The Lutheran Witness Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.