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Showing episodes and shows of
Ben Oelshlaeger
Shows
Cross Checking
Scripture Alone
The Bible is critical to Lutheran Identity. Listen in as Ben and Josh talk about it!
2025-07-21
46 min
Cross Checking
Lutherans and Alcohol
Lutherans have a history with alcohol and, in some ways, it has become part of our corporate identity. Ben and Josh talk about that today and where we have to be careful.Also, the audio issues are on Ben - so surely Josh can get some additional points. Right?!
2025-06-30
25 min
Cross Checking
Historic Identity
Lutheran history goes back to the 1500s - right?Well, that depends on your perspective. In this episode, Ben and Josh talk about different historical parts of the church and how they have contributed to Lutheran Identity over the years.
2025-06-23
41 min
Cross Checking
Lutheran Identity
In the first episode of Season 8 of Cross Checking (formerly Manbuns and Jesus, formerly Coffee, Protein Shakes, and Jesus), Josh and Ben introduce the season's topic - Lutheran Identity - and why it might matter to you!
2025-06-16
40 min
Cross Checking
Inspiration
In the season finale of Cross Checking, Ben and Josh talk about one of the most fundamental things they don't teach you about at Seminary. How do you convince people to care about this stuff?
2025-05-19
32 min
Cross Checking
Church is Not a Business
Join Ben and Josh in the penultimate episode of the season where we talk about some issues with the framework of how we think about church sometimes.
2025-05-05
35 min
Cross Checking
Diplomacy
Today Ben and Josh talk about creatively diplomatic emails and messages to deal with problems that are kinda problems but not full on problems.
2025-04-28
36 min
Cross Checking
Exhibition: Snap Your Fingers
On this light after-Easter episode, Ben and Josh talk about a couple things they would magically fix in the LCMS if they could.
2025-04-21
12 min
Cross Checking
The Rapture
Continuing in the series-within-a-series on correction bad theology - today Ben and Josh talk about the Rapture.A lot of end-times-y stuff lately, someone should tell these guys to chill.
2025-04-14
33 min
Cross Checking
Decisions, Decisions
Ben and Josh continue a little mini-series on correction bad theology. What's in their crosshairs today? Decision theology!
2025-04-07
35 min
Cross Checking
Grow Up!
This week Ben and Josh are talking about immaturity in the church. It can impact our spiritual walks and our operations as a community - so we all could probably do with some growing up!
2025-03-03
37 min
Cross Checking
Silver Bullets
In this episode, Ben and Josh talk about when programs are useful for congregations to implement . . . and when they aren't.
2025-02-17
36 min
Cross Checking
Major Changes
Ben and Josh talk about how churches should approach organizational change.
2025-02-10
41 min
Cross Checking
Church Shopping
In this episode, Ben and Josh talk about what it should look like when you're picking a church. We also have some mildly spicy takes on what it shouldn't look like.
2025-02-03
34 min
Cross Checking
Change is Hard
Josh and Ben talk about what happens when churches have to go through major transitions like different professional church workers or changing major ministries.
2025-01-27
37 min
Cross Checking
Who should Christians vote for?
The presidential election is tomorrow, so Ben and Josh take on this audacious question.
2024-11-04
50 min
Cross Checking
In But Not Of: Deals with the Devil
Ben and Josh talk about whether or not we should genuinely consider that there might be people out there making deals with the devil.
2024-08-27
39 min
Cross Checking
Concerning the Office of Preaching
What are the core objectives of preaching and what actually makes a good sermon? Questions that Ben and Josh wrestle with regularly, now recorded for your podcasting pleasure!
2024-05-28
53 min
Cross Checking
Concerning the Son of God
This is one of those areas where we know the truth, but understanding the "how" and "why" is beyond us. That never stopped us from talking about it before though, so here's an episode! Also, Ben committed Josh to putting a link in the show notes for a book he referenced. So here's the link and a salty comment about Ben committing Josh to remember things without advance notice.
2024-05-14
50 min
Cross Checking
Concerning Original Sin
There was never any hope for us, not after the Fall. And it's cheery ideas like that at the center of what Ben and Josh have to discuss in this episode.
2024-05-07
49 min
Cross Checking
Concerning God
In this episode, Ben and Josh start to get into the substance of the season with a discussion about who God is and why that matters to us so much.
2024-04-30
50 min
Cross Checking
The Book of Concord
In the sixth season of Manbuns and Jesus, Ben and Josh are planning to dive into the Book of Concord. What is it? Why should you care? How are these fools still recording podcasts? Some of these questions and more will be answered in the premier of M&J Season 6!
2024-04-23
54 min
Cross Checking
The Golden Calf
In the final episode of season 5, Ben and Josh talk about the golden calf Israel makes at Mount Sinai.
2024-04-16
52 min
Cross Checking
Tabernacle and Ark
Josh was absent (like a slacker) but Ben carried on through Exodus with Brenden to talk about the organized worship in Israel.
2024-03-26
49 min
Cross Checking
In But Not Of: Good Friday
Ben and Josh take a step out of Exodus to talk about the different celebrations that happen during Holy Week. This week's topic: Good Friday.
2024-03-26
25 min
Cross Checking
In But Not Of: Maundy Thursday
Ben and Josh take a step out of Exodus to talk about the different celebrations that happen during Holy Week. This week's topic: Maundy Thursday.
2024-03-19
49 min
Cross Checking
The Ten Commandments
Ben and Josh talk about the Ten Commandments and how Christians should interact with laws in the Old Testament.
2024-03-12
54 min
Cross Checking
In But Not Of: The Call
Listen in to what the Call process looks like for your pastor and to hear how Ben and Josh plan on approaching it in their own ministries.
2024-03-05
55 min
Cross Checking
Bread and Water
Ben and Josh dive into Exodus 16-17 and talk about what it means (and doesn't mean) for God to provide for us.
2024-02-27
52 min
Cross Checking
In But Not Of: Cultivating Penitence
As we get into the Season of Lent, Ben and Josh take some time to talk about what it actually looks like to adopt an attitude of penitence.
2024-02-20
49 min
Cross Checking
Worshipful Gratitude feat. Jim Marriott
Ben and Josh have Dr. Jim Marriott on again to discuss the praise of Moses and the Israelites after crossing the Red Sea.
2024-02-06
37 min
Cross Checking
Leaders in the Church feat. Gerhard Michael
Ben and Josh talk with the Rev. Dr. Gerhard Michael about leadership in God's church.
2024-01-30
48 min
Cross Checking
The Passover
Ben and Josh continue through Exodus, talking about the Passover and how that impacts our view of Jesus' sacrifice.
2024-01-23
48 min
Cross Checking
Plagues on Creation feat. Ryan Maser
Of the plagues of Egypt, all of them impacted humanity to some degree. The first several plagues; however, seem to have their most direct impact on creation itself. Listen in to hear Ben, Josh, and Ryan consider this and sin's impact on creation in general.
2023-12-12
53 min
Cross Checking
Pro Tips - Part IV
What goes around, comes around.
2023-10-17
53 min
Cross Checking
Pro Tips - Part III
There's even more advice for you!
2023-10-10
47 min
Cross Checking
Side Note: The Rise of AI
The machines are coming for us!!!! Not right now, but AI is something people are talking about right now.
2023-10-03
52 min
Cross Checking
Pro Tips - Part II
If you ignore the tracks, eventually you'll run into a tree.
2023-09-19
52 min
Cross Checking
Pro Tips - Part I
To be clear, we aren't claiming to be professionals. Solomon knew what he was talking about though, advantages of divine gifts of wisdom.
2023-09-12
52 min
Cross Checking
Simple Ones
Fools love to keep being fools - it's not recommended, but it happens anyway.
2023-08-29
54 min
Cross Checking
Saints and Ne’er-do-wells
Yes, that is how you spell it. We double checked.
2023-08-22
44 min
Cross Checking
Everything’s Made Up and Nothing Matters
Find your beach and stay in your lane.
2023-08-15
41 min
Cross Checking
Who do you think you are?
Full disclosure, this one has a few rabbit trails . . . including the intro. If you feel the need to, real content starts somewhere around the five minute mark. Summary: Constantly look for different ways to keep engaging your faith and take an attitude of submission in the you-God relationship, because after all, who do you think you are?
2023-08-08
43 min
Cross Checking
Side Note: LCMS National Convention
It's not as boring as it might sound, we promise.
2023-08-01
1h 05
Cross Checking
Receive Wisdom
Or don't . . . we'll judge you for it, but that's up to you.
2023-07-18
56 min
Cross Checking
Things the Lord Hates
"There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers." Proverbs 6:16-19
2023-07-11
1h 07
Cross Checking
Side Quest: Fourth of July
This is why you should subscribe, because then when we release a Fourth of July episode on the Fourth of July you can actually listen to it on the Fourth of July. Also . . . MURICA!
2023-07-04
50 min
Cross Checking
Side Quest: Preach!
Revealing the mysteries of God, one five . . . ten . . . fifteen . . . thirty minute message at a time. Also, reach out to Ben and Josh if you'd like to send Caleb a congratulatory Dr. Pepper.
2023-06-27
57 min
Cross Checking
Giving to the Larger Church feat. John Karolus and Jon Niederbrach
Listen in with John Karolus as a guest host as we welcome the Chief Operating Officer of the PSD to talk about giving to the larger church and tithing. Yeah, we think it's suspicious that Ben was on vacation for this episode too. Also, check out the work highlighted in the PSD at psd-lcms.org/god-at-work
2023-06-20
59 min
Cross Checking
Spiritual Gifts
Most of the time Ben is just a pineapple-steak guy, but sometimes he's a Holy Spirit empowered pineapple-steak guy. Yeah, we might be overthinking spiritual gifts.
2023-06-13
44 min
Cross Checking
Side Quest: Becoming a Pastor
What does it take to become a pastor in the LCMS and why do we collectively put so much effort into it?
2023-06-06
1h 03
Cross Checking
Orderly Worship feat. Jim Marriott
I know during the episode Ben told me to use something for a title, but I didn't feel like it so now there's a boring title. Not that I think the title really matters, or the description for that matter. I mean, how many of you who listen to the podcast read the description before listening? But I digress, here's an episode about orderly worship and the driving purpose behind what we do together on Sunday mornings.
2023-05-30
1h 03
Cross Checking
Death
It's inevitable, but that doesn't mean it's the way things should be.
2023-05-23
47 min
Cross Checking
One Body, Many Members
Ben and Josh talk about the different roles that people in the church take on, and how important it can be that they aren't all the same.
2023-05-17
53 min
Cross Checking
The Lord’s Supper
Ben and Josh dive back into 1 Corinthians to talk about the Lord's Supper AKA Holy Communion AKA the Sacrament of the Altar AKA the Eucharist.
2023-05-09
47 min
Cross Checking
Side Quest: Answered Prayers
In response to a request, and accidently as a follow-up to Josh's sermon last weekend, here's a podcast on answered prayers and how we should respond to God's answers.
2023-05-02
48 min
Cross Checking
Food Sacrificed to Idols feat. Chad Lakies
Dr. Chad Lakies of Lutheran Hour Ministries joins Josh and Ben for a great conversation on modern "foods sacrificed to idols" and how Christians ought to conduct themselves. Below are some of the resources mentioned during the episode. Seculosity by David Zahl Lutheran Hour Ministries
2023-04-25
57 min
Cross Checking
Side Quest: Missions in Hard Places
Paul ended up the Rome and shared the Gospel in inhospitable places. That Gospel was powerful enough to draw people in. Listen in to see what Ben and Josh think that means for us!
2023-04-18
52 min
Cross Checking
Side Quest: Dreams and Visions
Taking a brief detour from 1 Corinthians to talk about dreams and visions.
2023-04-11
50 min
Cross Checking
Surrendering Rights
Humility is truly counting others as important enough to give yourself up for them. Ben and Josh dive into 1 Corinthians 9 in this episode.
2023-04-04
53 min
Cross Checking
Side Quest: "Lent is Cool"
- Benjamín Oelschlager
2023-03-28
53 min
Cross Checking
Marriage
Today we're talking about what Paul has to say about marriage . . . well, some of what Paul has to say about marriage.
2023-03-21
48 min
Cross Checking
Hot Take: Racism
This rounds out our discussion of all of the controversy surrounding the Large Catechism.
2023-03-07
50 min
Cross Checking
Lawsuits Against Believers
When should you bring someone to court? When should you not? When should you enter trial by combat? When should you not? Okay, you probably should never be in a situation where you'll enter trial by combat, but we'll talk about the rest on this episode!
2023-02-28
56 min
Cross Checking
Hot Take: Self Defense
Lately in the LCMS there has been some "controversy" about some things in a new publication by @ConcordiaPublishing . Naturally, Ben and Josh want to talk about it on their podcast. This week we're talking about self-defense. And yes, we think the thumbnail really portrays the episode well.
2023-02-21
44 min
Cross Checking
Hot Take: Sexuality
Lately in the LCMS there has been some "controversy" about some things in a new publication by @ConcordiaPublishing . Naturally, Ben and Josh want to talk about it on their podcast. This week we're talking about sexuality - so happy Valentine's Day we guess. And yes, we think the thumbnail really portrays the episode well.
2023-02-14
48 min
Cross Checking
Sexual Immorality in the Church
Ben and Josh bring on a guest who's much wiser than either of them to talk about 1 Corinthians 5, what it means for the church, and how we deal with the different realities our society faces today.
2023-02-07
57 min
Cross Checking
Stewards of Mystery
We're talking about mysteries and you expected the description to actually be descriptive? That's on you buddy!
2023-01-31
55 min
Cross Checking
Proclaim Christ Crucified
Join Josh, Ben, and Ryan to talk about bringing everything back to the Gospel and always focusing on Jesus!
2023-01-24
52 min
Cross Checking
Divisions in the Church
Join Josh, Ben, and Father Ted to talk about what 1 Corinthians 1 has to say about divisions in the church!
2023-01-17
46 min
Cross Checking
The Survey of Scripture
Ben and Josh got together and planned stuff out, that's the radical change that happened with Season 3! Listen in to hear a little about what we'll be doing.
2023-01-10
44 min
Cross Checking
Travel
Hit the road Jack. But come on back in a couple weeks - we're starting a new season.
2022-12-27
47 min
Cross Checking
Well, that was excessive.
How far is too far when it comes to worship and church stuff?
2022-12-20
42 min
Cross Checking
The World Cup and Confessional Agreement
Believe it or not, this is more than just an excuse for us to talk about soccer.
2022-12-13
50 min
Cross Checking
Confession
Ben and Josh talk about a really important part of what we do as Christians.
2022-12-06
46 min
Cross Checking
Capitalism
Did last week's episode on gratitude put you to sleep? Well here's one to grind some gears!
2022-11-29
44 min
Cross Checking
Thanks Guys
Thanksgiving is just a couple days away, so Ben and Josh took the opportunity to just say thank you.
2022-11-22
39 min
Cross Checking
Too Soon
. . . I guess we choose violence today.
2022-11-15
38 min
Cross Checking
Social Media
Elon Musk bought Twitter, Meta is struggling . . . let's talk about social media.
2022-11-08
46 min
Cross Checking
Hockey
We warned you. Like, a bunch of times. You can't tell us what to do, and we talk about whatever we want.
2022-11-01
55 min
Cross Checking
Pastor Appreciation Month
. . . but the twist is, we appreciate you!
2022-10-25
42 min
Cross Checking
Pretentiousness
Just don't be pretentious.
2022-10-18
39 min
Cross Checking
Two Realms feat. Joel Biermann
In this episode, Ben and Josh talk with Dr. Joel Bierman about the theology of two realms. Don't know what that is? Listen in for a definition!
2022-08-30
46 min
Cross Checking
Ben’s License Plate is ELL9666
. . . it's a little suspicious. We should probably talk about numbers and symbols and superstitions and rituals.
2022-08-02
58 min
Cross Checking
WTF?! feat. Brenden Harrell
Today Josh and Ben invite Brenden on the podcast to talk about Biblical lament, being angry with God, and how we can faithfully deal with all of it. And also something about pigeons flying around to help with internet connectivity.
2022-06-21
51 min
Cross Checking
WTF?!
Today Josh and Ben invite Brenden on the podcast to talk about Biblical lament, being angry with God, and how we can faithfully deal with all of it. And also something about pigeons flying around to help with internet connectivity.
2022-06-21
51 min
Cross Checking
Youth Ministry feat. Peter LeBorious
This week Josh and Ben brought on a special guest, Pete LeBorious, to talk about youth ministry. If you're paying close attention, you'll notice that Pete and Josh share a last name. That is because Pete is Josh's dad who has done youth ministry for longer than Josh or Ben has been alive.
2022-05-17
56 min
Cross Checking
Youth Ministry feat. Peter LeBorious
This week Josh and Ben brought on a special guest, Pete LeBorious, to talk about youth ministry. If you're paying close attention, you'll notice that Pete and Josh share a last name. That is because Pete is Josh's dad who has done youth ministry for longer than Josh or Ben has been alive.
2022-05-17
56 min
Cross Checking
Hot Take: Star Wars Day
In the first release of special content for podcast subscribers, Ben and Josh talk about their favorite Star Wars content on May the 4th.
2022-05-04
13 min
Cross Checking
Forgive and Forget feat. Ted Kober and Mark Rockenbach
In this episode, Ben and Josh sit down with Ted Kober from Ambassadors of Reconciliation and Dr. Mark Rockenbach from Concordia Seminary to talk about Christian forgiveness and the idea of "forgive and forget."
2022-05-03
56 min
Cross Checking
Forgive and Forget feat. Mark Rockenbach and Ted Kober
In this episode, Ben and Josh sit down with Ted Kober from Ambassadors of Reconciliation and Dr. Mark Rockenbach from Concordia Seminary to talk about Christian forgiveness and the idea of "forgive and forget."
2022-05-03
56 min
Cross Checking
Sexual Ethics
In this episode, Ben and Josh do their best to have an honest, faithful conversation about sexual ethics and how the church should (and shouldn't) handle them. Disclaimer: This episode contains content relevant to the title that may not be appropriate for the younger kids.
2022-04-19
50 min
Cross Checking
Hobbies
This episode has Ben and Josh talking about hobbies. And to quote Josh, "if you want to play Destiny together, step one - get good, I don't play with scrubs, and step two send me a friend invite" That's not really a critical point of the podcast, but he wanted to put it in the description.
2022-04-05
51 min
Cross Checking
Critical _____ Theory
This week on Manbuns and Jesus, Ben and Josh are talking about a topic that a lot of people have really strong feelings about. This episode comes with a pair of special requests. Listen to the whole thing Don't take us out of context
2022-03-29
54 min
Cross Checking
Christian Masculinity
Turns out both Ben and Josh are big fans of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. This was discovered as we discussed what it means to be a man, especially what it means to be a Christian man. And if you're not a man, this podcast is still worth your time - at least as much as any of our podcasts are worth your time.
2022-03-22
37 min
Cross Checking
War! What is it good for?
In light of the current events, Ben and Josh talked about how Christians should think about war and conflict.
2022-03-08
38 min
Cross Checking
Power Structure of the LCMS
If you've ever wondered about the larger church we're a part of, this is the episode for you. Josh and Ben talk how it works, why it matters, and how you can get involved.
2022-02-08
55 min
Cross Checking
Ethical Chains of Events
How far along the chain are you responsible for? Are you guilty because you bought a shirt sown with needles made with metal that was used in a murder 1000 years ago? Ben and Josh discuss. Also, Josh expresses a desire for a secret church currency . . . for some reason.
2022-02-01
41 min
Cross Checking
What is a pastor anyway?
Ben and Josh talk a little bit about what it means, and what it doesn't mean, to be a called and ordained servant of the Word. It feels a little weird talking about pastors when you are one, but we managed to power through it!
2022-01-25
43 min
Cross Checking
Virtue Signaling
The guys share their frustration with inconsistency between speech and action. More Josh than Ben though, Ben's one cool cucumber.
2022-01-18
34 min