full article at witness.lcms.org.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

The Coffee Hour – Searching the Scriptures: January Lutheran Witness

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 09:30:00 -0600

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the January 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “I Believe,” all about the First Article of the Apostles’ Creed. Follow along and search the Scriptures and Apostles’ Creed with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour - Searching the Scriptures: December Lutheran Witness

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 09:30:00 -0600

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor, The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the December issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "God Comes for Scallywags," all about what the lineage and genealogy of Christ means for us today. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour - Searching the Scriptures: November Lutheran Witness

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 09:30:00 -0600

Rev. Matthew Wood, serving the Lord in Indonesia working with the Indonesian Christian Lutheran Church (GKLI), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the November issue of the Lutheran Witness, all about receiving the physical body and blood of Christ Jesus in the Sacrament of the Altar. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us! Read about Pastor Wood and how to support his work at lcms.org/wood.

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour - November Lutheran Witness: Singing at the Supper

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 09:30:00 -0600

Rev. Paul Becker, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Kingsport, Tennessee, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his article “Singing at the Supper: Teaching, Praising and Praying in the Lord’s Supper” in the November issue of the Lutheran Witness, including what we confess when we sing during the Supper, how these hymns teach us about the faith, and a few examples of beautiful texts.

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour - November Lutheran Witness Preview

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 09:15:00 -0600

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the themes in the November issue of LW, why it's important to have these hard conversations about the Lord's Supper, and what we can learn about doctrine and practice through this issue. Read this article at witness.lcms.org/2020/fellowship-at-the-table-for-you.

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Closed Communion Conversation

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 10:15:00 -0600

Talking to friends and family about closed Communion practices can be a daunting task. In this issue of The Lutheran Witness podcast, the Rev. Dr. Mark Buchhop helps us understand how to focus this conversation on Christ and how He gives His gifts. Read this article at witness.lcms.org/2020/the-closed-communion-conversation.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

November Editor’s Letter

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 10:15:00 -0600

The November issue of The Lutheran Witness is out, and even though it’s not the “State of the Synod” issue, it’s still all about our shared fellowship. It’s all about Christ’s Supper. Read this article at witness.lcms.org/2020/fellowship-at-the-table-for-you.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Called to Serve

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 10:15:00 -0600

On November 11, we remember St. Martin of Tours, namesake of Luther and inspiration for military chaplains. In today’s episode, the Chaplain Todd tells the story of St. Martin and helps us see the great need for military chaplains.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

The Coffee Hour - With a Whole Heart

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 09:15:00 -0500

Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, assistant professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and co-host of The Word Fitly Spoken podcast, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what kind of giving our Lord commands of His beloved followers, the condition of our hearts, the state of our habit of excuses, and how we give with our whole heart. Read his article on the LW Online at witness.lcms.org/2020/with-a-whole-heart.

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour - The Driver's Seat

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. A. Trevor Sutton, pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Lansing, Michigan, and author of several books from Concordia Publishing House including Why Should I Trust the Bible?, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we are often consumed with pursuing autonomy, how we encounter the philosophy of deism, and where we learn about God's relationship with His creation. Read his article in the LW Online at witness.lcms.org/2020/the-drivers-seat.

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour - Searching the Scriptures: October Lutheran Witness

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Matthew Wood, serving the Lord in Indonesia working with the Indonesian Christian Lutheran Church (GKLI), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the October issue of the Lutheran Witness, all about the promises we have in Christ. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us! Read about Pastor Wood and how to support his work at lcms.org/wood.

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour - October Lutheran Witness: No Other Gospel

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of the Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the theme of the October issue of the Lutheran Witness, the chief messages to the Galatians in this letter, how learning the context of the letter is helpful is understanding its text, and the importance of this letter for Martin Luther and the Reformation. Learn more about this issue at witness.lcms.org/2020/lutheran-witness-october-2020.

Read and listen to LW online at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour – Praying Colors, Morning and Evening

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 09:30:00 -0500

Rachel Bomberger—writer, editor, home-educator, mom, wife to US Navy Chaplain, and co-host of The Lutheran Ladies Lounge podcast—joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her experiences entering into the traditions and culture of military life, her encounter with the tradition of Morning and Evening Colors, and how this tradition has become part of her own life. Read her article in the online Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2020/praying-colors-morning-and-evening.

Read and listen to LW online at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour - Searching the Scriptures: September Lutheran Witness

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Matthew Wood, serving the Lord in Indonesia working with the Indonesian Christian Lutheran Church (GKLI), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the September issue of the Lutheran Witness, all about our certainty in Christ Jesus in life and death. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us! Read about Pastor Wood and how to support his work at lcms.org/wood.

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour - Thinking of Death in the Prime of Life

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Michael Schuermann, pastor of University Lutheran Church, campus ministry at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we should consider our mortality even if we are presumably in the prime of life, how or beliefs about death and resurrection color our vocations, and what scripture teaches us about death. Read his answer to the question about considering death in the prime of life in the September issue of the Lutheran Witness. Read and listen to LW online at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour - Haunting Sins

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 09:15:00 -0500

Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Illinois, joins Andy to talk about how to know all our sins are forgiven, how we know that our pastors have authority to forgive sins, and where we read about this in scripture and our confessions. Read his answer to the question about Haunting Sins in the September issue of the Lutheran Witness. Read and listen to LW online at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Coffee Hour - Beyond the Voting Booth

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 11:43:00 -0500

Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann, Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the root of the American ideology of voting, if God cares whether we vote a certain way, how we can determine how God would want us to vote, and how we love our neighbors in the voting booth. Read his article Beyond the Booth in the August 2020 issue of the Lutheran Witness and at witness.lcms.org/2020/beyond-the-booth.

Read and listen to LW online at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Listen to more episodes of The Coffee Hour at kfuo.org/thecoffeehour. The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

The Confessional Mirror

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 10:15:00 -0500

While all the parts of Luther’s Small Catechism find a place at some point in the church’s liturgy, the Ten Commandments seem to have been forgotten. In this episode, the Rev. William Weedon encourages you to find the Ten Commandment’s place in the “Confessional Mirror,” a tool for preparing to receive the Lord’s Supper.

Read the entire article on The Lutheran Witness website.

The Sewage Next Door

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 11:15:00 -0500

Renting a house without seeing the property has its hazards. It might look perfect, but something else lurks around the corner. If our hearts are built on bad real estate, if they have only sand for a foundation, we will quickly find our spiritual lives in the same place. Rachel Bomberger takes us on a journey of real estate and repentance in this issue of The Lutheran Witness podcast.

Read the entire article online.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Blessed Are You When Others Revile You

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 09:45:00 -0500

What began as tearing down confederate statues quickly expanded to all monuments. Even Christian monuments did not avoid destruction. Across the country, statues of Jesus, the Virgin Mary and various saints — not on public land but on church property — have been defaced by graffiti, torn down or decapitated. This increasing persecution of Christianity, however, has roots before our current political troubles. Dr. Veith discusses in more detail.

Read the entire article on The Lutheran Witness website.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Two More Religious Liberty Rulings

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 09:15:00 -0500

Dr. Gene Edward Veith discusses two recent decisions from the U.S. Supreme Court. One keeps ensures the right of churches and church schools to make employment decisions; the other allows exemptions from government mandates for the sake of individual religious convictions.

Read the article on The Lutheran Witness website.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

The Coffee Hour - Searching the Scriptures: August Lutheran Witness

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Weslie Odom, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Arlington, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the August issue of the Lutheran Witness, all about civility and conviction. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!

Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu. Find all episodes at kfuo.org/thecoffeehour.

Staying Whole in Christ

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 10:15:00 -0500

In the third article in his series “Our Problems; God’s Answers,” the Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz discusses how Christ addresses the fragmentation we feel in our modern lives. We do not find ourselves, but Christ finds us and keeps us whole in the waters of Baptism and through His church.

Read the article on The Lutheran Witness website.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

‘Co-Parenting’: Strangers Having and Raising Kids Together

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 10:15:00 -0500

Couples who want to children no longer want to get married; but, they do not want to co-habit either. Rather than endure marriage and divorce, they are deciding to “co-parent.” Dr. Gene Edward Veith discusses this evasion of God’s gift of marriage in this issue of The Lutheran Witness podcast. You can read the entire issue on the website.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Prospects for a Coronavirus Awakening?

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 10:15:00 -0500

During the COVID-19 pandemic, churches in Great Britain saw a spike in attendance. While the jury is still out on church attendance and a “Coronavirus Awakening” in America, Christians in America should be aware of opportunities to witness as COVID-19 has waken some secularists out of their complacency.

Read the entire article on The Lutheran Witness website.

The Coffee Hour — Our Whole Future Wholly in His Hands

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 11:30:00 -0500

Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, assistant professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and cohost of A Word Fitly Spoken podcast, joins Andy to talk about his post on The Lutheran Witness about worry, including why adults worry more than children, how being like a child in this instance can be a good thing, and what our Lord says to the worried or weary. Read his article at witness.lcms.org/2020/our-whole-future-wholly-in-his-hands and find all Lutheran Witness Series posts at witness.lcms.org/series.

Find more episodes of The Coffee Hour at kfuo.org/thecoffeehour. The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

Mulch while the Sun Shines

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 10:15:00 -0500

As the key to keeping a weed-free garden has to do with mulch, so the key in the struggle against the weeds of our sinful flesh is a healthy dose of the mulch of God’s Word. Rachel Bomberger reads her article on summer gardening and the Christian faith in this issue of The Lutheran Witness podcast.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

The Internet of Things

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 10:15:00 -0500

As we find our appliances and homes ever more connected to the world and becoming the “Internet of Things,” the Christian finds connection not through technology, but in our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him, we are connected to the church of all time and history.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Hermann Sasse: Courage for Confession

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 10:00:00 -0500

Hermann Sasse, a German theologian and pastor, was born 125 years ago today, on July 17, 1895. This short summary of his life points out God’s work in Sasse in making a faithful confession of the Gospel in spite of overwhelming, opposing forces.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Treasury of Daily Prayer: A COVID Lifeline

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 10:15:00 -0500

As COVID-19 kept us confined to our homes, we had opportunities to revive our flagging devotional lives. The Rev. William Weedon explores how he and his wife use the Treasury of Daily Prayer.

You can read the article on The Lutheran Witness website.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Waking up in America

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 10:15:00 -0500

The American Dream drove many of our ambitions and goals here in the United States. As these dreams fade, Christ is here with His church. The daylight reveals His work through His Word. See how ripe the harvest is?

You can read this article on the LW Website.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

The Existing Legal Protections of Religious Liberty

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 10:15:00 -0500

Recent rulings from the United States Supreme Court have raised concerns for many Christians about religious liberty. While there is some reason for concern, the US Constitutions and legal precedents have numerous protections for Christians.

Read the entire article on The Lutheran Witness website.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

The Coffee Hour – Faith and 5G

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 09:30:00 -0500

Rev. Trevor Sutton, Pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Lansing, Michigan, joins Andy to talk about the intersection of evolving technology and faith. Our relationship with technology is the topic of a Sutton’s new series on The Lutheran Witness website.

Find Pastor Sutton’s series and other online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

Lutheran Martyrs in Nigeria

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 12:45:00 -0500

Christians throughout Nigeria are being systematically murdered by jihadist groups in the northern part of the country. This part of the country is home to a 2.2-million-member Lutheran church. Increasingly, it is being considered as a genocide. Read the story.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Facial Recognition and the Face of God

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 10:15:00 -0500

Facial recognition technology has expanded exponentially over the last few years. As we struggle against the dangers of dehumanizing technology, we must remember that our identity is founded in Jesus Christ. Through Baptism, He has made us new.

You can read this article on The Lutheran Witness website.

Photo by Lianhao Qu on .

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Supreme Court Makes LGBT Agenda a Civil Right

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 16:45:00 -0500

The Supreme Court added to the interpretation of the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. They interpreted “sex” must be construed to include sexual desires and gender self-identity. This could have far-reaching effects on the church and para-church organizations.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Faith and 5G

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 14:45:00 -0500

God commanded Moses to create a bronze serpent; God healed those who looked to the serpent. Generations later, King Hezekiah tore down the pole since the Israelites had started to worship the pole. Modern cell phone towers now reach to the heavens throughout the world. In this article, the Rev. Trevor Sutton explores the boundaries of using God’s gifts and worshiping them.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Of Parking Lots and Catacombs

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 12:45:00 -0500

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the way we gather to receive our Lord’s gifts. In today’s episode, Rachel Bomberger discusses the joy of finally being able to gather together with God’s people, even if it took place in a parking lot. As the Early Church also faithfully gathered even in catacombs, so also we gladly gather to receive God’s Word and His sacrament, even in uncomfortable times.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Our Whole Future Wholly in His Hands

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 11:45:00 -0500

God knows our future. Our coming and going and last breath are known to Him. In this introductory article to his series called, “Our Problems; God’s Solutions,” the Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz sets the stage for looking at our problems from a biblical perspective.

You can read the original article on the LW website.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Jesus is Lord

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 10:45:00 -0500

In the ancient church, making the confession that Jesus is Lord could bring persecution and possibly death. Why did they hold so steadfastly to this confession? The Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller explains the biblical background of this phrase and why we should continue to hold fast to this confession. Read the full article on The Lutheran Witness website.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

Introducing....

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 11:15:00 -0500

The Lutheran Witness is launching a podcast. It may not be the traditional podcast, but it’s another way for you to learn more about what it means to have a Lutheran perspective on the world. There’s also a little bit about the “Letter to the editor” contest on the new website. Make sure you check it out.

For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.