“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” “Happy Thanksgiving,” “Merry Christmas,” and “Happy New Year” are all phrases we hear both from loved ones and strangers that encourage us to be happy during this season. But for someone who is carrying the burden of grief or loss, the holidays may seem less like a time to relax and enjoy than a struggle to just make it through. The holiday season can be a painful reminder of a loved one who is no longer here to share it.
Turning from your sins, wrongdoings, and difficulties is hard for even the most devout Christian. Sometimes the sin doesn't feel all that serious, or it just feels good to do it. Other...
1:29Do you understand the meaning of all the symbols you see when you're at church? What about the symbols you see on vestments, paraments, and other fixtures in the church? Artist-illustrator Edward Rioj
Bloom in your faith this spring with books for all ages. From learning how to forgive and turn a new leaf to gifts for every occasion in spring, we’ve got something for you.
As Christians redeemed by Jesus, we get to live with the joy of the victory that Jesus has already won for us. We also live under the Great Commission—the instructions that Jesus spoke to...
1:31Changes, both good and bad, can leave us feeling unsettled and disoriented. When you are thrust into change, how do you cope with your new season in life? In his latest book, author Chris Kennedy expl
We hear lots of voices from different churches. Everyone is claiming to be “the one true Church.” How can we discern if we are following God’s will? Christa Petzold provides us with some...
33:50On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, co-authors Ted Kober and Mark Rockenbach join host Elizabeth Pittman to discuss their new book, Unforgivable? How God’s Forgiveness Transform
The concept of “God’s plan” can be nebulous. The platitude, “This was just God’s plan,” rings hollow—or even hurtful—in times of pain or terrible events in history. While we cannot always...
For those experiencing grief, sometimes the sting of loss can be amplified by the rest of the world happily going on about its business. Taken from My Prayer Book, these grief prayers...
2:17Who is the unforgivable in your life? Perhaps you were deeply wronged, or maybe you feel like you're unworthy of receiving forgiveness. The Rev. Dr. Mark Rockenbach teamed up with Ted Kober, founder a
The following explanation of the Communion of Saints is adapted from Commentary on Luther’s Catechisms: Creed.
Read Christian hip hop artist FLAME’s powerful first experience with Confession and Absolution and the comfort it provides. The following has been adapted from Extra Nos: Discovering Grace...
The air pressure in my car’s tires was running low, so I pulled up to the gas station’s air compressor to top it off. But when I connected the air hose to one of the tires, I ...
We all like the idea of reading. Think about those cozy autumn-themed paintings featuring a little wood cabin with a figure in a rocking chair cradling a book by the warm fireplace glow....
3:50As the people of God, we are called to shine the light of Christ in our lives - in our work, in our families, church communities, and the rest of the world. The Rev. Alfonso Espinosa explores how we c
Our world is a sinful, broken mess. Yet God uses people and things around us to deliver His grace. Is it weird that God uses lowly parts of His creation for His perfect purposes?...
The famous marshmallow tests were first conducted in the 1970s at Stanford University. Researchers presented preschool-aged children with a marshmallow and a choice: eat one marshmallow...
Historical context is everything. To gain a richer understanding of these biblical events, we need to be familiar with the time the people lived. Today we read about ancient Egyptian...
