Anchored In Christ

#29 What is Epiphany? (And Why It Matters)

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.

#28 Why Was Jesus Baptized? (He Didn't Have Sin)

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
 
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Episode 27: The Problem with "Christian" Goal Setting

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

Episode 26: Facing Death with Peace: What Christians Know That Changes Everything

As 2025 ends, Doug and Pastor Curt reflect on death...not to be morbid, but to explore the kind of peace that only comes from knowing Christ. From deeply personal stories of friends passing into eternity, to reflections on what really matters as you approach your final days, this conversation is tender, hopeful, and unflinchingly honest.
You’ll hear about a beloved friend who spent her final hours ministering to others, even leading someone to Christ from her hospice bed. You’ll also hear why Jesus’ words...not our performance...must be what we cling to at the very end.
This episode isn’t about fear or guilt. It’s about rest. Real, gospel-rooted rest in the face of mortality.
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

Episode 25: The Christmas Rescue Mission: Why It Had to Be This Way

What if Christmas wasn’t just heartwarming—but necessary?
In this episode of Anchored in Christ, Pastor Curt Hoover and Doug Hannah explore the staggering necessity of the Incarnation. Why did Jesus have to come in the flesh, in such a lowly way? Why the manger? Why the cross? And why is it essential for our joy today to understand how lost we were—and how loved we are?
You’ll hear a bold reframing of the Christmas story that goes beyond sentimentality and speaks directly to the gravity of our condition and the glory of the rescue. As Pastor Curt says: this wasn’t a divine suggestion—it was a rescue mission. And Christmas is not over on December 26th.
Visit our church: faithlutheran-tn.org
Get Advent devotions from the LCMS: Advent Devotions 2025
Help us continue this work: Consider donating to support the podcast at anchoredpod.org
 

Episode 24: Don’t Skip Advent: The Season That Changes How You Wait

Most Christians know about Advent… kind of. But few really observe it—and fewer still understand what it means for our spiritual lives. In this episode of Anchored in Christ, Pastor Curt Hoover and Doug Hannah unpack what Advent actually is, how it’s been part of the Church’s life for over 1,600 years, and why it’s more than just a warm-up act for Christmas.
They explore the deep theological richness of this season—its roots in the Old Testament, its future-looking hope, and its quiet call to repentance and reflection. If you’ve ever wondered whether Advent was “just a Catholic thing,” this conversation will reframe everything.
You’ll also hear:
Why Advent isn’t technically part of the Christmas season
How waiting shapes the Christian life
What it means that Jesus comes to us in three ways
How the devil spent 4,000 years watching and waiting
Simple, practical ways to observe Advent at home or with your church
Why skipping Advent might actually rob you of joy
📖 Recommended Resource:
https://resources.lcms.org/worship-planning/advent-devotions-2025/
For more about Pastor Curt’s church, visit faithlutheran-tn.org.
As always, visit anchoredpod.org to hear past episodes, subscribe, or send us a note.
🙏 We’re grateful for your support. If this podcast has been meaningful to you, would you consider helping us keep it going? You can donate at anchoredpod.org. And if you’re unable to give, your prayers and shares mean just as much. Thank you.

Episode 23: What Protestants Miss About Mary

Is Mary just a footnote in the Christmas story? Maybe there is more we’ve missed?
In this episode, Pastor Curt and Doug take a closer look at Mary, the mother of Jesus, in a way that avoids both extremes: over-elevating her or downplaying her entirely. What does Scripture actually say? Why does it matter that she was chosen to bear the Son of God? What can her story teach us about how Christ dwells in us today?
We also talk about the early church’s view of Mary, her unique blessing, and what her story has to say to a culture that’s often dismissive of mystery, incarnation, and embodied faith.
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Episode 22: When Trust Is the Only Option: Joseph’s Radical Faith (Advent)

In this second Advent episode of Anchored in Christ, Pastor Curt Hoover and Doug Hannah take a closer look at one of the Bible’s most overlooked characters—Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus.
 
What was going through Joseph’s mind when he learned Mary was pregnant? Why didn’t he walk away? And what does his quiet obedience teach us about trust, vocation, and supernatural faith?
 
This is not just a Christmas story—it’s a radical picture of God calling someone to act in faith before all the answers are clear. Curt and Doug talk about how we often respond to God’s Word with doubt or rationalization—and how Joseph did neither. Even when the situation looked scandalous, shameful, and impossible, he obeyed.
 
The conversation also unpacks:
 
The cultural weight of betrothal in Joseph’s day
The relevance of C.S. Lewis’ Miracles in our “enlightened” modern age
The unseen spiritual forces shaping our world—and why we need to be more open to them
The dangers of interpreting Scripture through the lens of our logic instead of taking it at face value
 
 
And yes, there’s a moment when Curt suggests Joseph himself may have told young Jesus: “You are the Son of God.”
 
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Episode 21: What Thanksgiving Reveals About Our Faith

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Doug Hannah and Pastor Curt Hoover reflect on what it means to live with gratitude—not just once a year, but every day. They explore how thankfulness shapes the Christian life, why apathy is a bigger danger than we realize, and how even our greatest regrets and irritations can become reasons to give thanks. From Luther’s teaching on daily bread to a surprising insight into the word Eucharist, this conversation will shift how you think about blessings—especially the ones you don’t notice.
💡 Topics include:
Why Romans 1 lists ingratitude as the first sign of rebellion
What Pastor Curt thinks is the #1 sin in our culture today
Why the Lord’s Supper is the ultimate act of thanksgiving
How to practice gratitude even when you don’t feel it
What it means that “we don’t own anything” as Christians
If this podcast encourages you, would you consider supporting us at anchoredpod.org? Your gift—big or small—helps us keep creating thoughtful, gospel-centered content. Thank you.

Episode 20: Judgment Day: What Christians Get Wrong

What does the Bible actually say about Judgment Day? Will Christians be judged for their sins? What does it mean that Jesus is both just and the justifier? Pastor Curt and Doug unpack common misconceptions about the end times, the terror and comfort of standing before God, and the danger of despising the gifts of salvation. They also discuss the comfort of baptism, the reality of apostasy, and why we struggle so deeply to accept grace.
This is a sobering episode—but one full of hope for those in Christ.
Mentioned in this episode:
– The parable of the rich man and Lazarus
– Romans 8:1
– “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12)
– “He who believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16)
– “Depart from me, I never knew you” (Matthew 7:21–23)
– C.S. Lewis’s quote about the doors of hell being locked from the inside
– Rod Rosenbladt on losing your salvation: “It ain’t easy”
💬 If you’ve ever struggled with assurance—or taken it for granted—this one is for you.
🙏 Support the mission: We’re fully funded for year one—but beyond that, it’s up to generous listeners like you. If Anchored in Christ has blessed you, please consider giving at anchoredpod.org