Best Luther House of Study Podcasts (2024)

1
"Oh, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” | Sixth Sunday After Pentecost 12:03

3d ago12:03

12:03

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // Though the crowds and leaders attempt to push Christ’s promise of life aside, nothing will stop our Lord from delivering this gift to sinners. This hymn is an invitation that nothing would stand in our way to sing the “glories of [our] God and King” and “the triumphs of His grace” over all that brings us fear. Stanza 2 …

1
Healing vs Hearing | Mark 5:21-43 with Sarah Stenson & Lars Olson 32:42

4d ago32:42

32:42

In this week’s lectionary text, we hear two examples of truly desperate people: a leader of the synagogue with a dying daughter and a hemorrhaging woman. They’ve tried everything under their power. At their wits’ end, they reach out to Jesus. Sarah Stenson and Lars Olson teach us that it’s not about reaching out to God earlier. It’s demonstrating t…

1
"Calm to the Waves” | Fifth Sunday After Pentecost 10:02

9d ago10:02

10:02

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // Though this one stanza may seem to be a trite retelling of this weekend’s Gospel reading, Scripture proves we need to hear this word more than once! Jesus’ calming of the sea [and storms of our life] are done in the same way - with His Word of peace. Christ both rebukes the waves and His followers in this weekend’s read…

1
The Wind and Sea Obey | Mark 4:35-41 with Dr. Chris Croghan 25:17

11d ago25:17

25:17

Caught in a windstorm with the waves from the Sea of Galilee swamping the boat, the disciples are terrified for their lives as Jesus sleeps soundly in the stern. Dr. Chris Croghan teaches Kiri, Max, and Mason: How Jesus is so calm in a life threatening situation Why the English translation of Jesus’ response to the sea doesn’t cut it And how preach…

1
"Spread, Oh, Spread, Almighty Word” | Fourth Sunday After Pentecost 10:01

18d ago10:01

10:01

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // This is a prayer that the reign or kingdom of God would spread throughout the earth. The stanzas to follow make clear this is God’s work - not our own. We do not pray to ourselves, but to God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is God - our “Creator” - who calls us by name and bestows the “gifts” of “heaven.” Stanza 2 //…

1
God Hides Our Good Works | Mark 4:26-34 with Sarah Stenson 25:55

18d ago25:55

25:55

What comes to your mind when you think of the kingdom of God? A place? A thing? A membership? In this episode of Scripture First, Sarah Stenson explains how the kingdom of God is faith in Christ. This is crucial to not only understanding the parable of the growing seed and mustard seed in this week’s text, but to understanding that all parables are…

1
"Rise, Shine, You People!” | Third Sunday After Pentecost 13:01

25d ago13:01

13:01

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // When Christ “enters” our “human story” he comes to destroy all of the stories we tell ourselves and one another. The Pharisees who placed limits on God’s action in the Law - Jesus comes that we might know “unbounded grace” in His Word. Stanza 2 // We rise, shine, and sing to Christ because of what He comes to accomplish…

1
Baptism is an Exorcism | Mark 3:20-35 with Lars Olson 24:09

27d ago24:09

24:09

Jesus is healing people, casting out demons, and forgiving sins. The scribes respond by calling Him the chief of demons. Lars Olson joins the Scripture First to explain how Jesus not only dismantles their logic, but flips it on them. A higher demon wouldn’t throw out a lower demon. They’d empower them! He came to bind the demons to take what they c…

1
The Sabbath was Made for Humankind | Mark 2:23-3:6 with Lars Olson & Dr. Chris Croghan 31:37

1M ago31:37

31:37

After performing the first miracles of His ministry and demonstrating authority at the temple, a Pharisee named Nicodemus seeks Jesus out at night to determine where He gets His power. Dr. Chris Croghan teaches us context and meaning packed into this text starting with why Nicodemus came to Jesus at night. We also discuss Jesus’ response to Nicodem…

1
"O Day of Rest and Gladness” | Second Sunday After Pentecost 12:46

1M ago12:46

12:46

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // The day of rest is the Sabbath - made for those who rest in the presence of Almighty God! It is a day of rest because we know and worship the Triune God, who brings us a “balm for care and sadness.” Stanza 2 // This day of rest is not something invented for the benefit of congregations, member engagement, or hymn-singin…

1
The Sin of Selfishness | John 3:1-17 with Dr. Chris Croghan 33:52

1M ago33:52

33:52

After performing the first miracles of His ministry and demonstrating authority at the temple, a Pharisee named Nicodemus seeks Jesus out at night to determine where He gets His power. Dr. Chris Croghan teaches us context and meaning packed into this text starting with why Nicodemus came to Jesus at night. We also discuss Jesus’ response to Nicodem…

1
"This Is the Spirit’s Entry Now” | The Holy Trinity 15:26

1M ago15:26

15:26

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // When Jesus tells us the Holy Spirit - like the wind - “blows where it chooses” and “[we] do not know where [He] comes from or where [He] goes…” we may have as many questions as Nicodemus, or even a few more! This hymn calms the questions of our mind and heart with a Word: “This” - here - “is the Spirit’s entry” - the “w…

1
A Rush of Violent Wind | Acts 2:1-21 with Sarah Stenson 33:21

2M ago33:21

33:21

The day of Pentecost had come. A sound like the rush of a violent wind. Divided tongues of fire rested on each of them. Speaking in tongues. Kiri, Cole, and Mason ask Sarah Stenson about the many misguided assumptions Christians have about this passage of Acts. Why do we assume speaking in tongues is some sort of gibberish that requires an interpre…

1
"Creator Spirit, Heavenly Dove” | Day of Pentecost 17:24

2M ago17:24

17:24

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // After Jesus tells his disciples he must depart that the Holy Spirit would arrive, it is easy to imagine the disciples' confusion and fear. In our fear, we turn to God’s Holy Spirit in prayer, that we would be restored as those without sin. Stanza 2 // The Holy Spirit is named in many ways throughout Scripture. This hymn…

1
"Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds” | Seventh Sunday of Easter 15:00

2M ago15:00

15:00

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // On this final Sunday of Easter, the “vault of heaven resounds now” - today! - with the good news of Jesus’ “triumph” over death! We join in singing not only with the [now smaller] crowd of Christians gathered to worship, but with the “choirs of angels” who sing a song of glory around the throne of the Risen One. Stanza …

1
Can You Know God? | John 17:6-19 with Lars Olson 35:23

2M ago35:23

35:23

The same night that Jesus is arrested, He gives a lengthy prayer. Kiri, Max, and Mason ask Lars Olson, why did Jesus say this prayer and what is the content of what He’s praying? Jesus tells His disciples, and us, that He has given His word to everyone God has given to Him. That word delivers God’s very nature: mercy. Having received God’s mercy, y…

1
"Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” | Sixth Sunday of Easter 13:33

2M ago13:33

13:33

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // The “divine love” of Christ exceeds all love we can imagine - a love and joy that must “come down from heaven.” It is the crown of all God’s “faithful mercies” because it is the commandment Christ says will grow out of faith in our Lord! Christ’s love, which knows no boundaries, can enter even the “trembling hearts” of …

1
You Don’t Choose Jesus | John 15:9-17 with Dr. Chris Croghan 30:41

2M ago30:41

30:41

In a text that says, “abide in my love,” “if you keep my commandments,” and, “I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another,” you may think Jesus is giving you the instruction manual on how to live correctly. But then He says, “You did not choose me but I chose you.” Sarah Stenson and Dr. Chris Croghan explains how the texts from …

1
"O Blessed Spring” | Fifth Sunday of Easter 14:43

2M ago14:43

14:43

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // This hymn connects the promises Christ speaks in this weekend’s Gospel text with the promise we are given in Holy Baptism. “Embraced into Christ the vine” we are joined to be “a branch of [the] life-giving Tree” of Christ. Stanza 2 // The sequence of summer, autumn, and winter is compared to seasons of life. Just as Chr…

1
A Good Pruning | John 15:1-8 with Dr. Chris Croghan 27:28

2M ago27:28

27:28

This week’s text says that Jesus is the vine and God is the vinegrower. Everyone who produces fruit, God prunes to produce more fruit. Everyone who doesn't produce fruit, God lops off the vine to wither and burn. And this is supposed to be reassurance? Dr. Chris Croghan explains how this is an election text. The fact you’re hearing this means you’r…

1
"Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia!” | Fourth Sunday of Easter 14:40

3M ago14:40

14:40

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // In this brief stanza, we are given purpose for singing - to “offer praise full of love” specifically to the “paschal victim” - that is, the victim of our Easter celebration, who laid his life down for our sake. The celebration of Easter is the two-fold nature of what it means to have a Good Shepherd - one who lays his l…

1
Sheep Are Not Aspirational | John 10:1-10 with Sarah Stenson 30:17

3M ago30:17

30:17

Many of Jesus’ “I Am” statements lend themselves to comforting depictions for Christians. “I am the light of the world,” makes for a nice painting! But in today’s passage, Jesus is the gate. Sarah Stenson teaches us how Jesus is being categorical in this text. There are two options: enter through the gate by hearing the shepherd’s voice or climbing…

1
"Come, You, Faithful, Raise the Strain” | Third Sunday of Easter 12:09

3M ago12:09

12:09

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // The good news of Easter is not only that Christ rose from the dead, but that God’s people are brought forth “joy from sadness” - just as He promised throughout all of Scripture. It is the “faithful” who raise the “strain of triumphant gladness” this Easter day - those “full of faith” that God has worked throughout histo…

1
A Ghost! | Luke 24:36b-48 with Lars Olson 28:02

3M ago28:02

28:02

The two men who encountered Jesus on the road to Emmaus are just starting to tell the disciples about what they’d experienced when Jesus appears before them again. Lars Olson explains how the Gospel of Luke is using this literary structure to depict what happens when the resurrected Jesus shows up: fear, joy, and disbelief. The resurrection is so u…

1
"Peace, to Soothe Our Bitter Woes” | Second Sunday of Easter 12:05

3M ago12:05

12:05

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // The peace of God is a peace given by the Risen Christ to his frightened followers. In him, we have the peace of God and the good news our Lord brings during the Easter season. This is particularly in contrast with the peace the world gives - and Christ points out - He does not give as the world gives! Sometimes, this co…

1
Breaking the Laws of Nature | John 20:19-31 with Dr. Chris Croghan & Sarah Stenson 25:01

3M ago25:01

25:01

The political power, religious authorities, and the general public all demanded Jesus’ death. The disciples were terrified they were next. Suddenly, Jesus breaks the laws of nature and shows up in the locked room and starts a sermon: peace be with you. Here is the consequence of your sin. Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson explain how Jesus shows …

1
"Jesus Christ Is Risen Today” | Easter Day 13:39

3M ago13:39

13:39

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // The Risen Lord is celebrated not only because He rose from the dead - though this is a miracle! - but because He is the same who “suffered to redeem our loss.” This makes Easter “our triumphant, holy day” and the reason Christians gather to celebrate each Sunday. Stanza 2 // The reason for our singing and exuberant prai…

1
He is Not Here | Mark 16:1-8 with Sarah Stenson & Dr. Chris Croghan 20:03

3M ago20:03

20:03

It’s Easter Sunday and three women head to Jesus’ tomb fully expecting to find the dead body of the man they betrayed. Suddenly, an angel appears to deliver them the incredible news that is the basis of the Christian faith: “He has been raised; he is not here.” Sarah Stenson and Dr. Chris Croghan explains why the women expected to find death despit…

1
You Killed Jesus | John 18:1-19:42 with Dr. Chris Croghan & Lars Olson 32:16

3M ago32:16

32:16

This episode is going to be a little different. No background music. No closing summary and calls to action. Why? Because we’re grappling with the question, “Why did Jesus have to die?” in this conversation. Dr. Chris Croghan and Lars Olson do an incredible job calling out how everyone involved in Christ’s final moments sinned against Him. From the…

1
"Ah, Holy Jesus” | Good Friday 15:01

3M ago15:01

15:01

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // Christ was crucified not only by enemies or “foes” but by His own! This echoes the first chapter of St. John’s Gospel - the Word was not received by His own people. It is this lack of offense [save for our sin] which demands the poet begin this chorale not with a text of praise or prayer, but of wonder. Stanza 2 // It i…

1
"O Lord, We Praise You” | Maundy Thursday 13:29

3M ago13:29

13:29

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // Martin Luther rewrote this first stanza and added two more. God’s mercy is given to those who - weak in soul and in need of forgiveness - bow before God in thanksgiving and faith. The body and blood Christ gives to His people is the same “born of Mary” who “carried our sins and sorrows” and “pleads for us” in all “trial…

1
What Does Maundy Mean? | John 13:1-17,31b-35 with Lars Olson & Sarah Stenson 34:20

3M ago34:20

34:20

In the first of two Holy Week bonus episodes, Lars Olson and Sarah Stenson break down what Jesus meant by giving us a new commandment to love one another in this Maundy Thursday text. Jesus demonstrates true humility by washing His disciples’ feet. He also commands us to love one another. Many will read this as a command in the Law, as an expectati…

1
Waving Palm Branches | Mark 11:1-11 with Sarah Stenson & Dr. Chris Croghan 34:09

3M ago34:09

34:09

Palm Sunday. Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. In many churches, we’ll wave our palm branches and shout, “Hosanna!” In this week’s conversation, Sarah Stenson and Dr. Chris Croghan explain how the crowds believed the Messiah was going to be a king whose power came through the Law. They thought the Messiah would defeat their enemies and make t…

1
"Ride On, Ride On in Majesty!” | Palm Sunday 13:09

3M ago13:09

13:09

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // This is the picture we most often paint in our mind on Palm Sunday - Sunday of the Passion. Christ rides into Jerusalem surrounded by cries of “hosanna” complete with palm branches and scattered garments - a greeting fit for the King! One word cuts across this imagery in this stanza - the “Savior” is “meek” - submissive…

1
"Seed That in Earth Is Dying” | Fifth Sunday in Lent 11:51

4M ago11:51

11:51

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // The imagery present in John 12:24 is given poetic voice in this stanza. Through the mystery of death and life - things discarded by the world but given new life by God - we have “faith in our deepest darkness, and life in our night and death.” Stanza 2 // The faith of which Jesus speaks and this hymn helps us sing is no…

1
The Greeks Show Up | John 12:20-33 with Dr. Chris Croghan 29:14

4M ago29:14

29:14

Dr. Chris Croghan summarized this week’s text in two sentences, “God made a promise. God fulfilled that promise.” After his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, a few Greeks show up to the festival. What could be overlooked as a passing detail, Dr. Croghan explains how pivotal this detail is. God promised Abraham that the Messiah would come from his li…

1
"What Wondrous Love Is This" | Fourth Sunday in Lent 12:28

4M ago12:28

12:28

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // Because this is a Scripture passage we’ve heard many times in life [and many times in the lectionary] it is helpful to hear and sing of God’s love in new ways. This hymn helps us hear John 3:16 in what might be a new way. God’s love is seen in Christ “bearing the dreadful curse” for our soul! The curse of sin is our own…

1
Their Deeds Were Evil | John 3:14-21 with Lars Olson 27:16

4M ago27:16

27:16

Kiri and Mason welcome Lars Olson to the podcast to break down the verses surrounding one of the most well-known verses in the Bible: John 3:16. This week’s lectionary text begins with, “And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness…” Lars explains the story about God sending snakes to bite His people in Numbers and Moses lifting up a b…

1
"Restore in Us, O God" | Third Sunday in Lent 11:14

4M ago11:14

11:14

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // This prayer is especially effective as we stand in worship and sing in light of this weekend’s Gospel text. Christ does not simply lose his mind over money, but demands that worship give the “splendor of God’s love” in prayer and praise. Stanza 2 // The love of money, attendance, attraction, or having something to sell …

1
Does the Old Testament Matter to Christians? | John 2:13-22 with Sarah Stenson 36:52

4M ago36:52

36:52

A dramatic scene unfolds at the temple where Jesus is driving out livestock with a whip and flipping over the bankers’ tables, spilling money everywhere. Kiri and Mason ask Sarah Stenson what’s happening here and why is Jesus reacting with such a physical disturbance? She explains the context of Passover: a festival where God commanded His people t…

1
"Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart" | Second Sunday in Lent 13:20

4M ago13:20

13:20

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // This first stanza can sound a little bit like doubting, obstinate Peter - “Lord, this should never happen to you!” Instead of joining with Peter, it recognizes the “surpassing value” of knowing Christ as Lord - that heaven itself would be empty without God’s promise. In this Word, we place all our trust. Stanza 2 // Bec…

1
This Will Be the Death of You | Mark 8:31-38 with Dr. Chris Croghan & Sarah Stenson 33:21

4M ago33:21

33:21

Immediately after Peter correctly identifies Jesus as the Messiah, Jesus lays out the entirety of what that means in a single verse: He’s going to undergo great suffering, be rejected, be killed, and rise again. Peter tries to prevent this from happening and Jesus tells him, “Get behind me, Satan!” Both Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson teach us …

1
"O Lord, throughout These Forty Days" | First Sunday in Lent 13:18

5M ago13:18

13:18

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // As much as we hear of Christ’s temptation and might admire his fortitude, this stanza is a challenge, that across the forty days of Lent, we might turn toward our Lord, who comes to free us from all temptation and deliver us from all evil. Stanza 2 // Christ’s battle with Satan is not over trite temptations, but include…

1
And the Angels Waited On Him | Mark 1:9-15 with Sarah Stenson 32:56

5M ago32:56

32:56

At the beginning of Lent, the Gospel of Mark continues on a blistering pace: in six verses, Jesus is baptized, driven into the wilderness, John was arrested, and Jesus proclaimed the good news of God. In these six verses, Kiri, Max, and Mason ask Sarah Stenson about the details that could get overlooked when focusing on the big events happening in …

1
"Oh, Wondrous Image, Vision Fair" | Transfiguration of Our Lord 15:50

5M ago15:50

15:50

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // The first stanza sings of a strange glory. It is one we “share” as the Church - but a glory we have a difficult time describing or explaining! Instead, we share in the glory of a Savior who speaks that we might listen - he will rise from the dead for our sake. Stanza 2 // The contrast in this short stanza is more than a…

1
Sent Back Down the Mountain | Mark 9:1-10 with Dr. Chris Croghan 28:24

5M ago28:24

28:24

The Transfiguration. A literal mountaintop experience, and the bookend to the season of Epiphany as Jesus moves toward Jerusalem, His crucifixion, and, ultimately, His resurrection. Kiri, Max, and Mason ask Dr. Chris Croghan why Jesus elected Peter, James, and John to witness this incredible moment when they've been acting like the Three Stooges up…

1
Miracle Worker vs Preacher | Mark 1:29-39 with Lars Olson 28:49

5M ago28:49

28:49

We continue to move through Mark at a breakneck speed: John the Baptist, Jesus’ baptism, Jesus vs Satan in the wilderness, Jesus teaching in the synagogue with authority before casting out a demon; all in the first chapter! Now, Jesus enters Simon’s mother-in-law’s house to heal her from a fever. Word gets out, and the entire city descends looking …

1
"Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness" | Fifth Sunday after Epiphany 11:03

5M ago11:03

11:03

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // Brief accounts of Scripture heard during this time of year can sound like interesting past events, miracles Jesus performed for people in a certain time and place. And, this hymn can sound like a listing of such events! The key phrase in this stanza is the third: “Praise the One who preached the Gospel, healing ev’ry dr…

1
"Hail to the Lord's Anointed" | Fourth Sunday after Epiphany 12:41

5M ago12:41

12:41

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // This paraphrase of Psalm 72 helps us answer the question present at the conclusion of this weekend’s Gospel: “What is this new teaching with authority?” Just as Christ demonstrates in the synagogue, He comes today to “break oppression, set captives free, take away transgression, and rule in equity.” Stanza 2 // As perpl…

1
Jesus Leaves Them Dumbfounded | Mark 1:21-28 with Sarah Stenson & Dr. Chris Croghan 33:43

5M ago33:43

33:43

In this week’s lectionary text, we hear of the first thing Jesus does in His ministry: teach in the synagogue with authority. As you’ll hear Sarah Stenson and Dr. Chris Croghan teach Kiri, Cole, and Mason, everyone who heard Jesus was shocked because He spoke with the power of God. The event only gets more shocking as a man controlled by a demon bu…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Luther House Of Study Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide