Listen to this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast as author and guest R. Reed Lessing takes a close look at recent interpretations, historical and canonical settings, genres, and more in the book of Lamentations. Lessing provides his perspective on all of these things and more in the newest volume in the Concordia Commentary series that he authored - Lamentations - Concordia Commentary.

Pre-order the next Concordia Commentary edition on the book of Lamentations on our website today or subscribe to the Concordia Commentary series to save 30% on all new and previously published volumes.

Show Notes
The book of Lamentations, marked by its tone of mourning, loss, defeat, and heartache, provides neither a pleasant nor an easy read. Nonetheless, it meets us in the valleys of suffering we inevitably face, offering a glimpse of hope in God’s faithfulness.

In the newest Concordia Commentary volume on Lamentations, Lessing walks readers through this valley, providing insight into the history of interpretations, narratives, and theological context. Listen to the episode as Lessing talks with host Elizabeth Pittman about why Christians should read the book of Lamentations, the destruction of Zion with the temple in Jerusalem and its implications, the Law and Gospel parts included in the book, who he wants to reach with this commentary volume, and more.

Questions

• Why should a Christian bother to read the biblical book of Lamentations?
• When we read through the English Bible, why not skip over this short book and go straight from Jeremiah to Ezekiel?
• Most of the book seems depressing. After all, it is a lament. Shouldn’t Christians rejoice always? What place does a lament have in the Christian life?
• Should lamenting be part of the corporate worship life of the church? Is Lamentations ever read as part of the lectionary in the church year? When and why?
• Much of the book mourns the destruction of Zion with the temple in Jerusalem. When did this happen in history? What was the prior history of Zion earlier in the Bible? What happens to Zion later in the Bible?
• Does Zion have anything to do with Jesus in the Gospels, or with the Christian hope expressed in the rest of the New Testament?
• Do any Christian hymns feature Zion and the temple? Do hymns include laments?
• Is the book of Lamentations all Law? Is there Gospel hope in it anywhere?
• It seems like the beginning of the book and the end of the book are all about judgment, death, and mourning. Wouldn’t it be better for a biblical book to start out happy and be optimistic at the end? If it has to have sad parts, why not hide them in the middle?
• In English the book is laid out as poetry. Is the Hebrew poetry? What constitutes Hebrew poetry? Does it have rhyme, or other things that mark it as poetry? Lamentations seems to repeat words and ideas in several lines or even a whole stanza. Why the repetition? Why not just say it concisely, once, and move on?
• What’s up with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet that are reproduced in English Bibles?
• Finally, who do you want to reach with your commentary?
  
  

About the Guest
Dr. R. Reed Lessing is the The Edwin F. and Esther L. Laatsch Chair of Old Testament Studies at Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota. He also serves as the University’s Director for the Center of Biblical Studies and oversees the University’s Pre-Seminary Program. Previously he was Senior Pastor at Saint Michael Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and before that, Professor of Ex

Young women today are faced with a host of challenges, including things like loneliness, isolation, anxiety, bullying, social media behavior, and relationship issues. Guest and author Cassie Moore reminds us that young women can turn to God through all the issues they meet. Listen to the episode now as Cassie discusses her new book, Faith Notes: A Christ-Centered Survival Kit for Young Women with host Elizabeth Pittman.

Faith Notes is available on the CPH website now!

Show Notes

Anxiety. Isolation. Bullying. Issues with parents. Pornography. Faced with issues like these, where can teen girls turn? They can turn to God. Faith Notes: A Christ-Centered Survival Kit for Young Women features nearly 100 devotions on topics like these, pointing youth to God's truth, showing them God's forgiveness and hope, and steering them toward Christ. During the episode, Cassie explains how readers can go through devotions one-by-one, or browse by topic—with plenty of room to journal or sketch. She also discusses her background in youth ministry and how she helps teens use the Bible to walk through life with confidence.

About the Guest

Cassie Moore is an author, speaker, and leadership consultant with over 15 years of experience in ministry to young people. She is the author of Faith Notes: A Christ-Centered Survival Kit for Young Women and Authentic Youth Ministry: Straight Talk about Working with Kids, Teens & In-Betweens, contributor for Connected for Life: Essential Guide to Youth Ministry and Words of Peace and Protection: Devotions for Women, as well as The Gallivanter Saga adventure fiction series. She has published over 80 articles on youth and culture in addition to freelance curriculum writing. She grew up in Illinois & Minnesota, earned her master’s degree in organizational leadership from the Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine, has worked on national & district youth gatherings, and enjoys speaking internationally. She loves travel, hiking, & talking to strangers. She and her husband, Pastor Tyler, live in Hood River, Oregon and have two dogs. Connect with her at cassieahmoore.com.

Beloved Lutheran hymnals have a long history, dating all the way back to 1524. This year in 2024, we are celebrating 500 years of Lutheran hymnals. This episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast features returning guest Peter Reske, Senior Editor of Music and Worship at Concordia Publishing House. Peter's takes listeners on a trip back in time to 1524 to teach us a little bit about the earliest Lutheran hymnals, how they came about, some of the stories that surround their creation, and how they were used in the congregations of the time.

Shop all the editions of the Lutheran Service Book by visiting cph.org.

Show Notes

Listen to the episode now as guest Peter Reske and host Elizabeth Pittman discuss the history of Lutheran hymnals, the connection between Scripture and the hymnody, Martin Luther’s work, how Lutheran hymns have developed throughout history, and more.

About the Guest

Peter C. Reske, senior editor of music/worship at Concordia Publishing House, holds degrees in English literature and historical musicology from Marquette University and Pennsylvania State University. He was the editor of the Lutheran Service Book and its attendant resources.

In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, author Martha Van Buskirk joins host Elizabeth Pittman to talk about her new book Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Grace: God's Purpose in Your Every Day. During the conversation, Martha shares how you can make a difference in your very own family, neighborhood, and community through small but Spirit-led acts.

Pre-order the book on cph.org. Available November 7!

Show Notes
Can ordinary lives be extraordinary? In this episode, writer, speaker, and author Martha Van Buskirk passionately and graciously shares how you can make a difference in your everyday life.

During the episode, Martha talks about her new book looks into how when we seek to glorify and serve God through our "small" everyday actions, we can make a big impact in others' lives—no matter who we are, where we live, or where God takes us. She also talks about how she first started writing the book, what it means to be spiritually anchored, how we can shine the light throughout the holiday season and the many gatherings that come with it, and more.

Questions

• Talk about how the COVID-19 pandemic got you started thinking about writing this book, and how you think others may have related to how you were feeling at the time.
• How have you seen or witnessed actions of other people that turned out to be extraordinary?
• You mentioned being “spiritually anchored” in the book. Talk about what that means and how we can be sure we are spiritually anchored.
• How can we make sure to reserve time for our routines?
• What advice do you have for someone who is struggling and how do you remind them where they’re anchored during those times?
• For many of our listeners, one of the areas we serve is in the local congregation. When it comes to how we are helping in our local congregation, why should kindness be kept at the center of our interactions?
• What would you have wanted younger Martha of 20 years ago to know or resonate with from this book?
• What would you say to someone who has tried to help someone and has been burned in the past?
• Families will be gathering again soon during the holiday season. It can be easy to put our guards down and snap at somebody at these gatherings. How can we be intentional during these events and make sure we are shining a light?
• Leave our listeners with an action challenge with how they can find their purpose in their every day.

About the Guest

Martha Van Buskirk is a professional writer, encouraging speaker, and new author living in Houston. She and her husband, Raymond, are proud parents of three and doting grandparents. Martha loves Jesus, her family, reading, strong coffee, abstract art, long walks, and the mountains. She holds a BA in journalism from Valparaiso University and certification in nonprofit leadership from Rice University.

Brian Davies joins host Elizabeth Pittman on this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to preview his new book, Captivating Conversations: How Christians Can Reclaim the Lost Art of Listening. During the episode, Brian talks about how we can use Jesus as our model for being good listeners and asking good questions as Christians in today's world.

Pre-order the book at cph.org/listen. Available October 22.

Show Notes
Are you a good listener? Many people believe that they are but, when asked if they believe others are good listeners, the answer is usually no. Perhaps we all can learn to be better listeners. And there's no better model than Jesus Christ Himself.

Listen to the episode now as Brian Davies talks about his new book where he takes readers on a journey of sitting back, opening your heart, and learning how to truly hear what others are saying. Brian discusses what it really means to be a good listener, how we can bring the Gospel to others by learning to really hear what they are saying, and more.

About the Guest
Brian Davies serves as pastor of Lord of Glory Lutheran Church in Grayslake, Illinois, and as chaplain for the Grayslake Fire Department. Rev. Davies graduated from Concordia River Forest (now Concordia Chicago) in 2002, studying communications and biblical languages, and then went on to earn his master of divinity at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. He and his wife, Beth, have three children: Kate, Megan, and Luke.

Concern for the mental health of young people has exponentially increased in recent years. How can Christian schools help their students? In this episode, Dr. Belinda Karge and Dr. Bratton join host Elizabeth Pittman to answer this question and dive into the curriculum they co-authored along with Dr. Jeremiah Stokes, Resilient Minds: Christ-Centered Mental Health Curriculum.

Learn more about the curriculum for 5th-8th grade students at cph.org/resilientminds.

Show Notes
Listen to the episode now as Belinda and Kara discuss their biblical, research-based curriculum on mental health, Resilient Minds: Christ-Centered Mental Health Curriculum.

Resilient Minds is now available for grades 5 to 8. Both age groups have a designated student book and teacher guide. The age groups cover the same topics, but lessons are differentiated to fit the needs of students based on their age level.

Curriculum for high school students is set to release in May 2025.

About the Guests
Dr. Belinda Karge is professor of doctoral programs and the chair of EdD Special Education Leadership at Concordia University Irvine.
Dr. Kara Bratton is an assistant professor in the school of education in the EdD program at Concordia University Irvine.

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.