The Gottesdienst Crowd

TGC 420 — On Cross Bearing

This episode dives into how the Lutheran dogmaticians understood and taught the role of "bearing the cross" in the life of a Christian. We’ll explore some of their writings and reflections on enduring trials, embracing suffering, and finding hope in the challenges that come with following Christ. We discuss how bearing the cross shapes believers in humility, resilience, and unwavering trust in God’s promises.

Read the rest of this entry »

TGC 419 — Thinking Out Loud (All Saints)

Two pastors thinking out loud about the upcoming Gospel reading. This episode is devoted to the Gospel reading for The Feast of All Saints; Matthew 5:1–12.

Read the rest of this entry »

TGC 418 — Septuagintal Superiority

In this episode, we dive into the debate between the Septuagint and the Masoretic Text, exploring the historical, theological, and textual reasons that some scholars consider the Septuagint superior. From its ancient origins as the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures to its influence on early Christian thought and New Testament writings, we uncover how the Septuagint has shaped biblical interpretation and why it holds a unique place in the history of Scripture.

Read the rest of this entry »

TGC 417 - Thinking Out Loud (Reformation)

Two pastors thinking out loud about the upcoming Gospel reading. This episode is devoted to the Epistle and Gospel reading for The Commemoration of the Reformation; Romans 3:19–28; Matthew 11:12–19.

Read the rest of this entry »

TGC 416 - Winds of Opposition: The Story of SELK, Part 2

This episode explores the challenges and threats facing the Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church in Germany (SELK) today. From cultural shifts and secularization to internal pressures and theological debates, this episode delves into the struggles the SELK encounters as it strives to preserve its confessional identity and navigate the winds of change and opposition withing modern society.

Read the rest of this entry »

TGC 415 - Thinking Out Loud (Trinity 21)

Two pastors thinking out loud about the upcoming Gospel reading. This episode is devoted to the Gospel reading for The Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity; John 4:46–54.

Read the rest of this entry »

TGC 414 - Roots of Resilience: The Story of SELK

This episode takes listeners on a journey through the history of the Selbständige Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche(SELK), an independent Lutheran Church in Germany. From its formation in response to state interference to its enduring faithfulness to the Lutheran confessions, SELK’s story is one of resilience and conviction. We explore the church's historical roots, its role in preserving confessional Lutheranism, and how its steadfast stand for doctrine continues today, though not without threats from the devil, the world, and the sinful flesh. 

Read the rest of this entry »

TGC 413 - Thinking Out Loud (Trinity 20)

Two pastors thinking out loud about the upcoming Gospel reading. This episode is devoted to the Gospel reading for The Twentieth Sunday after Trinity; Matthew 21:1–14.

Read the rest of this entry »

TGC 413 - Biblical Spelunking

The Scriptures are the Christian’s playground. They are given to us not only for teaching, correction, reproof, training in righteousness, but also to be explored and enjoyed. In this episode, we do some biblical spelunking, exploring the caves within the Scriptures to see where they lead. 

Read the rest of this entry »

TGC 412 - Thinking Out Loud (Trinity 19)

Two pastors thinking out loud about the upcoming Gospel reading. This episode is devoted to the Gospel reading for The Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity; Matthew 9:1–8.

Read the rest of this entry »