What is the season of Epiphany, and why does the church calendar matter in modern life?

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In this episode of Anchored in Christ, Pastor Curt Hoover and Doug Hannah broadcast from the sanctuary of Faith Lutheran Church near Nashville, TN. They dive deep into the "rhythms" of the church year, exploring why these ancient traditions aren't just window dressing—they are tools for comfort, unity, and focus.

We also discuss the "pastor’s uniform" (and why it’s better than expensive sneakers), how to "see" Jesus with your ears, and how the message of Epiphany cures the post-Christmas blues.

If Jesus was perfect and had no sin, why did He need to be baptized?

In this episode of Anchored in Christ, Pastor Curt Hoover and Doug Hannah dive into Matthew 3 to explore the theological concept of "The Great Exchange." Is baptism just an empty symbol ora public display of our own decision? Or is it a sacrament where God actually does the work?

We discuss how Jesus stepped into the Jordan River not to be cleansed, but to take on our filth and leave us His righteousness. We also tackle the common fears and questions surrounding baptism:

Does water baptism actually save you?

Infant baptism vs. "Believer’s Baptism."

The danger of "despising" God’s gift vs. struggling with sin.

Finding objective comfort in God's promises when you don't "feel" saved.

Whether you are new to the faith or have been in church your whole life, this conversation will help you find rest in the finished work of Christ.

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CHAPTERS:

0:00 - We are on video now!

1:35 - What does God expect? (Law vs. Gospel)

2:30 - The Great Exchange: Does baptism actually do anything?

5:10 - Why was a perfect Jesus baptized?

8:35 - Baptism: God's work, not ours

13:15 - The comfort of "The Great Exchange."

15:40 - Does grace give us a license to sin?

20:15 - Finding assurance when you doubt

SUPPORT THE MISSION: If this content has comforted you, please consider supporting the podcast. Every gift helps us keep the lights on and the cameras rolling. 👉 Give here: http://anchoredpod.org

In this episode, Doug Hannah and Pastor Curt Hoover discuss why we feel so exhausted by New Year's resolutions. We look at the "American Gospel" of self-improvement and moralism, and contrast it with the story of the 12-year-old Jesus, who wasn't focused on self-help, but was resolute about his Father's business.

We also discuss the film My Dinner with Andre, the spiritual danger of "sleepwalking" through life, and share a powerful story about a dying man who finally found peace in true forgiveness.

In this episode, we cover:

• Intro: We are finally on video

• Are we "sleepwalking" through life? (My Dinner with Andre)

• The problem with New Year's Resolutions vs. Being "Resolute"

• Jesus at 12 Years Old: Seeking Wisdom vs. Smarts

• Law vs. Gospel: Why the "American Gospel" is exhausting

• Why Baptism and Communion are gifts, not "rituals"

• A Dying Man’s Confession: A story of total forgiveness

• How to rest in Christ this year

About Anchored in Christ: Anchored in Christ is a podcast dedicated to finding rest in the finished work of Jesus. Hosted by Doug Hannah and Pastor Kurt Hoover, we explore theology, culture, and what it means to live as Christians in a world that demands we do everything ourselves.

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If Anchored in Christ has been a blessing to you, would you consider helping us continue into the new year? Your year-end gift, no matter the amount, makes a difference. Visit anchoredpod.org to give.

And for more about our church, visit faithlutheran-tn.org