The Word Without Walls Podcast

Dr. Eschelbach engages life's fundamental questions and concepts with analysis and reference to the witness found in nature, common human experience, and biblical texts. Forty years of caring for the lives of people as pastor and professor provides recognition of questions and challenges that matter, as well as answers and solutions that are real and effective.

Student Questions: Means of Grace, part 3 06/30/2025

Student Questions: Means of Grace, part 3 As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue with chapter 12, which discusses the means of grace. Some thought prompts for discussion: Neither closed nor open communion are consistent with the will of God or His good message. Is there an alternative? No human being has the authority to forgive sins Leavened vs. unleavened bread Fire vs. water--how do we think about Christianity? Giver vs. gifts /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/37217110

Student Questions: Means of Grace, part 2 06/27/2025

Student Questions: Means of Grace, part 2 As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue with chapter 12, which discusses the means of grace. Some thought prompts for discussion: I've heard it said, "We baptize babies because they can't believe." What would be a helpful response to this? The phrase "born again" does not occur in the Bible. Is this a surprise? The Bible teaches "believer baptism". What does that mean? "You can't be saved unless you are baptized." What are we to do with this? What about the argument that it's not possible for Jesus to give us His body and blood to eat and drink? /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/37175760

Student Questions: Means of Grace, part 1 06/24/2025

Student Questions: Means of Grace, part 1 As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we turn to chapter 12, which discusses the means of grace. What are the means of grace? And how do we respond to the claim that the sacraments are only symbolic? /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/37111625

Student Questions: Sanctification, part 3 06/18/2025

Student Questions: Sanctification, part 3 As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue looking at chapter 11, which discusses sanctification. Some thought prompts based on this chapter: In God's creation, the way is the destination. What does that have to do with sanctification? True or False: The need for affirmation exists in direct proportion to contradicting God's design. How do we think about wealth differently through sanctification? /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/37054555

Student Questions: Sanctification, part 2 06/14/2025

Student Questions: Sanctification, part 2 As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue looking at chapter 11, which discusses sanctification. Some questions to get people talking: Contentment versus insatiability--where do we see this in the world around us? How can we find contentment? Consequence versus cause--how does sanctification work? Does being a Christian mean that we do different things than others, or that we do the same things differently? /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/37011060

Student Questions: Sanctification, part 1 06/11/2025

Student Questions: Sanctification, part 1 As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we turn to chapter 11, which discusses sanctification. Some questions to get people talking: What is the distinction between justification and sanctification? What is holy? What is the reference point for holy and good? How can you be holy? Which is harder: to become content, or to stay content? /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/36957630

Student Questions: Conversion, part 2 06/07/2025

Student Questions: Conversion, part 2 As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue looking at chapter 10, which discusses conversion. Some questions to get people talking: What does the redeeming work of God look like in the life of an individual? What about doctrinal precision? Think about children. Think about foreigners (e.g., the thief on the cross). If doctrinal precision is required to be saved, whose doctrine will be precise enough? /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/36901425

Student Questions: Conversion, part 1 06/02/2025

Student Questions: Conversion, part 1 As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we begin chapter 10, which discusses conversion. Some ideas to get people talking: What does it take to convert someone? Is conversion ethical? What does anthropology have to do with it? Can human nature be converted? What about the soul? Is salvation dispositional or computational? How does salvation work? How do you know? /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/36823265

Student Questions: Justification, part 4 05/28/2025

Student Questions: Justification, part 4 As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue to look at chapter 9 of the book, which deals with justification. Some ideas to get people talking: Justice demands equity. What if equity can't be provided? What about countless injustices? What if we prosecute every injustice or inequity? When will all thse injustices be remedied? Consider the life of Jesus. Is justice inescapable? How can that change our attitudes? Respond to this statement: The short duration of human life justifies whatever it takes for happiness in this life. /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/36754385

Student Questions: Justification, part 3 05/24/2025

Student Questions: Justification, part 3 As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue to look at chapter 9 of the book, which deals with justification. Some ideas to get people talking: Why doesn’t God destroy the wicked? How can God demand us to be just if He Himself isn’t just? What if justice is inescapable? Which is worse: unrighteousness or self-righteousness? /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/36697605

Student Questions: Justification, part 2 05/21/2025

Student Questions: Justification, part 2 As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue to look at chapter 9 of the book, which deals with justification. Some ideas to get people talking: What is necessary to restore creation to the image of God? Can you save yourself? Is justification based on some just reality? What does a person cry out when he needs others to do what he cannot do for himself? In this episode, I mention the iceberg model. You can find a document and podcast episode to explain that model /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/36660775

Student Questions: Justification, part 1 05/17/2025

Student Questions: Justification, part 1 As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we begin a look at chapter 9 of the book, on justification. Some ideas to get people talking: Our view of the universe needs to change from geocentric to heliocentric. What would this shift in thinking mean for our perspective and lives? Are we out of God's saving work until we are in, or are we in until we get ourselves out? Which is biblical? How does the Bible speak about salvation? How does nature bear witness? What happens when we assert ourselves in God's place? /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/36601580

Student Questions: The Person of Jesus Christ, part 3 05/13/2025

Student Questions: The Person of Jesus Christ, part 3 As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue looking at chapter 8 of the book, which discusses the person of Jesus Christ. This episode asks: Does Jesus really have no mind, words, will of his own, but only the Father's? If so, what are we to think about free will? Did Jesus ever claim to be interested in equality? What two crimes was Barabbas charged with? What does that illustrate? What does the Matthew 11 passage about Jesus' yoke being easy and light for us? /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/36555365

Student Questions: The Person of Jesus Christ, part 2 05/07/2025

Student Questions: The Person of Jesus Christ, part 2 As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue looking at chapter 8 of the book, which discusses the person of Jesus Christ. What if we started a discussion by making the following statement, "Jesus Christ is no different than any other religious leader." How could this be a productive way to get people talking? What would be revealed if we compared Jesus to other religious leaders? What is something about Jesus we don't talk about enough? /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/36478455

Student Questions: The Person of Jesus Christ 04/30/2025

Student Questions: The Person of Jesus Christ As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we begin looking at chapter 8 of the book, which discusses the person of Jesus Christ. Every bit of this topic has to do with our life, hope, and future. The big question for discussion in this episode is: What does it mean to be a Christian, and who decides that? /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/36378820

Student Questions: Sin, part 5 04/23/2025

Student Questions: Sin, part 5 As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue working through chapter 7 of the book, which discusses sin. Some discussion prompts related to this passage can include: The human ego since Adam is determined to claim autonomy and control, and attempt to control other things inorganically. Consider that corruption of Adam that corrupts us, and how we see it in the world around us. Contrast that with how God works, and the SELF-control that Jesus showed. From images of God, to images of man’s invention: consider God’s versus the world of human invention. Specifically, think about God’s wealth, as opposed to human wealth. Give thought to the prevalence and nature of sexual activity today. Why is the divorce rate so high? Are you a better God than God? What was the nature of the first sin? /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/36276160

Student Questions: Sin, part 4 04/17/2025

Student Questions: Sin, part 4 As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue working through chapter 7 of the book, which discusses sin. Some discussion prompts related to this passage can include: Consider the Bible passages in Matthew 7; Luke 6; and Romans 2 and 3. The corruption of Adam inverts and reverses the image of God. What is the image of God, especially in terms of relationship? How does Adam's fall invert God's image? How do we see Jesus, especially in the Gospel of John, setting things right? Consider wealth and riches in life that have to do with God's creation (nature, family, physiology). Compare that with human "riches". What is the consequence for abandoning essence in favor of extension? /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/36210990

Student Questions: Sin, part 3 04/10/2025

Student Questions: Sin, part 3 As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue working through chapter 7 of the book, which discusses sin. Some discussion prompts related to this passage can include: Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do bad things happen at all? How can you argue something is bad in an atheistic world? Why do good things happen to bad people? Adam's failure is ... ? What is the difference between people who advocate things versus those who report the consequences of those actions? Why aren't the consequences of contradicting human design enough? /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/36077475

Student Questions: Sin, part 2 04/03/2025

Student Questions: Sin, part 2 As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue working through chapter 7 of the book, which discusses sin. Some discussion prompts related to this passage can include: Why not live according to design? Try an exercise: Create a list of things we'd like God not to forbid, and talk about reasons why What happens when a trailing effect takes over as a purpose and primary cause? /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/35984430

Student Questions: Sin 03/28/2025

Student Questions: Sin As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we begin working through chapter 7 of the book, which discusses sin. Some discussion prompts related to this passage can include: Consider this thought: It was wreckless and unforgiveable of God to create humanity that could sin. What do we think about that? How do we respond as Christians? Is God failing, with the decline of Christianity? We work through how we can have a helpful discussion about this "problem of evil" question that many people raise. /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/35896325

Student Questions: On Humanity, part 6 03/20/2025

Student Questions: On Humanity, part 6 As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue to consider how to have a conversation based on the sixth chapter–Humanity. Some discussion prompts related to this passage can include: How could Jesus be born and not have a fallen human nature? What inequalities has feminism created, and for whom? What became of women who wanted to stay home when others left? What became of men leaving home to play the industrialist game? Why should there be equality in the world? As members of God's kingdom, how do we think about equality differently? Are we masters or stewards? /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/35788095

Student Questions: On Humanity, part 5 03/15/2025

Student Questions: On Humanity, part 5 As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue to consider how to have a conversation based on the sixth chapter–Humanity. Some discussion prompts related to this passage can include: What does it mean to be male? What if being male means to be twice as effected by injustices as anyone else? What else is intregal to being male? What if God knew and makes good of evil, always in equal proportions? What should we think of men who disadvantage themselves in the extreme for the sake of women? What is the male counterpart to the imcomparability of child-bearing? Note, my podcasts on Genesis 1--3 also tie in with this subject matter. You can listen to the following episodes: ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; and . /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/35707855

Student Questions: On Humanity, part 4 03/04/2025

Student Questions: On Humanity, part 4 As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue to consider how to have a conversation based on the sixth chapter–Humanity. Specifically, we are still asking questions and thinking about discussion around the Genesis 2 passage when God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” Some discussion prompts related to this passage can include: • Where was Eve when God told Adam how creation works? • Why didn’t God make Eve at the same time He made Adam? • What are the responsibilities of the male? • What are the responsibilities of the female? • How does this compare with people’s typical thinking about equality? • What is the essence of the person and the essence of the content of life? /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/35526310

Student Questions: On Humanity, part 3 02/25/2025

Student Questions: On Humanity, part 3 As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue to consider how to have a conversation based on the sixth chapter–Humanity. Specifically, we consider the idea of woman being made for man. How is the woman a helper, and why does she remain before man? What does that mean? What has it been turned into, and what is the proper understanding? /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/35420525

Student Questions: On Humanity, part 2 02/18/2025

Student Questions: On Humanity, part 2 As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue to consider how to have a conversation based on the sixth chapter–Humanity. Here are some questions for discussion: What is the image of God? What does "dominion" mean, properly speaking? What did Adam get wrong? How should we think about power? Why was it not good for man to be alone? I mention the Green Arc model. You can find a visual of this model /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/35342520

Student Questions: On Humanity 02/12/2025

Student Questions: On Humanity As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue to consider how to have a conversation based on the sixth chapter--Humanity. Here are some questions for discussion: How to be made in the image of God, but not be God, and not fail? What does it take for eternal contentment? /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/35253890

Student Questions: On Creation 02/04/2025

Student Questions: On Creation As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue to consider how to have a conversation based on the fifth chapter--Creation. Here are some questions for discussion: Why creation and not evolution? Can we settle the question of origins? Where do we start the conversation to set a tone of collaboration, rather than combativeness? Is evolution the only, or even the best, explanation? Can we survive a world that assumes evolution? /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/35153030

Student Questions: On God, part 3 01/29/2025

Student Questions: On God, part 3 As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue to consider how to have a conversation based on the fourth chapter–God. Here are some questions for discussion: Does God have control, or is He being controlled? Can a god be the workmanship of a person? Can you kill God? What about the problem of evil--if there is a god, why is there suffering? How do we handle objections to God in our culture? /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/35060020

Student Questions: On God, part 2 01/23/2025

Student Questions: On God, part 2 As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue to consider how to have a conversation based on the fourth chapter–God. Here are some questions for discussion: Why is the way to be saved narrow? What is problematic about the above question? What else in life is narrow? What about injustices? /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/34969645

Student Questions: On God, part 1 01/15/2025

Student Questions: On God, part 1 As the student questions series continues, I’m talking through ideas inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine– by Steven Mueller. In this episode we consider how to have a conversation based on the fourth chapter--God. Here are some questions for discussion: If there is no god, what is god? If there is a living, sigular god, then how shall we proceed? What is the relationship of God to us and everyday life? What is God's will and design for relationship with us? In this episode, I mention another talk about atheism. If you'd like to listen to that, find the link . /episode/index/show/wordwithoutwalls/id/34861385

The Word Without Walls Podcast

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