Best Luther House Of Study Podcasts (2025)

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He Opened Their Minds | Luke 24:44-53 with Sarah Stenson 30:04

6d ago30:04

30:04

Ascension Day: the end of Jesus’ ministry on Earth where Jesus no longer is with us in the flesh, but, as you’ll hear Sarah Stenson teach, he is very much still active in creation. We discuss what it means for Jesus to have opened the minds of his disciples to understand the scriptures. This very moment is crucial for the Christian faith and the gi…

1
Love Is Not a Feeling | John 14:23-29 with Lars Olson 36:05

13d ago36:05

36:05

“Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them.” Jesus gives us a command: keep my word. It can easily be read as an if / then statement: if you keep my word, then the Father will love you. But Lars Olson flips this text: when you have God’s Word, you have God’s love. How do we know God’s love? Through his word. Through his Son.…

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Accusation, Not Affirmation | John 13:31-35 with Dr. Chris Croghan & Sarah Stenson 31:31

20d ago31:31

31:31

What does it mean for Jesus to be glorified? This week’s lectionary text opens with, “When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified.” You’ll hear Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson explain Jesus said this as Judas left the Last Supper to betray him. That is what God’s glory is: Jesus’ betrayal, death, and, ultimately, re…

1
Care of Souls: Addiction - Identifying an Addict [1/5] 30:01

20d ago30:01

30:01

In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those struggling with life’s challenging situations: addiction, death, family disharmony, and more. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lut…

1
Tell Us Plainly | John 10:22-30 with Dr. Chris Croghan 25:48

27d ago25:48

25:48

The Good Shepherd chapter. Jesus has been contrasting himself as the Good Shepherd with the religious leaders as the thieves and the wolves. Now, he goes directly into their house and they ask him plainly, “Are you the Messiah?” Jesus responds, “I have told you, but you don’t believe,” which spurs a good conversation with Dr. Chris Croghan about ho…

1
You Know That I Love You | John 21:1-19 with Sarah Stenson 34:06

1M ago34:06

34:06

Still reeling from the most mind bending experience in human history: the Son of God being killed and raised from the dead, the disciples are back to their daily vocations only to have Jesus appear to them a third time. In this exchange, Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him. Sarah Stenson teaches us the depth of Jesus and Peter’s back and f…

1
Care of Souls: Addiction - What’s Next [5/5] 30:01

1M ago30:01

30:01

In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those struggling with life’s challenging situations: addiction, death, family disharmony, and more. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lut…

1
Care of Souls: Addiction - What to Say [3/5] 38:29

1M ago38:29

38:29

In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those struggling with life’s challenging situations: addiction, death, family disharmony, and more. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lut…

1
Care of Souls: Addiction - Treatment and 12 Steps [4/5] 31:39

1M ago31:39

31:39

In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those struggling with life’s challenging situations: addiction, death, family disharmony, and more. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lut…

1
Care of Souls: Addiction - Know Your Limits [2/5] 32:16

1M ago32:16

32:16

In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those struggling with life’s challenging situations: addiction, death, family disharmony, and more. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lut…

1
He Stood Among Them | John 20:19-31 with Lars Olson 29:37

1M ago29:37

29:37

Having betrayed Christ, the disciples lock themselves in a room out of fear of what their future holds. Jesus appears. Looking for revenge? No. He gives them the greatest gift: peace. Lars Olson explains that the peace Christ delivers is having no fear, worry, or anxiety about what is to come in the future. It is knowing that your past no longer de…

1
Care of Souls: Addiction - Identifying an Addict [1/5] 30:34

1M ago30:34

30:34

In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those struggling with life’s challenging situations: addiction, death, family disharmony, and more. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lut…

1
They Did Not Find the Body | Luke 24:1-12 with Sarah Stenson & Lars Olson 29:22

2M ago29:22

29:22

The rolled stone. The lilies lining the sanctuary. Easter Sunday. In this Easter conversation, Sarah Stenson and Lars Olson encourage both pastors and laypeople to truly hear the shocking news in this text. Everyone anticipated finding Jesus’ dead body. It was not in the tomb. All signs point to the incredible, monumental proclamation: He is Risen,…

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

2M 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
What Does Maundy Mean? | John 13:1-17,31b-35 with Lars Olson & Sarah Stenson [Replay] 34:20

2M 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
They’ve Been Hearing This for Thousands of Years | Luke 19:28-40 with Dr. Chris Croghan 19:23

2M ago19:23

19:23

Palm Sunday. The Triumphal Entry. Dr. Chris Croghan explains how to preach this text ahead of Holy Week, especially when many people might hear this triumphant text, skip the cross on Good Friday, and the next thing they hear is Jesus is alive on Easter Sunday. Jesus had been predicting his death and resurrection but no one believed him, now, he’s …

1
We Are All Judas | John 12:1-8 with Sarah Stenson 27:58

2M ago27:58

27:58

Mary uses a perfume worth a year’s salary to wash Jesus’ feet. Judas questions if that’s the best use of that money. Sarah Stenson teaches us in this episode that Mary’s acting out of faith. She’s not worried about the consequences of her actions or what people will think of her. Judas, on the other hand, is acting under the devil’s influence. The …

1
You’re My Son, Not a Slave | Luke 15:1-3,11b-32 with Lars Olson 37:59

2M ago37:59

37:59

The Parable of the Lost Sheep. The Parable of the Lost Coin. The Parable of the Prodigal Son. Lars Olson reminds us parables are a depiction of what God is doing for you, not a, “choose your own adventure,” of characters you’re supposed to model your behavior after. When you hear the Parable of the Prodigal Son, listen for when the word of mercy hi…

1
I Am, You Are Not | Luke 13:1-9 with Dr. Chris Croghan 32:16

3M ago32:16

32:16

Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson explain that this text is difficult to preach because people ask theodicy questions: Why do bad things happen to good people? What can I do to avoid God’s wrath? You’ve heard us discuss how God’s mercy is unfair, but, in today’s conversation, we talk about how God’s wrath is unfair as well. Lastly, Jesus says unl…

1
The Tension Between God’s Will and Yours | Luke 13:31-35 with Dr. Chris Croghan 27:06

3M ago27:06

27:06

This Lent text opens with some Pharisees warning Jesus, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” Kiri and I ask Dr. Chris Croghan what are the religious leaders’ motivation in warning him about a political threat? The key is in Jesus’ response: we think it’s our action that makes us right with God, but it’s not. It’s God’s action. God doe…

1
What Does It Mean to Defeat the Devil? | Luke 4:1-13 with Sarah Stenson 32:49

3M ago32:49

32:49

Jesus defeated sin, death, and the devil. That’s a line you hear fairly often on this podcast. But what does it actually mean that Jesus defeated the devil? What is the devil? Who is the devil? What should we think of when we talk about the devil? These are the questions we ask Sarah Stenson as we discuss Jesus being tempted by the devil in the wil…

1
The Struggle to Overcome Sin | Luke 9:28-36 with Lars Olson 33:20

3M ago33:20

33:20

Jesus is Transfigured before Peter, John, and James. Moses and Elijah are on the mountaintop. God says to listen to his Son. Why is the Transfiguration significant? Why are Moses and Elijah on the mountaintop with Jesus? Why does God have to say to the disciples, and to you, to listen to Jesus? Many view Lent as a time to overcome sin. As Lars Olso…

1
You Can’t Measure Mercy | Luke 6:27-38 with Lars Olson & Dr. Chris Croghan 27:30

3M ago27:30

27:30

“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” “If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also.” And the Big One itself, the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” When I read these lines, did your mind gravitate to, “This is how to be a ‘Good Person?” If so, you’re not alone. Lars Olson and Dr. Chris Croghan p…

1
The Blessings & the Woes | Luke 6:17-26 with Dr. Chris Croghan 32:15

4M ago32:15

32:15

What is the difference between a disciple and an apostle? Why does Jesus heal diseases when he could do anything from creating a zebra, to causing the audience to grow six inches, to giving everyone a million dollars? What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God? These are the questions we ask Dr. Chris Croghan as we break down the blessings and…

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The Nets Begin to Break | Luke 5:1-11 with Sarah Stenson 21:14

4M ago21:14

21:14

Despite not being a commercial fisherman, Jesus tells Simon Peter to let down his nets despite Simon Peter having fished all night and caught nothing. Sarah Stenson joins the podcast to explain how God’s creative power is in full display in this text as well as Simon Peter’s responses to Jesus: first, a confession of faith. Second, a plea for Jesus…

1
Hold On, I’m Not Quite Done with My Sermon | Luke 4:14-21 with Lars Olson 24:15

4M ago24:15

24:15

All who heard Jesus’ first sermon spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words…until they tried to hurl him off of a cliff! Lars Olson joins the podcast to explain that what Jesus was doing with Isaiah is what preachers do with his words today: they take Jesus’ words and say they are for you, right now. This flies in the face of what the…

1
From Praise to Condemnation | Luke 4:14-21 with Dr. Chris Croghan & Sarah Stenson 28:04

4M ago28:04

28:04

After Jesus is baptized and the Holy Spirit drives him out into the wilderness to be tempted for 40 days, Jesus returns to his hometown filled with the power of the Spirit. Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson teach us what it means for Jesus to have the full power of the Spirit before breaking down the Isaiah passage Jesus reads in the synagogue th…

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They Have No Wine | John 2:1-11 with Sarah Stenson 27:03

5M ago27:03

27:03

We’re breaking down Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding in Cana in this week’s conversation. First, Mary says to Jesus, “They have no wine.” This may seem like a mundane detail of the text, but, as Sarah Stenson teaches us, it reveals Mary’s faith in Jesus and prompts us to ask how we can take that same mindset into prayer. Then we discuss the purp…

1
Coup de Grâce | Luke 3:15-22 with Dr. Chris Croghan 29:35

5M ago29:35

29:35

In the First Sunday After Epiphany, Dr. Chris Croghan joins the conversation to discuss baptism: Why do we need to be baptized? What’s the difference between our baptism today and those who were baptized by John the Baptist? Why was Jesus baptized if he never sinned? In short, your baptism convicts you of killing Christ and forgives you all your si…

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The Word Creates | John 1:1-18 with Lars Olson 26:37

5M ago26:37

26:37

The lectionary text for the first Sunday of 2025 is filled with options to focus a sermon on. Lars Olson joins Kiri and Mason to break down a few of them. First, we discuss the theologically packed first verse, “In the beginning was the Word.” Lars explains why this is an important claim: God’s Word wasn’t created, it’s doing the creating. Next, we…

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Keeping Up with the Rabbis | Luke 2:41-52 with Sarah Stenson 25:14

5M ago25:14

25:14

Mary and Joseph lose Jesus for several days after the Passover festival only to find him in the temple with the rabbis. Sarah Stenson teaches us the incredible confession Mary has when she says to the 12-year old Jesus, ‘Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.’ She was in angui…

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Leaping in the Womb | Luke 1:39-55 with Sarah Stenson & Lars Olson 29:50

6M ago29:50

29:50

This week we’re discussing Elizabeth, pregnant with John the Baptist, giving her sermon to Mary, pregnant with Jesus, and Mary’s Magnificat in response. Sarah Stenson and Lars Olson point out the importance of Elizabeth being filled with the Holy Spirit before delivering her sermon to Mary. As you’ll hear, Mary, and you and I today, are blessed bec…

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Vipers, Fruit, and Axes—Oh My! | Luke 3:7-18 with Dr. Chris Croghan 26:59

6M ago26:59

26:59

This week, Dr. Chris Croghan is back to discuss John the Baptist in this Advent text saying, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance.” Many who hear this text immediately think to themselves, “I don’t want to be a viper. I better get my act together before Christmas.” Dr. Croghan teaches…

1
Receiving God’s Word in a Wasteland | Luke 3:1-6 with Lars Olson 30:41

6M ago30:41

30:41

In this week’s conversation, Lars Olson explains what the season of Advent is and why it’s not simply a season of preparation ahead of Christmas: it’s announcing Christ is here, now. Lars also teaches Kiri and Mason why Luke includes so many historical details about the political and religious leaders of the time and the significance of “the wilder…

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Your Redemption is Drawing Near | Luke 21:25-36 with Sarah Stenson 28:24

6M ago28:24

28:24

In a text about the signs of Christ’s return, Sarah Stenson teaches us this week that Christians have always looked for the signs that Jesus is about to return. Even Martin Luther listed the events happening in Germany in a sermon about this text! But amidst the destruction, chaos, and fear listed here, there is an incredible promise. Christians wh…

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Are Kings Put on Trial? | John 18:33-37 with Dr. Chris Croghan 21:08

6M ago21:08

21:08

Pilate asks Jesus a seemingly straightforward question, "Are you the King of the Jews?" As you’ll hear Dr. Chris Croghan teaches us, it’s anything but. If a king is truly sovereign, he cannot be put on trial. Yet here is Pilate putting Jesus on trial. Every time you question God, you’re accusing him of being a liar. I don’t think this is fair. I do…

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The Ramifications of How-To Sermons | Mark 13:1-8 with Lars Olson & Dr. Chris Croghan 28:11

7M ago28:11

28:11

Jesus and the disciples are back at the temple when the disciples exclaim, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” You might think this is the disciples admiring a beautiful church, but, as Lars Olson and Dr. Chris Croghan teach us, they’re admitting the church building is an idol for them. Christ continues to point out the ido…

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Two Small Copper Coins | Mark 12:38-44 with Lars Olson 26:45

7M ago26:45

26:45

Jesus warns his disciples of the scribes who walk around in long robes, like to be greeted with respect, and have the best seats at banquets. We ask Lars Olson, what’s so bad about wearing long robes and having good seats? He explains the scribes are using their position to gain admiration in every sphere of life at the expense of those they’re cal…

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When God Extends His Benefits | Matthew 5:1-12 with Sarah Stenson 30:24

7M ago30:24

30:24

Take a moment to answer this question to yourself: what is a saint? For All Saints Sunday, Sarah Stenson asks Kiri, Max, and Mason what we think a saint is, and we think it’s a path you’re on to become a better Christian. Sarah explains how this text gives us an understanding of what a saint is and who makes us a saint. Also, as you hear the Beatit…

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The Truth Will Make You Free | John 8:31-36 with Dr. Chris Croghan 18:09

7M ago18:09

18:09

To discuss the Reformation Day text the lectionary gives us every year, we welcome Dr. Chris Croghan back to Scripture First to discuss what is truth. Jesus says to his disciples, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." What does it mean to know the truth? Dr. Croghan …

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His Life As Ransom | Mark 10:35-45 with Sarah Stenson & Dr. Chris Croghan 26:54

8M ago26:54

26:54

James and John ask Jesus to grant them to sit in his glory at his right and left hands. As you’ll hear Sarah Stenson and Dr. Chris Croghan teaches us in this week’s episode, they’re focused on what they want instead of what God wants. Instead of thy will be done, it’s my will be done. Jesus explains that whoever wishes to be first among you must be…

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What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life? | Mark 10:17-31 with Lars Olson 34:32

8M ago34:32

34:32

A man asks Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Lars Olson explains how there’s one word that unlocks this man’s heart behind asking this question and why Jesus responds the way He does: and that word is “do.” Like this man, many Christians want a role to play in earning their salvation. They want instructions on how to be a good person…

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Receive the Kingdom Like a Child | Mark 10.2-16 with Dr. Chris Croghan 33:22

8M ago33:22

33:22

In this week’s lectionary text, Jesus addresses some of the most hot-button issues when asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” Dr. Chris Croghan turns the heat up on those who are nervous to preach this text because it might offend someone: the law actually divides people and today’s culture wars are about this law: love. Love doesn’t…

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Great Millstones Hung Around Your Neck | Mark 9.38-50 with Sarah Stenson 34:53

8M ago34:53

34:53

The disciples report there is someone casting out demons in Jesus’ name, and Jesus says whoever is for Him cannot be against him. This spurs our conversation with Sarah Stenson about what it means to be ecumenical: who can Lutherans share the altar and pulpit with? What does it mean to have, “right doctrine?” Sarah explains how right doctrine matte…

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Greatness Is Not the Goal | Mark 9:30-37 with Lars Olson & Sarah Stenson 25:21

9M ago25:21

25:21

God tells the disciples to listen to Jesus. Jesus tells them exactly what’s going to happen. Yet they don’t understand. They argue about which of them is the greatest. Lars Olson and Sarah Stenson explain how Jesus saying, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all,” is not an instructional. If you try to be last, you’re stil…

1
The Cross Looms | Mark 8:27-38 with Lars Olson 29:37

9M ago29:37

29:37

Jesus puts His disciples on the spot by asking, “Who do you say that I am?” With nowhere to hide, Peter boldly proclaims, “You are the Messiah.” With that correct answer, Jesus clearly explains what it means to be the Messiah: He will suffer, die, and be raised. The only problem? Peter doesn’t agree. In this week’s conversation, we ask Lars Olson, …

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"How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds” | Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost 11:00

9M ago11:00

11:00

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // The name of Jesus is “sweet” not simply because it has been set to pleasing music, but because by Christ’s name, we are given faith. In Holy Baptism, Christ removes all sorrow and fear in this world with His promise. Stanza 2 // In what can sound like a long list of blessings, Jesus’ name is always extended to meet the …

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Deaf to Hear, Mute to Speak |Mark 7:24-37 with Dr. Chris Croghan 25:07

9M ago25:07

25:07

Jesus goes deeper into the land of the Gentiles and encounters a woman who begs Jesus to cast out a demon possessing her daughter. He gives a curious answer: it wouldn’t be fair for Him to heal her. But as you’ll hear Dr. Chris Croghan teach, faith is what you put your trust in. This woman trusted that a crumb from Jesus could do anything because s…

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"Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun” | Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost 14:49

9M ago14:49

14:49

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // The book of Hebrews says we make a continual sacrifice to God. This means each day is one lived in the grace of God’s great sacrifice - one in which we sleep and rise in joy - for Christ has paid the price for our sin, and calls us to awake each day in His forgiveness. Stanza 2 // Just as Christ raises us from death to …

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Law, Custom, Tradition | Mark 7:1-8,14-15,21-23 with Sarah Stenson 30:22

9M ago30:22

30:22

In this week’s lectionary text, Jesus confronts the Jews for their hypocrisy: they believe they’re honoring God’s law by going above and beyond what it requires with man-made traditions. Sarah Stenson teaches us that this hypocrisy isn’t exclusive to the Jews in this story: it’s all over Christianity today with the theological fights about music pr…

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Luther House Of Study Podcasts

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