Reflection

What were the Great Awakenings? Were they genuine movements of the Holy Spirit, emotional excesses, or something in between?

In this episode of The Reflection Podcast, Pastor Ed Blonski explores the major revival movements that shaped American Christianity, from the First Great Awakening of the 1730s and 1740s through the revival campaigns of Dwight L. Moody and the rise of Pentecostalism. Along the way, we examine the lives and ministries of key figures such as Gilbert Tennent, Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, Charles Finney, and Dwight L. Moody, and consider how their influence continues to be felt today.

This episode explores:

• The religious landscape of Colonial America before the First Great Awakening

• The ministries of Tennent, Edwards, and Whitefield

• The rise of revivalism and the debate between "Old Lights" and "New Lights"

• The Cane Ridge Revival and the frontier camp meeting movement

• Charles Finney's "new measures" and their impact on American evangelicalism

• The Third Great Awakening and its connection to missions, social reform, abolition, and temperance

• Dwight L. Moody's transformation of mass evangelism

• The Azusa Street Revival and the growth of Pentecostalism

• Whether America may be experiencing another spiritual awakening today

• A Confessional Lutheran assessment of revival movements, conversion, and the Means of Grace

Throughout the episode, we ask an important question: How should Christians evaluate revival movements? From a Confessional Lutheran perspective, we rejoice whenever Christ is proclaimed and sinners come to faith, while also examining revival theology through the lens of Scripture, the Lutheran Confessions, and God's promised means of grace.

Featured Figures

• Gilbert Tennent

• Jonathan Edwards

• George Whitefield

• Charles Finney

• Dwight L. Moody

• Ira D. Sankey

• Walter A. Maier

Resources Mentioned

• Gilbert Tennent: Son of Thunder by Milton J. Coalter Jr.

• Jonathan Edwards: A Life by George M. Marsden

• Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography by Iain H. Murray

• The Divine Dramatist by Harry S. Stout

• George Whitefield by Arnold Dallimore

• Charles G. Finney and the Spirit of American Evangelicalism by Charles E. Hambrick-Stowe

• A Passion for Souls: The Life of D. L. Moody by Lyle W. Dorsett

📖 Learn more about St. Matthew Lutheran Church

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How did the Bible come from God’s Word spoken to God’s Word in your hands?

In this episode of The Reflection Podcast, a ministry of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hawthorn Woods, Illinois, we begin Season 7 with a new format and a deep dive into one of the most important questions of the Christian faith: How We Got the Bible.

We’ll trace the story of Scripture from oral tradition to written text, from Moses and the prophets to the Septuagint, from the eyewitness testimony of the apostles to the formation of the New Testament, and from ancient manuscripts to the Bible translations we read today.

Along the way, we’ll consider how God preserved His Word through centuries of copying, translating, preaching, teaching, and confessing.

This episode also explores why Christians can trust the Bible as the inspired, inerrant, living Word of God—historically reliable, textually preserved, theologically unified, and centered in Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh.

Whether you are new to the Bible, returning to Scripture, or looking to better understand how God’s Word has been handed down through the centuries, this episode will help you see the Bible as a miracle of history, a gift of grace, and the living Word that brings you Christ.

Learn more about St. Matthew Lutheran Church here.

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Gospel of Jesus Bible Study

Conversation with former curator of the Museum of the Bible

On this episode climber, mentor, and storyteller Craig DeMartino joins me for a powerful conversation about faith, perseverance, and discovering purpose in every season of life.

Craig shares how the outdoors shaped him, how community forms us, and how God meets us in moments of challenge, growth, and calling.

Whether you’re a climber, an adventurer, or someone navigating a season of change, Craig’s insights will encourage you to live with intention and hope.

Join us as we explore courage, resilience, spiritual growth, and the surprising ways God leads us forward.

Listen, be encouraged, and share this episode with someone who needs a word of hope today.

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#ReflectionPodcast #CraigDeMartino #ChristianPodcast #FaithJourney #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianLiving #HopeInChrist #Resilience #Perseverance #OutdoorCommunity #ClimbingLife #PurposeAndCalling #GospelCentered #EncouragementForToday #StMatthewLutheran

On this episode, I talk with Joel Biermann of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis about Christian leadership, the challenges facing the Church today, and the hope that continues to anchor God’s people. Dr. Biermann—longtime professor, pastor, and current candidate for president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod—reflects on the experiences that shaped his calling, the role of theological formation in a changing world, and what it means for Christians to stay centered on Jesus amid cultural uncertainty.

Whether you’re Lutheran, from another Christian tradition, or simply curious about faith, this conversation offers clarity without insider language (or at least we explain that language!), depth without jargon, and a thoughtful look at how the Church can engage the world with both conviction and compassion. Dr. Biermann brings a steady, pastoral voice to questions of identity, mission, and the future—and invites listeners to consider where God may be calling them to lead, serve, and hope.

Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play by Joel Biermann

The Quest for Holiness by Adolf Koberle

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They met as kids, grew up together, then started a life together!

Meet Jonathan and Christa Petzold.

He's an author and pastor of church in Northeast Illinois.

She's an author and doctoral student and pastor's wife.

And they are living in Christ!

You can find out more about the Petzolds and get their books here.

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Imagine what your life would be like if you were to do the things that Jesus says - which is in red letters in many Bibles?

That's the premise of the Red Letter Challenge by Zach Zehnder and that is what we talk about on this episode!

Check out the Red Letter Challenge website here.

Purchase your copy of Red Letter Challenge here.

You can find out more about Zach and his ministry here.

Please take a quick second to rate this podcast on your favorite platform—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening. Those stars really help others discover us.

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Dr. Jeff Kloha, dean of the Center for Missional and Pastoral Leadershi, has spent his career helping the Church think deeply about Scripture, formation, and the mission of God in a changing world. In his work with pastors and leaders, he brings a rare blend of theological depth, practical wisdom, and a heart for equipping God’s people for faithful ministry.

For more information about The Center for Missional and Pastoral Leadership, click here.

Please take a quick second to rate this podcast on your favorite platform—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening. Those stars really help others discover us.

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He comes from New York, grew up in Iowa and now lives in Wisconsin.

A life-long - and long-suffering - Buffalo Bills fan, as well as being the youngest of seven children, Steve Kline has a rather unique insight on who God is and what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

To find out more about Steve:

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church

Books recommended by Steve:

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Joseph Gretty, Kerry Patterson, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler, and Emily Gregory

The Best Is Yet to Come: 7 Doors of Spiritual Growth by John Kieschnick

If You Want to Walk on Water by John Ortberg

Heaven by Randy Alcorn

Red Letter Challenge by Zach Zehnder

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He is a husband, father, pastor, public speaker, and author. And he’s got something to say to today’s generation!

The Christian Faith is not an obligation.

The Christian Church is not a place where you “check the boxes.”

Meet Zach Zehnder, who tells us that following Jesus is an opportunity!

For more about Zach, head over to his website, Red Letter Challenge.

Red Letter Challenge

Books recommended by Zach:

Confessing Jesus’ Mission by Tim Ahlman 

The Prodigal God by Tim Keller

Steps by Jon Ortberg 

Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard

Good to Great by Jim Collins

Please take a quick second to rate this podcast on your favorite platform—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening. Those stars really help others discover us.

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From humble beginnings growing up in Texas to being the leader of several churches, a District President and the the President of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod - a church body of nearly 2 million people - the Rev. Dr. Jerry Kieschnick inspires us to answer God's call to serve others!

Books recommended by Jerry:

The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Please take a quick second to rate this podcast on your favorite platform—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening. Those stars really help others discover us.

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Click here for more information about St. Matthe⁠w⁠