Encounter

The Christian is both "a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none" and "a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all." This special release is in recognition of the 250th anniversay of American independence. Americans celebrate freedom every Fourth of July. We commemorate independence, self-government, and the rights secured by our Constitution. More than 250 years bef...

Send your questions and comments to encounterpodcast@protonmail.com Topics discussed in this episode: - Introducing Rev Dr Grobien - Digging deeper into the content he will be presenting on during our circuit convocation - What are ethics? - How does God through the Scriptures inform the behavior of a Christian? A catechetical platfrom and resource of Our Savior - Gladwin.⁠ www.oursaviorgladwin.co...

Send your questions and comments to encounterpodcast@protonmail.com Topics discussed in this episode: - The journey that led Jeff and Ashley to faith in Christ - The ways that Christ can transform a life - The dangers and allures of worldly remedies - Being redeemed from rock bottom - Testimony about Christ's faithfulness - The path to finding a church home A catechetical platfrom and resource...

Send your questions and comments to encounterpodcast@protonmail.com Topics discussed in this episode: - Illinois Assisted Suicide Policy - End-of-life ethics - The Christian response Additional Resources/Further Reading: https://mountziongreenfield.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/February-March-2026-.pdf A catechetical platfrom and resource of Our Savior - Gladwin. ⁠www.oursaviorgladwin.com

Send your questions and comments to encounterpodcast@protonmail.comTopics discussed in this episode:- The season of Pentecost - The work of the Holy Spirit - Third Article of the CreedA catechetical platfrom and resource of Our Savior - Gladwin.⁠www.oursaviorgladwin.com

Send your questions and comments to encounterpodcast@protonmail.com Topics discussed in this episode: - LCMS International Missions - John Lewis and Kari Dawley Foro to Rwanda - Purpose of the Foro and future opportunities Further Reading and Additional Resources: John Lewis; Senior Mission Advocate LCMS734-646-0122 john.lewis@lcms.org A catechetical platfrom and resource of Our Savior - Gladwin....

Send your questions and comments to encounterpodcast@protonmail.com Topics discussed in this episode: - Terminology around the Pastoral Office - How Scripture defines the ministry - Confusion of the Call - Examination of Ephesians 4:12 Further Reading and Additional Resources: "Church and Ministry : Witness of the Evangelical Lutheran Church on the Question of the Church and the Ministry&quot...

Send your questions and comments to encounterpodcast@protonmail.com Topics discussed in this episode: - Background and introductions from our guests - Discussion regarding what faithful fatherhood looks like, and how to lead a household in the way of the Lord Further Reading and Additional Resources: "Leadership and Emotional Sabotage: Resisting the Anxiety That Will Wreck Your Family, Destro...

Send your questions and comments to encounterpodcast@protonmail.com Topics discussed in this episode: - Background and introductions from our guests - Sharing various resources for promoting connection and fellowship between young adult singles in the church - Discussion regarding the value of finding likeminded friends and spouses, especially ground in a common faith Further Reading and Additiona...

Send your questions and comments to encounterpodcast@protonmail.com Topics discussed in this episode: - Environmentalism vs Consumerism, and a third way - Christian duty to steward the earth - Worshipping God and not creation - Looking to the New Creation A catechetical platfrom and resource of Our Savior - Gladwin. ⁠www.oursaviorgladwin.com

Send your questions and comments to encounterpodcast@protonmail.comTopics discussed in this episode:- Should Christians be "judgemental"?- Different kinds of judgement- Discernment, correction, and condemnation- Matthew 7 "Judge not, lest ye be judged."Further Reading and Additional Resources:Concordia Commentary, Matthew 1:1-11:1, by Jeffery GibbsA catechetical platfrom and re...

“A Beautiful Easter Sermon” delivered in the presence of the Elector of Saxony. Dr. Martin Luther, Wittenberg, 1538

Send your questions and comments to encounterpodcast@protonmail.com Topics discussed in this episode: - The historical and modern iterations of "anti-life" ideology - The Scriptural picture of family and fruitfulness - Misconceptions about contraceptives - Reframing reproduction vs pro-creation Further Reading and Additional Resources: - "Ethics of Sex: From Taboo to Delight" C...

Send your questions and comments to encounterpodcast@protonmail.com Topics discussed in this episode: - What does the Bible say about work and leisure? - How can we continue to live according to our vocations even after we step away from our career? Further Reading and Additional Resources: "On Social Justice," St. Basil the Great; Popular Patristics Series A catechetical platfrom and re...

Send your questions and comments to encounterpodcast@protonmail.com Topics discussed in this episode: - What is "closed communion" and why do we practice it? - What does it mean to be in union with Christ and other believers? - If we will be united with other believers in heaven, why don't we unite with them all on earth? Further Reading and Additional Resources: Luther's Small C...

Send your questions and comments to encounterpodcast@protonmail.com Topics discussed in this episode: - What is a vocation? - Responsibilities associated with certain vocations - All members of one body - Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25) - Table of Duties (Small Catechism) Further Reading and Additional Resources: - "Freedom of a Christian," Martin Luther, 1520. A catechetical platfro...

The Life of Faith series will be periodic episodes where we interview various congregration members who have agreed to share their stories, reflect on their lives as Children of God, and highlight key moments and lessons they have learned along the way. Our first guest is Mike Almassy, a long-time Lutheran and new member of our Board of Elders. Enjoy! Send your questions and comments to encounterp...

Send your questions and comments to encounterpodcast@protonmail.comTopics discussed in this episode: What is AI? Tool vs Idol Tower of Babel case study Call for Wisdom Further Reading and Additional Resources: Elon Musk Presenting at the WEF: https://www.youtube.com/live/IgifEgm1-e0?si=QDn1EUu-uCtfP9xu LCMS CTCR Study: https://resources.lcms.org/reading-study/ctcr-study-document-online-technology-...

Send your questions and comments to encounterpodcast@protonmail.comTopics discussed in this episode:- QnA: Spending time with Jesus - What is prayer? - Sabbath RestA catechetical platfrom and resource of Our Savior - Gladwin.http://www.oursaviorgladwin.com/https://www.facebook.com/oursaviorgladwin

Send your questions and comments to encounterpodcast@protonmail.comTopics discussed in this episode: Introduction to Lent Comparing Seasons of Fasting Understanding Spiritual Discipline How to Target Sin Using Spiritual Disciplines Further Reading and Additional Resources: "Enduring Grace: A Church Year Journal; Year A" Luther's Small Catechism - Apostle's Creed; Article III - &q...

Send your questions and comments to encounterpodcast@protonmail.com Topics discussed in this episode: - What is Gnosticism? Brief definition and historical background - The conflict between Gnostic thought and Christian doctrine - The ongoing presence of neo -Gnostic ideas in modern philosophy and culture Further Reading and Additional Resources: "Surprised by Hope" by N.T. Wright A catechetical p...

Send your questions and comments to encounterpodcast@protonmail.com Topics discussed in this episode: - QnA on Baptism: Implications for an unbaptized believer, and can a baptized believer experience demonic affliction? - Reading and examining the story of Balaam - Considering the "error of Balaam," false prophets, and the ties to spiritual warfare. - 2nd Commandment issues and attempting to manip...

Send your questions and comments to encounterpodcast@protonmail.com Topics discussed in this episode: - QnA on the Trinity and meditating on this truth - Discerning between cultural morals and Christian morals - We are at odds with the world, our flesh, and the devil - Seeing areas of spiritual influence in your life - The tools God has given us to combat the world, our flesh, and the devil. Furth...

Send your questions and comments to encounterpodcast@protonmail.com Topics discussed in this episode: - QnA on salvation before the life, death, and resurrection of Christ - Overview of Epiphany and house blessings - Introduction to spiritual warfare; laying the Biblical groundwork Further Reading and Additional Resources: "Enduring Grace: A Church Year Journal," Year A "The Screwta...

Send your questions and comments to encounterpodcast@protonmail.com Topics discussed in this episode: - Introducing the Encounter Podcast - Overview of Advent, the first season in the Church year - Advent as a season of hope, prayer, and repentance - Exploration of repentance Further Reading and Additional Resources: - The Smalcald Articles: Part III, Article III "Concerning Repentance"...