Cross Checking

We haven't nailed down Season 9 yet, so here's us taking random news stories and making them into sermon illustrations.

In the season finale of Cross-Checking, Ben and Josh explore the theme of "To God Alone Be the Glory," diving into how this principle shapes Lutheran identity and practice. They discuss the challenges of avoiding self-glorification in faith communities and the importance of redirecting praise to God. With humor and insight, they reflect on the balance between striving for excellence and...

Join Ben and Josh as they delve into the essence of service within the Christian community. From exploring the parable of the Good Samaritan to discussing the importance of local service, they offer insights into how serving others can be both a personal and communal act of faith. Whether you're a seasoned churchgoer or new to the conversation, this episode invites you to reflect on who your n...

In this episode of "Cross Checking," Josh and Ben delve into the theme of stubbornness within Lutheran identity. They explore the historical and theological roots of this trait, discussing its benefits and potential pitfalls. Through engaging anecdotes and thoughtful dialogue, they examine how being steadfast can be both a strength and a challenge in faith and community life.

Join hosts Josh and Ben as they explore the central role of worship in Lutheran identity. Delve into discussions about the significance of corporate worship, the balance between tradition and contemporary practices, and how everyday actions can reflect a worshipful life. They challenge listeners to consider what truly centers their lives and how worship can be a transformative part of their faith...

In this episode Josh and Ben dive into the heart of Lutheran identity, exploring the significance of confessional theology and its impact on modern faith practices.

In this episode of Cross Checking, Ben and Josh dive into the complex relationship between politics and the church. They explore how Lutheran identity intersects with political engagement, discussing the characteristically nuanced positions Lutherans often take. With humor and insight, they challenge listeners to consider whether their faith informs their politics or vice versa, emphasizing the im...

In this episode of "Cross-checking," Ben and Josh dive into the world of facial hair and its surprising connections to church leadership and identity. From playoff beards to the historical significance of Lutheran pastors' facial hair, they explore how appearance can influence perception and leadership in the church.

Keep it simple. Faith in the person and work of Jesus saves you and that faith is a gift.

"They see me mowin' My front lawn I know they're all thinking" If you get that reference, you belong with the rest of us Lutheran Nerds.

Go receive grace where God has promised to give it to you!

The Bible is critical to Lutheran Identity. Listen in as Ben and Josh talk about it!

In Christ Alone. This is the most central part of our identity, which makes it weird that it's our fourth episode of the season, but you can always watch them out of order if you want to.

Lutherans have a history with alcohol and, in some ways, it has become part of our corporate identity. Ben and Josh talk about that today and where we have to be careful. Also, the audio issues are on Ben - so surely Josh can get some additional points. Right?!

Lutheran history goes back to the 1500s - right? Well, that depends on your perspective. In this episode, Ben and Josh talk about different historical parts of the church and how they have contributed to Lutheran Identity over the years.

In the first episode of Season 8 of Cross Checking (formerly Manbuns and Jesus, formerly Coffee, Protein Shakes, and Jesus), Josh and Ben introduce the season's topic - Lutheran Identity - and why it might matter to you!

In the season finale of Cross Checking, Ben and Josh talk about one of the most fundamental things they don't teach you about at Seminary. How do you convince people to care about this stuff?

Honestly, we could not remember what the season finale was supposed to be about. So instead we covered some current events (kinda) and talked about some of the best ways to pick leaders in the church.

Join Ben and Josh in the penultimate episode of the season where we talk about some issues with the framework of how we think about church sometimes.

Today Ben and Josh talk about creatively diplomatic emails and messages to deal with problems that are kinda problems but not full on problems .

On this light after-Easter episode, Ben and Josh talk about a couple things they would magically fix in the LCMS if they could.

Continuing in the series-within-a-series on correction bad theology - today Ben and Josh talk about the Rapture. A lot of end-times-y stuff lately, someone should tell these guys to chill.

Ben and Josh continue a little mini-series on correction bad theology. What's in their crosshairs today? Decision theology!

Are you predestined for greatness? What about for eternal life? Part of a mini-series on how we correct bad theology.

This week Ben and Josh are talking about immaturity in the church. It can impact our spiritual walks and our operations as a community - so we all could probably do with some growing up!