When Brokenness isn't Enough
Our brokenness cuts deeper than just the times when we recognize it needs to be fixed.
Contributors
Cindy Koch
Cindy Koch loves her husband, Paul, and adores her five children. Cindy graduated from Concordia Irvine and earned an MA in exegetical theology from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. She has authored two books and is a frequent blog contributor on 1517.org. Cindy speaks at retreats and conferences around the country. She also hosts Family Style Theology Podcast featuring conversations with children about theological topics.
Family Style Theology
God the Holy Spirit
Here We Still Stand is our annual three-day event, designed to center your faith in Christ for you, based in the Scriptural truths rediscovered in the Reformation
Baptism Episode 1: Luther's Flood Prayer
In this episode we take a closer look at the Bible story of the Flood in Genesis 6-9.
Baptism Episode 6: Worthy of Eternal Life
In this episode we have a conversation about the new earth!
Baptism Episode 5: Safe and Secure
In this episode we talk about the gifts God gives His church, even in the midst of an unbelieving world.
Baptism Episode 4: For You
In this episode we discuss original sin and total depravity.
Baptism Episode 3: Washing Away Sin
In this episode we talk about the baptism of Jesus, His repentance for us, and God's favor given to us in our baptism.
Baptism Episode 2: Salvation
In this episode we have a conversation about God's people walking through the Red Sea to safety in the Bible Story found in Exodus 14.
Chasing After the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is not ours to hunt down; rather, we are the ones relentlessly pursued by the word of Christ.
America the Free?
Where American freedom shouts for individual rights and liberties, freedom in Christ binds neighbors together because our blessings are for each other.
The Little Story
We tell the little story of the Gospel because our great stories ultimately reflect Christ.
The Way of Wisdom
We might assume that all ways are equal to raising a child in wisdom, but they are not.
Episode 4: Cinderella
On this episode we talk about Cinderella, the difference between circumstance and identity, God's gifts found in ordinary objects, and our longing for the "happily ever after" ending. We were inspired by an essay by J.R.R. Tolkien called “On Fairy…
Episode 5: Jack and the Beanstalk
On this episode we recall the story Jack and the Beanstalk, discussing God's Kingdom and its perceived insignificance, also drawing connections from this fairy tale to the biblical account of David and Goliath. We were inspired by an essay by…
Episode 6: Lion King
Join the conversation with Cindy Koch and her children in this six-part series involving select FAIRY TALES. On this episode we discuss the Lion King, recognizing sin and deceit in this world, but also finding hope for the happy ending…
Looking for the Lamb
Maundy Thursday is only the beginning of the long, grievous road Jesus must take before “it is finished” three days later.
Cindy Koch: Turn the Other Cheek
In April of 2019, Christ Hold Fast held a one-day event in Des Moines, Iowa focused on The Hard Sayings of Jesus. Speakers from around the country came together to speak to this topic.
Steadfast Love
The great steadfast love of God is shown by His work on the cross
Reversing Death
This plague is no new thing. A dreaded deformity of disobedience clung to every soul since Adam and Eve.
Daughter: A Beautiful Creation
Family Style Theology encourages theological conversations with children of all ages. In this series, Daughter, teenage girls from ages 13-22 gather to discuss our greater story found in the Word of God. Today we focus on God’s purposeful creation of…
Daughter: World of Doubt
Family Style Theology encourages theological conversations with children of all ages. In this series, Daughter, teenage girls from ages 13-22 gather to discuss our greater story found in the Bible. We reflect on the first man and woman’s fall into…
Daughter: A New Name
Family Style Theology encourages theological conversations with children of all ages. In this series, Daughter, teenage girls from ages 13-22 gather to discuss our greater story found in the Bible. Together we identify the terrible consequences of sin, given by…
Daughter: A New Name copy
Family Style Theology encourages theological conversations with children of all ages. In this series, Daughter, teenage girls from ages 13-22 gather to discuss our greater story found in the Word of God. Traveling through the poetic book of Proverbs in…
Daughter: Look in the Mirror?
Family Style Theology encourages theological conversations with children of all ages. In this series, Daughter, teenage girls from ages 13-22 gather to discuss our greater story found in the Bible. Based on the story of the Gospel of Jesus Christ…
Daughter: Something's Not Right
Family Style Theology encourages theological conversations with children of all ages. In this series, Daughter, teenage girls from ages 13-22 gather to discuss our greater story found in the Word of God. Together we contemplate the stories of prominent women…
Daughter: Happily Ever... Now!
Family Style Theology encourages theological conversations with children of all ages. In this series, Daughter, teenage girls from ages 13-22 gather to discuss our greater story found in the Bible. Our conversation is about Revelation 21 and 22, comparing the…
Episode 1: Snow White
Family Style Theology encourages theological conversations with children of all ages. In this series, Daughter, teenage girls from ages 13-22 gather to discuss our greater story found in the Bible. Our conversation is about Revelation 21 and 22, comparing the…
Episode 2: Pinocchio
Join the conversation with Cindy Koch and her children in this six-part series involving select FAIRY TALES. On this episode we recall the adventures of Pinocchio, while discussing total depravity, consequences for sin, and a gracious Savior. We were inspired…
Episode 3: The Little Mermaid
Join the conversation with Cindy Koch and her children in this six-part series involving select FAIRY TALES. On this episode we talk about The Little Mermaid and the connection between sacrifice, true love, and Christ's blessed exchange with us. We…
Daughter: What is Your Story?
Family Style Theology encourages theological conversations with children of all ages. In this series, Daughter, teenage girls from ages 13-22 gather to discuss our greater story found in the Word of God. Together we talk about knowing the truth about…
Our Identity Crisis
But the Creator of life and breath does not wait for Moses to identify with worthiness.
The Two Lies
Jesus’ coming and death and resurrection guarantee us the victory over the lies, the desire to be pitied, and the appeal of stuff.
Lo, How a Rose
The sweet aroma of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ overpowers the icy winds that seek to destroy.
Proverbs & The Cross
Here We Still Stand is an annual three-day event, designed to center your faith in Christ for you, based in the Scriptural truths rediscovered in the Reformation. It's an invitation to celebrate the gospel truths reclaimed in the Reformation and a call to incite a modern Reformation under the banner of the finished work of Christ. It is a three…
Our Daughter Problem
They say girls in our society should have nothing to worry about. They should have the opportunity for education and choices far beyond generations before.
Theses 22-24: The Wisdom of the Cross
A part of our series on Luther's, Heidelberg Disputation.
Meaning in the Mundane
On September 15th of 2018, Christ Hold Fast held a one day event in Hattiesburg, Mississippi focused on Faith, Love & Grace Against Hopelessness. Speakers from around the country came together to speak to this topic.
Season 1, Episode 2: First Theories
Have you ever wondered how the earth began? Cindy and her children talk through some of the First Theories commonly taught such as the Big Bang theory, evolution, and comparing it to the reasonableness of a Creator.
Season 1, Episode 3: The First Man and Woman
The Bible tells the story of the First man and woman in Genesis 1 and 2. Cindy and her children will discuss the gifts God gave to both of his people in their special creation.
Season 1, Episode 4: First Doubt
In this episode, Cindy and her children will unpack the tragic story found in Genesis 3, the fall into sin. Here we will meet the sneaky Serpent, discover his evil lies, and identify the First Doubt that afflicted God’s creation.
Season 1, Episode 5: First Consequences
The story continues in Genesis 3 when Cindy and her children talk about God’s curses on His Creation: the First Consequences for Sin. Together they will discover how God’s good creation changed, not only for the first man and woman…
Season 1, Episode 6: First Promises
This is the best part of our great story! Cindy and her children focus on God’s First Promises both in Genesis 3:15 and 3:20-21. Here we all learn about a Savior that is coming, and has already come, to renew…
Season 1, Episode 1: First Creations
Kids and adults will hear the beginning of all things as recorded in the Bible from Genesis 1. In this episode, Cindy leads a discussion with her children about the veryFirst Creationsfrom God.
Who are You to Walk the Walk
I can pretend for a little bit, but as soon as the phone is put away and it’s just me and my sin, I am fearful about what my walk says about me. I know what I should do, but I can’t quite seem to do it.
Worth Your Meditation
Our meditation listens to the King of Kings when He says; it is finished.
Christ Alone! Yes, But Now What?
No worry, no fear. Nothing she can do can separate her from the love of Christ!
Prison of Prayer
What’s wrong with me? What’s wrong with God? And what words, then, do I pray?
Psalm 22
On May 19th of 2018, Christ Hold Fast held a one day event in Minot, North Dakota focused on the Psalms. Speakers from around the country came together to speak to this topic. We were thrilled to have many amazing speakers share throughout the day and we are continually thrilled that we can make that content free to you today.
Christ’s Second Word From the Cross: His Testament to Mary and John
This Savior’s love for His church is no small thing. He gives up His own life so that she will live.
The Hardest Part of Being a Christian
We are no longer controlled by sin as He moves our lips to speak love and forgiveness. We are passive as He acts out His words and His salvation for us.
Create In Me a Clean Heart
Christ exchanged His excellent love, His wonderful heart, for my shameful adultery with you.
Sunshine, Rainbows, and Screaming Babies
When God adds His promise to creation, we understand a greater reality than what we see: Light given; Light that sustains life; Light that will end up living in the midst of his people forever.
Walking the Boring Path?
We are dangerously good at focusing on our exciting, or boring, walk of faith.
The Prostitute Bride
Out of the corner of my eye, I can see that simple boy. An orange sky warms the deserted streets with the final glow of safe light.
Sleeping Through the Fire
Christ rose from the grave so that the eternal Light of Christ would be your forever identity.
Those Who Dig For the Gospel
You are made new by the eternal satisfaction for sin in Christ, by the precious treasure at God’s right hand.
Kitchen Table Reformation
The Reformation handed over the crystal-clear Gospel of Jesus Christ on to the next generation.
The Gospel of Happy
Having a particularly sad day, I set out to find the Gospel of Happy.
The Gospel of Happy
Having a particularly sad day, I set out to find the Gospel of Happy.
Gently Abused Faith
That image of the “godly woman” haunted me from examples in the Bible of honorable women.
No Gospel for Girls
She heard it before, but looking around she struggles to see how it matters.
Woman the Forgotten Story
On this episode of the Thinking Fellows, Dr. Keith is Joined by Paul and Cindy Koch to talk about Cindy's new book.
Unicorns in Heaven
Heaven is not our ultimate hope. Our promise is not to live forever riding on rainbows and soaring in the clouds.
Get Him To Christ
Every single child we raise has a completely unique perspective, personality, strength, and weakness.
What’s Wrong with Women’s Bible Studies?
Week after week, I read through this women’s Bible study for the sake of my friends.
Broken Promises
This had been a lonely year, though. She could keep herself busy for a while with friends and she could distract herself for a few weekends by leaving town, but something was definitely missing.
Death Through the Proverbs
Wisdom speaks in proverbs, parables and riddles. And the simple continue to wander right past her words of life.
Addicted to Sin
He barely wakes to find himself nearly dead; even so, he can’t feel a thing.
Enlightened
God spoke into the black depth. “Let there be light."
Cleaning Up Christmas
I take out the broom, spray bottle, and trash can. For the hundredth time this week, I find myself sweeping up the mess of a Christmas to come.
Our Story is a Beautiful Disaster
He finds the woman and the man in the Garden and fought back for the identity of His people.
A Story of Freedom or Submission?
The Garden of Eden proved to be the first battlefield between God and his submissive people.
Easter 101 with Satan
Before you ever know what happened, Satan has taught us to doubt the promise of the crucified and risen Christ.