Have you made your New Year's resolutions yet? What is a proper perspective to have during this time of year as we look forward? We have an opportunity to look at what we have done in the past, and to plan for the future in the light of Christ's faithfulness to us. Participants: Dr. John Vance, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

Scripture readings and readings from older fathers in the faith. We intersperse these with carols. We hope you enjoy it! Participants: Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

The Incarnation means that the eternal God sent His son into the world to seek and to save the lost. He did this through human flesh, born of a woman, born under the law. His name would be called Immanuel, meaning: God with us. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Our first parents turned their backs on God. Jesus humbled Himself and came to us, seeking us, even though we sinned against Him and have offended Him. Jesus became a Servant. We also talk about Mary the mother of Jesus. Participants: Dr. John Vance, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

Advent - from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming." We discuss this whole season of Advent and especially focus on the 2nd coming of Christ. This is the Christian's blessed hope. Churches have celebrated this event at this time of year. We briefly review three celebrations by God's people: Pentecost, Passover and Tabernacles. Early churches would take their lead from the idea of celebrations. The Old Testament prophets often wrote about both comings - the first and the second, and many times made very little distinction between them. This sometimes makes it hard for us to understand them. We also discuss false prophets, who feel obliged to set dates, such as Harold Camping. This practice is old and is heretical. It places a stumbling block before people and also gives reason for the non-Christian to mock the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

There is an effort in our land to eliminate Christianity from public life. Even last week's Presidential speech for Thanksgiving, made no reference to God! A comparison of a newer Charlie Brown cartoon with an older one written by Charles Schulz is also very telling. The contemporary idea of inclusiveness and diversity has been used as leverage to squelch Christianity in the public square. We can still celebrate Christmas in our homes, but are under increasing pressure to not talk about God in the public square, or present Christianity on commercial TV. This is by design and is not an accident. We discuss the use of the phrase "Merry Christmas." We even take a short look at Hanukkah - which celebrates a real event in Jewish history. There are some who think that we should not celebrate Christmas at all. We share information about the Puritans, who were an early group who did not feel they should celebrate Christmas. They were attempting to remove the pagan elements, and didn't celebrate. We love the Puritans, but don't share that perspective. However we acknowledge that there is freedom to not observe. This is an important distinction - that is, freedom of conscience. We also discuss the topic of Christmas music that was written to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Participants: Dr. John Vance, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

We just came through the national observance of Thanksgiving here in America. We review some of the facts surrounding the giving of thanks of the Pilgrims. They had lost 50 percent of the group of people who came over with them - that is, within one year, half had perished. Yet they gave thanks. We review both the Pilgrims and in general, the Puritans. But what of thanksgiving in the midst of loss and sorrow? Some of you have lost loved ones at this very time of year. The men participating in this discussion had just lost a close friend the same week as the broadcast, and we all were grieving. Maybe you have lost a job, or perhaps have gone through the "death of a vision." Some of you have lost relationships. We cover some simple notions to consider as you work through your grief and suffering. We also would invite you to email us with any inquiries. Our pastor friends would be happy and honored to deal with your questions. Participants: Dr. John Vance, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

What is penal substitution in Christian theology? We talk about Jesus' death on the cross, and his death for our sins. Christ bore punishment in our place. We talk about the wrath of God, and tie that to the love of God. Jesus is the atoning sacrifice which placates the wrath of God for our sins. It is the love of God that both results in just wrath in the face of evil and sin and that same love that sets forth the Son as an atoning sacrifice to bear that wrath. There is no pitting of the love of God and the wrath of God against each other. Participants: Rev. Kevin Chiarot, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

Have you ever wondered about Bible translations? This year marks the 400th anniversary of the well known King James Version of the Bible. What other translations were in existence at that time? What did the Pilgrims and Puritans use? What was the Geneva Bible? What is the difference between a literal translation, a dynamic equivalency, and a paraphrase? Participants: Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

In this second installment of our discussion about the Trinity, we take a closer look at this teaching that flows from the Scriptures themselves. We focus particularly on the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. We look at the prologue to John's gospel and contrast that with gnosticism. We also talk about docetism (ie, the belief that Jesus' physical body was an illusion). We spend some time looking at some of the church's creeds and confessions and encourage the listener to investigate them and become familiar with them. Participants: Dr. John Vance, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

We don't like Halloween, but we do like the Reformation. October 31st is significant because of Martin Luther and the his 95 theses in 1517. Reformation Day is a religious holiday celebrated on October 31 in remembrance of the Reformation, particularly by Lutheran and some Reformed church communities. We review the state of the American church and how it has often embraced an anti-intellectual approach. Seminaries are often put down, and there is almost a badge of honor that goes along with being ignorant. We have forgotten our history, and we seem to take pride in it. We review the life of Martin Luther, as well as the conditions on the ground in the church of his day. We explore the follow-on reformers, including John Calvin as well as the various Confessions of Faith. Participants: Rev. Mark Diedrich, Jerry Johnson, Dan Elmendorf