Concord Matters from KFUO Radio

God calls us as His baptized children to serve our neighbor in our vocations. Monasticism led people to understand that perfection is found in poverty, vows, selling possessions, chastity, and leaving their daily vocations. Perfection is not found in such outward actions, but by faith in the actions of Christ. “Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness; My beauty are, my glorious dress; Midst flaming worlds, in these arrayed, With joy shall I lift up my head.” LSB 563, st. 1 Rev. Dr. Leonard Payton, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church, Forest Park, IL, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of Monastic Vows. 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 gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

A casual look at monastic life will often leave us with a favorable impression: chastity, obedience, service of the neighbor, poverty, and prayer— what could be wrong with these things? However, if one is looking for justification or perfection in such a lifestyle, they will never be satisfied (Galatians 5:14). The Roman Church outrightly rejected the Augsburg Confession’s declaration that monasticism does not merit the forgiveness of sins. Melancthon breaks down the Biblical truth of how one merits forgiveness. It is only by faith in Christ— to add any of our works into the equation does away from the full sufficiency of the cross. “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. Eli Lietzau, pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church, Wheat Ridge, CO, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Monastic Vows. 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 gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

To participate in the Mass is to receive the gifts of Christ and give a sacrifice of praise for all the blessings He gives. The primary mover in a worship service is not a pastor or the people, but Christ Himself, pouring out forgiveness, life, and salvation on our behalf. This Mass is for sinners, that in faith they are restored and renewed in Christ— not for other people, but for YOU! Rev. Dr. Jason Lane, Associate Professor of Historical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, joins Rev. Brady Finnern as we conclude our study of the Mass. 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 gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

The Mass is a gift. The Lord gives us the preaching of His Word, devout use of the Sacraments, and fervent prayer. These gifts are not salvific by our outward acts of performing them; however, in faith, we receive forgiveness, life, and salvation. Melancthon breaks down the proper understanding of sacrifice and the sacrament for the sake of providing a clear conscience for believers in the cross of Christ. We simply receive the Gospel, which is not measured, but pressed down and overflowing. Rev. Dr. Jason Lane, Associate Professor of Historical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, joins Rev. Brady Finnern as we continue our study of the Mass. 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 gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

What does Scripture say about sacrifice? There are two kinds of sacrifices found in the New Testament: atoning sacrifice, and eucharistic sacrifice. The one and final atoning sacrifice was accomplished by Christ’s life, death, and resurrection for the sins of the whole world. Eucharistic sacrifices are done by those who are reconciled to God in Christ, giving thanks for their salvation and serving others. “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1). Rev. Dr. Jason Lane, Associate Professor of Historical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of the Mass. 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 gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

The Concordians had no desire to abolish the Mass. When one looks at the order of the Mass in the Catholic Church, and then compares it to the Divine Service of the Concordians, there is not much difference. The greatest difference came in the understanding of sacrifice and in the use of the German language. Christ’s sacrifice was sufficient; therefore, we proclaim the Truth of His forgiveness, life, and salvation (Luke 24:44-47). As people hear the Word, it is important that they understand the Word in their own language (Romans 10:17). Rev. Dr. Jason Lane, Associate Professor of Historical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to begin a study on the Mass. 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 gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

The history of Pontifical Law forbade the marriage of priests due to a revelation from God; however, such a revelation is not found in Scripture. As Christians, our faith is founded in God’s Word alone. We give thanks to the Lord for the gift of marriage and seek His blessing upon our pastors’ families to live in the faith, hope, and love of Christ. Rev. Matthew Moss, St. John Lutheran Church, Corcoran, MN, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study on the marriage of priests. 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 gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

The Lord has designed humanity to be fruitful, and that one sex should desire the other in a proper way. While the Office of the Ministry is a high calling, there is no mandate which states that overseers should be “married to the Church.” Melancthon’s concern was that believers would take a good gift of God and call it unholy. Everything begins with His good and divine ordinance (Genesis 1:28). When we go against His natural order, chaos ensues. There are those who are called to a single, chaste life; however, it is not to mandated on God’s people (1 Corinthians 7). Lord, have mercy on the Church to lead a sexually pure and holy life. Rev. Benjamin Meyer, Hope Lutheran Church, Sunberry, OH, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the Scriptural truth on the marriage of priests. 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 gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

When Jesus tells us to receive His body and His blood (Matthew 26:26-29), there are no limitations where the laity is concerned. We must ask ourselves the question, “What is happening in this Sacrament?” The Reformers emphasized the benefits that Jesus provides, while the Roman Church emphasized the work the priest does for you. Receive both kinds with joy as He gives you full forgiveness, life, and salvation! Rev. James Maxwell, President of the Rocky Mountain District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to examine the Scriptural truth of both kinds in the sacrament. 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 gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

Saints are those who have died believing in the blood of Christ for salvation. Saints are to be remembered with thanksgiving, seen as examples of holy living for the sake of being strengthened in faith. However, whenever saints are seen in such a way as makes it appear that they help with atonement, Christ’s sufficient work on the cross is lost. We can faithfully proclaim the ways that saints have lived a holy life at funerals and at the celebration of All Saints Sunday without confusing the salvation belonging only to Christ. “Oh, blest communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine. Alleluia! Alleluia!” LSB 677, st. 4 Rev. Dennis McFadden, pastor at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, IN, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the Scriptural truth on the invocation of saints Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org.

Good works do not reconcile us to God. Only by faith in the blood of Christ are we reconciled to the Father (1 Timothy 2:5). However, good works are necessary (Ephesians 2:10). They are done to fulfill God’s will. In faith, there are no fractions in salvation. Works without faith will never be enough, but Christ’s cross is enough. “Nothing in my hand I bring; Simply to 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. John Pless, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the Scriptural truth on good works. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org.

Who caused sin? Did God cause sin? Who is to blame? When we look at Genesis 1-3, we understand that the fault for sin lies with the devil and with us. The Lord is not the cause of sin— if He was, He would be no different than a terrorist. However, our Lord is merciful in Christ to all nations. He created everything and still preserves it. Therefore, we trust that the LORD who did not spare His own Son will also strengthen us as we walk through this veil of tears. Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Minot, ND, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to confess the Scriptural truth on 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.

Do we have free will, and to what extent? The Concordians made a distinction between freedom in worldly things and freedom in spiritual things. A person can display worldly righteousness, or even civil righteousness to a certain extent, but we are fully unable to be righteous before God by anything we do (Galatians 3:2-6). Thanks be to Him that our hope is never on ourselves, but on the full sufficiency of salvation by Christ’s cross and empty tomb. Rev. Dr. Joshua Miller, pastor at Jehovah Lutheran Church in St. Paul, MN, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study 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 us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.

Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again. The Concordians and the Roman Church both agreed with the clear words of Holy Scripture. Christ will come for judgement at a time we cannot predict (Matthew 24:43-44). The godly will have eternal life and eternal joys (2 Timothy 4:8) and the ungodly endless punishment (Matthew 25:46). Lord have mercy! “O Jesus Christ, do not delay, But hasten our salvation; We often tremble on our way in fear and tribulation. O hear and grant our fervent plea: Come, mighty judge, and set us free. From death and every evil.” LSB 508, st. 7 Rev. Jack Gilbert, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Racine, WI, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Christ’s Return. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org.

Political order is a necessary and holy state. Christian perfection is not found by withholding property ownership. We are to be subject to our governing authorities (Romans 13:1). Although there is often much sin where the public office is concerned, we trust in the Lord’s promise to work through these authorities for good order and peace in our society. Land ownership can also cause sinful behavior, yet every Christian is to focus on how they can use God’s gifts to serve Him and love others. Our role is to pray for all in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-4), repent of our sins, and to participate in our government affairs when they conflict with the Word of God. “Lord God, we pray for all public servants, for the government and those who protect us, that they may be upheld and strengthened in every good deed, let us pray to the Lord. Amen.” Rev. Adam DeGroot, pastor at Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Ranch, NM, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Political Order. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org.

Traditions and ceremonies are necessary— not necessary for salvation, but for good order. Nobody can institute them with the claim that they justify outside of faith in Christ. At the same time, to deny ceremonies that do not contradict the Word can be equally problematic. Human works could easily be perceived as the way to receive a perfect and spiritual life. Yet, it is only by the Gospel that one’s heart is changed and by the Holy Spirit that we live a holy life. Rev. Mark Bestul, pastor at Calvary Lutheran Church in Elgin, IL, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of Human Traditions. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org.

Tradition is helpful to the church in promoting good order and peace. Yet tradition is not to hinder the free and gracious salvation we receive for Christ’s sake through faith. The Roman Church and the Reformers agreed on the benefits of tradition but were diametrically opposed in their understanding of its role in salvation. The issue is found in our hearts, not specifically in the traditions, and as our hearts need renewal by the Holy Spirit through the Word. By His grace, we follow God’s Word out of thankfulness for salvation and seek to live a good and holy life in Christ. Rev. Rick Stuckwisch, President of the Indiana District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Human Traditions. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org.

God is the giver of order, and because of this, we are to live in an orderly way. In His wisdom, He established the office of the Ministry to steward His mysteries (1 Corinthians 4:1). This Ministry is centered and grounded in Christ and the Word and Sacrament. To add more to the requirements for “good order” such as relics, canonical ordination, sacrifice of the mass, or a perfect structure leads consciences away from the full sufficiency of Christ. “O Lord, help us to keep order in Christ for the sake of the building up of your kingdom. Lord have mercy. Amen.” Rev. Scott Adle, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Imperial, Nebraska, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Order in the Church. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org.

How many Sacraments do we have? It depends on who you ask! The Reformers were focused on the reception of God’s gracious gift of forgiveness of sins through faith in Christ. The Roman Catholic Church focused on the authority of the Pope and traditions, but as we know, traditions and the Pope can err. Yet, Jesus and His Word do not err and give what He promises: the forgiveness of sins. A Sacrament is defined as a physical element with the promise of forgiveness attached to it (Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and sometimes Absolution). To quibble over exact numbers is unproductive when the focus needs to be on Christ and His gifts. “O Word of God incarnate, O Wisdom from on high, O Truth unchanged, unchanging, O Light of our dark sky: We praise You for the radiance That from the hallowed page, A lantern to our footsteps, Shines on from age to age.” LSB 523, st. 1 Rev. Paul Cain, senior pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Sheridan, Wyoming, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the number of Sacraments. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org.

True repentance bears good fruit: prayer, thanksgiving, confessing Christ, teaching the faith, honoring authorities, and being faithful to one’s calling. This good fruit is not intended to diminish years of punishment in purgatory, rather, it is produced with thanksgiving to the Lord and for the good of one’s neighbor. Believers can take comfort in the Office of the Keys— the command to forgive the sins of repentant sinners, which always leads one back to Christ instead of our need to do more. “Baptismal waters cover me; Christ’s wounded hand has set me free. Held in my Father’s strong embrace, With joy I praise Him for His grace.” LSB 616, st. 5 Rev. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of Confession and Satisfaction.