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A Stranger in the House of God

A Stranger in the House of God

By: John Koessler
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A Stranger in the House of God is the Podcast of award winning author John Koessler. Growing up the son of agnostics, John Koessler saw a Catholic church on one end of the street and a Baptist on the other. In the no-man’s land between the two, this curious outsider wondered about the God they worshiped—and began a lifelong search to comprehend the grace and mystery of God. John's podcast addresses fundamental questions and struggles faced by spiritual seekers and mature believers.

© 2026 John Koessler
Spirituality
Episodes
  • Simon the Bold
    Jan 11 2026

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    Most sermons that I have heard, including some that I have preached myself, that focus on Simon Peter tend to portray him as something of a buffoon. They present Simon Peter as a boaster and a blowhard. Peter, as the Gospels admit, said and did some foolish things. But that did not make him a fool. Nor was he a coward. The bravest thing that Simon Peter ever did is probably not what you think.

    Dr. John Koessler is an award-winning writer and retired faculty emeritus of Moody Bible Institute. John writes the Practical Theology column for Today in the Word and a monthly column on prayer for Mature Living. He is the author of 16 books. His latest book , When God is Silent, is published by Lexham Press. You can learn more about John at https://www.johnkoessler.com.

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    13 mins
  • Blue Christmas: The Cure for Christmas Melancholy
    Dec 13 2025

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    The cure for Christmas melancholia is not, as a popular song tells us, that we “need a little Christmas right now.” Nor is it necessarily Puritan austerity or renunciation of all observance of Christmas. The cure, strange as it may seem, is good theology.

    Hi, this is John Koessler, jumping in before we start to let you know about a new book that would make a great gift for that person who loves both Christmas and reading. It’s called Christmas Travelers, and it’s a collection of reflections, essays, and poems about the birth of the Savior. It includes a number of beautiful color illustrations that make the hardcover or paperback a great gift for someone who cherishes the Advent and Christmas season, as well as for seekers who

    Dr. John Koessler is an award-winning writer and retired faculty emeritus of Moody Bible Institute. John writes the Practical Theology column for Today in the Word and a monthly column on prayer for Mature Living. He is the author of 16 books. His latest book , When God is Silent, is published by Lexham Press. You can learn more about John at https://www.johnkoessler.com.

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    17 mins
  • Mary's Lullaby
    Nov 25 2025

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    I used to think that lullaby carols were odd. Why place so much emphasis on the baby Jesus? But this year, I began listening to Christmas carols in July in connection with a new book I was writing. I see them differently now.

    Hi, this is John Koessler, jumping in before we start to let you know about a new book that would make a great gift for that person who loves both Christmas and reading. It’s called Christmas Travelers, and it’s a collection of reflections, essays, and poems about the birth of the Savior. It includes a number of beautiful color illustrations that make the hardcover or paperback a great gift for someone who cherishes the Advent and Christmas season, as well as for seekers who

    Dr. John Koessler is an award-winning writer and retired faculty emeritus of Moody Bible Institute. John writes the Practical Theology column for Today in the Word and a monthly column on prayer for Mature Living. He is the author of 16 books. His latest book , When God is Silent, is published by Lexham Press. You can learn more about John at https://www.johnkoessler.com.

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    12 mins
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