Promised Rest | Michelle Diercks

On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Pastor Chris Kennedy joins host Elizabeth Pittman to preview his newest book, Unfailing: God’s Assurance for Times of Change. Pastor Kennedy talks with Elizabeth about finding hope in God’s Word during the big changes we experience throughout life.

Get a copy of Unfailing at cph.org/unfailing. 

 Show Notes

Change, whether big or small, can unnerve us. The good news is that God does not leave us to go through the ups and downs in our lives alone. Assurance and encouragement can be found in Scripture. 

Looking at the life of the prophet Samuel, Pastor Kennedy writes about the changes Samuel endured and uses these examples to show readers how they can trust God to lead them through the shifts in their own lives. Listen to the full episode to hear from Pastor Kennedy as he dives into 

Pastor Kennedy’s website: pastorchriskennedy.com            

 Questions

-        Why Samuel? What led you to him as the catalyst for this conversation about change?

-        Why do you think it [change] can be so hard for us?

-        Is there a time in your life when there's been a change that you'd like to share and what you learned from that?

-        In chapter 3, you go through God’s Word and where He speaks about change. Can you speak to some of those verses and where we can find comfort there?

-        You reference the research you did with your congregation and with others you know. What did you learn from that survey and what people told you where they struggle with change?

-        Sometimes we’re with a friend or a loved one who's experiencing change. What can we learn from Samuel about why we should advocate for that person?

-        As you set the book up, you include some discussion questions at the end of every chapter. What do you hope readers will take away from this, whether they're reading individually, or if they're reading this as part of a Bible class or a small group?

About the Guest

Christopher M. Kennedy is the senior pastor of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, School, and Childcare in San Antonio, Texas. He is also the author of Equipped: The Armor of God for Everyday Struggles, Grace under Pressure: Responding Faithfully to Stress, and Jesus Said What? He earned a bachelor’s degree in communication, a Master of Theology, and a doctorate in ministry. Pastor Kennedy and his wife are parents of four children.

On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, guest Michelle Bauman joins Elizabeth Pittman to discuss life issues and how she helps youth address these topics from a Gospel-centered perspective. Michelle is the director of Y4Life, an organization that seeks to equip high-school- and college-aged youth to be Gospel-motivated voices for life. 

Learn more about Y4Life and the Y4Life conference by visiting  y4life.org. 

Show Notes
A wide scope of life issues exists in today’s world. In this episode, Michelle Bauman shares her insight into the depth of life issues impacting our world and how she works to help youth address these issues head on. Michelle also gives a glimpse into Life Week and the Y4Life conference that took place this past January in Washington D.C., what supporting life looks like in a post-Roe V. Wade society, and how youth across the country can get involved with Y4Life to support the promotion of life-affirming values in their schools, communities, states, and nation.  

Y4Life website: y4life.org               
Y4Life on Instagram:  @lfly4life

Questions

-          Tell us about the structure of Y4Life and how that looks at different schools across the country. 

-          Why do you see youth wanting to be involved (in Y4Life)?

-          Life issues go farther than abortion. Tell us why we should care about all life issues. 

-          Our culture often tells women, “My body. My choice.” How does Y4Life suggest responding to that and pivoting to the point that all life is valuable?

-          How did the overturning of Roe V. Wade affect your work and the work of Y4Life and Lutherans for Life?

-          If one of our listeners is at a school or in a place that doesn’t have a Y4Life team – how can they get started?

-          Leave our listeners with a word of encouragement for supporting life and how we can serve our neighbors through this work. 

About the Guest
Michelle Bauman is the Director of Y4Life and joined Lutherans for Life in 2019. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Lutheran teaching from Concordia Nebraska and a master’s degree in English from the University of Indianapolis. Michelle helps young adults understand and address life issues from a Christian perspective. Learn more about Michelle at y4life.org. 

On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, co-authors Ted Kober and Mark Rockenbach join host Elizabeth Pittman to discuss their new book, Unforgivable? How God’s Forgiveness Transforms Our Lives. The trio talks about how unforgiveness is a prison – mentally, emotionally, and spiritually – and dive into what true forgiveness from Christ looks like. Get a copy of Ted and Mark’s new book at cph.org/unforgivable.  

Show Notes
We have all faced situations where we feel we can’t forgive someone else or where we feel we are unforgivable for what we’ve done or said. Only through Christ do we see what real forgiveness and being forgiven look like. Listen to this episode of the podcast to hear from co-authors Ted and Mark as they debut their new book and discuss important topics such as what unforgiveness is, how we can learn to forgive someone by Christ’s example, and what happens when we refuse to forgive. Listeners will hear from the authors themselves as they reflect on how their book can be used in different settings and what they believe will bring you back to their insight on unforgiveness again and again.
Get in touch with the guests…
Ted’s website: tedkober.com
Ted’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-kober-24b117a/             
Mark’s bio from Concordia Seminary:  https://www.csl.edu/directory/mark-rockenbach/
Mark’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mark-rockenbach-b4429713/   

Questions

Tell us why the topic of unforgiveness is so important to address.
How do you define unforgiveness?
What does that process (of being able to forgive) look like?  
“Why can’t I just forgive and forget?” Tell us about that question.
 In many cases, an action leading to someone needing forgiveness leads to consequences. Tell us why forgiveness does not necessarily remove those consequences. 
Could you share an example with us of a situation where someone has overcome unforgiveness in their life and what that looked like?
What happens when we don’t forgive?
What can we do if we have someone in our lives who is stuck in that place of unforgiveness? 
How do you imagine the book being used in a congregational setting or by a counselor working with people?
Tell us a little bit about what being a reconciler means and where you have seen God at work.
Mark, how has your teaching and research over the years set you up to write this book? What encouragement would you leave listeners with as they wrestle with forgiving someone or accepting someone’s offer of forgiveness?

About the Guests
Ted Kober, a Certified Christian Conciliator™ since 1992, reconciles personal disputes, lawsuits, and church conflicts. He has published numerous resources and taught reconciliation on six continents. Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, awarded Ted a doctor of letters degree, honoris causa, for his writing, speaking, and impact to the global church.
Mark Rockenbach (MDiv, MA, PhD) is an associate professor of practical theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, where he also directs various programs. Previously, he served as a parish pastor, an executive for church worker health and reconciliation, and a mental health counselor. Mark and his wife, Darlene have three children, Joshua, Rachel, and Andrew. 

Guest Rev. Dr. James Voelz joins host Elizabeth Pittman on the first episode of season 5 of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast. Dr. Voelz is the author of two volumes of the Concordia Commentary series on the Gospel of Mark. During the episode, Dr. Voelz shares an overview of Mark as well as some of the linguistic themes and the grammatical ideas that make Mark unique. 

Get a copy of each of Dr. Voelz’s Concordia Commentary editions on Mark by visiting cph.org. 

Show Notes

Unpack the richness of the Law and Gospel of Mark during this episode with guest Rev. Dr. James Voelz. 

Listen now as Dr. Voelz dives into the unique Gospel of Mark and uncovers the relationship between Mark and the other Gospels. Listeners will get an overview of the book itself, insight into how Mark is written, the speed at which this Gospel is written, what stories are covered, and a look into linguistic themes throughout the chapters. 

Questions

-        How was your time at the Society of Biblical Literature and how were your Commentaries received there?

-        Let’s talk about Mark as a Gospel and its significance. Give us an overview of this Gospel. 

-        How is it different than the other Gospel accounts?

-        Talk about your oral presentation of Mark and your part in memorizing this Gospel. 

About the Guest

Rev. Dr. James Voelz is the Dr. Jack Dean Kingsbury Professor of New Testament Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. A faculty member since 1989, he is a graduate professor of Exegetical Theology. He has also served as chair of the Department of Exegetical Theology (2013–15), dean of the faculty (2006–10) and dean of the Graduate School (1996–2002).

In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Rev. Dr. Paul Raabe joins host Elizabeth Pittman to discuss his work on the newest volume in the Concordia Commentary series, Isaiah 13 – 27 - Concordia Commentary. 

The next volume in the series will be available on November 30 and is available for pre-order now. Get your copy at cph.org/isaiah-13-37-concordia-commentary. 

Plus, subscribe to the Concordia Commentary series on CPH’s website by visiting cph.org/commentary. 

 Show Notes

Chapters 13 to 27 of the book of Isaiah are often overlooked, yet they are invaluable. These chapters play an integral part in our understanding of God's plan for all of his people.

Listen to this episode as author Dr. Paul Raabe explores his time writing the newest edition in the Concordia Commentary series that covers Isaiah chapters 13 to 27. Dr. Raabe will provide insight into the message found in this text, the impact of studying Isaiah on his own faith, and encouragement for lay people who may be interested in diving into this Old Testament book of the Bible. 

Questions

-        What was it like spending so much of your professional life studying Isaiah?

-        When you’re translating from Hebrew to English, how difficult is it to capture the nuance of the poetry found in Isaiah?

-        Tell us about the message of the book of Isaiah as a whole. 

-        Are the judgments found in these chapters of Isaiah only meant for unbelievers or do they also apply to Christians? How do we look at that today?

-        Tell us about the Gospel message found in Isaiah. Do we see that message come through in these prophecies?

-        Have you found studying Isaiah over the years has had an impact on your personal faith?

-        You’ve taught about Isaiah in a variety of contexts. How have you approached teaching Isaiah in all these contexts?

-        What ways have you found to be effective to encourage your students to spend time in the Word?

-        For those of us who are not trained in Hebrew, what is your encouragement for the average lay people who may pick up this volume of Concordia Commentary?

 About the Guest
 
Dr. Paul Raabe is a professor emeritus at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, retiring in 2018 after 35 years as professor of Exegetical Theology. Dr. Raabe’s areas of interest and expertise include the Hebrew Prophets and poetry, Old Testament theology, and biblical theology. He has also served on The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Commission on Theology and has co-edited a previous piece for Concordia Publishing House, The Press of the Text, a Festschrift in honor of Concordia Seminary Professor Dr. James W. Voelz. Dr. Raabe received his Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University, Nebraska, a Master of Arts from Washington University in St. Louis, and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, host Elizabeth Pittman is joined by Rev. Dr. Alfonso Espinosa to talk about his next book, Faith That Shines in the Culture. In his upcoming book, Al shows readers how we can reflect the light of Christ to the world around us. 

Pre-order Al’s newest book on CPH’s website by visiting cph.org/faith-that-shines-in-the-culture. 

Show Notes
Being part of society as a Christian means living out your faith in the church, the government, and the family. At the same time, every individual is called by God to do something in the world, known as your vocation. Both your vocation and living in The Three Estates are beautiful and rich parts of being a Lutheran. 

In his upcoming book, Al Espinosa examines both of these theological concepts to help you see how to take up God's greatest call: showcasing God's light through you and into the world. During the episode, Al talks about how Christians can learn how to express Christ's light in each portion of their life as they go about their daily routine. He also discusses how this new book fits in with his two previous Faith That… books with CPH and what listeners should expect from the work.
 
 Questions

• How does your new book fit into your previous writing?
• What is vocation? What does vocation look like?
• What are the Three Estates?
• What advice do you have for church members to help underscore how important it is for every member of the local congregation to be active and involved?

About the Guest
Rev. Dr. Alfonso Espinosa is a graduate of Concordia University Irvine (BA) and Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana (MDiv). He received an MA in Christian apologetics from Biola University and a Ph.D. in theology from the University of Birmingham (England) in 2009. Dr. Espinosa is the senior pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Irvine, California, and a member of the Board for National Mission of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. In addition to writing the faith-and-culture trilogy, he has served as an author for The Lutheran Difference, a study notes team member for The Lutheran Study Bible, and a contributor to the Biblical Response series. 

Lutheran Women in Mission (LWML) President Eden Keefe joins host Elizabeth Pittman on this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to discuss being a woman in mission and a woman who serves Christ.

Find out more about LWML at lwml.org.

Show Notes
In this episode, Eden sits down to discuss her new role as president, what she is looking forward to for the upcoming biennium, and how listeners can get involved in LWML as a young woman looking to serve Christ and the church. 

Eden also shares some of her favorite memories of LWML after having served and been involved in the organization for many years. She provides advice for those looking to get involved in ministry and gives her insight into how LWML continues to faithfully serve the LCMS.     

Questions Covered

·        What is LWML Sunday? How can it be celebrated in the congregation? 

·        Tell us about this year’s theme.

·        What were some of the highlights from this summer’s convention for you?

·        What excites you about the coming biennium? How can people support the LWML mission grants?

·        How can listeners support their local LWML? If they don’t have an active chapter, how can they get connected?

·        What tools have you found helpful for your personal devotions?

·        How did you get involved with Visual Faith Ministry?

·        What is the best encouragement you've received in your service in the Church?

·        Who is your favorite woman in the Bible?

·        What would you tell very young girls about what it means to be a woman in mission?

·        How can our listeners pray for you and the LWML?
 
About the Guest
Eden Keefe is president of LWML and was elected to this position at the LWML National Convention in 2023. She has also served as LWML Vice President of Christian Life from 2013-2017, as Leader Development Committee Chairman, and as a member of the Christian Resources Editors. Eden worked on the LWML Official Publications Staff as Christian Living Editor and has served LWML at the district level in the Kansas district as well as the LWML Carolinas District Recording Secretary.

On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Pastor Mike Fieberkorn speaks with host Elizabeth Pittman about his new book, Battle of the Soul: Luther Reforms Vice and Virtue. 

Battle of the Soul will be available on October 31, 2023. Pre-order your copy by visiting cph.org/battle-of-the-soul-luther-reforms-vice-and-virtue.

Show Notes
 
Envy, greed, gluttony, lust, anger, sloth, and pride are all vices and manifestations of our unbelief. Pastor Fieberkorn joins Elizabeth Pittman to explain how our daily living of the Ten Commandments helps kill our unbelief.

Listen as Pastor Fieberkorn reflects on how he came to write about the ideas of vice and virtue, what he defines as believers’ daily battle, how Martin Luther reformed thinking about these everyday struggles, and more.   

 Questions Covered

·         What is the battle of the soul?

·         How did you first notice the ideas of vice and virtue in Luther? Were you surprised to see how often Luther used these ideas?

·         How does repeated engagement in sinful thinking turn into a habitual vice that becomes our way of looking at the world? How might it affect our neighbors?

·         How can naming our vices help us diagnose something that might be becoming an idol in our lives?

·         What does Christian virtue look like according to Luther?

·         Luther matches up vices and virtues with the 10 Commandments. Give a couple examples of this.

·         Why must we actively work to kill our vices/slay the old man?

·         Why is it’s so important to remember our Baptism each day and the comfort that gives?

·         At the back of the book, there are prayers for the reader to use in their daily lives. Can you talk about how readers might use those and why they’re helpful? How do these types of prayers help us grow in our prayer life and strengthen us for battle?
 

About the Guest

Rev. Dr. Michael Todd Fieberkornhas served as a Lutheran pastor at Zion in St. Charles, Missouri, since 2019. He is a second-career pastor who served active duty in the Air Force for six years and currently serves in the Air Force Reserves. Pastor Fieberkorn and his wife, Angela, have three children.

Rev. Dan Paavola joins host Elizabeth Pittman on this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast. The duo discusses the upcoming 2023 Advent and Christmas daily devotions authored by Dan, Peace Came to Earth. Dan will talk about the different ways that Jesus brings us peace from God and remind us of the true reason of the Christmas season. 

Get a copy of the devotions on cph.org at cph.org/peace-came-to-earth-daily-devotions-for-advent-and-christmas.

Show Notes:
 
In today’s world, Christmastime is often busy, hectic, and stressful but that’s not what Christmas is about. Christmas is about a manger and hay, stables and shepherds, and a swaddled baby called the Prince of Peace. 

In this episode Dan provides insight into his new daily devotions Peace Came to Earth, where readers will take a step back and celebrate the peace and simplicity of Christmas. He talks about the metaphor of the star used in the Advent series, other imagery used to paint the story of Jesus, how we find lasting peace, and how God shows us the lasting peace only He can provide. 

About the Guest
 
Rev. Daniel E. Paavola is a professor and pastor with the gifts of storytelling, motorcycle riding, and Model T restoring. He is a professor of theology at Concordia University Wisconsin and served twelve years as pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Butternut, Wisconsin.

Dr. Steve Saunders joins Elizabeth Pittman on this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to talk about his new book Martin Luther on Mental Health: Practical Advice for Christians Today.

Show Notes:                       
Mental health issues are widely discussed today, but these issues aren't new. 500 years ago, Martin Luther was sharing advice to people who were wrestling with similar mental health challenges that many of us face today. 

In this episode, Dr. Saunders explains how he came across the teachings on mental health from Martin Luther and what inspired him to put this into his new book. Listen to the full episode to hear what Dr. Saunders has to say about what Martin Luther taught 500 years ago and how it applies to our lives today, how we should interpret what the Bible says about mental health, why it’s important for Christians to understand mental health issues, and more.
 
 Questions Covered

• Why is this book important for Lutherans today?
• How did writing this book come about?
• How would you define mental health problems? How are they different from more serious mental illnesses? Why is it important to know the difference? Why is it so hard for people to talk about mental health issues?
•  Why is it important for Christians to know how to have conversations with people experiencing mental health problems?
• After writing this book, what is the biggest piece of advice you would give to Christians dealing with friends and family with mental health problems?

About the Guest
Dr. Stephen Saunders is a clinical psychologist and psychology professor at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He earned his Ph.D. from Northwestern University, and his research interests include mental health services and mental health treatment. Dr. Saunders lives with his wife, Ruth, and has three children.