Reflection

Clive Staples Lewis was born on November 29, 1898, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. While starting from a humble beginning, Lewis became known as a writer, speaker, radio broadcaster, apologist, and educator, and his books have sold more than two hundred and fifty million copies to this day.  Dr. Joel Heck currently serves as the Interim President of Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton, Alberta. He...

His world came into focus when he picked up his first comic book. He developed his art and was all set to spend the rest of his life drawing comic books and graphic novels. Then Jesus found him! He became a teacher and now a teacher of teachers who shares his art and his love of Jesus with others! Find out more about Brad and his ministry at http://bradallesprod.wpengine.com Books mentioned by Bra...

Pat played basketball at what he called "one of the worst college basketball programs in the country." But this is where Jesus found him and gave him a new direction for his life. He runs marathons, writes books, and shares Jesus as his reflection of God's light and love in this world. Books mentioned by Pat: Life After Power by Jared Cohen https://a.co/d/isr91JR Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers...

Are you a good listener? Many people believe that they are but, when asked if they believe others are a good listener, the answer is usually no. Perhaps we all can learn to be better listeners. And there's no better model than Jesus Christ Himself. Pastor Brian Davies' new book "Captivating Conversations" is available (see link below) and talks with Ed Blonski about opening your heart and learning...

It has been said that those who refuse to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Many people will tell you that in order to find the way to where you are going, it is important to know where you've been. Bill Federer tends to agree, which is why he travels across the country, writes articles and books, and hosts a radio and podcast show about the history of America! William Federer is a retur...

When Kris married Ross, she never saw herself as a pastor's wife, but God had other plans. When Ross received his call to be a pastor, Kris never herself as a missionary's wife, but God had other plans. When Ross entered seminary, he thought he would be a pastor in a typical American parish, but God had others plans. Now they are in the Dominican Republic, raising a family and reflecting the light...

Trailer for Season 4 of the Reflection Podcast is here! New season starts January 1, 2024 and will include 10 episodes (maybe one or two special episodes as well).

Thanksgiving is a unique holiday with a long tradition in the United States - it actually pre-dates the US by over 100 years! How did Thanksgiving come about? How did the traditions surrounding the holiday pass down to use today? William Federer of Amerisearch, Inc. tells the story of American Thanksgiving on this special episode of the Reflection podcast. For further reading and research: The Tre...

The First Amendment of the US Constitution says, " Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Today, Greg Seltz of The Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty talks about...

Each of us is the owner of a random collection of theologies, doctrines, and superstitions. It’s a junk drawer of religious ideas and influences. It’s the witticisms your grandmother tossed around with ease that sounded like they came from a religious text. It’s an insight gleaned about God from a half-heard sermon at a friend’s church. It’s the mental screenshot of a meme shared on social media....

Hesham Shehab grew up in Beirut, a world of bitter animosity between Muslims and Christians, which he experienced personally in a physical attack when 7 years old. By age 13 he was recruited by the Muslim Brotherhood (Lebanese Chapter) and later fought against Christians in the 1975 war in Lebanon. His brother was killed by a Christian militia and his response was to study by day, and by night see...

The Bible is not some dusty textbook, but a veritable circus of humanity, with high-soaring saints, back-talking donkeys, left-handed kingslayers, and all the glory and gore you can fit inside the big top of this biblical tent. And everywhere in this story is God who, in his wild and passionate love for humanity, is shepherding history toward the birth and ministry of Jesus the Messiah.   Chad Bir...

Ryan Ferguson was married one year ago and ordained two weeks later. Ed Blonski checks in with Pastor Ryan one year later to see how things are going! Find out more about St. Matthew at www.stmatts.net Check out these recommendations from Pastor Ryan: A Skeleton in God's Closet by Paul Maier https://a.co/d/2t7Gkop More than a Skeleton in God's Closet by Paul Maier https://a.co/d/1pINX8g Sa...

How does a pastor or other church leader actually become an effective and successful leader?  Ben Haupt is the Global Executive Director of the Pastoral Leadership Institute, a uniquely equipped organization that provides immersive leadership development for pastors, ministry leaders, and their spouses to lead out the mission of God with grace, joy, influence, and impact, specific to a leader’s co...

Answer God's call sometimes doesn't go as expected but usually leads to an adventure beyond imagination. That's the story Tim Hetzner tells on this episode. Our Podcast music was provided by ⁠The Podcast Host⁠ and ⁠Alitu: The Podcast Maker app⁠. Books mentioned by Tim: This Is My Body: A Call to Eucharistic Revival - Bishop Robert Barron https://a.co/d/4FyMRIQ New Testament Church Dyna...

Five guys who have been singing together for 40 years get together to talk about music and the harmony of life. Music is an outstanding gift of God and next to theology. I would not want to give up my slight knowledge of music for a great consideration. And youth should be taught this art; for it makes fine, skillful people. – Martin Luther Our Podcast music was provided by  The Podcast Host  and ...

Recently baptized in the Christian Church, Gary and his wife are "all in" in serving Christ in the Church. Hear his amazing story of his search for purpose and meaning in Judaism and Buddhism before finally being found by Jesus Christ! Our Podcast music was provided by  The Podcast Host  and  Alitu: The Podcast Maker app . Gary’s Book Busville: A Story about School Bus Drivers https://a....

What do you do when you feel God's Call to serve in the Church but are struggling with anxiety and depression? This conversation with David Conley can help you with this! Our Podcast music was provided by  The Podcast Host  and  Alitu: The Podcast Maker app . Books mentioned by David The Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Life by  Rick Warren, Dr. Daniel Amen, Dr. Mark Hyman https://www.amazo...

Brittany has answered God's call to be a servant in the church. She recently graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin and received a call to serve as Youth & Family Minister at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hawthorn Woods, Illinois. Our Podcast music was provided by  The Podcast Host  and  Alitu: The Podcast Maker app . Books mentioned by Brittany Captivating  John & Stasi Eldred...

The third season of the Reflection Podcast begins on July 3, 2024! Guests include Brittany Johnson, newly commissioned minister at St. Matthew Lutheran. Gary Midriff a recent convert to Christianity. Musician David Conley - and will feature brand new music from him. The Master's Voice, give guys who have been singing together for 40 years. And many others! Please share this across your socials...

More than two and a half billion people will be celebrating either Passover or Easter - or both - in the next few weeks. Passover being the predominately Jewish celebration and Easter being the Christian celebration. Can the two be connected somehow? 1517.org S cholar-in-Residence Chad Bird joins Ed Blonski to lay out the connections between these two world-wide celebrations that date all the way...

He is a truck driver. He was a seminary professor. He was a parish pastor. He's also a scholar of the Old Testament and brings incredible insight to who Jesus Christ is! Chad Bird is also a contributor to 1517.org Find out more about Chad here Books recommended by Chad: Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl   From Sabbath to Lord's Day: A Biblical, Historical and Theological Investigat...

The Bible - not just a book on your shelf, desk, or nightstand. It came from somewhere long ago. Jeff Kloha knows from where and he's got a museum to show you! He's the Chief Curatorial Officer and you can find out more about Jeff here. Visit the Museum of the Bible website Books recommended by Jeff Kloha: Follow Me: Discipleship According to Matthew by Martin Franzmann Commentary on Roman...

The Christian Church has to take seriously what it means to be the Christian Church in this world today. Dr. Joel Biermann joins Ed Blonski on today's episode. He is the Waldemar A. and June Schuette Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He is a pastor's son, raised in both Nebraska and Michigan and now helps train a new generation of pastors for The Lutheran C...

Over 25 years of leadership in non-profit and private business sectors - fundraising, communication, marketing, strategic planning, project and event implementation, budget processes, and organization management. Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor is now the Managing Director of Human Care and Ministerial Support at The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Find out more about Dr. Tiffany Manor. https://www.lc...