A Lutheran Layman
Religion og åndelighet"An Ex-Evangelical-Non-Denominational Christian Turned Confessional Lutheran..." Because the world doesn’t need to hear another podcast, but it does need to hear the simplicity of the Gospel, or Christ crucified for the sins of all mankind. I'm a Lutheran layman who's navigating from the works-righteousness waters of American Evangelicalism to the justified by grace shores of Confessional Lutheran doctrine after learning I apparently wasn’t a "true" Christian. Ever happen to you? I'm just a Lutheran layman documenting my escape from American Evangelicalism and a Non-Denominational mindset to becoming a Confessional Lutheran after I was told I had reason to "doubt my salvation" not because I believed in some kind of false doctrine (oh no! although I did believe some un-Biblical things at the time), but because I didn’t have "crazy love" for Jesus, and because I wasn’t "radical" enough in my life for Him either. Sorry, but I'm "not a fan" of that kind of Scripture twisting thanks to best-selling "Christian" authors and those who buy into their teachings and want others to conform to them. People think I’m weird and it has absolutely nothing to do with my red hair or the fact that I’m left-handed! They think I’m nuts because I believe in this thing called the "Doctrine of Justification" or "Sola Fide" (fancy-schmancy words that mean "Faith Alone") as in, I believe I’m saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, which kinda sounds a lot like Ephesians 2:8-9 when you think about it. I’m also "too Lutheran" for my Lutheran family members and friends so there’s that. So, if "being cool" and being "part of the in crowd" is important to you, if you like to pet wolves, if you think the 11th Commandment should have been "Thou Shall Not Offend" (and think contending for and defending the faith is
Siste episoder av A Lutheran Layman podcast
- Episode #9: Third Base Ministry? Or Running The Bases? (01:28:00)
[Episode #9] Please join us for our next broadcast of A Lutheran Layman in an episode we're calling "Third Base Ministry? Or Running The Bases?" during which we'll be discussing... * A Review of Chapter 4 From Pastor Rodney E. Zwonitzer's 2002 Book Titled Testing The Claims of Church Growth I love Major League Baseball! Now that the 2014 MLB Regular Season is officially underway, I thought it would be the perfect time to do a quick review of Pastor Zwonitzer's classic book on the "Church Growth," "Contemporary Worship," "Emergent," "Missional," and "Purpose Driven" churches and movements in this country by focusing in on one chapter in particular that contains one of the best sermons (by way of one of the best analogies) that I've ever come across in my life to describe the Christian faith and life. Of course, we'll take your comments and questions on-air as time permits. You can send me your questions or comments to: info@lutheranlayman.com or @LutheranLayman [AUDIO: "Bittersweet Symphony" Instrumental; "Wedding Song" By City Harmonic; Some Additional Sound Bytes From Table Talk Radio As Part of Intro Theme; YouTube Clips From Public Domain; Worldview Everlasting; Boars In The Vineyard; Concordia Publishing House Promotional Sound Bytes] [NOTE: All Bible Readings And Expositor Commentary From ESV Lutheran Study Bible Unless Otherwise Noted]
- Episode #8: Ribs And Kidney Stones (02:02:00)
[Episode #8] Please join us for our next broadcast of A Lutheran Layman in an episode we're calling "Ribs And Kidney Stones" during which we'll be discussing... *- "Kids Say The Darndest Things..." My 7.5 year old daughter who's in 3rd Grade had me ROTFL (that's "Rolling On The Floor Laughing") the other day! *- "Small Groups Or Small Catechism" By Rev. Lucas Woodford *- Quickly Read And Review Genesis 2:18-25 Adam and Eve *- "Teaching The Faith" By Pastor Daniel Hinton *- "Brainwashing Our Children?" By Pastor Eric Andersen *- "The Catechism: Learning God's Word By Heart" Pastor Shawn Stafford *- "Raising Children In The Church" From Grace Lutheran Church In Parker, CO *- Martin Luther On Teaching God's Word To Children Of course, we'll take your comments and questions on-air as time permits. You can send me your questions or comments to: info@lutheranlayman.com or @LutheranLayman [AUDIO: "Bittersweet Symphony" Instrumental; "Wedding Song" By City Harmonic; Some Additional Sound Bytes From Table Talk Radio As Part of Intro Theme; YouTube Clips From Public Domain; Worldview Everlasting; Boars In The Vineyard; Concordia Publishing House Promotional Sound Bytes] [NOTE: All Bible Readings And Expositor Commentary From ESV Lutheran Study Bible Unless Otherwise Noted]
- Episode #7: You Can't Do That! That Was An Illegal Use of The Law! (00:38:00)
[Episode #7] Please join us for our next broadcast of A Lutheran Layman in an episode we're calling "You Can't Do That! That Was An Illegal Use of The Law!" during which we'll be discussing... "The Truth Serum: VDMA Lutheran Style" A new approach and/or segment of sorts, this is where we take an old (and by "old" I mean at least 2 or more years old) article, Bible study, commentary, or sermon from a Lutheran Pastor and actually share it with you in its entirety because we believe it's THAT GOOD and worth the time you'll spend treating your ears to it. Today, we look at an old article written by Table Talk Radio's Bryan Wolfmueller titled "Five Illegal Uses of The Law" (http://www.hope-aurora.org/pages/NewIllegalUseoftheLaw) that has helped me tremendously in properly understanding our Lutheran confession of "the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3). The good news? There's no question this will be the shortest podcast we've recorded to date, but it won't pull any punches either. So, grab your Bible and settle in for a little does of "The Truth Serum: VDMA Lutheran Style"! Of course, we'll take your comments, questions, and prayer requests on-air as time permits. You can send me your questions or comments to: info@lutheranlayman.com or @LutheranLayman [AUDIO: "Bittersweet Symphony" Instrumental; "Wedding Song" By City Harmonic; Some Additional Sound Bytes From Table Talk Radio As Part of Intro Theme; YouTube Clips From Public Domain; Concordia Publishing House Promotional Sound Bytes] [NOTE: All Bible Readings From ESV Unless Otherwise Noted]
- Episode #6: Losing My Vocation (But Not Losing Faith In Jesus) (02:32:00)
[Episode #6] Please join us for our next broadcast of A Lutheran Layman in an episode we're calling "Losing My Vocation (But Not Losing My Faith In Jesus)" during which we'll be discussing... "News With A Lutheran Layman's Views" Story of The Week: What's The #1 Feature of A 'Meaningess' Job? (LinkedIn) My thoughts on the Doctrine of Vocation and the nature of faith after losing my job unexpectedly... "Apologetics Q&A The Lutheran Way" Catechisis: Answers To Common Criticisms, Objections, Questions. What We BELIEVE, TEACH, and CONFESS As Confessional Lutherans. Not Just WHAT We Believe, But WHY We Believe It, and HOW To Confess It To Others In Our Lives... Question #1: What Is God's Will For Your Daily Life? Question #2: Does Losing My Vocation Mean I'm Losing My Faith Or Jesus? (The Doctrine of Vocation And How It Is Different From What American Evangelicalism Believes And Teaches; "Locus And Focus"; It Is Written - 1 Peter 2:13-25 Submission: Like A Boss!) Of course, we'll take your comments, questions, and prayer requests on-air as time permits. You can send me your questions or comments to: info@lutheranlayman.com or @LutheranLayman [AUDIO: "Bittersweet Symphony" Instrumental; "Wedding Song" By City Harmonic; Some Additional Sound Bytes From Table Talk Radio As Part of Intro Theme; YouTube Clips From Public Domain; Concordia Publishing House Promotional Sound Bytes] [NOTE: All Bible Readings From ESV Unless Otherwise Noted]
- Episode #5: Who Am I? Where Am I? And Am I Working Hard Or Hardly Working!?! (02:12:00)
[Episode #5] Please join us for our next broadcast of Just A Lutheran Layman in an episode we're calling "Who Am I? Where Am I? And Am I Working Hard Or Hardly Working!?!"... "News With A Lutheran Layman's Views" Story of the Week: Do You Know The Ultra Sound of Sin? (A Brief Christian Commentary On Abortion 41 Years After Roe v. Wade) (The Controversy Involving The LCMS And Thrivent Financial) "Apologetics Q&A The Lutheran Way" Catechisis: Answers To Common Criticisms, Objections, Questions. What We BELIEVE, TEACH, and CONFESS As Confessional Lutherans. Not Just WHAT We Believe, But WHY We Believe It, and HOW To Confess It To Others In Our Lives... Question #1: What Is God's Will For Your Daily Life? The Doctrine of Vocation And How It Is Different From What American Evangelicalism Believes And Teaches Question #2: Why Are There So Many Different Bible Translations!?! "What Does The Wolf Say?" Calling Out The Wolves In Sheep's Clothing... David Platt A Wolf? Of course, we'll take your comments, questions, and prayer requests on-air as time permits. You can send me your questions or comments to: info@lutheranlayman.com or @LutheranLayman [AUDIO: "Bittersweet Symphony" Instrumental; "Wedding Song" By City Harmonic; Some Additional Sound Bytes From Table Talk Radio As Part of Intro Theme; YouTube Clips From Public Domain; Concordia Publishing House Promotional Sound Bytes] [NOTE: All Bible Readings From ESV Unless Otherwise Noted]
- Episode #4: Things Christians Say (But Shouldn't) (01:24:00)
[Episode #4] Please join us for our next broadcast of A Lutheran Layman where we'll spend some time discussing the following (in no particular order) in an episode we're calling "Things Christians Say (But Shouldn't)"... * "Prayers And Patristic Quotes" A Prayer from my Lutheran Book of Prayer and a quote from C.F.W. Walther to help set the tone... * "Homilies, Sermons, And Bible Readings Oh My!" A new feature! Today, we take a look at a 2007 piece written by Pastor Todd Wilken from Issues, Etc. titled "Things Christians Say (But Shouldn't): How Christian Cliches Show And Shape What They Really Believe" and if you're anything like me, then you'll cringe once you realize how many cliches come out of our mouths that we never think about, but that are certainly un-Biblical. (CHRISTIAN CLICHES: "WWJD?"/"What Would Jesus Do?"; "The J-Word"; "Selling Books To Christians: The Gerund"; "The 'Person' In 'Personal'"; "Jesus, Be My Valentine!"; "Works, Not Faith"; "A Church Of, By, And For...Boomers"; "The Pattern of Sound Words") Of course, we'll take your comments, questions, and prayer requests on-air as time permits. You can send me your questions or comments to: info@lutheranlayman.com or @LutheranLayman [AUDIO: "Bittersweet Symphony" Instrumental; "Wedding Song" By City Harmonic; Some Additional Sound Bytes From Table Talk Radio As Part of Introduction; YouTube Clips From Public Domain; Concordia Publishing House Promotional Sound Bytes] [NOTE: All Bible Readings From ESV Unless Otherwise Noted]
- Episode #3: Super Bowl Betting A Super Sin Worse Than The Ultra Sound of Sin? (01:45:00)
[Episode #3] Please join us for our next broadcast of Just A Lutheran Layman where we'll spend some time discussing the following (in no particular order) in an episode we're calling "Super Bowl Betting A Super Sin Worse Than The Ultra Sound of Sin?"... * "Prayers And Patristic Quotes" (Introducing A New Feature!) * "News With A Lutheran Layman's Views" (Story of the Week: Do You Know The Ultra Sound of Sin?) (A Brief Christian Commentary On Abortion 41 Years After Roe v. Wade) (LCMS And Thrivent Financial) * "Apologetics Q&A The Lutheran Way" (Catechisis: Answers To Common Criticisms, Objections, Questions) (What We BELIEVE, TEACH, and CONFESS As Confessional Lutherans) (Not Just WHAT We Believe, But WHY We Believe It) (Question #1: What Does The Bible Say About Betting/Gambling?) (Question #2: Lutheran Schools Week - Why Lutheran Schools/Teachers?) (Question #3: Lutheran Schools Week - Should Laymen Lead Chapel Services At Lutheran Schools?) Of course, we'll take your comments, questions, and prayer requests on-air as time permits. You can send me your questions or comments to: info@lutheranlayman.com or @LutheranLayman [AUDIO: "Bittersweet Symphony" Instrumental; "Wedding Song" By City Harmonic; Some Additional Sound Bytes From Table Talk Radio As Part of Introduction; YouTube Clips From Public Domain; Concordia Publishing House Promotional Sound Bytes] [NOTE: All Bible Readings From ESV Unless Otherwise Noted]
- Episode #2: Take Your 'SoulPulse' If You Want, But Sheep Don't Keep Track! (02:17:00)
[Episode #2] Please join us for our next broadcast of Just A Lutheran Layman where we'll spend some time discussing the following... * "News With A Lutheran Layman's Views" (Story of the Week: 'SoulPulse' App) * "Sheep Don't Keep Track" By Todd Wilken (Bible Exposition: Parable of the Sheep and Goats) * What Does Punctuation And Math Tell Us About The Gospel? (One of my favorite blog posts by Pastor Matt Richard!) * "What Does The Wolf Say?" (Forget about the fox! We'll help you identify who the "wolves in sheep's clothing" are and to discern what they're saying...) * "Apologetics Q&A The Lutheran Way" (Catechisis: Answers To Common Criticisms, Objections, Questions) (Question #1: On What Should We Base Our Assurance of Salvation?) (Question #2: Will Our Souls Be With God When We Die?) (Question #3: Does The Athanasian Creed Promote That Our "Good Works" Save? Of course, we'll take your comments, questions, and prayer requests as time permits. You can send me your questions or comments to: info@lutheranlayman.com or @LutheranLayman [AUDIO: "Bittersweet Symphony" Instrumental; "Wedding Song" By City Harmonic; Some Additional Sound Bytes from Table Talk Radio, YouTube Clips From Public Domain; Concordia Publishing House] [NOTE: All Bible readings from ESV unless otherwise noted]
- Episode #1: "Doctrine Is Heaven" (Shhh! Don't Say The "D" Word!) (01:36:00)
[Episode #1] Before we can begin with what will be our regular weekly format, we need to establish a firm foundation first. That being said, please join us for a quick study titled "'Doctrine Is Heaven' (Shhh! Don't Say The 'D' Word!)" * Ephesians 4: Unity In What Exactly? * Find Out Why Martin Luther Said That "Doctrine Is Heaven" * American Evangelicalism's Piety And Preference For "Deeds Not Creeds" * Some of My Favorite Sermon Excerpts Regarding The Importance of Doctrine * Encouragement For The Faithful To Remain Steadfast In Pure Doctrine Of course, we'll take your comments, questions, and prayer requests time permitting. You can send me your questions or comments to: info@lutheranlayman.com or @LutheranLayman [AUDIO: "Bittersweet Symphony" Instrumental; "Wedding Song" By City Harmonic; Various Sound Bytes from Table Talk Radio, Concordia Publishing House; YouTube Clips From Public Domain] [NOTE: All Bible Readings From ESV Unless Otherwise Noted]
- How Are Lutherans Different From Evangelicals? (00:45:00)
No, we're not ready to launch our weekly broadcast with all the special features yet, but we are ready to proclaim some important truths nonetheless. Today, we briefly take a look at what's called "Decision Theology" or one of the MAJOR differences between being a Lutheran and being an American Evangelical. Please join us!
- Reformation: Be A Confessional, Faithful, Lutheran (00:51:00)
Personally, I wanted the first broadcast of The Lutheran Layman podcast to establish a firm foundation and set the tone properly before embarking upon weekly broadcasts. So, naturally, focusing on the importance of Reformation Day then, and the importance of Reformation Day today seemed an appropriate way to do that. I promise it won't be too "academic" either since we'll make things relevant to your life for sure. But don't worry! Not "relevant" in the "Emergent Church" sort of way. We'll emphasize a few key areas of concern as I see them from the unique perspective of an ex-Evangelical and recent convert to becoming a Confessional Lutheran (that's me!). Topics? The Lord of the Church; Standing Firm; A Brief Reformation Sermon by Pastor Daniel Hinton; A Reformation In Catechesis by Pastor Charles Henrickson; Does Being Lutheran Still Matter? by Rev. Paul McCain. So, settle in and please join us for "Reformation: Be A Confessional, Faithful, Lutheran" or our very first broadcast! [NOTE: "Technical Difficulties" was the undisputed star of this show I'm afraid as our connection timed out halfway through the program! My sincere apologies. We'll have the bugs exterminated before the next broadcast.]
- The Offense of the Cross (01:36:00)
[Season 2 / Episode 17] Does the Gospel of Jesus Christ offend you? Pastor, do you shy away from preaching certain portions of Scripture because you don’t want to offend people in your congregation? Christian, would you rather talk to others about God’s love and grace and supernatural experiences instead of ever speaking to them about sin and repentance and sanctification? Today, I want to spend some time talking about the "offense of the cross" and the Epistle to the Galatians and how that relates to what we’re witnessing in Christianity today. Grab your Bible and please join us! [SOURCE: Unless otherwise noted, all content comes from the Holy Bible]
- One Question Satan Wants Every Church (And Christian) To Ask (00:35:00)
[Season 2 / Episode 16] I’m growing quite fond of Pastor Eric Andersen’s work for the Lord as published at Steadfast Lutherans. Recently, he penned a sobering warning to the Body of Christ that identified the one question that Satan wants every church – and for that matter, every Christian – to ask. "Did God really say…?" Grab your Bible and please join us! [SOURCE: Unless otherwise noted, all content comes from the Holy Bible]
- A Message To Christian Graduates (00:57:00)
[Season 2 / Episode 14] We would like to say a few important things to both Christian graduates, their Christian teachers, and the Christian institutions that exist for His glory. What are some of the most important words of encouragement that we could give? Maintain your confessional integrity! Please join us. [SOURCES: All content is compiled from a collection of selected passages from the Holy Bible; selected excerpts from related sermons available online; and various blogs/ministries like Grace To You, Ligonier, Look Up Fellowship, and Steadfast Lutherans to name a few]
- Hope For The Hurting And Jesus' Take On Mass Tragedies (02:01:00)
What do you say to a grieving mother following the death of her child? What do you say to someone who’s endured any kind of devastating, personal loss? How can we Christians offer true counsel and comfort? We thought a podcast like this would be helpful to anyone who has just experienced a deep, personal loss regardless of the unique circumstances and we also thought it would be helpful to share what the Bible has to say about mass tragedies. The full title of this message is "Hope For The Hurting, Jesus' Take On Mass Tragedies, And Asking The Right Question" and we hope you'll join us and share it with others in need. [SOURCES: All content is compiled from a collection of selected passages from the Holy Bible; selected excerpts from related sermons available online; and various blogs/ministries]