Issues, Etc.

Terry Mattingly of Rational Sheep Pop Goes Religion: Faith in Popular Culture Rational SheepThe post The Top Religion Stories of 2025 – Terry Mattingly, 12/30/25 (3641) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

Dr. Arthur Just of Concordia Theological Seminary-Ft. Wayne, IN Heaven on Earth: The Gifts of Christ in the Divine Service Concordia Commentary: Luke 1:1-9:50 Concordia Commentary: Luke 9:50-24:53The post The Christmas Hymn, “Joy to the World”- Dr. Arthur Just, 12/30/25 (3642, Encore) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

Join Pastor Jonathan Conner, a theologian from Zion Lutheran Church, as he dives deep into the relevance of the Bible amidst cultural objections. He tackles misconceptions about the Bible's age, using C.S. Lewis's idea of 'chronological snobbery' to challenge modern arrogance. Conner also addresses the notion that Christians hate LGBTQ individuals, emphasizing humility and compassionate engagement. He makes a compelling case for understanding identity beyond desires, while highlighting the power of Scripture to guide both prayer and daily life.

Pr. Will Weedon, an assistant pastor and host of The Word of the Lord Endures Forever, provides fascinating insights into the Christmas hymn, 'Angels from the Realms of Glory.' He highlights the central role of angels in the Nativity and connects each stanza of the hymn to biblical narratives. Will discusses the hymnist James Montgomery's life and the significance of Psalm 95 as its anchor. He also elaborates on how creation and redemption are united through Christ, and encourages worship on Christmas, joining angels and saints in celebration.

Will Whedon, a Lutheran pastor and worship expert, dives into the beauty of the Christmas hymn "Break Forth O Beautious Heavenly Light." He explores its scriptural roots in Luke 2 and the significance of the hymn's imagery. The discussion highlights Johann Rist's authorship and Bach's arrangement, while Whedon emphasizes the comforting meaning of the manger as a place of salvation. He urges listeners to embrace Christ personally, linking the hymn to themes of grace, community, and worship that resonate deeply during the Christmas season.

Peter Bender, a pastor and director at the Concordia Catechetical Academy, dives deep into the significance of baptism and its connection to the First Sunday of Christmas. He discusses how baptism serves as a rescue from evil, linking Isaiah's themes of God's compassion with the assurance found in baptism. Bender argues that baptism offers greater spiritual privilege than biological birth and emphasizes its role in adopting believers as sons. He also contrasts the brutality of Herod with the comfort baptism brings amidst suffering, reinforcing its importance in Christian life.

Pr. Will Weedon, an assistant pastor and host of a daily Bible study, dives into profound themes for the First Sunday after Christmas. He elaborates on Christ's purpose for our adoption as sons of God and connects Psalm 93's majesty to the infant Jesus. Will also explores prophetic insights from Isaiah and 2 Samuel about God's covenant and the Messiah’s reign. He highlights Simeon’s and Anna’s roles in the Christmas narrative, while reflecting on Christ’s ultimate mission: to conquer death and restore life through baptism.

Dr. Arthur Just of Concordia Theological Seminary-Ft. Wayne, IN Heaven on Earth: The Gifts of Christ in the Divine Service Concordia Commentary: Luke 1:1-9:50 Concordia Commentary: Luke 9:50-24:53The post The Christmas Hymn, “Angels We Have Heard on High” – Dr. Arthur Just, 12/25/25 (3592) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

Dr. John Bombaro of St. James Lutheran-Lafayette, IN The post Looking Forward to Sunday Morning (One Year Lectionary): Christmas Dawn – Dr. John Bombaro, 12/25/25 (3591) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

Dr. Ken Schurb of the Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod The post The Christmas Season – Dr. Ken Schurb, 12/24/25 (3582) first appeared on Issues, Etc..