Concord Matters From Kfuo Radio

The Biblical understanding of Justification centers on Christ’s cross and empty tomb. For Christ’s sake, God declares the dead in sin to be alive, the unrighteous now righteous, the condemned are now not guilty, and the sinful are forgiven. Melancthon proves this Truth by pointing to the many passages in Scripture that clearly confess our hope in Christ. “My hope is built on nothing less, Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; No merit of my own I claim But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ, the solid rock I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.” LSB #575, st. 1 Rev. John Pless, Assistant Professor at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of Justification. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District,

The clear statement from the Augsburg Confession, “People are freely justified for Christ’s sake, through faith, when they believe that they are received into favor and that their sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake (AC, IV), still bring questions such as: “What about repentance? How do we obtain this faith? How does faith justify?” The Concordians address these questions by pointing to the means of grace and the work of the Holy Spirit. Faith only comes by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God. This faith is not a “good start” or a catapult to greater things, but all that one needs for salvation is found in the trust of the full sufficiency of Christ’s cross and empty tomb. “What costly sacrifice, to cover human sin! Who but Christ Jesus had the right to enter in? His blood, sprinkled price, so we might be assured. That our inheritance in light has been secured.” LSB #564 st. 4. Rev. Mark Bestul, pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Elgin, IL joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of Justificati

Christ will come again to judge everyone, and there will be an account. Either one has belief in the promises of Christ and will enter the gates of heaven or a lack of faith in Christ which will take one away from the Lord. The clarity of justification grounds us in the righteousness of Christ, which comes from the free forgiveness of sins won for us by His blood by the means of grace. His righteousness becomes yours through faith. The Judge has become your brother. No fear, no cause for alarm, nothing but joy for Christ’s death and resurrection given to you through His sacraments. “God would not have the sinner die; His Son with saving grace is night; His Spirit in the Word declares, How we in Christ are heaven’s heirs” LSB #571 st. 3 Rev. Matthew Moss, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Corcoran, MN joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of Justification. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran

Our Lord Jesus Christ, both God and man, freely justifies sinners by faith that they are received into favor and forgiven for His sake. This gift is made known throughout the Scriptures, both Old and Testament, for the sake of a clear conscience. To understand this article we need to understand the distinction of Law & Promise. The Law is not abolished by Christ, but He has fulfilled it so that we may see our sin and our need for a Savior’s cross. “By grace I'm saved, grace free and boundless; My soul, believe and doubt it not. Why stagger at this word of promise? Has Scripture ever falsehood taught? No! Then this word must true remain; By grace you too will life obtain.” LSB #566, st. 1 Rev. Greg Truwe, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cole Camp, MO joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the Two Natures of Christ and Justification. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book

When Paul says we are “dead in our sins” (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1), what does that mean? Scripture teaches that we are not only fallen but that we have a strong tendency to sin without the fear of God, called concupiscence. To speak correctly of Christ is to have a correct understanding of our sinful nature. We are fallen, dead in sins, and have no fear, love, or trust in God, including adults, infants, and children. By Christ’s cross and empty tomb, God removes the condemnation of all sin, by applying His righteousness, holiness, and innocence upon you in faith. You are dead in sin and need help: Be baptized, confess your sins, and receive full forgiveness in Christ by His Word. Thanks be to God! Rev. Eli Lietzau, pastor of Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study articles 1-2 of the Apology of the Augsburg Confession. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lu

When the Augsburg Confession was presented, the political and theological world was in upheaval. The princes were not allowed to read the Catholic response, the Confutation, but they were asked to subscribe to it. The Concordians desired to prepare a defense to show that they did not create a new theology but were continuing the confession of the Christian Church from the beginning. Instead of the focus being on “faith + works” or “The Papacy,” Melancthon makes it very clear that the formal principle of the Church is “justification by faith alone.” The gift of the Apology of the Augsburg Confession is its clarity concerning salvation by faith in Christ and the good works that follow. Dr. Ryan Macpherson, Academic Dean of Luther Classical College in Casper, Wyoming, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the background, history, and Melanchthon's greeting to the Apology. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Con

The Concordians needed to make a defense as controversies quickly arose after the presentation of the Augsburg Confession on June 25, 1530. Within months, Emperor Charles declared that the Lutherans had until April of the next year to concede to the Roman Catholic Church. Melancthon began a thorough defense the next fall while the Smalcaldic League was formed to unite the Reformers around the truth of God’s Word and clearly confess the Gospel for the sake of a clear conscience. This defense provides us with a masterpiece of God’s grace on account of Christ, specifically Justification. Rev. Dr. John Maxfield, Professor of History and Religious Studies at Concordia University of Edmonton, Alberta, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the introduction to the Apology of the Augsburg Confession. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by ho

The Concordians were bold to present the theological issues of their day to unify the whole Church. It was not to be a rebellion against the Roman Catholic Church, but an ardent desire to bring the Church back to the Truth of the Gospel. The foundational issue centered around a “system of merit,” where the Catholic Church believes that one is saved by the work of Christ, BUT....there is still a need for payment due to the consequences of their sin. Although we might suffer from the consequences of our sin, we do not need to make further payment to be in the right relationship with the LORD. This is why all of theology brings us back to the clear words of AC IV, “By His death, Christ made satisfaction for our sins. God counts this faith for righteousness in His sight.” Rev. Terry Forke, President of the LCMS Montana District, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Indulgences and the Conclusion to the Augsburg Confession. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read on

By what authority do our pastors do their work? By what authority does the government do their work? The Church has full authority from the Lord to give a clear conscience to burdened sinners simply through the preaching the Gospel and administrating the sacraments. This authority does not mean that there is no need for good order or that Christians should not be involved in government, but we need constant exhortation for the Church to be faithful stewards of His mysteries. "The Church’s one foundation Is Jesus Christ, her Lord; She is His new creation, By water and the Word. From heav'n He came and sought her, To be His holy bride; With His own blood He bought her, And for her life He died." LSB #644 st. 1 Rev. Greg Truwe, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cole Camp, MO joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Church Authority. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Co

Melancthon spoke of monasticism in his days as “wicked.” Everything one sees from the outside it looks good and holy: chastity, obedience, service of the neighbor, poverty, etc. However, if one is looking for justification or perfection by the law they will never be satisfied (Galatians 5:14). We believe that there is Christian perfection, that is righteousness that only comes from the Triune God. It is not found in an unbiblical vow, but only found in the faith that for Christ’s sake one has been reconciled to the Father (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). “Just as I am, without one plea-But that Thy blood was shed for me. And that Thou bidds’t me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.” LSB #570, st. 1 Rev. Jonathan Buescher of Zion Lutheran Church, Mt. Pulaski, IL joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Article 27 of the Augsburg Confession. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Boo

Choosing what to eat and not eat is entirely a matter of Christian freedom. Satisfaction is not what makes me satisfied but was required to be pleasing before the LORD. Satisfaction was made in full for your sins by Christ’s cross and empty tomb (Romans 3:21-26). Christians do not do away with good traditions or dissuade people from bodily discipline for the good, yet these disciplines are done with the assurance of Christ’s forgiveness and salvation. So go ahead, open up your grill and lean on Christ. “Not what I feel or do, Can give me peace with God; Not all my prayers and sighs and tears Can bear my awful load.” LSB #567 st. 2. Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier of Wittenberg Academy joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Article 26: Distinction of Meats in the Augsburg Confession. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady F

Individual confession and absolution is retained in the Lutheran Church. The power of the keys (Matthew 16:19, John 20:19-23) is God’s voice sounding from heaven that, in faith, Christ has forgiven your sins. Instead of us making satisfaction by going to confession, Christ has made full satisfaction, so we simply receive the fruits of the cross by His called servants. Absolution is meant to bring consolation to an anxious conscience which we need to hear each day. “Jesus sinners doth receive; Oh may all this saying ponder. Who in sin’s delusions live, and from God and heaven wander! Here is hope for all who grieve: Jesus sinners doth receive.” LSB #600 st. 1 Rev. Dr. Steve Schave, Executive Director of Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots (LAMP) joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Confession in Article 25 of the Augsburg Confession. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found i

What is the heart and soul of when God’s people gather around His gifts? The actions done or the faith in the works of Christ? The Roman Catholic Church was allowing various abuses of an unbloody sacrifice to make atonement for sins and to receive “filthy gain” from members for a personal Mass. The Mass was kept so that the focus would be on faith in Christ and to receive the forgiveness of sins by His blood and blood. Although the service might look similar, the actions of the pastor only have authority as it pertains to the Word and giving the fruits of HIs cross to sinners who need heavenly medicine. “Weary am I and heavy laden; With sin my soul is sore oppressed; Receive me graciously and gladden My heart for I am now Thy Guest. Lord, may Thy body and blood. Be for my soul the highest good.” LSB #618, st. 4 Rev. Dr. Rick Stuckwisch, District President of the Indiana District of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Article 24 of the Augsburg Confession. Find your copy

What is the heart and soul of when God’s people gather around His gifts? The actions done or the faith in the works of Christ? The Roman Catholic Church was allowing various abuses of an unbloody sacrifice to make atonement for sins and to receive “filthy gain” from members for a personal Mass. The Mass was kept so that the focus would be on faith in Christ and to receive the forgiveness of sins by His blood and blood. Although the service might look similar, the actions of the pastor only have authority as it pertains to the Word and giving the fruits of HIs cross to sinners who need heavenly medicine. “Weary am I and heavy laden; With sin my soul is sore oppressed; Receive me graciously and gladden My heart for I am now Thy Guest. Lord, may Thy body and blood. Be for my soul the highest good.” LSB #618, st. 4 Rev. Dr. Rick Stuckwisch, District President of the Indiana District of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Article 24 of the Augsburg Confession. Find your copy

We continually ask, “What is the final authority for the Church?” As God’s Word is the Truth, What does God’s Word say about receiving the Sacrament? When Jesus says, “Drink of it all of you”, Jesus means all (Matthew 26:27). What does God’s Word say about the marriage of priests? St. Peter had a mother-in-law (Mark 1:29-31), and Paul exhorts us that an overseer should be the husband of one wife (I Timothy 3:2).” It really is that simple. We not only confess it, but practice what God desires. “Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word; Curb those who by deceit or sword, Would wrest the kingdom from Your Son and bring to naught all He has done.” LSB #655, st. 1 Rev. Dr. Steven Mueller, Professor of Theology at Concordia University Irvine, CA, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Articles 22 & 23 in the Augsburg Confession. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with l

A saint is a “holy one” by faith in the Lord Jesus. We honor, remember, and imitate those who died in Christ that we may live faithfully in all our vocations. At the same time we do not want the focus to be taken away from the full sufficiency of Christ’s cross. As Rev. Bo Giertz says from the Hammer of God, "One ought not talk about oneself, it may hide Jesus from view." "For all the saints who from their labors rest, Who Thee by faith before the world confessed, Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest. Alleluia! Alleluia!" LSB #677 st. 1” Rev. Benjamin Meyer, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Sunburry, OH joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study 5th & 6th Commandments. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing

Good works do not reconcile us to God. Only by faith in the blood of Christ are we reconciled to God the Father (I Timothy 2:5). Good works are necessary (Ephesians 2:10). In faith, there are no fractions in salvation. Works without faith will never be enough, but Christ’s cross is enough. Jesus + nothing=everything! “Nothing in my hand I bring; Simply to the Thy cross I cling. Naked come to Thee for dress; Helpless look to Thee for grace; Foul, I to the fountain fly; Wash me Savior, or I die.” LSB #761, st. 3 Rev. David Juhl, pastor of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Arlington, WI joins Rev. Brady Finnern to confess the Truth of Good Works. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read thr

God has made me all and creatures and still takes care of us. Yet, God is not the source of sin. We are corrupted by the choices of Adam and Eve while the devil continues to cause chaos like a roaring lion. Our identity in Christ shows us that we are not defined by the world or by our desires, as Christ has called us His own by His blood, and only by God’s grace and mercy in Christ are we able to do anything good. Rev. Peter Schmidt, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church & School in Waukesha, WI joins Rev. Brady Finnern to confess the Truth of the Cause of Sin. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to ga

Freedom is a key tenet as Americans, yet is freedom of choice the same as what Scripture tells us? Yes, we can choose to do good things in this life, however, we are unable to choose God as the source of salvation. Where is the emphasis? Is my hope in the action of choosing Christ or the work of Christ choosing us? The law can never justify us before God, but the Holy Spirit, by the Word give us the gift of faith in Christ (Galatians 3:2-6). Thanks be to God that our hope is never on ourselves, but on the full sufficiency of salvation by Christ’s cross and empty tomb. Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier, instructor with Wittenberg Academy, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to confess the truth of Free Will. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join

It’s very simple: Christ has come and Christ is coming again (Revelation 22:20). The time of His return is unknown (Matthew 24:36), but Jesus will physically come to judge the whole world separating the sheep (believers in Christ), and the goats (unbelievers)(Matthew 25:31-46) to make all things new (Revelation 21:1). There are many different views of the end times, yet we believe, teach, and confess in the plain words of Christ as confessed in the creeds (“I look for the resurrection of the dead”). Christ is coming soon and will make all things new, encourage one another with these words (I Thessalonians 4:18). “Christ is surely coming, Bringing His reward, Alpha and Omega, First and Last and Lord: Root and Stem of David, Brilliant Morning Star; Meet your Judge and Savior, Nations near and far!” LSB #509, st 1 Rev. Dennis McFadden, pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, IN joins Rev. Brady Finnern to confess the truth of Christ final return for judgement. Find your copy of the Book of Concor