What Is the Church's Role in Government?

What Is the Church's Role in Government?

In this episode of Christendom and the World, Pastor Andrew Preus and Pastor Jim Wilshusen examine a timely 1916 essay by Francis Pieper written during the early years of World War I. Together, they explore the biblical distinction between Church and State, the Church's responsibility to proclaim God's Word, and why calling sin to repentance is not the same as engaging in partisan politics. The discussion covers topics such as war, government, the Church's role in addressing public sin, caring for the poor, and the dangers of allowing political ideologies to shape our understanding of Scripture. Drawing from Luther, Pieper, and Scripture itself, Pastors Preus and Wilshusen explain why the Church's true weapon has always been the Word of God and prayer—not political power. Whether you're wrestling with the relationship between faith and politics or seeking a clearer understanding of the Church's God-given vocation, this episode offers a thoughtful, distinctly Lutheran perspective grounded in Scripture. Questions or feedback? 📧 news@christiannewsmo.com #ChristendomAndTheWorld #Lutheran #LCMS #FrancisPieper #ChurchAndState #Christianity #BibleStudy #Theology #Pastor #ChristianPodcast #MartinLuther #Government #Faith #Repentance #JesusChrist

Did Demons Really Have Children? A Biblical Response

Who were the Nephilim? Were the "sons of God" in Genesis 6 fallen angels, believers, or something else entirely? In this episode of Christendom and the World, Pastor Andrew Preus responds to a popular discussion surrounding Genesis 6 and examines its claims in light of Scripture. Rather than relying on speculation or extra-biblical sources, he carefully works through the identity of the Nephilim, the role of the Book of Enoch, the nature of angels and demons, and what the Bible teaches about God's judgment before the Flood. Throughout the discussion, Pastor Preus emphasizes the importance of letting Scripture interpret Scripture and keeping the focus on Christ and God's saving work for mankind. This episode is Pastor Andrew's response to the On the Line podcast episode, "The Nephilim: Giants, Demons, and the Unseen World of Scripture," featuring Bryan Stecker and Noah Hahn. Watch the full discussion here: https://youtu.be/TV5KvGNb8RY [https://youtu.be/TV5KvGNb8RY] 📩 Have a question or topic you want us to cover? Check below for our email and send it in—we'd love to include it in a future episode! news@christiannewsmo.com [news@christiannewsmo.com] #ChristendomAndTheWorld #Genesis6 #Nephilim #DidDemonsHaveChildren #BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalTheology #Lutheran #Scripture #BookOfEnoch #SonsOfGod #Apologetics #PastorAndrewPreus #Christianity #Theology Chapters 00:00 The Genesis of the Nephilim 02:40 Understanding the Nephilim: Giants or Fallen Ones? 09:04 Theological Perspectives on the Nephilim 17:32 Cultural Fascination with the Supernatural 22:24 Demons, Aliens, and the Occult 29:43 The Nature of Humanity and Divine Judgment 36:25 Understanding Substance and Accident in Theology 39:22 Exploring the Nature of Angels and Demons 40:46 The Nephilim: Theories and Interpretations 45:05 Demonic Influence in Intermarriage 48:34 Genetic Manipulation and the Nephilim 51:52 Rituals and the Demonic Realm 56:34 Biblical Evidence for Demonic Activity 01:00:56 The Subtlety of Demonic Influence 01:05:42 The Importance of Human Substance in Theology

Adiaphora: Christian Freedom, Worship, and Why Church Ceremonies Matter

What is adiaphora—and why has it become one of the most misunderstood words in Lutheran theology? Pastor Andrew Preus and Pastor Jim Wilshusen unpack what the Lutheran Confessions actually teach about Christian freedom, church ceremonies, and worship. They discuss why liturgy, hymnody, vestments, and other practices are never "just preferences," but serve to teach the Gospel, promote good order, and preserve unity in the Church. From the Formula of Concord to modern worship debates, this conversation explores how doctrine and practice belong together and why the Church's ceremonies should always point us to Christ. 📖 Recommended Resource: At the end of this episode, Pastor Preus recommends Confessional Lutheranism in Today's World by Rev. Dr. Robert D. Preus. You can read it here: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:cea40306-57d5-45a8-bb75-ae3947b28be7 [https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:cea40306-57d5-45a8-bb75-ae3947b28be7] 📩 Have a question or topic you want us to cover? Check below for our email and send it in—we'd love to include it in a future episode! news@christiannewsmo.com [news@christiannewsmo.com] Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Conversation 08:28 The Role of Ceremonies in Worship 16:54 Understanding the Significance of Clerical Attire 21:29 The Importance of Liturgy in Teaching 34:53 The Disconnect in Worship Practices 51:24 The Impact of Liturgy on Memory and Faith 01:06:40 Doctrine and Practice in Worship 01:17:00 The Purposeful Nature of Divine Liturgy #Lutheran #LCMS #Adiaphora #ChristianFreedom #DivineService #Liturgy #FormulaOfConcord #AugsburgConfession #Christianity #Theology #ChurchHistory #JesusChrist

Prayer & the Problem with Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy

What is prayer—and who are we supposed to pray to? In this episode of Christendom and the World, Pastor Andrew Preus examines the key differences between the biblical teaching on prayer and the practices found in Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy—especially when it comes to the invocation of saints. While many argue that asking saints to pray for us is no different than asking a fellow Christian, the deeper issue lies in the lack of God's command and promise. Scripture consistently directs us to call upon God through Christ alone—the one mediator between God and man. We also explore: * Whether the saints in heaven pray for the Church * The difference between intercession and mediation * How confusion about grace and merit leads to doctrinal error * Why prayer must be grounded in God's promises to give certainty At the heart of it all is this: Faith clings to the promise—and the promise is found in Christ alone. #ChristendomAndTheWorld #Lutheran #ChristianPodcast #TheologyMatters #SolaFide #SolaScriptura #JesusChrist #Prayer #Doctrine #ChurchHistory #FaithAlone #LCMS #ChristianTruth #Apologetics #BibleTeaching Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Prayer of Saints 00:58 Understanding Intercession and Prayer 05:37 Mary's Role in Heaven 09:50 Theological Implications of Invoking Saints 14:32 Confusion in Marian Prayers 19:42 Concluding Thoughts on Prayer and Intercession 26:25 The Role of Mary in Prayer 33:24 Understanding Worship and Intercession 40:46 The Certainty of Faith and Prayer 47:03 Piety and Doctrine in Christian Practice

Submission & Authority: What Christians Get Wrong

What does the Bible actually teach about submission and authority—and where have we gone wrong? In this episode of Christendom and the World, Pastor Andrew Prues is joined by Pastor Cody Norton (U.S. Army chaplain) to take a deeper look at obedience, honor, and the way God orders our lives. From Romans 13 debates to marriage, vocation, and everyday relationships, this conversation pushes past surface-level arguments and gets to the heart of the issue: authority is not merely about power—it's about God's ordering for our good. They discuss: • Why submission is often misunderstood • The difference between obedience and honor • How authority becomes distorted—both abused and rejected • What Christian marriage actually looks like in practice • Why arguing over words can distract from the truth At the center of it all is Christ—who places us where we are, calls us to faithfulness, and works through even imperfect authorities for our good. 📖 "Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities…" — Titus 3 #ChristendomAndTheWorld #ChristianPodcast #Lutheran #LCMS #BiblicalTruth #TheologyMatters #FaithInChrist #LawAndGospel #ChristianLiving #Vocation Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chaplaincy and Personal Journey 04:21 The Role of a Chaplain: Balancing Duties and Faith 12:08 Understanding Authority: Obedience and Responsibility 19:13 Navigating Relationships: Honor and Communication 31:42 The Importance of Trust and Faith in Authority 40:33 The Dynamics of Marriage and Family Life 54:35 Theological Discussions: Definitions and Misunderstandings 01:10:07 Finding Comfort in Scripture: Lessons from Job