How did our modern culture get here—especially when it comes to sex, marriage, and family life? In this episode, Elizabeth Pittman sits down with Dr. Erkki Koskenniemi, a Finnish Lutheran pastor and scholar, to explore how closely today’s world mirrors the ancient Greco-Roman world. Drawing from history, Scripture, and early Christian teaching, Dr. Koskenniemi explains what made Christians stand out in the Roman Empire—and what the Church can learn today as we increasingly live as a minority culture.

About the Guest

Dr. Erkki Koskenniemi is a Finnish theologian, pastor, and educator with 40 years of teaching experience in classical studies and theology. Author of Love, Marriage and Family: Learning from the Early Christians.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why modern Western culture increasingly resembles ancient Rome and Greece
• What early Christians inherited from Jewish family ethics
• How infanticide and child exposure shaped ancient family life
• What set Christian marriage and sexual ethics apart in the Roman Empire
• Why clear teaching and strong Christian community are essential today
• How Christian parents can help young people navigate secular culture
• What gives Dr. Koskenniemi hope for the Church today

Resources Mentioned

• Love, Marriage and Family: Learning from the Early Christians by Dr. Erkki Koskenniemi

Concordia Publishing House – Bringing you God's enduring Word in a changing world. 👉 cph.org

Follow CPH on social media: @concordiapub

LCMS Foundation – Helping congregations grow long‑term funding to support ministries:
👉 lcmsfoundation.org/podcast

Listen & Subscribe
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Dr. Kevin Golden joins host Elizabeth Pittman to unpack the Old Testament prophet Hosea and his newly released Hosea volume in the Concordia Commentary series. Discover the historical context of eighth-century Israel, the shocking symbolism of Hosea's marriage to Gomer, and the profound meaning behind their children's names. Dr. Golden unpacks how law and gospel intertwine throughout Hosea's prophecy, revealing God's relentless pursuit of His people despite their unfaithfulness. Learn practical applications for marriage, reconciliation, and preaching that resonate today.

In This Episode:

3:17 - Dr. Golden's Background
How Dr. Golden became fascinated with Hosea and the significance of the "Golden Volume"

7:57 - Historical Context
The eighth-century BC setting and Israel's spiritual decline

15:01 - Marriage to Gomer
Understanding Hosea's shocking call to marry an adulterous woman

23:52 - The Children's Names
Jezreel, Lo-Ruhamah, and Lo-Ammi—names that speak judgment and grace

31:18 - Lessons for Marriage
Practical applications for reconciliation in Christian relationships

35:13 - Preaching Like Hosea
How pastors can learn from Hosea's use of law, gospel, and metaphor

37:44 - Using the Commentary
Advice for pastors, students, and laypeople on getting the most from the Hosea commentary

Learn more about Hosea—Concordia Commentary

About the Guest

Rev. Dr. Kevin S. Golden is director of resident field education, associate professor of exegetical theology, and dean of theological research and publication at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO.

Concordia Publishing House – Bringing you God's enduring Word in a changing world. 👉 cph.org

Follow CPH on social: @concordiapub

LCMS Foundation – Helping congregations grow long‑term funding to support ministries:
👉 lcmsfoundation.org/podcast

In this episode, host Elizabeth Pittman sits down with Lois Stewart, a lifelong champion of Lutheran education who has served as a teacher, administrator, and now mission facilitator for schools in the Northern Illinois District of the LCMS.

Together they explore what makes Lutheran schools so special—from their Christ‑centered mission to the deep relationships they build between students, families, congregations, and communities. As National Lutheran Schools Week unfolds, Lois shares stories from the classroom, powerful examples of school–church partnership, creative celebration ideas, and inspiring glimpses into the daily joy found in our Lutheran schools.

Topics Covered

• What Makes Lutheran Schools Unique

• Celebrating Lutheran Schools Week

• Service as Joy

• Lois’s Journey Through Lutheran Education

• Celebrating School & Church Together

• Building Strong School–Family Relationships

• Simple Ways Any School Can Celebrate

• Signs of a Joy‑Filled School

Concordia Publishing House – Bringing you God's enduring Word in a changing world. 👉 cph.org

Follow CPH on social: @concordiapub

LCMS Foundation – Helping congregations grow long‑term funding to support ministries:
👉 lcmsfoundation.org/podcast