The Gottesdienst Crowd

TGC 489 – Between Cross and Resurrection: The Descent in Church History

What does it mean that Christ “descended into hell”? In this episode, we look into an often debated line in the Apostles’ Creed. We explore how the doctrine of the Descent into Hell developed in early Church history, how it was understood by the Church Fathers, and how it shaped theological imagination through the centuries.

We then trace the shift in interpretation during the Reformation, unpacking how Protestant traditions wrestled with—or rejected—this ancient teaching. Finally, we focus in on Lutheranism, where the Descent holds a unique and powerful place in Christology and the victory of the cross.

Join us for a journey through Scripture, creed, and controversy as we uncover the rich and complex legacy of Christ’s descent—and what it means for us today.

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TGC 488 – Thinking Out Loud (Lent 5)

Two pastors thinking out loud about the upcoming Gospel reading. This episode is devoted to the Gospel reading for the Fifth Sunday in Lent, John 8:42–59.

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TGC 487 – The Church’s Year of Grace (Lent 5)

This is a recording of the sermon for the Fifth Sunday in Lent from George Stoeckhardt’s book Grace Upon Grace: Gospel Sermons for the Church Year, reprinted by Steadfast Press. 

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TGC 486 – Come and See: How the Early Church Persuaded the World

How did the early Christians persuade a skeptical world to embrace the Gospel? Before apologetics and theological debates, the early church used protreptics—a powerful form of invitation and persuasion—to call people to faith. In this episode, we explore how early Christian thinkers like Justin Martyr, Clement of Alexandria, and Origen crafted compelling appeals that resonated with the Greco-Roman world. Through examination of texts from the early church fathers and their rhetorical techniques, this episode uncovers the lost art of Christian persuasion and its relevance for evangelism today. Join us as we rediscover the persuasive power of the early church.

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TGC 485 – Thinking Out Loud (Lent 4)

Two pastors thinking out loud about the upcoming Gospel reading. This episode is devoted to the Gospel reading for the Fourth Sunday in Lent, John 6:1–15.

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TGC 484 – The Church’s Year of Grace (Lent 4)

This is a recording of the sermon for the Fourth Sunday in Lent from George Stoeckhardt’s book Grace Upon Grace: Gospel Sermons for the Church Year, reprinted by Steadfast Press. 

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TGC 483 – The Character House: Building Saints through Bearing Burdens

In today’s episode, we explore the deep connection between character formation and the Christian call to bear the cross. Inspired by the wisdom of a father in Little Britches, we see how parental discipline shapes not only a child’s character but also their ability to endure hardship in faith.

A father’s words can leave a lasting impression on a child, becoming a guiding principle throughout life. But for Christians, character-building goes beyond earthly honor—it becomes a lesson in cross-bearing. Using examples from Scripture, including Tobit’s perseverance and biblical exhortations to discipline, we see that faithful parenting isn’t just about raising good citizens but about preparing children for the trials of faith.

Discipline, though painful, is a tool by which God teaches endurance. Parents who lovingly correct their children model Christ’s own suffering, reinforcing that the Christian life is not about avoiding hardship but embracing it for the sake of eternal joy. By bearing their own crosses faithfully, parents equip their children to do the same.

Tune in as we discuss how ordinary acts of discipline and example-setting can have extraordinary spiritual significance—both for parents and their children.

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TGC 482 – Thinking Out Loud (Lent 3)

Two pastors thinking out loud about the upcoming Gospel reading. This episode is devoted to the Gospel reading for the Third Sunday in Lent, Luke 11:14–28.

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TGC 481 – The Church’s Year of Grace (Lent 3)

This is a recording of the sermon for the Third Sunday in Lent from George Stoeckhardt’s book Grace Upon Grace: Gospel Sermons for the Church Year, reprinted by Steadfast Press. 

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TGC 480 – Created or Manufactured: The Ethics of IVF

In this podcast, we explore the complex ethical and theological questions surrounding in vitro fertilization (IVF). Is human life something that is created, or does assisted reproduction cross a moral line into manufacturing life? Dr. Donna Harrison examines issues such as the moral status of embryos, the commodification of human life, and the implications of reproductive technology on faith and human dignity. 

• AAPLOG Committee Opinion 12
• Dr. Gilbert Meilaender, Children: Blessing or Project?
• Eggsploitation Documentary

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