The Lutheran Witness Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 at witness.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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.