What makes a church good? Have you ever thought about that? In his new book, Will the Real Church Please Stand Up, author Matthew Richard shows us what makes a church great is an unwavering focus on Christ. Pastor Richard joins this episode to discuss the new book with host Elizabeth Pittman.

Find out more and pre-order the book at cph.org/realchurch. Available to order starting October 8.

Show Notes
Come join the Campbells as they test out churches in their brand-new town of Midway. They're looking to see which one fits their family and faith the best. Each church offers something different such as post-church refreshments, use of technology, outreach programs, or childcare. Even with all of these perks, do these churches still count as "good" or are they missing something pivotal to their worship services?

Author Matthew Richard joins the podcast to talk about his new book and how he helps readers discover eight different churches, and how to be able to see what a good church has: Christ at the very center. Pastor Richard also discusses his first book in the series, Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?, who he came to write the second book, his own experiences as a pastor, and more.

Questions

• What led you to book number two?
• Tell us how you created the Campbell family.
• What should be looking for to identify the unity and purpose in a church?
• Tell us about the distinction between friendship and biblical fellowship, and why it’s important in a congregation.
• Tell us about the architecture of a church and what it can tell us about the unity and purpose of a church.
• You draw the distinction between the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. Tell us how churches may get that misplaced.
• Talk about one of your example churches and how they are too focused on their status as people in the church. What happens when we put too much focus on social status in the church?
• Tell us why the three estates are important for the church and how you use Peace as an example.
• Trinity takes readers to the first church in the book that is very denomination focused. What are the good and bad aspects of denomination distinctions and at what point does fidelity to the denomination become problematic?
• What does the real church stand for and how do we recognize it?
• What would you say to someone who starts to look around their own church and are concerned their focus has strayed from Jesus? What do you suggest they do?
• What advice do you have for the pastor who is trying to ensure his congregation is staying focused on the true unity and purpose of the church?
• How can groups who work through this book together maintain a sense of fellowship as they discuss problems their own church may be facing?

About the Guest
Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard is the pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minot, North Dakota. He is married to Serenity, and they have three children. Besides being a busy dad, he enjoys amateur carpentry work and knife collecting, as well as being a whisky and Taekwondo enthusiast.

In this episode, Dr. John Maxfield joins host Elizabeth Pittman to discuss his deep dive into the Lutheran Reformation from a specific town’s perspective in his new book, Becoming Lutheran: The Community of Brunswick from Evangelical Reform to Lutheran Culture. The book traces the influences and events that shaped one community as its people journeyed from evangelical reform to Lutheran culture.

Find out more and get the book at cph.org.

Show Notes
Have you ever wondered what the Lutheran Reformation looked like in a
specific locality?

Rev. Dr. John A. Maxfield reveals this in his new book by detailing the intellectual, personal, social, and political influences and events that shaped the Lower-Saxon town of Brunswick on its journey from evangelical reform to Lutheran culture. Listen to the episode now as Dr. Maxfield explores how he began writing this historical account, why he chose the community of Brunswick as the focal point, overall political developments and themes, and what lessons we today can take away from the people of Brunswick.

Questions

• Tell us how this book came about.
• Why Brunswick/Braunschweig?
• What connections exist between this town and the "major actors" in the Reformation?
• In what ways did the town embrace reformation theology, and how did they put their own "stamp" on things?
• In the overall timeline, where does the Church Order fall in terms of whole communities choosing to live as Evangelicals/Lutherans?
• What are the connections to the later developments politically concerning the Smalcald War, the princes' revolt, and the Magdeburg Confession?
• Looking "down the road"—describe the role Brunswick/Braunschweig played for the eventual "unification" around the Formula of Concord?
• What lessons can we as Lutherans today take from the experiences of Brunswick?

About the Guest
John A. Maxfield is a professor of history and religious studies at Concordia University of Edmonton in Alberta, Canada. In addition to numerous articles and book chapters, he edited Defending Luther’s Reformation (CPH, 2017) and wrote Luther’s Lectures on Genesis and the Formation of Evangelical Identity (Truman State University Press, 2008). He and his wife, Jennifer, have four adult children.

In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, author Deb Burma returns as guest to talk with host Elizabeth Pittman about her newest devotional book, Immeasurably More: 100 Devotions on God's Extravagant Grace. Immeasurably More features 100 devotions with journaling and prayer prompts to reveal God's immeasurable grace, love, power, provision, and more.

Pre-order Deb’s newest book at cph.org/immeasurablymore. Available on September 24!

Show Notes
In Ephesians 3:20, Paul tells us that God can do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (NIV).
Listen now as Deb Burma talks about her new devotional book that beautifully reveals what this verse means in her relational, conversational, richly scriptural words written for you.

Across 100 devotions with journaling and prayer prompts, readers—individually or with their sisters in Christ—will discover God‘s immeasurable grace and so much more.

Get Deb’s book on cph.org and Amazon!

About the Guest
Deb Burma is a sought-after speaker for women’s conferences, retreats, and ministry events. Her assortment of books and devotionals include best-selling Bible studies, JOY: A Study of Philippians and Living a Chocolate Life, along with Beautiful Feet, Stepping Out, and more. Deb is a follower of Jesus, a pastor’s wife, and a mom. She’s a blogger, a women’s ministry leader, and a self-proclaimed coffee/chocolate connoisseur. Above all, she is a grace-filled child of God.

Listen to the latest episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast as Dr. Brian German joins as guest to talk about the newest edition in the Concordia Commentary, Haggai and Malachi, which he authored. In the newest volume Dr. German details literary themes, historical insights, and New Testament connections found in the books of Haggai and Malachi.

Get the newest volume in the series at cph.org.

Show Notes
In this new episode, Dr. German joins host Elizabeth Pittman to discuss the Biblical books of Haggai and Malachi. In his new Concordia Commentary volume covering these books, readers will explore a rigorous analysis of Haggai's exhortation to rebuild the temple and Malachi's concern with the practices therein—both revealing the standard to which God calls His church.

Questions

• What special challenges did God's people face in this time period after the return from exile in Babylon?
• How did each of these prophets address those challenges?
• How long was the time interval between Haggai and Malachi?
• What particular events did Haggai have to address? How did he address them?
• How did the prophet Zechariah's work overlap with that of Haggai?
• What things had changed by the time of Malachi, and what did he have to address?
• How did each prophet present the promise of the Messiah?
• What were some of the pressures the people of Judah would experience during the intertestamental period - those 400 years between the Old and New Testaments?
• How did Haggai and Malachi prepare the people for these pressures?
  

About the Guest
Brian German is an associate professor and chair of the Department of Theology at Concordia University Wisconsin and director of the Concordia Bible Institute.

God’s Word is overflowing with promises for you yesterday, today, and forever. In this new episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, author Terry Zuehsow joins host Elizabeth Pittman to discuss God’s promises that he guides readers through in his book, Exploring God’s Promises: A Guided Journey through His Word.

Pre-order the book on cph.org now. Available September 10!

Show Notes
God earnestly wants you to grow to know Him and to more fully experience His promises in your life.

In author Terry Zuehsow’s new book from CPH, Exploring God’s Promises, readers will journey through more than 200 encouraging and assuring promises in this devotional journal. Each promise contains devotional material and theological talk to help you see how God gives and keeps this promise. Then, there’s journal space for you to answer reflection questions and truly connect with the Savior, offering Him your thanks and praise. Listen now as Terry discusses his background, how he was inspired to write about God’s promises, what promises in the Bible have impacted him the most, and more.

Questions

• Tell our listeners a bit about yourself.
• What led you to write this book?
• You give readers an “itinerary” for the book. Why is this important and what is your goal for it?
• 228 promises of God are covered. Is this an exhaustive list?
• What promises have you found to be meaningful to you personally?
• What promise would you share with someone experiencing loneliness? Anger? Major life changes?
  

About the Guest
Terry Zuehsow is a certified physician associate, practicing psychiatry in a Christian outpatient setting. In the past he has taught high school and college science and religion, and has worked for decades as a computer systems architect, including in research and development. Throughout his adult life, he has led Bible classes in his local church. Terry has been married to his wife Angi now for 49 years (off to a great start!), and they have two daughters and six grandchildren. His hobbies include choir, family games, and long walks.

In this episode, CPH author Chad Lakies brings a new perspective to the discussion about outreach and witnessing, one that makes us aware of the hurt felt on all different sides in society, and aims to find healing through what Christ brings His creation. Chad talks about this and more in his new book, How the Light Shines Through: Resilient Witness in Dark Times, coming soon in September.

Pre-order his book on cph.org.

Show Notes
Will people meet Jesus in us if we aggressively respond in kind to the threats we feel in the world around us? Or are these people more likely to meet Jesus in us if we patiently endure the challenges that have been set before us constantly relying on Christ? In his new book, author Chad Lakies helps in this task by first acknowledging our reality and how the church has reacted to it thus far, then he helps us to imagine better ways that we can interact with the world around us - ways that will help the light shine through and reflect the life-changing love of Jesus to our neighbors.

Listen to the episode as Chad dives into his book and discusses what it means to live in a secular age, engaging in political discussions as Christians, ways to thoughtfully discuss Christ with our peers, and more.

Questions

• Unpack what it means “to live in a secular age.”
• Let’s talk about some of the misconceptions covered in chapter 9.
• As political discussions take over more and more of the national conversation and likely our personal conversations, can you share some tips for how we can “concentrate on sameness” rather than difference and preserve relationships despite disagreements?
• Perhaps one way to summarize this book is to say that our reactions matter for our witness, and much of the book explores how we can react differently to the difficult situations we’re in every day to better witness to those around us. Do you have any tips or reminders that you use yourself to help you temper your reactions in the moment, especially if tensions or emotions are high?
• “Authenticity” is thrown around a lot these days. Why is this problematic, and what is a better standard for authenticity?
• What are three goals for a resilient church?

About the Guest
Chad Lakies (MDiv, PhD) is Vice President for Ministry Engagement within the United States at Lutheran Hour Ministries. His former life as a nonbeliever provides exceedingly relevant experience for thinking about how to engage with friends and neighbors outside the kingdom of God. He and his wife, Bethany, have two daughters, Anabel and Daphne.

On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Elizabeth Pittman is joined by guest Dr. Gene Edward Veith Jr. as he talks about his new book, Embracing Your Lutheran Identity. Gene takes listeners and readers on a journey from the early church through the Reformation to Lutheranism today. Elizabeth discusses how his newest work helps us to see why the stories from these eras are important to our Lutheran identity.

Embracing Your Lutheran Identity will release on August 27 and is available for pre-order now on cph.org.

Show Notes
In Embracing Your Lutheran Identity, Gene Edward Veith Jr. uncovers inspiring stories and characters from church history with whom you share an identity.

Writing not as a scholar, pundit, or apologist, but as a teacher, Gene Edward Veith Jr. talks about how his new book will guide readers through the Holy Spirit's work from the early church, through the Reformation, and into Lutheranism today through engaging accounts, modern parallels, and thought-provoking questions. Gene also discusses why our baptismal identity is important to our faith lives, why we study connections to the early church and more.

Questions

• How does having a strong Lutheran identity help strengthen our identity in Christ?
• Culture today is preoccupied with ethnicity, social status, race, and identity. How does the Bible address these preoccupations?
• Why is our baptismal identity so much more important than any other way we identify ourselves?
• What parallels are there between the difficulties of Christians today and the Christians of the early church?
• Why is it helpful for us to think of our church and ourselves as being connected to the early church?
• What lessons can we learn from the medieval church?
• Tell us about the rise of American Lutheranism.
• You write that “Lutheranism offers the kind of Christianity that best speaks to the spiritual issues of today.” Why is this?

About the Guest
Gene Edward Veith Jr. is a retired English professor and college administrator, most recently at Patrick Henry College and Concordia University Wisconsin. He is the author of twenty-seven books, including Authentic Christianity: How Lutheran Theology Speaks to a Postmodern World; Christianity in an Age of Terrorism, and God at Work. He has a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas and currently lives in St. Louis with his wife, Jackquelyn.

Dr. Joel Biermann joins as guest on this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to discuss his new book, Day: 7: For Work, Rest, or Play. In this episode, Biermann discusses how his book explores the sabbath and how it's all about living in the joy and celebration of God's good gifts.

Get a copy of his book on cph.org.

Show Notes

The third commandment asks Christians to remember the sabbath day by keeping it holy - but how is one supposed to keep it holy? And how does work, rest, and play help us do just that? Dr. Joel Biermann joins the episode to talk about the sabbath and what it means for us in our daily lives.

Listen to the full episode to hear Dr. Biermann talk about who he wrote his new book for, what his goal was when writing, how we can understand the sabbath’s implications for our lives, the significance of the sabbath in the Bible, and more.

Questions

• You wrote this for a lay audience. How did you know that it was ready for a lay audience?
• What is your goal for Day 7?
• What do most people get wrong about the Sabbath?
• What does the Sabbath have to do with God creating the world?
• Is there any significance to Adam and Eve being created on the sixth day, and then resting with God on the seventh day?
• How did the Israelites in the Old Testament understand and observe the Sabbath?
• How did Jesus' teachings and healing miracles on the Sabbath help shape our understanding of what Sabbath means for us?
• Does the Sabbath give us a glimpse into what our eternal life with Christ in heaven will be like?
• What does it look like to live the vita receptiva?
• In your introduction, you say that the biblical idea of remembering the sabbath deserves more attention. What do you mean?
• What does it mean to follow the sabbath?
• What do you think most people get wrong about the sabbath?
• Why is called the sabbath?

About the Guest

The son of a pastor, Joel Biermann was raised in parishes in Alberta, Nebraska, and Michigan. After serving St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Holt, Michigan for 11 years, Dr. Biermann returned to Concordia Seminary to pursue graduate work. In 2002, he joined the faculty at Concordia Seminary in the department of systematic theology, teaching doctrinal theology with a special interest and emphasis centered on ethics and the correct role of the law in the life of the believer. Outside of his responsibilities at the seminary, Dr. Biermann serves actively at his home congregation, leading evangelism training, teaching an ongoing Sunday morning Bible class, and creating material for small group Bible studies. Dr. Biermann is a frequent speaker at district and congregational gatherings and conferences covering a variety of topics especially relating to issues of discipleship and sanctification. Dr. Biermann holds the following degrees: B.A., Concordia College, Ann Arbor, Michigan M.Div., Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri Ph.D., Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Biermann and his wife Jeannalee live in St. Louis where they enjoy staying active in a variety of ways in the outdoors. They have three grown children and 11 grandchildren.