What happens when guilt goes unnamed—and when theology becomes a parlor trick? In this episode, Pastors David Buchs and Joshua Reber reflect on Genesis 42, where Joseph tests his brothers and forces a reckoning they’ve avoided for decades. Along the way, the conversation ranges from Barthianism and gospel reductionism to church authority, repentance, forgiveness, and why clarity—biblical and institutional—actually matters for real life.

Genesis 42 becomes a mirror: exposing paralysis born of guilt, the danger of abstract theology detached from Scripture, and the mercy that only comes when sin is finally brought into the light.

Key Discussion Points / Timestamps

(Approximate – adjust if you refine later)

• 00:00–12:30 – Barthianism, neo-orthodoxy, and why redefining “the Word of God” undermines Scripture

• 12:30–22:00 – Gospel reductionism, justification as a “parlor trick,” and ethical paralysis

• 22:00–35:30 – Church governance, authority of the keys, pastors, congregations, and clarity in church polity

• 35:30–41:30 – Genesis 42 begins: guilt, paralysis, and “why do you look at one another?”

• 41:30–49:30 – Joseph’s test: repentance, recognition, and the reckoning for blood

• 49:30–56:30 – Forgiveness, trust, and why forgiving doesn’t mean pretending nothing happened

• 56:30–1:02:30 – Seeing clearly at last: mercy, love, and why God does not forget—but does forgive

About the Show

Hosted by Pastor David Buchs and Pastor Joshua Reber, this podcast walks chapter-by-chapter through the book of Genesis, connecting Scripture to theology, culture, and everyday Christian life through candid, pastoral conversation.

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#LutheranTheology #PastorPodcast #LawAndGospel

#KarlBarth #NeoOrthodoxy #ChurchAuthority #RepentanceAndForgiveness

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#LCMS #ChristianTeaching #ScriptureAndLife