Issues, Etc.

Blake Skolnic, raised in an Orthodox Jewish home in Brooklyn and now a Grace Lutheran Church member, shares his fascinating journey from Judaism to confessional Lutheranism. He reflects on his upbringing, discussing the struggles of faith and cultural practices after his bar mitzvah. Blake highlights the clarity of Lutheran teachings on original sin and the significance of biblical prophecies about Christ. He candidly addresses his family's reaction and the pride that initially hindered his faith transition, ultimately finding Christianity far more fulfilling than ritualistic Judaism.

Terry Mattingly, a Senior Fellow at St. Constantine College and author of Rational Sheep, dives into Anthony Hopkins' transformative journey of sobriety and faith. He describes Hopkins’ profound encounter with a voice that led to his alcohol cessation. They discuss how religious experiences are often mishandled by the media, emphasizing the importance of direct questions about faith. Mattingly highlights Hopkins' ongoing gratitude and connections to Catholicism, suggesting that genuine thankfulness in public figures deserves deeper exploration.

Dr. Cameron MacKenzie, a historical theology professor at Concordia Theological Seminary, dives into Martin Luther's influential work, On the Bondage of the Will. He explains why this text isn't in the Book of Concord and discusses the appeal it holds for Calvinists due to its focus on God's sovereignty. The conversation also covers Erasmus's evolving relationship with Luther, biblical interpretations within the debate, and the pastoral comfort derived from understanding salvation as God's work. MacKenzie emphasizes the importance of studying these theological themes for effective pastoral training.

Tim Goeglein, Vice President at Focus on the Family and former White House official, dives into the dynamics of birth rates across political landscapes. He discusses how faith, marriage, and community support contribute to higher birth rates among conservatives. Highlighting CDC findings, he connects higher fertility in Trump-voting counties to religious engagement, noting that faith communities can lessen child-rearing costs. Lastly, he suggests ways to nurture larger families through supportive policies and cultural incentives to foster family growth.

Pastor Peter Bender, the director of the Concordia Catechetical Academy, dives deep into All Saints Day and its rich history. He explores the origins of the celebration, emphasizing that saints are simply forgiven sinners. Peter discusses the importance of perseverance, resurrection, and the mystical union with Christ, providing comfort during persecution. He also highlights congregational practices of remembrance and connects scriptural themes to hymns, revealing how these elements unify the faithful across time.

Dr. Carl Fickenscher, a Professor of Pastoral Ministry at Concordia Theological Seminary, shares his insights on All Saints' Day. He dives into the historical connection between the Reformation and this holy day, highlighting Luther's 95 Theses. Dr. Fickenscher unpacks the hymn 'For All the Saints,' celebrating its themes of struggle and divine fellowship. He discusses the profound meanings behind key biblical readings, including the vision of the Great Multitude in Revelation and the blessings found in the Beatitudes.

Javier Perdomo, a former Baptist pastor and YouTube host, shares his transformative journey from Baptist beliefs to Lutheranism. He reflects on his devout upbringing, teenage spiritual struggles, and the tension between decision theology and personal assurance. Perdomo recounts his exploration of Catholic apologetics and the pivotal role of Lutheran perspectives on baptism and the sacraments in shaping his faith. His thoughtful conversations with his wife about Lutheran doctrine ultimately led them both to embrace their new beliefs.

Dr. Kim Riddlebarger, a retired pastor and author, dives into the provocative intersection of artificial intelligence and Antichrist speculation. He examines Peter Thiel's assertion that AI may give rise to an Antichrist figure by exploiting public fears. Riddlebarger contrasts popular ideas of the Antichrist with biblical texts, advocating for a historical perspective. He raises concerns about AI's impact on faith and education, while reassuring listeners of Christ's ultimate victory over evil, offering hope amidst these modern challenges.

Pr. Timothy McMiller, a missionary to Eurasia and author, shares his insights on the concept of the family of God. He explores why Christians are considered family and discusses how sin impacts earthly families while emphasizing God's fatherhood. McMiller describes the unique cultural challenges of establishing Lutheran congregations in Italy, touching on local Catholic practices and how they influence community life. He also highlights the importance of familial bonds and the role of sacraments in connecting believers to the heavenly family.

Mollie Hemingway, Editor-at-large at The Federalist and Fox News contributor, dives into the complexities of abortion drug regulation in this engaging discussion. She reveals how party politics have influenced the approval process and the minimal oversight currently in place. Mollie highlights a recent bipartisan survey showing widespread public support for women’s safety in this realm. She also addresses the concerning coercion surrounding abortion pills and the necessity for reasonable regulations that even pro-abortion voters endorse.