What do UFOs, non-alcoholic wine, and Judah’s family scandal have in common? In this wide-ranging and lively episode, Pastors David Buchs and Joshua Reber are joined by Pastor Luke Otten (Holy Cross Lutheran Church & Christ the King Lutheran Church, Racine, WI) to tackle Genesis 38—one of the Bible’s most uncomfortable, misunderstood, and surprisingly Christ-centered chapters.
Along the way, the conversation moves from UFOs and Christian faith, to closed communion and pastoral discipline, to Onan, inheritance, and how God brings salvation through deeply broken people. Expect theological depth, pastoral honesty, and plenty of laughter as the hosts wrestle seriously with Scripture while refusing to sanitize it.
Key Discussion Points / Timestamps
• 00:00 – Welcome & banter: Dual parishes, Midwest Lutheranism, and taking things personally
• 02:30 – UFOs, UAPs, and Christianity: Would aliens threaten the faith?
• 06:00 – The state of the Synod: Worship practices, clergy, and discipline
• 11:30 – Closed communion: Pastoral responsibility and the care of consciences
• 16:00 – Bread, wine, and “natural wine”: What does Scripture actually require?
• 22:30 – Alcoholism, conscience, and the Lord’s Supper
• 35:45 – Genesis 38 overview: Judah, Tamar, and moral collapse
• 38:30 – “You reap what you sow”: Narrative justice in Genesis
• 44:00 – Levirate marriage: Inheritance, name, and messianic promise
• 52:00 – Onan and birth control: What this passage does—and doesn’t—teach
• 1:02:00 – Signet, cord, and staff: Christological symbols hiding in plain sight
• 1:06:30 – Grace in the genealogy: Why Tamar belongs in Matthew 1
About the Show
Formerly known as The CloudCast, this weekly theology podcast is hosted by Pastor David Buchs (Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock, AR) and Pastor Joshua Reber (Faith Lutheran Church, St. Cloud, MN & Trinity Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, MN). Each episode walks through a chapter of Genesis, connecting Scripture to faith, culture, and pastoral life with clarity, honesty, and good humor.
Hashtags
#GenesisPodcast #LutheranTheology #BibleStudyPodcast #ChristianPodcast
#GraceLutheranLittleRock #FaithLutheranStCloud #TrinityLutheranClearLake
#PastorsTalkingBible #LCMS #OldTestament #ChristianFaith #Genesis38
Summary
This conversation delves into various theological topics, including the perpetual virginity of Mary, interpretations of hell, the presence of Christ throughout history, and the significance of biblical narratives, particularly the story of Joseph. The speakers explore the implications of these themes for contemporary faith and practice, emphasizing the importance of scripture in understanding doctrine and the role of providence in biblical events.
Chapters
00:00 Exploring Mariology and Perpetual Virginity
02:58 The Nature of Hell and Afterlife
05:46 Understanding the Presence of Christ
08:53 Biblical Interpretation and Extra-Biblical Notions
11:37 The Role of Joseph in Scripture
14:44 Typological Connections Between Josephs
17:39 The Significance of Garments in Joseph's Story
20:31 The Waterless Pit and Its Symbolism
23:24 Conscience and Guilt in the Joseph Narrative
33:00 The Significance of Names in the Bible
35:47 Divine Providence and Guidance
38:52 The Role of Jacob and Joseph's Dreams
42:04 Christological Connections in Joseph's Story
46:15 The Symbolism of Foreigners in Joseph's Narrative
51:28 Theological Reflections on Life and Providence
55:32 Cultural References and Their Biblical Roots
Keywords
Perpetual Virginity, Lutheranism, Afterlife, Christ's Presence, Biblical Interpretation, Closed Communion, Typology, Joseph, Providence, Gratitude
Join Pastors David Buchs and Joshua Reber as they delve into the rich history of Protestantism, exploring its roots and how it connects to modern faith and culture. This episode takes a deep dive into Genesis 36, discussing the genealogy of Esau and its implications for today's believers. With engaging discussions on biblical interpretation, church history, and the role of gratitude, this episode promises to enlighten and inspire.
Key Discussion Points:
• Introduction to Protestant history and its significance.
• The story of Esau's genealogy and its lessons.
• The importance of gratitude in faith.
• Reflections on church discipline and biblical interpretation.
About the Show:
Hosted by Pastors David Buchs and Joshua Reber, this podcast explores the chapters of Genesis, connecting ancient texts to contemporary life. Tune in for thoughtful discussions and theological insights.
Hashtags:
#ProtestantHistory #Genesis36 #FaithJourney #GraceLutheranChurch #LittleRock #FaithLutheranChurch #StCloud #TrinityLutheranChurch #ClearLake
The CloudCast 34: Genesis 35
In this episode, Pastors David Buchs and Joshua Reber delve into Genesis 35, exploring the profound themes of true worship and the hidden idols that can infiltrate our lives. As they reflect on Jacob's journey back to Bethel, emphasizing the importance of putting away our own "foreign gods" for the sake of true worship. The discussion also touches on the theological implications of Rachel's death and its echoes throughout biblical history.
Key Discussion Points:
• [00:00] Introduction and overview of Genesis 35
• [10:15] The significance of Jacob's return to Bethel
• [20:30] The challenge of identifying and removing modern idols
• [35:45] Rachel's death and its impact on biblical narratives
• [50:00] The role of true worship in sanctifying our lives
About the Show:
Join Pastors David Buchs and Joshua Reber as they explore the Book of Genesis, connecting ancient scripture to contemporary life and faith. Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock, AR, Faith Lutheran Church, St. Cloud, MN, and Trinity Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, MN.
#GenesisStudy #LittleRock #StCloud #ClearLake
This week, Pastors David Buchs and Joshua Reber welcome back Rory Martin for a lively and charitable deep dive into Genesis 34 and the story of Dinah, Simeon, and Levi. Along the way, they unpack dispensationalism vs. amillennialism, the purpose of prophecy, and what happens when holy things get used for unholy ends.
From mini-fridges on Capitol Hill to violence, vengeance, and the meaning of worship—this episode’s got everything.
Timestamps & Highlights:
• 00:00 – Introducing our Baptist friend (and his lobby for congressional mini-fridges)
• 01:30 – Dispensationalism 101: what it is, what it’s not, and why hope—not fear—matters
• 07:45 – Amillennialism vs. Premillennialism: the thousand-year question
• 19:30 – When Baptists quote Lutherans: worship, divine service, and grace
• 33:00 – Genesis 34: Dinah, justice, and when zeal goes too far
• 40:00 – Outward compliance vs. inward sincerity—why sincerity matters for faith and politics
• 56:00 – Vengeance, justice, and promises broken: the deeper sin beneath sexual sin
• 1:02:00 – Christ crucified and the destruction of the wicked
• 1:04:00 – What we’re reading: Gene Veith, Dostoevsky, and Growth & Change
• 1:08:00 – Baldness, frostbite, and the Levitical blessing
About the Show:
Hosted by Pastor David Buchs (Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock, AR) and Pastor Joshua Reber (Faith Lutheran Church, St. Cloud, MN / Trinity Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, MN), this theology podcast walks through Genesis one chapter at a time, exploring how ancient texts speak to life, faith, and culture today. Formerly known as The CloudCast.
#GraceLutheranLittleRock #FaithLutheranStCloud #TrinityLutheranClearLake #Genesis34 #BiblePodcast #ChristianPodcast #LutheranTheology #Dispensationalism #Amillennialism #FaithAndCulture #ArkansasChurch #MinnesotaChurch #PastorPodcast #ChristCrucified #ModernFaith #ChristianDiscussion
Rev. Josh Reber – Faith Lutheran Church, St. Cloud, MN & Trinity Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, MN
Rev. David Buchs – Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock, AR
Rev. Josh Reber – Faith Lutheran Church, St. Cloud, MN & Trinity Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, MN
Rev. David Buchs – Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock, AR
Call in and leave a message! (501) 777-7810
Or e-mail at: thecloudcast@proton.me
Rev. Josh Reber – Faith Lutheran Church, St. Cloud, MN & Trinity Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, MN
Rev. David Buchs – Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock, AR
Call in and leave a message! (501) 777-7810
Or e-mail at: thecloudcast@proton.me
Rev. Josh Reber – Faith Lutheran Church, St. Cloud, MN & Trinity Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, MN
Rev. David Buchs – Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock, AR
Pastor Joshua Foster – Church Ambassador Network, St. Paul, MN
Rev. Nate Konkel –Peace, Finlayson, MN & St. Paul, Bruno, MN
Rev. Josh Reber –Faith Lutheran Church, St. Cloud, MN & Trinity Lutheran Church, Clear Lake,MN
Rev. David Buchs –Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock, AR
Rev. Josh Reber – Faith Lutheran Church, St. Cloud, MN & Trinity Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, MNRev. David Buchs – Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock, AR
Call in and leave a message! (501) 777-7810
Or e-mail at: thecloudcast@proton.me
Rev. Josh Reber – Faith Lutheran Church, St. Cloud, MN & Trinity Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, MN
Rev. David Buchs – Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock, AR
Rev. Josh Reber – Faith Lutheran Church, St. Cloud, MN & Trinity Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, MNRev. David Buchs – Concordia Lutheran Church, Fairhaven, MN
Rev. Josh Reber – Faith Lutheran Church, St. Cloud, MN & Trinity Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, MN
Rev. David Buchs – Concordia Lutheran Church, Fairhaven, MN
Rev. Josh Reber – Faith Lutheran Church, St. Cloud, MN & Trinity Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, MNRev. David Buchs – Concordia Lutheran Church, Fairhaven, MN
Rev. Josef Muench - Trinity Lutheran Church, Nokomis, IL
Rev. Josh Reber – Faith Lutheran Church, St. Cloud, MN & Trinity Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, MN
Rev. David Buchs – Concordia Lutheran Church, Fairhaven, MN
Rev. Josh Reber – Faith Lutheran Church, St. Cloud, MN & Trinity Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, MN
Rev. David Buchs – Concordia Lutheran Church, Fairhaven, MN
Rev. Josh Reber – Faith Lutheran Church, St. Cloud, MN & Trinity Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, MN
Rev. David Buchs – Concordia Lutheran Church, Fairhaven, MN
Rev. Levi Willms – Trinity Lutheran Church, Sauk Rapids, MN
Rev. Josh Reber – Faith Lutheran Church, St. Cloud, MN & Trinity Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, MN
Rev. David Buchs – Concordia Lutheran Church, Fairhaven, MN