Advertise on podcast: Lift High the Cross (podcast) with Ray Sexton

In this solo episode of Lift High the Cross, host Ray Sexton examines growing theological and cultural concerns within the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). Ray discusses contemporary worship, open communion, declining catechesis, women's roles in the church, pastoral leadership, and the importance of maintaining historic Lutheran practices. He also addresses why many younger Lutherans are calling for change and why some pastors and congregations hesitate to confront theological disagreements. Is the LCMS gradually losing its confessional identity, or can faithful Lutherans strengthen their churches through Scripture, the Lutheran Confessions, and courageous pastoral leadership? Ray challenges pastors and laypeople to speak up, pursue faithful reform, and keep Christ at the center of the Church.Want to help support Lift High the Cross?: https://buymeacoffee.com/lhcpodcast1Check out our socials: https://linktr.ee/lifthighthecross Check out our website!: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/Want to contact us?: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/contact-us#LCMS #Lutheran #ChristianPodcast #LutheranTheology#christianity #christian belief #christian #theology #lutheran #catholic #god #bible #traditionalworship #trinity #christ #christiantheology #pastor #calvinism #calvinist #evangelical #baptism #lordssupper #lutheranism #christian YouTube #confession #absolution #baptist #pentacostal #ICMS #higherthings #holyspirit #satan #devil #torah #pray #prayer #viral #youtube #youtuber #trauma #trinity #hell #heaven #salvation #damnation #saver #cross #theology #reel #reels #short #shorts #savior #died #resurrection #sin #sins #forgiveness #passion #compassion #mercy #tiktok #religion #lies #truth #faith #scriptures #grace #father #holyspirit #pastor #love #law #gospel #saints #demons #yahweh#MO #church#Christianity #ChristianPodcast #ChristianCulture

In this solo episode of Lift High the Cross, host Ray Sexton challenges Christians to boldly proclaim the Gospel and defend biblical truth in a world increasingly accepting of competing religious beliefs. Ray examines Judaism, Islam, Mormonism, and progressive Christianity, explaining why he believes their teachings conflict with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He discusses the religious claims of Muhammad and Joseph Smith, biblical warnings about false prophets, the importance of Scripture, and the dangers of compromising Christian doctrine. How should Christians confront religious error without becoming hateful or disrespectful toward others? Ray encourages believers to speak the truth with courage, love, and humility, remembering that salvation comes through Christ alone. Want to help support Lift High the Cross?: https://buymeacoffee.com/lhcpodcast1 Check out our socials: https://linktr.ee/lifthighthecross Check out our website!: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/ Want to contact us?: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/contact-us #christianity #christian belief #christian #theology #lutheran #catholic #god #bible #traditionalworship #trinity #christ #christiantheology #pastor #calvinism #calvinist #evangelical #baptism #lordssupper #lutheranism #christian YouTube #confession #absolution #baptist #pentacostal #ICMS #higherthings #holyspirit #satan #devil #torah #pray #prayer #viral #youtube #youtuber #trauma #trinity #hell #heaven #salvation #damnation #saver #cross #theology #reel #reels #short #shorts #savior #died #resurrection #sin #sins #forgiveness #passion #compassion #mercy #tiktok #religion #lies #truth #faith #scriptures #grace #father #holyspirit #pastor #love #law #gospel #saints #demons #yahweh#MO #church #Christianity #ChristianPodcast #ChristianCulture

In this solo episode of Lift High the Cross, host Ray Sexton examines why many Gen Z Christians are becoming frustrated with American politics, modern culture, and the state of Christianity in America. Ray discusses his concerns with both Republicans and Democrats, rising living costs, foreign wars, declining marriage and family formation, social media, and the growing spiritual challenges facing younger generations. He also challenges Christians to stop placing their political identities above their faith and instead focus on Scripture, sound theology, faithful churches, and building strong Christian families. Is Gen Z rejecting the political establishment, and could a renewed commitment to Christ help shape the future of American Christianity? Want to help support Lift High the Cross?: https://buymeacoffee.com/lhcpodcast1 Checkout our socials: https://linktr.ee/lifthighthecross Checkout our website!: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/ Want to contact us?: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/contact-us #reconquista #mainline #christianity #christian belief #christian #theology #lutheran #catholic #god #bible #traditionalworship #trinity #christ #christiantheology #pastor #calvinism #calvinist #evangelical #baptism #lordssupper #lutheranism #christian YouTube #confession #absolution #baptist #pentacostal #ICMS #higherthings #holyspirit #satan #devil #torah #pray #prayer #viral #youtube #youtuber #trauma #trinity #hell #heaven #salvation #damnation #saver #cross #theology #reel #reels #short #shorts #savior #died #resurrection #sin #sins #forgiveness #passion #compassion #mercy #tiktok #religion #lies #truth #faith #scriptures #grace #father #holyspirit #pastor #love #law #gospel #saints #demons #yahweh#MO #church

In this solo episode of Lift High the Cross, host Ray Sexton examines how generational changes have affected worship and church culture within the LCMS. Ray discusses contemporary worship music, traditional Lutheran liturgy, weekly Communion, Bible studies, pastoral leadership, and why many younger Lutherans are searching for more confessional churches. Rather than attacking older Christians, Ray asks whether practices adopted over recent decades have unintentionally weakened Lutheran identity and moved congregations away from their confessional roots. What can pastors, younger Lutherans, and longtime church members do to strengthen their congregations? And how can the LCMS recover its traditions while keeping Christ, Scripture, the Sacraments, and the Lutheran Confessions at the center?Want to help support Lift High the Cross?: https://buymeacoffee.com/lhcpodcast1Checkout our socials: https://linktr.ee/lifthighthecross Checkout our website!: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/Want to contact us?: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/contact-us#reconquista #mainline #christianity #christian belief #christian #theology #lutheran #catholic #god #bible #traditionalworship #trinity #christ #christiantheology #pastor #calvinism #calvinist #evangelical #baptism #lordssupper #lutheranism #christian YouTube #confession #absolution #baptist #pentacostal #ICMS #higherthings #holyspirit #satan #devil #torah #pray #prayer #viral #youtube #youtuber #trauma #trinity #hell #heaven #salvation #damnation #saver #cross #theology #reel #reels #short #shorts #savior #died #resurrection #sin #sins #forgiveness #passion #compassion #mercy #tiktok #religion #lies #truth #faith #scriptures #grace #father #holyspirit #pastor #love #law #gospel #saints #demons #yahweh#MO #church

In this episode of Lift High the Cross, host Ray Sexton sits down with Pastor Larry Beane to discuss the theological and cultural divisions facing the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). Why are congregations divided despite sharing the same Lutheran Confessions? Ray and Pastor Beane examine contemporary worship, the importance of historic liturgy, the responsibilities of pastors and laypeople, women's roles in the church, and the growing desire among younger Lutherans for traditional practices. They also discuss how Christians can resist both progressive theological influences and reactionary extremism without losing sight of Christ, the Gospel, and the Sacraments. What will it take to preserve and strengthen confessional Lutheranism for future generations?Want to help support Lift High the Cross?: https://buymeacoffee.com/lhcpodcast1Checkout our socials: https://linktr.ee/lifthighthecross Checkout our website!: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/Want to contact us?: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/contact-us#reconquista #mainline #christianity #christian belief #christian #theology #lutheran #catholic #god #bible #traditionalworship #trinity #christ #christiantheology #pastor #calvinism #calvinist #evangelical #baptism #lordssupper #lutheranism #christian YouTube #confession #absolution #baptist #pentacostal #ICMS #higherthings #holyspirit #satan #devil #torah #pray #prayer #viral #youtube #youtuber #trauma #trinity #hell #heaven #salvation #damnation #saver #cross #theology #reel #reels #short #shorts #savior #died #resurrection #sin #sins #forgiveness #passion #compassion #mercy #tiktok #religion #lies #truth #faith #scriptures #grace #father #holyspirit #pastor #love #law #gospel #saints #demons #yahweh#MO #church

In this episode of Lift High the Cross, host Ray Sexton examines Redeemed Zoomer’s Operation Reconquista and explains why he believes Christians, especially confessional Lutherans, should be cautious about joining the movement. Want to help support Lift High the Cross?: https://buymeacoffee.com/lhcpodcast1Checkout our socials: https://linktr.ee/lifthighthecross Checkout our website!: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/Want to contact us?: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/contact-us#reconquista #mainline #christianity #christian belief #christian #theology #lutheran #catholic #god #bible #traditionalworship #trinity #christ #christiantheology #pastor #calvinism #calvinist #evangelical #baptism #lordssupper #lutheranism #christian YouTube #confession #absolution #baptist #pentacostal #ICMS #higherthings #holyspirit #satan #devil #torah #pray #prayer #viral #youtube #youtuber #trauma #trinity #hell #heaven #salvation #damnation #saver #cross #theology #reel #reels #short #shorts #savior #died #resurrection #sin #sins #forgiveness #passion #compassion #mercy #tiktok #religion #lies #truth #faith #scriptures #grace #father #holyspirit #pastor #love #law #gospel #saints #demons #yahweh#MO #church

In this episode of Lift High the Cross, host Ray Sexton sits down with Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller to discuss overlooked issues affecting Lutheran congregations and how Christians should respond when problems arise. They will discuss contemporary worship, disagreements over church practices, the importance of pastors teaching Bible studies, private confession and absolution, and when leaving a congregation may be appropriate. Pastor Wolfmueller also addresses the growing frustration among younger traditional Lutherans and warns against allowing the desire for reform to become a spirit of rebellion. How should pastors and laypeople address problems faithfully, patiently, and courageously? And when should pastors take action rather than simply waiting for change? Want to help support Lift High the Cross?: https://buymeacoffee.com/lhcpodcast1 Checkout our socials: https://linktr.ee/lifthighthecross Checkout our website!: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/ Want to contact us?: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/contact-us #christianity #christian belief #christian #theology #lutheran #catholic #god #bible #traditionalworship #trinity #christ #christiantheology #pastor #calvinism #calvinist #evangelical #baptism #lordssupper #lutheranism #christian YouTube #confession #absolution #baptist #pentacostal #ICMS #higherthings #holyspirit #satan #devil #torah #pray #prayer #viral #youtube #youtuber #trauma #trinity #hell #heaven #salvation #damnation #saver #cross #theology #reel #reels #short #shorts #savior #died #resurrection #sin #sins #forgiveness #passion #compassion #mercy #tiktok #religion #lies #truth #faith #scriptures #grace #father #holyspirit #pastor #love #law #gospel #saints #demons #yahweh#MO #church

In this episode of Lift High the Cross, host Ray Sexton sits down with Anglican priest Dr. Duane Alexander Miller to discuss how Christians can faithfully and effectively share the Gospel with Muslims. Drawing from decades of ministry and research, Dr. Miller explains what Christians often get wrong about Muslim evangelism and why friendship, prayer, Scripture, and Christian community are so important. Dr. Miller also discuss what attracts Muslims to Christianity, how to communicate the Gospel in a way Muslims can understand, and how Christians can approach difficult theological questions such as the Trinity without turning evangelism into hostile arguments or debates. Want to help support Lift High the Cross?: https://buymeacoffee.com/lhcpodcast1 Checkout our socials: https://linktr.ee/lifthighthecross Checkout our website!: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/ Want to contact us?: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/contact-us #christianity #christian belief #christian #theology #lutheran #catholic #god #bible #traditionalworship #trinity #christ #christiantheology #pastor #calvinism #calvinist #evangelical #baptism #lordssupper #lutheranism #christian YouTube #confession #absolution #baptist #pentacostal #ICMS #higherthings #holyspirit #satan #devil #torah #pray #prayer #viral #youtube #youtuber #trauma #trinity #hell #heaven #salvation #damnation #saver #cross #theology #reel #reels #short #shorts #savior #died #resurrection #sin #sins #forgiveness #passion #compassion #mercy #tiktok #religion #lies #truth #faith #scriptures #grace #father #holyspirit #pastor #love #law #gospel #saints #demons #yahweh#MO #church

In this episode of Lift High the Cross, Ray Sexton sits down with Seth Kasten of Scholastic Lutherans to discuss contemporary worship and its place within Lutheran churches. Is contemporary worship simply a matter of Christian freedom and personal preference, or are there deeper theological concerns?Want to help support Lift High the Cross?: https://buymeacoffee.com/lhcpodcast1Checkout our socials: https://linktr.ee/lifthighthecross Checkout our website!: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/Want to contact us?: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/contact-us#christianity #christian belief #christian #theology #lutheran #catholic #god #bible #traditionalworship #trinity #christ #christiantheology #pastor #calvinism #calvinist #evangelical #baptism #lordssupper #lutheranism #christian YouTube #confession #absolution #baptist #pentacostal #ICMS #higherthings #holyspirit #satan #devil #torah #pray #prayer #viral #youtube #youtuber #trauma #trinity #hell #heaven #salvation #damnation #saver #cross #theology #reel #reels #short #shorts #savior #died #resurrection #sin #sins #forgiveness #passion #compassion #mercy #tiktok #religion #lies #truth #faith #scriptures #grace #father #holyspirit #pastor #love #law #gospel #saints #demons #yahweh#MO #church

In this episode of Lift High the Cross, host Ray Sexton sits down with Rev. Isaac Wirtz to discuss how Christians should respond to LGBT issues while remaining faithful to Scripture. How can Christians speak the truth without becoming hateful, and show genuine love without affirming what they believe to be sinful?Want to help support Lift High the Cross?: https://buymeacoffee.com/lhcpodcast1Checkout our socials: https://linktr.ee/lifthighthecross Checkout our website!: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/Want to contact us?: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/contact-us#christianity #christian belief #christian #theology #lutheran #catholic #god #bible #traditionalworship #trinity #christ #christiantheology #pastor #calvinism #calvinist #evangelical #baptism #lordssupper #lutheranism #christian YouTube #confession #absolution #baptist #pentacostal #ICMS #higherthings #holyspirit #satan #devil #torah #pray #prayer #viral #youtube #youtuber #trauma #trinity #hell #heaven #salvation #damnation #saver #cross #theology #reel #reels #short #shorts #savior #died #resurrection #sin #sins #forgiveness #passion #compassion #mercy #tiktok #religion #lies #truth #faith #scriptures #grace #father #holyspirit #pastor #love #law #gospel #saints #demons #yahweh#MO #church

In this episode of Lift High the Cross, host Ray Sexton sits down with his friend Colton Taussig, Deputy Political Director for the Missouri GOP and a convert to Eastern Orthodoxy, for a wide-ranging conversation about faith, philosophy, politics, and the Church. Colton explains why he entered politics, why he believes young men should become involved in shaping their communities, and how Christians should think about political institutions and cultural change.Want to help support Lift High the Cross?: https://buymeacoffee.com/lhcpodcast1Checkout our socials: https://linktr.ee/lifthighthecross Checkout our website!: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/Want to contact us?: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/contact-us#christianity #christian belief #christian #theology #lutheran #catholic #god #bible #traditionalworship #trinity #christ #christiantheology #pastor #calvinism #calvinist #evangelical #baptism #lordssupper #lutheranism #christian YouTube #confession #absolution #baptist #pentacostal #ICMS #higherthings #holyspirit #satan #devil #torah #pray #prayer #viral #youtube #youtuber #trauma #trinity #hell #heaven #salvation #damnation #saver #cross #theology #reel #reels #short #shorts #savior #died #resurrection #sin #sins #forgiveness #passion #compassion #mercy #tiktok #religion #lies #truth #faith #scriptures #grace #father #holyspirit #pastor #love #law #gospel #saints #demons #yahweh#MO #church

In this episode of Lift High the Cross, host Ray Sexton sits down with Pastor Samuel Aizenberg to discuss the future of Lutheranism and the challenge of reaching the next generation. Why aren’t more Gen Z men and young adults converting to Lutheranism, and what makes the Lutheran faith attractive to those who discover it? They also discuss why many young Lutherans leave the church after confirmation and whether churches are doing enough to prepare young Christians for a lifetime of faith. Who is primarily responsible for catechizing children—the pastor, the parents, or both? And should the LCMS make significant changes in how it educates and disciples the next generation? Want to help support Lift High the Cross?: https://buymeacoffee.com/lhcpodcast1Checkout our socials: https://linktr.ee/lifthighthecross Checkout our website!: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/Want to contact us?: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/contact-us#christianity #christian belief #christian #theology #lutheran #catholic #god #bible #traditionalworship #trinity #christ #christiantheology #pastor #calvinism #calvinist #evangelical #baptism #lordssupper #lutheranism #christian YouTube #confession #absolution #baptist #pentacostal #ICMS #higherthings #holyspirit #satan #devil #torah #pray #prayer #viral #youtube #youtuber #trauma #trinity #hell #heaven #salvation #damnation #saver #cross #theology #reel #reels #short #shorts #savior #died #resurrection #sin #sins #forgiveness #passion #compassion #mercy #tiktok #religion #lies #truth #faith #scriptures #grace #father #holyspirit #pastor #love #law #gospel #saints #demons #yahweh#MO #church

In this episode of Lift High the Cross, host Ray Sexton is joined by Philip Wortmann to explore the biblical doctrine of vocation and what it means to faithfully serve Christ in everyday life.Want to help support Lift High the Cross?: https://buymeacoffee.com/lhcpodcast1Checkout our socials: https://linktr.ee/lifthighthecross Checkout our website!: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/Want to contact us?: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/contact-us#christianity #christian belief #christian #theology #lutheran #catholic #god #bible #traditionalworship #trinity #christ #christiantheology #pastor #calvinism #calvinist #evangelical #baptism #lordssupper #lutheranism #christian YouTube #confession #absolution #baptist #pentacostal #ICMS #higherthings #holyspirit #satan #devil #torah #pray #prayer #viral #youtube #youtuber #trauma #trinity #hell #heaven #salvation #damnation #saver #cross #theology #reel #reels #short #shorts #savior #died #resurrection #sin #sins #forgiveness #passion #compassion #mercy #tiktok #religion #lies #truth #faith #scriptures #grace #father #holyspirit #pastor #love #law #gospel #saints #demons #yahweh#MO #church

In this episode of Lift High the Cross, Ray sits down with Pastor Erik Johnson to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing confessional Lutheranism today: evangelism. Together, they explore how Christians can boldly proclaim Christ while remaining faithful to Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.Want to help support Lift High the Cross?: https://buymeacoffee.com/lhcpodcast1Checkout our socials: https://linktr.ee/lifthighthecross Checkout our website!: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/Want to contact us?: https://www.lhcpodcast.com/contact-us#christianity #christian belief #christian #theology #lutheran #catholic #god #bible #traditionalworship #trinity #christ #christiantheology #pastor #calvinism #calvinist #evangelical #baptism #lordssupper #lutheranism #christian YouTube #confession #absolution #baptist #pentacostal #ICMS #higherthings #holyspirit #satan #devil #torah #pray #prayer #viral #youtube #youtuber #trauma #trinity #hell #heaven #salvation #damnation #saver #cross #theology #reel #reels #short #shorts #savior #died #resurrection #sin #sins #forgiveness #passion #compassion #mercy #tiktok #religion #lies #truth #faith #scriptures #grace #father #holyspirit #pastor #love #law #gospel #saints #demons #yahweh#MO #church