This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interview Pastor Mark Paustian who serves as a professor at Martin Luther College. We discuss the importance of apologetics and his books entitled “Prepared to Answer.” We also discuss the topic of his devotional book on hymns, art, and Lutheran worship entitled “Our Worth to Him.” Professor Paustian is very interested in communication and he examines the complexities of communication in his own podcast entitled, “Where Two or Three.”
We study Jesus’ teaching about worry and anxiety in Luke 12:22-34. We spend the majority of the episode talking about the reasons Jesus gives on why Christians have no need to worry.
Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life
THIRSTY 31 (Finkbeiner / Laitinen / Zarling)
This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interview Ryan Finkbeiner who serves as the Principal at Mount Lebanon Lutheran School in Milwaukee, WI. We discussed what Ryan and his pastors and teachers do to connect their Mount Lebanon students and their families to the Means of Grace ministries in their church. It’s all about building relationships.
We examine Luke 12:13-21 and Jesus’ warning to “Watch out and be on guard against all greed.” We apply how greed can be dangerous to students in grade school, high school, and adults. We also examine Colossians 3:1-11. We ask the question, “Our current culture is all about race, gender, economic status, victimhood, etc. How do you talk to someone who is caught up in this life about where true life is found?”
Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life.
THIRSTY 30 (Werre / Laitinen / Zarling)
This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interview Pastor Luke Werre who serves at Peace Lutheran Church in Sun Prairie, WI. We discuss Pastor Werre’s previous pastoral experience in Dix Hills, NY. We also talk about Pastor Laitinen’s time as Pastor Were’s vicar in Sun Prairie.
We do a deep dive into the petitions of the Lord’s Prayer and prayer in general as we study and apply Jesus’ teaching on prayer in Luke 11:1-13.
Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life.
THIRSTY 29 – Southeast Wisconsin District Mission Board Spectacular!
This week Pastor Zarling was at the annual Southeastern Wisconsin District Mission Board planning meeting in Door County, WI. He took the time to interview Pastor Dan Leyer about his ministries in the home mission field, as a Seminary professor and in his current call at St. Marcus Lutheran Church and School in Milwaukee, WI. Pastor Leyrer was recently elected to be the new SEW District President. Pastor Zarling and Pastor Leyer discuss and apply the account of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42.
Then Pastor Zarling talks about mission work with the laymen on the SEW DMB – Mike Nichols, Steve Mueller, and Steve Wolf. You can hear their passion for encouraging and shepherding home missionaries.
Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life.
THIRSTY 28 (Zarling Rockhoff Laitinen)
This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interview Pastor David Rockhoff who is serving at St. Peter in Dorr, MI. We discuss some of our favorite and funniest shut-in stories.
We examine Luke 10:25-37 and the parable of the Good Samaritan. We discuss how Christians and congregations can become better neighbors to those around our churches? We also examine Galatians 5:1,13-25 and the difference between allowing our sinful nature to abuse our Christian freedom with walking by the spirit and allowing our sanctified new self to use our Christian freedom. We also discuss Paul’s picture of crucifying the sinful nature with Christ.
Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life
THIRSTY 27 (Bushkopf / Laitinen / Zarling)
This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interview Rachel Bushkopf who teaches 3rd grade at Wisconsin Lutheran School in Racine. Rachel has also served in various places around the world sharing the gospel. The fields are ripe for the harvest and God has been using Rachel for over 20 years to share his gospel to people in different languages. Rachel is a high-energy person. You’ll notice that energy and excitement for gospel ministry in the interview.
We share evangelism stories as we discuss Jesus sending out his 72 disciples into the harvest fields in Luke 10:1-12,16-20. We also discuss the work of pastors as shepherds and overseers as we delve into 1 Peter 5:1-4.
Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life.
THIRSTY 26 (Bergene / Laitinen / Zarling)
This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interview Pastor Dustin Bergene. Pastor Bergene serves at Zion Lutheran Church in Bristol, WI. We discuss the Bristol Renaissance Fair and other activities in Bristol. We examined Luke 9:51-62 and how Jesus desired continued devotion, not intermittent activity from would-be disciples. Jesus’ disciples, James and John asked him, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” We asked the question, when is it a good time to call down judgment on a wicked and adulterous nation and when is it a good time to keep preaching the gospel despite their opposition?
We also examined 2 Corinthians 11:21b-30 and why Paul wanted to display his weaknesses and not his strengths.
Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life.
THIRSTY 25 – Youth Rally Edition! (Zarling, Laitinen, and more!)
This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling were with over 2200 teens at the WELS International Youth Rally at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN. The theme of the rally was Here and Now. We interviewed 14 of the youth and 2 of the chaperones from the Water of Life youth group who attended the rally. We discussed the worship services, workshops, concerts, the Hub, the food, fun, fellowship, inflatables, tortilla slapping, highs and lows, and more. The teens were insightful and introspective with their commentary.
These teens – like so many at the rally – are not the future of the WELS. They are the Here and Now.
Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life.
THIRSTY 24 (Zarling Latinen Patterson)
This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interview Paul Patterson who serves as the Associate Director of WELS Lutheran Schools and Executive Director of WELS School Accreditation. We discuss the shortage of teachers in the WELS and the task force that was created to find solutions to this teacher shortage. We talk about disciplining the children in our Lutheran schools with Law and Gospel. We also talk about the recent Supreme Court decision on school choice and what that might mean for our Lutheran schools.
We examine the forgiveness Jesus offers to the prostitute in Luke 7:36-50 and how we may take this forgiveness for granted because we don’t consider ourselves of having been forgiven much. We also examine the sexual sins in Corinth in 1 Corinthians 6:9-20. Even in his rebuke of the Corinthians, Paul was able to weave the gospel into his words. We also spend time discussing what to say to someone who believes that it is unloving to point out someone’s sins to call them to repentance.
Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life.
THIRSTY 23 (Zarling Laitinen Foxen)
This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interview Pastor Ben Foxen who served in Novosibirsk right out of the Seminary and is being installed and commissioned at the Taste of Missions June 11 to be a missionary to Lusaka, Africa. We discuss the unity of the Trinity in John 16:12-15, the suffering that produces perseverance in Romans 5:1-5, and the blessings we may take for granted in the Aaron benediction in Numbers 6:22-27.
Since these are the Scripture readings for Trinity Sunday, we also discuss bad Trinity analogies.
Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life.
THIRSTY 22 (Schultz Zarling Laitinen)
This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interview Cindy Schultz. Cindy is the mother of Gavin, whose autism has made him non-verbal. Yet, throughout the episode, you can hear Gavin speaking through his powerful writings. We discuss the Festival of Pentecost by studying John 14:23-27 and Acts 2:1-21. Throughout the episode we consider how we often think of Pentecost as being the time when we minister to people of different skin colors and languages. Yet, it’s important that we not forget people with special needs when we plan to share the gospel. We also share congregations and Christians can to do serve children, parents, and families with special needs.
Here is one of Gavin’s latest writings. You can find more of his writings at www.facebook.com/thehopefulonegavinschultz.
Do Not Cry For Me!
God believes I have qualities like no other.
I am not just a label of Autism.
God believes I am wonderfully made.
I am not broken.
God believes I am amazing.
I am not different.
God believes I have exceptional gifts to share.
I am not special needs.
God believes in my abilities to speak in my own way.
I am not nonverbal.
God believes I have purpose.
I am not a mistake
God believes I am unique.
I am not like everyone else.
God believes I able to accomplish a lot.
I am not disabled.
God believes I am the apple of his eye.
I believe in God and what God believes.
Do Not Cry For Me!
Love, Gavin Schultz
“Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!” Psalm 139:16-17
Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life.
THIRSTY 21 (Laitinen / Shi / Zarling)
This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interview Peter Shi who served as a student teacher at Shoreland Lutheran High School and recently graduated from MLC and received a call to teach chemistry, physics, and earth science at Illinois Lutheran High School. Peter talks about his journey from 5th grade in China to becoming WELS and then coming to the states for school at Michigan Lutheran High School and desiring to be a teacher and attending Martin Luther College.
We also discuss the unity Jesus prays for in John 17:20-26. We debate the difference between “uniformity” and “unity” in the world and in the church. We also discuss Revelation 22:12-17, 20 where Jesus gives his last words of invitation and encouragement to the Christian Church on earth.
Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life.
THIRSTY 20 (Bitter Laitinen Zarling)
This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interview Pastor Thad Bitter who serves at Grace Lutheran Church in Portland, OR. Pastor Bitter discusses ministry in a place that has wonderful, fantastic beauty, but is plagued by the ugliness that has torn apart and burned many parts of the city of Portland. He describes it as “apathetic agnostics” in the Portland area.
We also discuss the sorrow followed by joy in Jesus’ words to his disciples in the upper room in John 16:16-24 and the beauty of heaven that John describes in Revelation 21:21-27. Pastor Bitter was Pastor Zarling’s roommate in college and best man at his wedding. We examine soccer at Northwestern College, hiking in the mountains, 25 years in the pastoral ministry, and which version of “Jerusalem the Golden” we’ll be singing in heaven.
Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life.
THIRSTY 19 (Laitinen, Rockhoff, Zarling)
This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interview Pastor Jon Rockhoff who has been serving his entire ministry – over 30 years - at Messiah Lutheran Church in Wichita, KS. In the interview, Pastor Rockhoff speaks with great excitement about the Board for Home Missions granting Messiah the funds to start a second site for more mission work in Wichita.
We also talk what is and is not love based on John 13:31-35 and 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. We discuss how people should not place their own judgments on how other people should demonstrate love. We allow Christians to glorify God through their own sanctification as the Holy Spirit works through them. We also talk about weddings and why there are much better wedding texts than 1 Corinthians 13.
Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life.
THIRSTY 18 (Zarling Schmidt Laitinen)
This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interview Pastor Brian Schmidt who serves at Trinity Lutheran Church in Caledonia, WI. In his first congregation out of the Seminary, Pastor Schmidt had served in a multi-site church. We discuss the unique opportunities and challenges of this unique ministry model. We also talk about why other churches might want to look at merging and multi-sites.
They examine John 10:22-30 and Revelation 7:9-17 for Good Shepherd Sunday. They spend time applying Jesus’ words at the bottom of the stained-glass Good Shepherd window at Pastor Zarling’s church, ““No one will snatch them out of my hand.” They also study St. John’s vision of the saints streaming into heaven. They answer the deep question, “Is heaven filled with ice cream, roller coasters, and puppies?” (That’s from a chapel devotion Pastor Laitinen had with grade school students this week.)
Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life.
THIRSTY 17 (Hagen Neuberger)
THIRSTY 16 (Bode Laitinen Zarling)
This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interview Pastor Seth Bode who serves at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Carmel, IN. He also serves on the Southeastern Wisconsin District Mission Board with Pastor Zarling. They discuss what is needed to start new missions in Indiana.
They examine John 20:19-31 and Revelation 1:4-18 and discuss the ministry of the keys that Jesus gives to his disciples – the power to forgive or withhold forgiveness. This special power is also given to pastors in their role as Christ’s public servants of the gospel. They also debate a question raised by some of their high school students – if a robot with artificial intelligence (AI) receives consciousness, can it serve as a pastor forgiving sins. There are three unique answers to a rather unique – albeit unrealistic – question.
Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life.
THIRSTY 15 (Brug Laitinen Zarling)
This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interview Dr. John Brug. Dr. Brug has faithfully served for 50 years in the pastoral ministry. We talk about Dr. Brug’s ministry as a professor at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary training young men to be pastors. We discuss the 20 or so languages he’s studied over the years. We chat about his work in archeology and workshops on the religion of Islam.
Since Dr. Brug is the author of the People’s Bible on Psalms and the general editor of the Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV) Bible, we examined Psalm 118, the appointed Psalm for Easter. We gain great insights from him on the choice of translations for certain words in this particular psalm and why this psalm has ben appointed for Easter Sunday. Dr. Brug also pointed out the value in the Wartburg Project’s Passion History, Easter Harmony of the Gospels, the EHV Study Bible in hardcover or for the computer at wartburgproject.com, and The Story of God’s Love at nph.net.
A rare treat is hearing Dr. Brug quote Madonna!
Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life.
THIRSTY 14 (Flunker Laitinen Zarling)
THIRSTY 13 (Zarling / Laitinen / Hendricks)
This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interview Army Sgt. Luke Hendricks who serves as a National Guard Liaison supporting Guardsmen in Basic Combat Training. Luke was in Pastor Zarling’s first confirmation class in Radcliff, KY. Luke talks about growing up in the military, moving from various Army bases, and his parents help establish mission churches along the way. We talk about the importance of our Lutheran Military Support Group, and having our soldiers sign up at WELS.net/refer and WELS.net/military. The WELS Military Services Committee provides spiritual services to WELS members and others who serve in the United States Armed Forces, including those in the National Guard and the Reserves.
We also discuss Luke 20:9-19 and what Jesus’ parable of the wicked tenants teaches us about the perversity of the tenants, the patience of the landlord, and the willing sacrifice of the landlord’s son. We apply Jesus’ quotation of Psalm 118: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush the one on whom it falls.” We then examine the difference between being broken by the cornerstone to being crushed by the cornerstone.
Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life.