The God Whisperers

Episode 186: Do Ask, Do Tell

wcwirla — Mon, 14 May 2012 23:30:55 +0000

Some episodes simply defy summarization. This is one of them. Just listen.

Episode 185: Calling the Thing What It Is

wcwirla — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 20:23:29 +0000

Kitchen appliances and plumbing tips; homemade Bay Rum aftershave, Political Science for Dummies, on being “weak on sanctification,” Heidelberg Thesis 21, and “Me & Julio Down by the Schoolyard.” We don’t know how to tie this one together, so we’re pouring Flying Monkey Martini’s and spinning “Billions of Brazilians” by Don Tiki.

Songs:

“Billions of Brazilians” – Don Tiki

“Crickets Sing for Ana Maria” – Astrud Gilberto

Episode 184: We’re So Blue and Heidelberg Too

wcwirla — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:16:47 +0000

The GW catch up on Skype calls, discuss drive-by parishes, rites, ceremonials, gestures and congregational diveristy. Also LCMS Blue and the theologies of glory and the cross from the Heidelberg Disputation articles 19 and 20.

Music creds:

“What a Time It Was”

“Bowling with Bedrock Barney” – The Dickies

Episode 183: Easter Edition

wcwirla — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:37:02 +0000

Easter hymns, Anglican descants, blended services and FB obscenities along with a lively discussion of the Resurrection narratives from Mark, Matthew, Luke and John. In that order. Christ is risen! Alleluia!

Episode 182: The Annunciation, Dry Masses, and Receptionism

wcwirla — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 04:29:02 +0000

A reading for the Annunciation of our Lord; the “Dry Mass” revisited, a defense of the Service of Prayer and Preaching from LSB, Bible translation right, wrong, and nuanced and why real men learn Greek, Receptionism vs Consecrationism and why both are wrong, and why all kids are liberals. Yeah, there’s no script to this show.

Music:

Don Tiki

Volare – Dean Martin

Jesus is a Friend of Mine – Sonseed

Episode 181: Sunrise Baptismal Floods in Marijuanaville.

wcwirla — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:53:52 +0000

OK, so the title is a glaring case of word salad. So is the show. The Manly Doctors of Mahem move meticulously and seemlessly from a discussion of sunrise services and other Easter atrocities to an in-depth discussion of the typologies of 1 Peter 3 including the descensus ad infera and the connection between the Flood and Baptism, which now saves you. along with Pat Robertson and legalized marijuana. But wait! There’s more! The Feast of St. Joseph! Is this show ready for prime time or what?

Music:

One Toke Over the Line – Gale and Dale from Lawrence Welk

Marijuanaville – Mark Eddy

Jesus is a Friend of Mine – Sonseed

Episode 180: A Million Moustaches and More

wcwirla — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 05:09:12 +0000

In a special facial hair edition of the GW, the Manly Doctors open the 3rd microphone to amply mustached LCMS synodical president Matt Harrison who talks about anything he wants. In the second half, the Manly Doctors take up listener mail and a question about women readers in the divine service along with the Million Mustache March.

Music:

Pagan Lust – Don Tiki

Jesus is a Friend of Mine – Sonseed

View Pres. Harrison’s address before Congress here. Also his answers to questions from members of Congress.

Episode 179: Lent, Dead People, Heidelberg and an Aussie.

wcwirla — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:55:27 +0000

The Manly Doctors go international with Skype calls from Australia and France, discuss Lenten customs and disciplines such as prayer, fasting, almsgiving, bacon, bottom-feeders, and Amarula along with prayers to the saints. The second half deals with “Christian dualism” and and Thesis 18 of the Heidelberg Disputation. Cute as a koala.

Music creds:

“Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport” – Rolf Harris

“Little Old Wine Drinker Me” – Dean Martin

“In Thailand” – Don Tiki

“Jesus is a Friend of Mine” – Sonseed

Episode 178: Flarp That Pagan Lust

wcwirla — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:58:07 +0000

Pagan Lust by Don Tiki sets off a spirited hour of whispering including dry Masses, Bible translations, study Bibles, nerds vs. geeks, a couple of theses from Heidelberg and “What Going on With Campus Ministry?” with race car driver and campus pastor Rev. Ian Steward Pacey. And more Flarp!

Music creds:

Pagan Lust – Don Tiki

Little Old Wine Drinker Me – Dean Martin

What a Night – Mel Torme

Jesus is a Friend of Mine – Sonseed

Episode 177: Flarp, the Law, and Girl Fights

wcwirla — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 04:00:13 +0000

The Manly Doctors take theology to a whole new e-scatological level thanks to a can of Flarp! courtesy of MDD Donofrio’s lovely wife Paula. Jasan Kaspar entertains with “I Want to Tell the Story,” Chris Loemker delivers a rousing reprise of “Skate Onward” on the mighty Cwirlizer. The GW Mailbag gives occasion for discussions on liturgical over-politeness, monks vs friars, and 7th day Sabbatarianism. The second half has some observations about girl fights in view of the “Ordain Women Now,” a discussion on how the Law always ticks people off as it mortifies the old Adam, and finally, yes, a thesis from Heidelberg. And Flarp!

Music Creds:

Run Away! – from Spamalot

Hot Night – Don Tiki

Jesus is a Friend of Mine – Sonseed (with Flarp!)

Episode 176: Heidelberg Disputation Theses 9-13

wcwirla — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 23:19:38 +0000

The Manly Doctors engage in a little sports talk, a deep discussion of pizza, the political leanings of Astrud Gilberto, PETA, KFC and cruelty to fried chickens. But wait! There’s more! Luther’s Heidelberg Disputation, theses 9-13 dealing with: dead works, mortal sins, arrogance, fear and faith, and Free Willy. You will definitely get your money’s worth from this one.

Music Creds:

“Call Me” – Astrud Gilberto

“No Moon at All” – Mel Torme

“Jesus is a Friend of Mine” – Sonseed

Episode 175: Heidelberg Disputation (part 2)

wcwirla — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:23:31 +0000

A trip to the GW mailbag prompts whisperings of assurance of salvation, a really bad bear joke from MDD Donofrio, serpents, temptation, and Genesis 3, and pastors’ continuing education or the lack thereof. On the back end, there are Theses 5 and 6 of Luther’s Heidelberg Disputation and the idea that everything man does is sinful, even when God is behind it, closing out with something on the Presentation of Our Lord. It’s all good.

Episode 174: Hanging Out in Heidelberg (part 1)

wcwirla — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:52:18 +0000

The GW are off to Heidelberg for a friendly Disputation as they consider theses 1-4 of Luther’s Heidelberg Disputation (1518) which distinguish the works of God from the works of men. Compelling yet disturbing disputational theology from the master of Law/Gospel paradox himself, Martin Luther.

For the text of the Heidelberg Disputation and Luther’s comments, click here.

Music:

Pinch Me – Barenaked Ladies

Love Shack – The B-52s

Jesus is a Friend of Mine – Sonseed

Episode 173: A Sweetly Scented Sacrifice

wcwirla — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:07:39 +0000

The Manly Doctors splash on some Hai Karate, fend off the ladies, and offer up this sweetly scented sacrifice of divine whisperings on baptismal exorcisms, Cwirla’s reflections on the Doxology pastoral enrichment program, Donofrio’s “Do Whatever You Want” sermon on 1 Corinthians 7, and pastoral compassion fatigue. Also, some musical offerings by composer-in-residence Jason M. Kaspar and a beautiful baptismal hymn in German complete with the howling of the old Adam as he goes kicking and screaming to his baptismal death. As always, compelling and disturbing.

Music:

Astrud Gilberto – Meditation

Ramones – California Sun

Sonseed – Jesus is a Friend of Mine

Episode 172: South Pole Edition

wcwirla — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:53:04 +0000

The Manly Doctors go south of the border to McMurdo Station, 800 miles from the South Pole, to converse with Rick “The Anti-Santa” Stadler on such diverse topics as how to you calculate “evening and morning” when the sun never sets, what to do when you’re at the South Pole without a pastor, and the plight of the penguins. Also a great sermon by Norman Nagel on the Baptism of Our Lord and an email discussion on how we are simul sinner and sinless at the same time.

McMurdo Station, Antarctica

For a live view of the conditions at McMurdo, check out their web cam.

Episode 171: An Atheist Epiphany

wcwirla — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:18:56 +0000

Is faith reasonable, do atheists believe, how to preserve a Christmas tree, was Sonseed an atheist conspiracy, and what exactly was that star in the East? These questions and a whole lot of answer for questions we have haven’t even thought of asking yet, on The God Whisperers.

episode 170: Happy Circumcision New Year

wcwirla — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:19:50 +0000

The Manly Doctors of Divinity take on the sensitive but theologically significant topic of circumcision in a snippy discussion on the occasion of the Name and Circumcision of Our Lord. Also, a special guest appearance from Henning Van Rensburg who sounds like he’s calling from inside a toilet bowl. And if that weren’t enough, more awesome Christmas music.

Music:

Alleluia! Freut Euch – Westminster Abbey Choir

Jesus Ahatonnia (The Huron Carol) – Bruce Cockburn

Go Tell It On the Mountain – Bruce Cockburn

In the Bleak Midwinter – Moya Brennan

O Holy Night – Anuna

Jesus is a Friend of Mine – Sonseed

Episode 169: Christmas Office Party Edition

wcwirla — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 17:41:34 +0000

The Manly Doctors of Divinity host their annual office Christmas party with a special visit from their Director of Southern Hemispherical Operations Henning. Also guest appearances by Martin Luther, Jethro Tull, Bill Shatner, Moya Brennan, Alison Krauss, Vince Guaraldi, and more. Join us for an hour of Falalalala with the God Whisperers.

Music:

“Every Valley Shall Be Exalted” – Lizz Lee, Chris Willis & Mike E. (Handel’s Messiah, A Soulful Celebration)

“Riu Riu Chiu”- Anuna and The Monkeys

“What Child Is This” – Vince Guaraldi

“We Five Kings” – Jethro Tull

“See Amid the Winter Snow” – Concordia Seminary Chorus

“The Wexford Carol” – Alison Krauss and Yo-Yo Ma

“Oiche Chiun” – Moya Brennan

“Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day” – Robert Shaw Chorale

Episode 168: Veni Emmanuel, Farewell to Hitchens

wcwirla — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 02:33:25 +0000

The Manly Doctors don Santa hats for some Advent musing, a little Veni, Veni Emmanuel, a recapitulation of some Calvinist stuff on resistance, non-resistance, and free will, along with commentary on the death of Christopher Hitchens, a sampling of the Matador Flaming Hot Beef Stick with a reading of its ingredients, a visit by MDD Cwirla’s wife, and finally….an O Antiphon! It sounds like it was made in a college dorm.

Music creds:

Veni, Veni – Enya

Jesus is a Friend of Mine – Sonseed

Episode 167: Advent Benedictions

wcwirla — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:00:36 +0000

After sustaining a major iced beverage spill in the GW studios, the Manly Doctors regroup for a scintillating mailbag discussion on Donofrio’s educational philosophy, Cwirla’s distaste for the Assemblies of God and speaking in tongues, miracles natural and unnatural and overly wordy conditional absolutions. We also touch on Joel Osteen’s proposed reality TV show and round out the hour with a discussion of the Benediction in the Divine Service with a reading from Luther Reed. Mele Kalikimaka.

Music:

Veni, Veni – Mannheim Steamroller

Mele Kalikimaka – Bing Crosby

Sleigh Ride – Bella Fleck and Flecktones

Jesus is a Friend of Mine – Sonseed

Episode 166: Coffee Shops, Liturgical Reforms, and why Lutherans argue so much

wcwirla — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:48:08 +0000

The Manly Doctors of Divinity recoup from a near-disastrous technical failure and ponder the anti-Santa, why Lutherans argue all the time, coffee shop churches, Lutheran ecclesiology, Advent and Christmas customs, Roman Catholic liturgical reforms, and post-communion collects. A little something for everyone and nothing in particular.

Music:

“Veni, Veni Immanuel” – Anne Dudley

“I’ll Be Home for Christmas”

“Silent Night” – The Dickies

“Jesus is a Friend of Mine” – Sonseed

Image: Michael Manley: drawman.blogspot.com

Episode 165: Agnus Dei, Nunc Dimittis, and the Druids

wcwirla — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:30:29 +0000

The Manly Doctors discuss the backstory to “Now Thank We All Our God” as well as the Agnus Dei and Nunc Dimittis of the Liturgy. Donofrio talks about his upcoming cruise and there is a lively debate over whether Rowan Williams really is a Druid. Add a bit of Thanksgiving and Advent, shake, pour over ice, and you have some vintage GW.

Music Credits:

“Now Thank We All Our God” – Cambridge Singers, John Rutter, cond.

“Stonehenge” – Spinal Tap

Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen

“Turkish Delight” – Don Tiki

“Lo, He Comes With Clouds Descending”

Episode 164: Nasal Thanksgivings

wcwirla — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:27:05 +0000

The Manly Doctors of Divinity discuss the words surrounding the Words of Institution, the place of the Agnus Dei, sacramental and sacrificial presider positions before the altar along with elevations, liturgical gestures and the proper and reverent disposition of the reliquia.

Oh, and a stirring rendition of “Thank the Lord” on nasal bagpipes.

Music creds:

“Thank the Lord” – Jason Kaspar

“Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe” – Barry White

“Mack the Knife”- Bobby Darin

Glenn Miller Band

Episode 163: Bronze Age Reliquia

wcwirla — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 21:59:30 +0000

Prompted by a listener Skype call, the Manly Doctors discuss Bronze Age Lutheranism along with liturgy and liberalism and the dangers of binge listening to The God Whisperers. After an interlude of soporific elevator music, they revisit the Sanctus and the Our Father with a final riff on the handling of reliquia.

Music credits:

Mohammad Rafi – Jaan Pehechaan Ho

Munir Nurettin Beken - Makam Suzidil: Pesrev

Relaxing Instrumental Jazz Academy – Zen

Boney James – Soft

Episode 162: Ska-Metal Sanctus Typologies

wcwirla — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:05:45 +0000

Ancient church typologies, a revisit to Family Radio, MDD Donofrio’s liturgical innovations, and a detailed discussion of the Preface, Proper Preface and Sanctus of the Liturgy along with Mrs. Miller, the Ramones, and a Ska-Metal version of “Jesus is a Friend of Mine” from a Finnish listener. Who says we don’t bring content?

Music:

“Jesus is a Friend of Mine” – Andy Rehfeldt

“Sweet Pea” and “A Lover’s Concerto” – Mrs. Miller

“What a Wonderful World” – The Ramones

“Jesus is a Friend of Mine” – Sonseed

Liturgical bits from Liturgy Audio Files.

Episode 161: Lutherween and Reformation Ramblings

wcwirla — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 23:54:23 +0000

The Manly Doctors engage in some Reformation reflections and listener email prompts a lively discussion of the Aaronic benediction (Numbers 6:21ff), “Scripture interprets Scripture,” the epistle of James, and 6-day creation. Plus some great Reformation period music. All here on The God Whisperers.

Music credits:

“A Mighty Fortress” – Concordia Seminary (St. Louis) Chorus

“Ein Fest Burg ist Unser Gott”

Arrivederci Roma – Dean Martin

“Allein Gott in der Hoehe”

“Jesus is a Friend of Mine” – Sonseed

Chilling

wcwirla — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:50:46 +0000

MDD Cwirla is off lecturing about atheism, naturalism, skepticism, and other -isms while eating his way through the heartland on a Food Channel tour with his wife. MDD Donofrio is doing his P90X workouts, drinking horrible shakes, and chilling with Mrs. Miller. We’ll be back in a couple of weeks. Stay tuned.

Episode 160: The Life of Craig Donofrio

wcwirla — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:51:13 +0000

Manly Doctor Donofrio talks about his favorite topic in the world, himself, and the career benefits of dropping out of school. Also another musical offering from listener Jason M. Kaspar called “Dreifache der Gottesfuesterer” (whatever that means), readings in the life of Mrs. Miller, the patron saint of the GW, a rare track from GW organist Chris Loemker entitled “Organtallica” and a brief but scintillating discussion on sacrificial thankofferings from 2 Corinthians.

Music credits:

“Loving You is Like Frying Bacon Nekkid” – Roger Alan Wade

“Strangers in the Night” – Mrs. Miller

“Theme from Gilligan’s Island”

“Jesus is a Friend of Mine” – Sonseed

Episode 159: WWMMD

wcwirla — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:13:49 +0000

The Manly Doctors honor the patron saint of the GW, Mrs. Miller, in a special What Would Mrs. Miller Do? edition. Also on the menu, gluten-free dog biscuits, Baptist baptismal innovations, the environmental impact of home bible studies, adventures of the young and stupid, and a marvelous sermon by Norman Nagel on Ezekiel 37.

Music:

Yellow Submarine; Moon River; I’ve Got the Tiger by the Tail; Hard Day’s Night; Monday Monday; These Boots are Made for Walking – Mrs. Miller

Jesus is a Friend of Mine – Sonseed

Episode 158: Alphabet Soup and Church Fellowship

wcwirla — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 20:44:09 +0000

The Manly Doctors of Divinity venture into the shark infested waters of ELCA / LCMS / WELS / ELS alphabet soup and church fellowship. The long version of “In the Tavern” and a few more trivial naughty bits round out an episode sure to please no one.

Music Credits:

“Theme from Monty Python’s Flying Circus”

“In the Tavern” (long version) - Jason M. Kaspar

“Fly Me to the Moon” – Astrid Gilberto

“The Forbidden Finger” – Don Tiki

“Jesus is a Friend of Mine” – Sonseed

Episode 157: The Episode About Nothing

wcwirla — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 04:50:06 +0000

A post-modern pastiche of random nothingness including: the Zagats, Hyundai dealerships, intimate Italian restaurants, some guy who calls himself the God Whisperer not to be confused with the Manly Doctors of Divinity, the church of “foggy boundaries,” the intermediate state between death and resurrection, Jehovah’s Witnesses, 7th Day Adventists, Adventists, “soul sleep,” listener mail bag, MD Cwirla goes on a brief verbal strike, the short version of “In the Tavern,” Loemker serenades us with “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” from the mighty Cwirlitzer, and some reflections on 9/11 from MD Donofrio. This show is a bargain at the price.

Music Credits:

“Theme from My Three Sons”

“What a Friend We Have in Jesus”

“Downtown” – Mrs. Miller

“Foggy Mountain Breakdown” – Earl Scruggs

“In the Tavern” – Jason M. Kaspar

“Jesus is a Friend of Mine” – Sonseed

Episode 156: Three-ology

wcwirla — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 06:02:20 +0000

The Manly Doctors take on the theological questions of a three year old, Loemker debuts yet another hymn styling “Skate Onward,” and if that wasn’t enough, there is a discussion on Colossians 3:16 and “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” as it applies to the Hymn of the Day in the divine service.

Music Credits:

“Skate Onward” – Chris Loemker at the Mighty Cwirlitzer

“Pinch Me” – Barenaked Ladies

“Groovy Kind of Love” – Mrs. Miller

Episode 155: Jesus is Calling

wcwirla — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:34:27 +0000

The God Whisperers reflect on a Skype call regarding Catholics, Lutherans and Evangelicals. GW Organist Chris Loemker debuts his “Jesus is Calling” at the mighty Cwirlitzer. A 24-second Bible study on conversion after death and a discussion of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs as Hymn of the Day rounds out a scintillating hour of God whispering.

Music Credits:

“Viva la Vida” Cover – Chris Loemker

“Girl from Ipanima” – Mrs. Miller

“Misirlou” – Dick Dale and the Deltones

“Jesus is a Friend of Mine” – Sonseed

Episode 154: Were You There When That Just Happened?

wcwirla — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 06:13:36 +0000

Listener email sends the Manly Doctors off road once again into researching the actual origins of the word “boogity,” followed by a riff on wedding photographers. A world debut of another Loemker hymn styling “Were You There When That Just Happened?” And if that weren’t enough to fill an hour of disturbing yet compelling listening, the liturgical use of the creeds in the western Mass form.

Music Credits:

“Theme Song from the Andy Griffith Show”

“Dueling Banjos” – from the movie Deliverance – Eric Weisberg

“I Can See for Miles” – The Who

“Theme Song from Cheers”

“Cwirlitzer Hoedown” – Chris Loemker

“Were You There When That Just Happened?” – Chris Loemker

Episode 153: Cwirlitzer Hoedown and Other Delights

wcwirla — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 19:56:01 +0000

A Skype caller and an email unleash more marital mayhem from the Manly Doctors. The second half hour goes into the Lectionary – 1 and 3 year – and preaching. And we debut a new feature – “Devout Desecrations – the hymn stylings of Chris Loemker.”

Music Credits:

“Cwirlitzer Hoedown” – Chris Loemker

“I’m an Ordinary Guy” – Rex Harrison from My Fair Lady

Theme from the Addams Family

“How Great a Wurlitzer” – Chris Loemker

Episode 152: Prayer and the Mighty Wurlitzer

wcwirla — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 21:00:12 +0000

Listener email causes the Manly Doctors to consider the existential question, “Am I really a Christian?” along with unreality of Rob Bell’s hell. Donofrio’s eyes and his iPad are acting up. There is a devout in-depth discussion on the five-part collect form of the liturgy. Plus, the sonorous tones of the mighty GW Wurlitzer.

Music credits:

“I Love Bacon” – Jason M. Kaspar

“Zip A Dee Doo Dah” – Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong

“One Week” – Barenaked Ladies

Episode 151: Boogity, boogity, boogity

wcwirla — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 13:41:12 +0000

Listener email takes the Manly Doctors to the dark side with a massive “Home Schooler Alert” followed by a discussion of the Service of the Word. And some great “Boogity, boogity, boogity” from Baptist pastor Jim Nelms with some enhancements by the Gregory Brothers. You may want to hide the little ones for the first half hour.

Music credits:

“You Really Got Me” – The Kinks

‘Boogity, Boogity, Boogity” – Pr. Jim Nelms as Songified by the Gregory Brothers.

Episode 150: Viva Las Vegas Edition Part 2

wcwirla — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 16:47:35 +0000

The second hour of our special Las Vegas edition recorded at the Higher Things Coram Deo conference on the campus of UNLV. We’re talking with Revs. Ian Steward Pacey and Sam Schuldheisz on Narnia, Tolkien, CS Lewis, symphonic symbolism, Bart Ehrman, textual criticism, email from Henning, Rick Warren’s “Daniel Weight-loss Plan” and more. All this, while Donofrio chows down on Panda Express.

Music Credits:

“Stick to Your Guns” – Modern Mission

“Vegas’ – Frank Sinatra

Episode 149: Viva Las Vegas Edition Part 1

wcwirla — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 04:33:06 +0000

The Manly Doctors are in Las Vegas on the campus of UNLV at the Higher Things Coram Deo youth conference. Special guests Revs. Ian Steward Pacey, Marcus Zill, George Borghardt and Mark Jasa. We’re talking campus ministry, atheism, apologetics, evolution, and anything else we can kick around.

Music credits:

“Viva Las Vegas” – Richard Cheese

“Las Vegas” – How’s Your News?

Episode 148: Bacon in Excelsis

wcwirla — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 05:55:06 +0000

The Manly Doctors sample some unusual chili flavored bacon, offer reflective reminiscences of great seminary professors, and deliver some really bad imitations of Scottish accents. And of course, there is a lively discussion of the Kyrie and the numerical deep structure of the liturgy along with the Gloria in Excelsis. With a special guest appearance by Rufus the dog.

Episode 147: Time Mismanagement Edition

wcwirla — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 04:54:30 +0000

Chronos gives way to kairos and time goes out the window as the Manly Doctors reflect on the state of the LCMS and the trials and tribulations of the ministry. They wind up with the Kyrie from the liturgy and some talk about liturgical organ playing.

Song Credits:

“My Generation” – The Who

Episode 146: July 4th Edition

wcwirla — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:24:07 +0000

The Manly Doctors set off a few fireworks of their own with some 4th of July reminiscences, a lively discussion of liturgical gestures, both meaningful and meaningless, and a startling revelation that links the Calvary Chapel of Donofrio’s youth with the Indian shows at the Wisconsin Dells of Cwirla’s childhood. And if that isn’t enough, we forgot to turn off the microphone so listen to the very end for a bonus laugh or two.

Music Credits:

“Swinging on a Star” – Bing Crosby

“Get Rhythm” – Johnny Cash

Episode 145: Lutherans in France and more

wcwirla — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 22:56:02 +0000

Great listener email including Lutherans in France, the origins of the liturgy, the 5 ordinaries of the Mass, and a little bit about the Kyrie before we ran out of time. You get the idea. Now listen.

Music credits:

“Man in Black” – Johnny Cash

“Psycho Killer” – Bruce Lash

episode 144: Pre-post-Pentecost Edition

wcwirla — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 23:58:41 +0000

If episode 144 sounds like it was recorded before episode 143, that’s because it was. We decided that 144 had more Pentecost content than 143 so we turned 143 into 144 and 144 into 143. We have some listener email, and a discussion of the church year.

Music:

“Birdhouse in Your Soul” – They Might Be Giants

“The Bacon Song” – Jenna Bean Veatch

episode 143: Pentecost Edition

wcwirla — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 17:55:25 +0000

The Manly Doctors of Divinity go Pentecostal with a special fire of the Spirit edition of the God Whisperers. Also a little bit of Gottesdienst rambling and some millennial mayhem just to round out the hour. We hope you enjoy.

Music credits:

“Allergies” – The Barenaked Ladies

“Through the Fire” – Modern Mission

Episode 142: Gottesdienst

wcwirla — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 17:51:51 +0000

The picture has nothing to do with anything. We just think CFW Walther is one cool dude. We’re talking Liturgy as Word and Sacrament, otherwise known as “Divine Service” or paradoxically “Gottesdienst.” Also a little Harold Camping because we can’t stop ourselves.

Music credits:

“The Bacon Song” – Hauk

“Bacon and Eggs” - Beatnik Turtle

Episode 141: Post post-rapture throwdown

wcwirla — Tue, 31 May 2011 05:44:51 +0000

The post post-rapture party continues with guest appearances by Harold Camping, Larry Flynt, Lord Ra-el and a lively discussion by the Manly Doctors of Divinity on “sacrament” and “sacrifice” in the Liturgy. Episodes like this one make the Manly Doctors the world’s most interesting Lutherans.

Music credits:

“Bacon Song” – Matt the Electrician

“The Bacon Song” – Meekakitty

Episode 140: post-rapture edition

wcwirla — Tue, 24 May 2011 00:40:43 +0000

Well, it’s May 23rd and we’re all still around. That means more madness from the Manly Doctors of Divinity, the Irreverent Reverends of Religiosity, the Supreme Sultans of Sarcasm. Firmly believing that you can’t kick a dead horse too much, the God Whisperers do a post-mortem on the rapture that didn’t happen. And to think, we recorded this one two weeks ago. Now that’s confidence!

Episode 139: The “Last Ever” Pre-Rapture Edition

wcwirla — Tue, 17 May 2011 18:59:03 +0000

Since the Rapture is scheduled for May 21st, the Manly Doctors of Divinity usher in the end of the age with a rousing tribute to eschatology guru Harold Camping. We’re not expecting to be around next week, but you might want to check in here just to see who’s left behind.

Episode 138: GW Pastoral Leadership Institute

wcwirla — Tue, 03 May 2011 00:45:32 +0000

The God Whisperers venture into the treacherous waters of “pastoral leadership” with Rev. Tom Brashears. Tom delivers on the left-handed side of pastoring and how to organize a congregation without turning it into an organized religion or a religion of organization or anything resembling something Rick Warren would do. In addition we get some ex-ELCA insights along with a little Snacktime. More GW madness.

Episode 137: Two Nagel Sermons and Some Other Stuff

wcwirla — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 18:05:26 +0000

After a failed attempt at recording anything remotely relevant, much less meaningful, the Manly Doctors of Divinity turn to Dr. Norman Nagel to deliver the goods. We have some vintage Nagel along with a few stray reflections on Lent, our favorite season of the church year, and capping it all off with “The Song That Goes Like This.” “Disturbing yet compelling” doesn’t even begin to describe it.

Episode 136: The Passion According to St. Matthew

wcwirla — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 16:02:46 +0000

A special Holy Week of the God Whisperers focusing on aspects of St. Matthew’s account of the Passion of our Lord. And the debut of the God Whisperers 24 Second Bible Study™ in which the Manly Doctors of Divinity take on the tough theological questions that have perplexed the ages and answer them in 24 seconds or less. Well, more or less….you know how it is.

episode 135: Maggie Karner on Pro-Life Issues

wcwirla — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:51:42 +0000

We have Maggie Karner, Director of Life and Health Ministries for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod at the GW 3rd microphone to talk about pro-life issues from a Lutheran two-kingdoms perspective. Oh, and she also hits the GW Gong at the opening of the show.

Episode 134: Love and Marriage

wcwirla — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:18:19 +0000

We have Rev. Jonathan “Worldview Everlasting” Fisk on the Skype line together with Magge Karner, Director of Life and Health Ministries for the LCMS and the mother of three daughters in studio for a lively discussion of teenage dating, love, marriage and the age-old question: “How far is too far.” Great whispering here. Ignore that Home Schooler Alert.

Episode 133: Civic Prayer, James 2 and More

wcwirla — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 19:43:13 +0000

Prayer in the public square, Norman Nagel on James 2. And Manly Doctor Donofrio’s condo problems. Oh, and we’re too sexy for our cassocks.

Episode 132: Goofy Pastor Questions

wcwirla — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 03:10:52 +0000

The Manly Doctors of Divinity lob softball questions at each other on infant baptism, the nature of the Lord’s Supper, and why we go to worship. Also, a brief catechism on GW Lenten pieties including Bacon Mondays, Amarula Tuesdays, and Bottom Feeder Fridays. And, if that isn’t enough, Albi the Racist Dragon. You’ll see. Just listen.

Episode 131 – St. Patty’s, Amarula, Lent Edition

wcwirla — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 19:36:59 +0000

The God Whisperers celebrate St. Patty’s Day with a South African twist as they sample Amarula on-air with Director of Southern Hemispherical Operations Henning von Rensburg and official therapist-in-residence and gong master Steve Lownesg. Somewhere in this mess, there are whisperings of ashless Ash Wednesday, the season of Lent, and assorted other interesting stuff. Who ever said we were organized religion?

The opening segment can be seen on YouTube, proving once again that we are made for radio.

* Warning * A blanket Home Schooler Alert was issued for this entire episode as some drinking of the fermented fruit of the Marula tree was involved in the production.

Episode 130: Transfiguration Edition

wcwirla — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 06:36:16 +0000

The Irreverent Reverends of Religiosity, the Manly Doctors of Divinity catch up with listener email on Muslims, Hitler, and a handful of other things, and then some whisperings on the Transfiguration of Our Lord. Shining Jesus in all His glory.

A Brief (One Week) Sabbatical

wcwirla — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:07:25 +0000

Manly Doctor Cwirla was in St. Louis for a Higher Things Board of Directors meeting followed by a Youth Retreat in the mountains. Manly Doctor Donofrio continues to heal from his eye surgery. So we’re taking a week off and will resume the chaos next Monday with talk on the Transfiguration, Ash Wednesday, Lent, and … wait for it … the resumption of Bacon Mondays in Lent.

Episode 129: All Things Islam Part 2 with Adam Francisco

wcwirla — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 20:02:51 +0000

Part 2 of our scintillating interview with Rev. Prof. Dr. Adam Francisco on Islam and current events in the middle east. Timely, compelling, disturbing and entertaining. Your brain will do little cartwheels of giddinesss. Or at least dizzyness.

Episode 128: Natural Law with Robert Baker

wcwirla — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:40:21 +0000

It’s a special Valentine’s Day edition of TGW with Robert Baker of Concordia Publishing House (aka CPH) who is pushing his new book Natural Law-A Lutheran Reappraisal. And a little whispering about St. Valentine too.

Episode 127: All Things Islamic with Adam Francisco

wcwirla — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 20:39:06 +0000

We’re talking with Prof. Adam Francisco, our resident expert on all things Islamic. This is part 1 of a two-part third microphone conversation. Great stuff!

We’re Taking a Break

wcwirla — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 05:51:20 +0000

We’ll be off this week as Manly Doctor Donofrio’s eyeball recovers from surgery. We should be good to go next week.

Episode 126: Garlic Pork Edition

wcwirla — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 05:40:28 +0000

Listener email, objective justification, Guyana garlic pork, and a cameo appearance by Doug the Dog (sort of). All right here on The God Whisperers.

Episode 125: 3rd Microphone with Matthew Harrison

wcwirla — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 06:18:47 +0000

LCMS President Matthew Harrison joins the Manly Doctors of Divinity for a serious discussion on effects of skepticism and consumerism on the church, and also how congregations can reestablish ties to their community through works of mercy in the Name of Jesus. We also confer upon Pres. Harrison the first ever Honorary Manly Doctor of Divinity degree together with all the rights and privileges pertaining thereto, whatever they may be.

Oh, and there is banjo music too.

Episode 124: 3rd Microphone with Jeff Schwarz

wcwirla — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 15:21:20 +0000

Jeff Schwarz, executive producer of Issues, Etc., joins us at the 3rd microphone for a lively discussion of Christian broadcasting and a little 2010 year in review of the world of religion, politics, and other strangeness.

Episode 123: A Little More Christmas Music

wcwirla — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 19:43:09 +0000

A little more Christmas theology and music on this 10th Day of Christmas from the Manly Doctors of Divinity.

Episode 122: Special Christmas Edition

wcwirla — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 14:23:49 +0000

Merry Christmas from the God Whisperers! We offer some Christmas joy and frivolity along with nativity theology with special guest Pr. Mark Jasa of University Lutheran Chapel at UCLA.

our director of southern hemispherical operations

wcwirla — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:36:25 +0000

Henning van Rensburg, our Director of Southern Hemispherical Operations, contemplates sanctification with his pastor. We’re a bit concerned about how Henning is using that Luther cup.

Episode 121: A Little More Advent Music

wcwirla — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 09:35:59 +0000

The Manly Doctors of Divinity take on listener email, talk about John the Baptist and Baptism, engage a few passages from Calvinist, Arminian, and Lutheran perspectives and listen to some great Advent music. Just the bare necessities of life.

Episode 120: More Good Advent Stuff

wcwirla — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 02:35:41 +0000

Is the doctrine of Election Law or Gospel? It makes a difference. We’re talking more Calvinism, Lutheran TULIP, catching up with email and Skype calls. Plus more great Lutheran hymns, Bill Shatner, and a musical stuffed dog. Disturbingly compelling Christian radio.

episode 119: advent accents

wcwirla — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 23:42:17 +0000

A field report from our “Director of Southern Hemispherical Operations” Henning van Rensburg, an end-time Nagel sermon, and some great Advent music. And lots of guys with really cool accents. Grab a cup of coffee and listen.

Happy Thanksgiving

wcwirla — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 14:09:54 +0000

The Manly Doctors of Divinity wish all of you a blessed and joyous Thanksgiving. Hopefully there will be bacon involved in some fashion. We will be off this coming Monday for the holidays and will return the following Monday with more good stuff on Advent, Christmas, and who knows what else. Thanks for listening.

episode 118: two-lip part 2

wcwirla — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 06:45:41 +0000

More Norman Nagel, more TULIP whisperings, and yes – more Tiny Tim. Check it out.

Episode 117: Tiptoe Through the Tulip

wcwirla — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 03:37:51 +0000

A wonderful sermon from Dr. Norman Nagel on the Reformation followed by a tiptoe through the TULIP of Synod of Dort Calvinism.

Episode 116: More All Saints / Reformation

wcwirla — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 06:47:47 +0000

Some more All Saints and Reformation, a bit of great music from the 16th century, some choice Luther quotations, and a little bit of Lutheranism 101. It’s a grab bag of goodies here on the God Whisperers.

Episode 115: Reformation / All Saints Edition

wcwirla — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 15:42:59 +0000

We have a special Reformation / All Saints Day edition. A little Reformation history, a little talk about the saints, and a little something more.

Episode 114: Andrew De Loach, esq.

wcwirla — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 21:27:21 +0000

We have apologist extraordinaire Andrew De Loach, esq. of “Take the Stand” sitting in on the famed 3rd microphone. We talking “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth” here on the God Whisperers.

Episode 113: 3rd Microphone – S. Africa

wcwirla — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 05:21:40 +0000

We have a special South Africa edition with listener Henning van Rensburg reporting on the spiritual state of things in South Africa along with talk about apologetics, atheism, rugby and Amarula. You won’t want to miss this one as the Manly Doctors of Divinity go global.

We’re On Vacation!

wcwirla — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 20:37:34 +0000

The Manly Doctors of Divinity are taking a wee bit of a vacation. We’ll be back this coming Monday. In the meantime, catch up on old episodes.

Episode 112: Law and Gospel (part 24)

wcwirla — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:55:00 +0000

We did it!! The last of Walther’s theses on the proper distinction of Law and Gospel and how the Gospel must generally predominate in our teaching and preaching. But wait, there’s more! A scintillating discussion of cruising pastors, weird South African spirituality, and a few other things off the tops of our heads. Listen in on the Manly Doctors of Divinity.

Episode 111: Law and Gospel (part 23)

wcwirla — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:48:01 +0000

Pastor self-communion, church luaus, pharmaceuticals, Chinese herbal medicine, and the unpardonable sin from Walther’s Law and Gospel.

Yes, we’re that crazy.

Episode 110: Law and Gospel (part 22)

wcwirla — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 05:44:26 +0000

CFW Walther’s Law and Gospel and a whole lot more.

Episode 109: Special 9/11 edition

wcwirla — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 22:28:09 +0000

We have a lot to say about 9/11 and related events including a proposed Islamic center near “ground zero” in NY and a Florida pastor who is threatening to burn a copy of the Qur’an. Or not. Also some discussion on Bible translations and a few other things rattling around the brains of the manly Doctors of Divinity.

Episode 108: Law and Gospel (part 21)

wcwirla — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 23:19:19 +0000

More insights into the penetrating question “What Religion is Pres. Obama?” followed by Thesis 22 of Walther’s Law and Gospel and this false distinctions of “awakened” vs “converted” Christians, “carnal” vs “spiritual” Christians, and any other way you have to saying it. It’s either faith and unbelief, and that’s all there is. Listen in.

Episode 107: Law and Gospel (part 20)

wcwirla — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:20:47 +0000

A comparison of “Thy Strong Word” with “My Desire” plus a great song by Carbon Leaf – “What about Everything.” Some thoughts on the new LCMS president, and Thesis 21 on the sacraments and ex opere operato from Walther’s Law & Gospel.

Episode 106: A Little Bit of Everything

wcwirla — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 21:33:28 +0000

This episode is dedicated to our listeners who think we spend too much time kibitzing on the front end of the show. The is one hour of pure stream of consciousness God Whisperers: Tiki conventions, Vancouver Island, Irish pubs, mosques on Ground Zero, Obama’s real religion, and a burning ring of fire. You have been forewarned.

Episode 105: Law and Gospel (part 19)

wcwirla — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:28:40 +0000

The God Whisperers have some raucous fun with Joel Osteen’s fatwah against pork, shellfish, and other bottom feeders, and then move on to more of Walther’s Proper Distinction of the Law and the Gospel.

Episode 104: Law and Gospel (part 18)

wcwirla — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 01:28:06 +0000

Shrinking wetsuits, dieting, Also Sprach Zarathustra, a nice Christmas hymn, on how we speak about death and dying. Oh, and then we get around to Walther’s Thesis 20 and association with the visible church, warts and all. A little something for everyone in this episode.

Episode 103: Law and Gospel (part 17)

wcwirla — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 22:37:39 +0000

Anglican hymnody, Genesis 1, Christopher Hitchins, erotica, and when we finally get around to it – mortal and venial sins according to CFW Walther, and a little quarrel with Walther on the proper distinction of mortal and venial sin. It’s a moment.

Episode 102: Law and Gospel (part 16)

wcwirla — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:21:04 +0000

What does it mean to be a “true believer?” Can a “true” Christian sin intentionally or be captive to ruling or habitual sins? The God Whisperers take some issue with old CFW Walther in Thesis 18 where he seems to state that true believers are not captive to “ruling sins” or sin intentionally. Also some thoughts on contemporary music in worship, youth ministry, and more of the friendly banter you’ve come to know as The God Whisperers.

Episode 100: The Best of GW – Special Edition

wcwirla — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:40:41 +0000

Rejoice with us! It was lost but now it’s found. Put on the BBQ, pop the corks, it’s time for a little GW frivolity mixed with Lutheran theology in a best of God Whisperers commemorative episode. Relive those great moments like Home Schooler Alert, Space Robot Spiritual, Mo’s Dark Chocolate Bacon Bar, and other highlights of our first 99 episodes. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed putting this together.

Thanks to all our listeners for their support and feedback. Special thanks to Brian Yamabe, who compiled these excerpts and Chris Loemker, who produced the “Jesus is a Friend of Mine” organ cover. Let’s party!

More solid gold – internet special edition 2

wcwirla — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 05:55:33 +0000

The 100th episode anniversary gold keeps on coming, thanks to our good friend Brian Yamabe, who excerpted and compiled these clips. There is some great third microphone sound with Michael “Internet Monk” Spencer (1956-2010) who died in the Lord earlier this year. This one’s for you, our dear Baptist friend.

We’re still searching for the missing Episode 100. Rumor has it that it may turn up on Monday, just in time for PCR airing. Stay tuned.

Solid Gold – special internet edition

wcwirla — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 04:11:59 +0000

As we await the much anticipated Episode 100 anniversary edition, here is some 24 karat God Whisperers solid gold, thanks to Brian Yamabe, who gleaned and compiled these segments. Props to Chris Loemker, organist extraordinaire, who produced the Jesus is a Friend of Mine cover.

There is actual content here, for all you theological wonks!

Missing God Whisperers Episode

wcwirla — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 01:37:10 +0000

As many of our listeners noticed, well three of them, there is no Episode 100 in the queue. Why is this? We’re so glad you asked. It turns out that episode 100 is the much anticipated Solid Gold edition featuring excerpts of some of our favorite episodes such as Reed Lessing’s Home Schooler Alert, Mo’s Bacon Chocolate Bar, and other delights. Unfortunately, at the time of publishing, episode 100 was still in the editing room, ie Cwirla’s computer, awaiting his return from two weeks of sleep-deprivation at Higher Things conferences.

Stay tuned for further updates on the missing Episode 100. We promise it will be worth the wait, or your money back.

Episode 101: Special Luau Edition

wcwirla — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 01:23:38 +0000

We’re back in Craig’s backyard for a special luau edition of the God Whisperers. In addition to Mai Tais and other delights, we’re offering up some free range conversation at our third microphone along with some Law / Gospel distinctions in the way of Walther’s thesis 17. So pour yourself a mai tai, get into the aloha spirit, and tune in to another scintillating episode.

Episode 99: Law and Gospel (part 15)

wcwirla — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:05:19 +0000

A little silliness with the special effects board, a somewhat garbled call by a disgruntled listener, Craig’s confusing 2010 for 2001 – A Space Odyssey, and of course, more whisperings of Law and Gospel and their proper distinction from CFW Walther’s theses 15 and 16. The right understanding of conversion, repentance, and faith. Good fun, great theology, here on The God Whisperers.

Episode 98: Law and Gospel (part 14)

wcwirla — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:09:50 +0000

A caller takes issue with one of Donofrio’s statements about forgiveness. Donofrio gets slapped around by Cwirla at the caller’s request. And then it’s on to Thesis 14 of the Proper Distinction of the Law and the Gospel and the improper understanding of faith as a cause of justification. All here on a very physical smack down edition of the God Whisperers.

Episode 97: Law and Gospel (part 13)

wcwirla — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 13:16:52 +0000

Is faith a work? Something we do? Thesis 13 of Walther’s Law and Gospel when we finally get around to it in a particularly chatty episode of The God Whisperers.

Episode 96: Law and Gospel (part 12)

wcwirla — Tue, 25 May 2010 04:59:55 +0000

It’s snack time at the God Whisperers. We’re talking Thesis 12 of Walther Law & Gospel and the right relationship of contrition and faith. And oh, by the way, some Barenaked Ladies along with Donofrio’s goofy diet. Great theology and snacks!

Episode 95: Law and Gospel (part 11)

wcwirla — Mon, 17 May 2010 18:13:41 +0000

Space Robot Spirituals, Operation Godzilla, St. Onofre, the naked hermet, nude beaches, and Thesis 11 of CFW Walther’s Proper Distinction of the Law and the Gospel. Oh, and great root beer, too.

Episode 94: Law and Gospel (part 10)

wcwirla — Wed, 12 May 2010 16:36:40 +0000

Craig plays his ukulele (sort of), and we talk about the nature of sin, grace, faith and love from Thesis X of Walther’s Proper Distinction of the Law and the Gospel. Also “Spinal Tap” and a few other cinematic digressions.

Episode 93: Law and Gospel (part 9)

wcwirla — Wed, 05 May 2010 21:51:04 +0000

Law and Gospel are confused when we mix up our insides and outsides. When it comes to forgiveness, life, and salvation, don’t look inward but outward. It’s all extra nos, outside of ourselves in the Word and the Sacraments.

Episode 92: Law and Gospel (part 8)

wcwirla — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:37:09 +0000

Cwirla talks about his new iPad, Donofrio discusses his upcoming trip to Hawaii, and then some whisperings about the target of the Law and the Gospel – smug sinners, repentant sinners, and sinners in general. Can you tell the difference? We’re talking about it.

Episode 91: Law and Gospel (part 7)

wcwirla — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:39:09 +0000

A comparison of our Holy Week celebrations, more food talk, Cwirla’s new iPad, and eventually a scintillating discussion of the proper order of faith and good works from Walther’s 7th thesis on the proper distinction of the Law and the Gospel.

Episode 90: Law and Gospel (part 6)

wcwirla — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:29:51 +0000

Jesus a “new lawgiver” in the way of Moses? No, that was Charlton Heston! That and much more on this episode of the God Whisperers.

Episode 89: Law and Gospel (part 5)

wcwirla — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 04:43:22 +0000

Yes, that’s right. More heaping globs of Law and Gospel, properly distinguished, courtesy of the Manly Drs. Without this distinction, the Bible remains a sealed book, or at least a book of seeming contradictions. Is it wrath or mercy? Damnation or salvation? Yes! Check it out!

Episode 88: Law and Gospel (part 4)

wcwirla — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:51:01 +0000

We’re talking the Law and the Gospel as taught by the Holy Spirit in the “school of experience,” according to Walther. If experience is a school, then your funeral is graduation day.

Episode 87: Law and Gospel (part 3)

wcwirla — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 04:04:12 +0000

After a detour on some email, Armenian delis, incense allergies, and giving to the poor, we finally get back on track with Walther’s thesis #2 on the Law and the Gospel and how being “biblical” isn’t enough. Check it out.

For those of you interested in this t-shirt, you can get it at Zazzle.com.

http://www.zazzle.com/law_and_gospel_kids_tshirt-235301236761096961

Episode 86: The Law and the Gospel (part 2)

wcwirla — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:30:24 +0000

We’re talking CFW Walther’s Law and Gospel and their proper distinction. Have a listen.

Episode 85: Lenten Hymns and Law/Gospel

wcwirla — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:00:54 +0000

We’re starting a new series of whispering on C.F.W.Walther’s Proper Distinction of the Law and the Gospel. But before that, a survey of our favorite hymns for Lent. You just can’t beat those minor keys.

Episode 84: Augsburg Confession (article 28)

wcwirla — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:10:02 +0000

The authority of bishops, the Lutheran distinction of the two kingdoms, and other delights.

Episode 83: Augsburg Confession (article 27)

wcwirla — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:14:51 +0000

Monastic vows. Poverty, chastity, obedience. Not to mention a funny haircut. We’re talking about medieval monasticism and the Reformation’s critique of it. Also a discussion over a listener call regarding what to do when you don’t feel the joy of your salvation. And of course, a little bacon, in celebration of Bacon Mondays in Lent.

Episode 82: Augsburg Confession (article 26)

wcwirla — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:04:50 +0000

The distinction of meats is on the table. Foods, actually We’re talking fish on Friday, bacon on Monday, and whatever other prescribed fasts may be going on. Can they make us holy before God? Does God even care? Why make a distinction of foods at all? We’re talking, and we hope you’re listening. The bump music is dedicated to Manly Dr. Cwirla. Let the listener understand.

Click here for more discussions on this article of the Augsburg Confession.

Episode 81: Augsburg Confession (article 25)

wcwirla — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:36:32 +0000

We’re going back to private confession this week and a look at what Lutherans lost and what they retained of private confession. Also Facebook, Urban Dictionary, tuna burgers, and other random silliness. You won’t want to miss this.

For a good supplemental discussion to this article go here.

Episode 80: Special Haiti Earthquake Edition

wcwirla — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:03:47 +0000

We’re talking with Rev. Al Colver of LCMS World Relief and Human Care about the relief efforts going on in Haiti. Al just returned from Haiti and provides a great eye-witness account of some of the work that is going on there. For more information and for opportunities to contribute to the Haiti relief effort, follow these links:

LCMS World Relief and Human Care

Rev. Matt Harrison’s Blog

Episode 79: Augsburg Confession (article 24)

wcwirla — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:24:56 +0000

The sacrifice of the Mass. Is the Lord’s Supper primarily God to us or us to God? That is the question. We’re talking the proper distinction of sacrament and sacrifice and the difference between propitiatory and eucharistic sacrifices – in other words, sacrifices of sin and sacrifices of thanksgiving. This was an important issue at the time of the reformation, and it still is today.

Episode 78: Augsburg Confession (article 23)

wcwirla — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:14:11 +0000

The Manly Doctors of Theology return with a scintillating episode on the topic of priestly celibacy from article 23 of the Augsburg Confession. And, of course, there is the usual banter to start the new year as only the God Whisperers can. When the topic turns to sex, or the absence thereof, you can be sure there will be something outrageous. Have a listen.

Flu Bug Fells Manly Dr. Donofrio

wcwirla — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:25:47 +0000

Manly Dr. Craig Donofrio continues to be down for the count, having been felled by the flu bug, reducing him to a whispering God Whisperer at the moment. Manly Dr. Cwirla, with his superior diet and exercise regimin, not to mention a robust immune system, continues in good health, at least physically speaking.

God willing and the creek don’t rise, we will return next week at our usual time. Stay tuned.

Happy New Year!

wcwirla — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 01:01:56 +0000

A happy and blessed New Year to all from the Manly Drs of theology, chocolate and bacon. We’re taking the week off but will be back next week with a new episode of The God Whisperers. Thanks for listening.

Episode 77: Christmas Edition

wcwirla — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:00:13 +0000

Christmas hymns, music, and the Christmas narrative from the Gospel according to St. Luke all jammed into one hour. Unfortunately, the music is a bit low in volume on this episode; we apologize for the technical glitch.

Merry Christmas to all and thanks for listening to The God Whisperers.

“Merry Christmas” from the Manly Drs.

wcwirla — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 02:52:16 +0000

“Jesus is a Friend of Mine” Ring Tones

wcwirla — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 06:20:53 +0000

Jesus is a Friend of Mine ring tones by Chris Loemker, organist extraordinaire. Go on. Admit it. You want these.

Ring tone 1

Ring tone 2

Episode 76: Augsburg Confession (article 22)

wcwirla — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:00:46 +0000

Well, we set out to talk about article 22, but we got distracted a bit by an early Christmas present that we opened on the air. When we finally get around to it, Article 22 of the Augsburg Confession is the first of the correct articles dealing with abuses and errors of the medieval Roman church. The first on the table is communion under one kind (bread only) for the laity.

We’re talking about it in this episode, along with some seasonal stuff, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, and yes, you guessed it – more bacon. This time it’s dark chocolate and applewood smoked bacon with alderwood smoked salt. All in good, clean fun. Well, good fun at least.

Here’s the source of the chocolate bar we’re talking about, in case you are tempted: http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/

Here’s Katrina Markoff’s site – enough said: http://www.peaceloveandchocolate.com/

“Jesus is a Friend of Mine” – Organ Edition

wcwirla — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:38:50 +0000

Yes, you asked for it, now you have it! The famously infamous organ rendition of “Jesus is a Friend of Mine” by Chris Loemker, first heard on the Advent episode of the God Whisperers.

Enthrall family and friends alike with this cerebral styling of a classic contemporary Christian melody. This would make a wonderful e-stocking stuffer for the contemporary Christian music fan on your Christmas list. Solid gold!

Episode 75: Augsburg Confession (article 21)

wcwirla — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:33:38 +0000

We return to the Augsburg Confession and the proper veneration of the saints in article 21. Do we pray to them? Do they pray for us? Does it matter and why? How are the heros of the faith best remembered? We’re talking and hoping you’re listening.

Episode 74: Advent Edition

wcwirla — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:00:46 +0000

We’re talking the season of Advent, its colors, its hymns, its themes and a whole lot more. Also a special musical feature that is sure to thrill longtime God Whisperers listeners.

Episode 73: Thanksgiving Edition

wcwirla — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:00:46 +0000

A very special Thanksgiving Day edition of The God Whisperers recorded “on location” as we digest our respective Thanksgiving dinners. We’re talking the history of Thanksgiving as a civil/religious holiday, a few Thanksgiving hymns and why they sound Unitarian, and of course, our favorite Thanksgiving foods including pumpkin pie and bacon. Pull up a chair at the GW Thanksgiving table, pour yourself a nice Cabernet, and get ready for a feast.

Episode 72: Matthew Harrison

wcwirla — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:00:43 +0000

Recorded live from the SOCO luncheon in Newport Beach, a special 3rd microphone edition of The God Whisperers featuring Rev. Matthew Harrison, executive director of LCMS World Relief & Human Care and author of the recently released book At Home in the House of My Fathers. We’re talking banjo, guitar, woodworking, the state of Lutheranism, Lutheran history, works of mercy, and whatever else is on Harrison’s mind. Have a listen.

Episode 71: Augsburg Confession (article 20)

wcwirla — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:52:36 +0000

We engage a couple of listener calls and add a little more bacon to the frypan for those who didn’t get enough of it last week. Then it’s on to faith and good works – in that order.

People worry about the necessity of good works for salvation; God worries about the necessity of salvation for good works.

Episode 70: Augsburg Confession (Article 19)

wcwirla — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:00:57 +0000

A special “bacon edition” of the God Whisperers. Everything goes better with bacon, right? We’re talking the cause of sin and article 19 of the Augsburg Confession along with frying bacon in the nude. You’ll have to hear it to believe it. Craig has put to together some amazing bump music to top it all off. Wow!

For a good discussion on this article see Concordia: The Book of Concord.

Episode 69: Augsburg Confession (Article 18)

wcwirla — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:16:49 +0000

Free will – vertically before God and horizontally before others. Are we free to choose the right or is it all predetermined for us? The God Whisperers are talking free will and its implications in this scintillating episode.

For a good discussion of this article see: Concordia – The Lutheran Confessions

Episode 68: Augsburg Confession (Article 17)

wcwirla — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:00:27 +0000

The return of Jesus Christ to judgment and why no one gets left behind on the Last Day. We’re talking realized eschatology on this episode of the God Whisperers along with pre-, post-, mid-tribulation dispensational, you name it.

For a good supplement to this episode, see the post by William Weedon in Concordia – The Lutheran Confessions.

Episode 67: Augsburg Confession (Article 16)

wcwirla — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 04:43:24 +0000

First, a riff on “adiaphora” and some unfinished business on rites and ceremonies in response to a listener email. The we finally get to talking civil government and God’s left hand here on The God Whisperers.

Episode 66: Augsburg Confession (Article 15)

wcwirla — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:00:17 +0000

Rites, rubrics, ceremonies, tradition. Necessary or not? Helpful or not? We talking about them here on The God Whisperers.

Episode 65: Augsburg Confession (Article 14)

wcwirla — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:57:08 +0000

Order in the Church! Order in the Church! We’re talking ordo as in office of the holy ministry. This is about authority and who may preach and preside in the churches.

Episode 64: Augsburg Confession (Article 13)

wcwirla — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:00:31 +0000

The Sacraments. So what’s a “sacrament” anyway? And how many are there? And what’s the point of it all? We’re talking about signs instituted by God with the promise of grace in Jesus.

Plus, as usual, a little more.

Episode 63: Augsburg Confession (Article 12)

wcwirla — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:58:04 +0000

FaceBook culture, Donofrio’s vacation in Hawaii, swimming with sea turtles, Blue Hawaiians, time-shares, 9/11, and finally, a scintillating discussion on AC 12 and the nature of repentance.

A little something for everyone in a very chatty edition of The God Whisperers.

Episode 62: Augsburg Confession (Article 11)

wcwirla — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 03:03:45 +0000

Augsburg 11 and private confession and a little bit more.

Episode 61: Augsburg Confession (Article 10)

wcwirla — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:15:00 +0000

We’re talking about the Lord’s Supper from the Augsburg Confession – pure, simple, and to the point.

Episode 60: Augsburg Confession (Article 9)

wcwirla — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:46:44 +0000

Holy Baptism, history and practice, a very strange call, and whatever else comes to mind.

Episode 59: Augsburg Confession (Article 8)

wcwirla — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:01:32 +0000

Holy Church, Holy Ministry, and the efficacy of the Word – all on this episode of The God Whisperers.

Episode 58: Augsburg Confession (Article 7)

wcwirla — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 01:37:10 +0000

The Church. Visible, invisible, hidden, revealed? What is the Church and where do you find it?

Episode 57: Augsburg Confession (Article 6)

wcwirla — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 03:33:59 +0000

Good works. Faith does them; Lutherans teach them; we’re talking about them here on The God Whisperers. Also a little Barry White in the second half.

Episode 56: Augsburg Confession (Article 5)

wcwirla — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:13:57 +0000

Holy ministry, holy sacraments, holy people with a little bit of Higher Things thrown in at the beginning. We’re talking about the gifts of the cross bestowed.

Episode 55: Augsburg Confession (Article 4 cont.)

wcwirla — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:18:42 +0000

Episode 54: Augsburg Confession (Article 4)

wcwirla — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:12:04 +0000

Justification by grace through faith for Christ’s sake after some whisperings on skepticism, atheism, and a new book by Thomas Keller. We have some “technical difficulties” in the last 12 minutes. (We’d fire the sound engineer, but it was Cwirla. Enough said.)

Episode 53: Augsburg Confession (Article 3)

wcwirla — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 14:47:09 +0000

Jesus the Christ, the Son of God: We’re talking Chalcedonian Christology, Nicene orthodoxy, and just plain straight-up Biblical theology.

Episode 52: Augsburg Confession (Article 2)

wcwirla — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 14:43:29 +0000

Original sin. Not a fun topic, but you need to hear about it, and we’re here to talk about it.

Episode 51: Augsburg Conession (Article 1)

wcwirla — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:27:42 +0000

God – Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Enough said.

Episode 50: Augsburg Confession (Intro)

wcwirla — Mon, 25 May 2009 14:43:47 +0000

Our 50th episode of The God Whisperers! Having run out of the Catechism, we’ve decided to take up the Augsburg Confession, the chief confession of the Lutheran churches. Here’s the intro.

Episode 49: Potluck Edition 2

wcwirla — Thu, 21 May 2009 16:12:30 +0000

More steaming plates full of potluck. Grab your fork and dig in.

Episode 48: Potluck Edition

admin — Wed, 13 May 2009 15:50:40 +0000

What’s more Lutheran than a “potluck”? Bring your hot dish, jello dessert, and a beverage, pile those soggy paper plates high and join us on this first of two special Potluck Editions.

Episode 47: Daily Prayer

admin — Mon, 04 May 2009 14:44:37 +0000

Daily prayer is an integral part of every Christian’s priestly vocation. It’s also the 7th part of the catechism. Out of order, but not forgotten, we’re talking about talking to God here on The God Whisperers.

Episode 46: Table of Duties (part 3)

admin — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:17:04 +0000

This is the third, and last, of our whisperings on the Table of Duties, this time the order of the household. We’re talking about husbands and wives, parents and children, employers and employees, old folks, young folks, and everybody else. Listen in.

Episode 45: Table of Duties (Part 2)

admin — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:54:54 +0000

More on the Table of Christian Responsibilities, Duties, Etc. from the back of Small Catechism. The order of civil society is on the table here: what the governors owe the governed and vice versa. Get out Romans 13 and follow along.

Episode 44: Table of Duties (Part 1)

admin — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 01:14:05 +0000

“Table of Duties”??? That doesn’t sound like much fun now, does it? Well, who said life is supposed to be fun? This is about Christian vocation in church, society, and home, and we’re talking about it. Have a listen.

Episode 43: Michael Spencer

admin — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:53:05 +0000

This week’s God Whisperers is a 3rd microphone edition with Michael “Internet Monk” Spencer. Michael has written a provocative opinion piece published in the Christian Science Monitor (the long version is on the web at internetmonk.com here, here, and here), in which he predicts the collapse of Evangelicalism within 10 years. Listen in on this fascinating conversation.

Episode 42: The Lord’s Supper (Part 5)

admin — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:41:36 +0000

Closed, close(d), close, open communion and more on this extra edition on the Lord’s Supper.

Episode 41: The Lord’s Supper (Part 4)

admin — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 23:53:16 +0000

We can’t get enough of the Lord’s Supper, nor can we stop whispering about it. Today we’re talking a little liturgical nostalgia along with the blessings and benefits and the great material question: How does eating and drinking do such great things, namely, impart forgiveness, life, and salvation? It’s a great question and we take it on here on The God Whisperers.

Episode 40: The Lord’s Supper (Part 3)

admin — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 18:36:53 +0000

What are the blessings, benefits, and nutritional value of the Lord’s Supper? We’re glad you asked, and we’re talking about it. Listen in.

Episode 39: The Lord’s Supper (Part 2)

admin — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:38:16 +0000

More on the Lord’s Supper along with a few observations from the weird, wild, and wacky world of religion.

Episode 38: The Lord’s Supper (Part 1)

admin — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:02:28 +0000

“Do this in remembrance of me,” Jesus says. We’re going to be unpacking this mandate of our Lord over the next four episodes as we do some whisperings on the Lord’s Supper. In part 1 we take on the big question “What is it?” and get to hear Luther’s comprehensive, all-encompassing, best ever written 5-point answer. Have a listen!

Episode 37: Confession (Part 3)

admin — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:41:11 +0000

Back from a two-week hiatus that included travel to the frozen tundra of the Midwest along with illness, we’re offering our special Laryngitis Edition of The God Whisperers. Who says we don’t play injured? In this episode we wrap up our discussion of the sacrament of Confession & Absolution with a segment on how to use the Ten Commandments as a mirror (warning: you won’t like what you see), and a Top Ten (eleven actually) list of reasons not to go to confession.

Episode 36: Confession (Part 2)

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 06:12:03 +0000

More Confession & Absolution talks on The God Whisperers as Craig continues to revel in our “Manly Drs” phone number. There’s some solid catechism talk here on why we shouldn’t neglect confession & absolution. Tune up your ears and listen.

Episode 35: Confession (Part 1)

admin — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:46:19 +0000

We’re cracking open the dark door of the confessional on The God Whisperers and talking about the neglected “3rd Sacrament” of the Lutheran churches: Confession and Absolution. What? you say. You always heard there were two sacraments. Time to listen up. Confession is, after all, good for the soul.

Episode 34: Baptism (Part 4)

admin — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:24:58 +0000

We have one more Baptism episode to pull from the water on the God Whisperers. We’re talking about the Word and the water along with faith which trusts the Word in the water plus what Baptism means for daily living. We’ve tying our loose baptismal ends together in this episode. Enjoy.

Episode 33: Special Christmas Edition

admin — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 17:33:19 +0000

Join us in our first annual Christmas special of The God Whisperers. We’re talking Christmas hymns, congregational customs, and the Christmas narrative from the Gospel according to St. Luke. A blessed Nativity of Our Lord to all from The God Whisperers. Christ is born! Alleluia!

Episode 32: Baptism (Part 3)

admin — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 13:49:24 +0000

Oh, we just can’t get enough of Holy Baptism around here at the God Whisperers. We’ve got a flurry of Scriptures coming your way on this “blessings and benefits” episode. Check it out.

Episode 31: Baptism (Part 2)

admin — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 05:37:00 +0000

More of our total immersion into Holy Baptism. Baptists beware! We’re on a roll here. Check it out.

Episode 30: Baptism (Part 1)

admin — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 23:32:47 +0000

We’re talking about the water, Word, and Spirit in this first of several episodes on the gift of Holy Baptism.

Episode 29: The Our Father (Part 7)

admin — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:21:49 +0000

“Deliver us from evil (or the evil one)” and “Amen” are on the table in this week’s episode of The God Whisperers. What is this evil we are supposed to be delivered from? And what does that word “Amen” mean anyway? We’re wrapping up the Prayer of Jesus, and you’ll want to be listening in on The God Whisperers.

Episode 28: The Our Father (Part 6)

admin — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:42:17 +0000

“Lead us not into temptation” is the petition du jour, though we get sidetracked in the first half by World Toilet Day and an insightful listener letter taking issue with David Murrow’s program for marketing church to guys. We finally get back to the business of temptation in the second half, and how God tempts no one but the devil, the world, and our own adamic flesh do. All in all, another day of God Whisperings.

Episode 27: Dr. Rod Rosenbladt

admin — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:17:39 +0000

We’re hanging out with Dr. Rod Rosenbladt of Concordia University-Irvine and co-host of The White Horse Inn. When you have Rod at the 3rd microphone, all you have to do is wind him up and let him go, which is more or less what we did. No one talks about the Gospel for the “outsider” better than our good friend Rod.

You can find Rod’s lecture “The Gospel For Those Broken by the Church” over at New Reformation Press.

Episode 26: David Murrow

admin — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:16:13 +0000

We have David Murrow at the 3rd microphone in this testosterone-driven edition of The God Whisperers. David is the author of “Why Men Hate Going to Church” and “How Women Help Men Find God.” He also has a couple of guy-oriented web sites: Church for Men and Speaking of Men. Listen to David give Donofrio more ideas for his “Guy Church.”

Episode 25: The Our Father (Part 5)

admin — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:56:07 +0000

“Forgive us in the same way as we forgive.” Petition 5 is on the table, though it does take us a while to get there. Lot’s of stuff packed into this episode including why guys are quitting church, Donofrio’s spelling, and Greek food.

Episode 24: The Our Father (Part 4)

admin — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 17:07:26 +0000

“Give us this day our daily bread.” We’re talking about angry atheistis, high school dropouts, autumn in New England, bread, wine, pizza, government, weather, and a whole bunch of other stuff under the 4th petition of the Lord’s Prayer.

Episode 23: The Our Father (Part 3)

admin — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 16:45:12 +0000

We’re talking about the 2nd and 3rd petitions of the Prayer of Jesus (aka The Lord’s Prayer) on this episode of The God Whisperers. For what exactly are we praying when we say “Thy kingdom come” and “Thy will be done”? You better know what you are praying for; you just might get it!

Episode 22: The Our Father (Part 2)

admin — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:14:20 +0000

“Hallowed be Thy Name.” We don’t use the word “hallowed” much any more. Halloween, hallowed halls, maybe hallowed ground. What does it mean to ask God that His Name be holy? And why is this the first item on our prayer list, anyway? We’re whispering on the 1st petition of the Lord’s Prayer, so pull up a chair and have a listen.

Episode 21: The Our Father (Part 1)

admin — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:28:48 +0000

It’s back to the Catechism on The God Whisperers as we begin a series on the Our Father (aka The Lord’s Prayer). Forget the Prayer of Jabaz, this is the prayer of Jesus, the one He taught His disciples to pray. And seeing as how He is the Son of God in the flesh, you have to figure that Jesus knows a thing or two about prayer. Listen in as we discuss what it means to say “Our Father in heaven.”

Episode 20: Synod Confidential

admin — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:47:36 +0000

Pastor Robert Sundquist takes the “3rd Microphone” in the third of our interviews recorded at the PSW District Pastors Conference in sweltering Palm Desert, CA. In this episode we call “Synod Confidential,” Bob takes us on an insider’s tour of the dark and dusty Concordia Historical Institute and let’s us in on the mysterious “C-Files” along with a scintillating discussion on the “Doctrinal Resolutions Project” which catalogs everything the Missouri Synod ever decided about anything. For synodical wonks, this one’s for you, baby! For the rest of you, listen in anyway. You just might find these confidential whisperings to be … enlightening.

Episode 19: Dr. R. Reed Lessing

admin — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:32:04 +0000

Professor R. Reed Lessing of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis takes the “3rd Microphone” in this special edition recorded at the PSW District Pastors Conference. Dr. Lessing is the author of a recently published commentary on the book of Jonah in the Concordia Commentary Series. In this session with The God Whisperers, Reed plumbs the depths of this rich biblical narrative of death and resurrection and introduces us to some very colorful Hebrew expressions, prompting our first ever “Home Schooler Alert.” We’re really excited about this Jonah-in-an-hour episode.

Episode 18: Pr. Wade E. Butler

admin — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 23:44:00 +0000

This is the first of three “3rd Microphone Specials” of The God Whisperers recorded at the PSW District Pastors Conference in Palm Desert, CA on September 10. Pastor Wade Butler, author of “Bible in an Hour,” sits with The God Whisperers at their infamous “3rd Mic” to talk about the Bible (in an hour), fathers and sons, and some wild ideas about evangelism in an age that doesn’t give a rip about sin. Wade is known for thinking “outside the box,” and he doesn’t fail to deliver.

Episode 17: Sermon Confidential

admin — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 06:02:09 +0000

We’re giving a tour of the pulpit prep kitchen as we engage in a little shop talk about preaching. How do we go from text to sermon? What about the seasons and the lectionary? The Law and the Gospel? What makes a sermon “Christian”? Not for preachers only, this is for anyone who listens to a sermon. Check out this behind the scenes view of preaching on The God Whisperers.

Episode 16: The Creed (3rd Article)

admin — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 06:02:54 +0000

Donofrio’s rolling on the floor and Cwirla’s barking like a dog on this installment of the God Whisperers. No, check that. Donofrio’s dog Rufus is rolling and on the floor and barking. Sorry about that. We’re talking the person and work of the Holy Spirit, the bashful member of the undivided holy Trinity. Not every spirit is holy, and not everything “spiritual” is of the Holy Spirit. Have a listen to our whisperings on the 3rd article of the Creed.

Art credit: Whitehead Carvings

Episode 15: The Creed (2nd Article – Part 2)

admin — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:49:23 +0000

Have you made Jesus your Lord and Savior? Or is that even the right question to ask? Try it this way: Jesus is your Lord and Savior by virtue of His dying, rising, and reigning. Do you believe it? Who do you say that Jesus Christ is and what do you say that He did? We’re whispering about the work of Christ for the salvation of the world from the 2nd article of the Apostles’ Creed here on The God Whisperers.

Art Credit: @ Luc Ferymanc 2008 www.freymanc.com

Episode 14: Special BBQ Edition

admin — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:36:23 +0000

We’re whispering live from Craig’s backyard in a special “3rd microphone” edition of the God Whisperers. While the steaks and brats are browning on the BBQ, we’re talking with anyone who can take the heat in front of the 3rd mic, including Chris Rosebrough, the founder of Pirate Christian Radio, apologist and campus pastor Mark Jasa, marriage and family therapist Steve Lownes (whose 55th birthday was the occasion of the BBQ), and more. It’s Lutherans gone wild in Craig’s backyard here on The God Whisperers.

Episode 13: The Creed (2nd Article)

wcwirla — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:32:31 +0000

Who is Jesus? That’s the most important question of your life. He’s the utterly unique, one-of-a-kind, divine-human who said he would die on a cross and rise from the dead and actually managed to pull it off. Dizzy Dean once said, “It ain’t braggin’ if you can do it.” Jesus did it, and we’re whispering about it, Have a listen.

Episode 12: The Creed (1st Article)

wcwirla — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:33:14 +0000

“I believe that God has made me and all creatures.” That’s right, you didn’t just slither out of some puddle of primordial slime; you’re God’s piece of work. It’s time to meet your Maker! We’re talking creeds, creation, and God’s fatherhood on The God Whisperers.

Episode 11: Summary of the Commandments

wcwirla — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 04:33:54 +0000

What does God have to say about all His commandments? You need to know; we’re here to tell you. We’re whispering divine wrath and mercy here on the God Whisperers

Episode 10: The 9th and 10th Commandments

wcwirla — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 04:34:30 +0000

Newer, brighter, better, faster. I want it, I want it, I want it. But you can’t have it, and that’s the problem. We’re looking at coveting, greed, the lack of contentment, and your idol-factory heart unbuckled from God that grabs onto anything. We’re whispering about commandments 9 and 10. You won’t like it, but you need to hear it.

Episode 9: The 8th Commandment

wcwirla — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 04:35:07 +0000

That tongue in your head is one lethal weapon, and the 8th commandment is coming after it. We’re talking about perjury, gossip, slander, and all the other ways we kill with the tongue. Your neighbor’s name and reputation is on the line in this edition of The God Whisperers.

Episode 8: The 7th Commandment

wcwirla — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 04:36:14 +0000

God and stuff. And your neighbor’s stuff. The material world is on the table here, as the 7th commandment cuffs and stuffs the inner thief in all of us.

Episode 7: The 6th Commandment

wcwirla — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 04:37:05 +0000

Marriage, sex, and family in that order, kiddies. We’re talking about the 6th commandment in this brown paper bag edition of the God Whisperers. God’s gift of sex and how sin screws it all up. Get the little ones out of the room; we’re talking sex.

Episode 6: Live from Amen-Irvine (Higher Things)

wcwirla — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:38:02 +0000

Sandra Ostapowich and George Borghardt of HIGHER THINGS are the guests of the God Whisperers in a special live broadcast from Higher Things’ “Amen” youth conference on the campus of Concordia University in Irvine, CA, recorded July 16, 2008.

Episode 5: The 5th Commandment

wcwirla — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:38:32 +0000

What’s the difference between murder and killing? What about capital punishment? Euthanasia? Suicide? Abortion? Straight talk about the sanctity of human life and the 5th commandment.

Episode 4: The 4th Commandment

wcwirla — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 04:39:12 +0000

Parents and other authorities? Yup, that’s right. God’s gift of order. Drop that inner brat of yours down the well of the 4th commandment.

Episode 3: The 3rd Commandment

wcwirla — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 04:39:46 +0000

Do you have to go the church? No, you get to, you slacker. Discover the difference between a holiday and a holy day, and why the Word of God makes all the difference. Come, let us worship the Lord.

Episode 2: The 2nd Commandment

wcwirla — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:40:28 +0000

What’s in a name? A lot, when it comes to God. Find out why God’s Name is such a big deal in your mouth.

Episode 1: The 1st Commandment

wcwirla — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 04:41:19 +0000

You shall have no other gods! “Get those idols out of my face.” God is talking to you.