Grace on Tap

Frederick the Wise: Reluctant Protector of the Reformation In this episode, Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner explores how Frederick the Wise's relationship with Martin Luther evolved between 1516 and 1518. Though initially angered by Luther's sermons against indulgences and relics, Frederick gradually reconsidered his stance—thanks in part to his advisor George Spalatin and Luther's mentor […]

Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner continue the story of Frederick the Wise, the Elector of Saxon. From his birth in 1463 to his rise as a strategic ruler and devout leader, Frederick navigated political rivalries, financial struggles, and religious reform. Learn how he transformed Wittenberg into a center of learning and faith, laying the groundwork […]

Evan Gaertner presented to the Lutheran Luncheon Club in Detroit on January 8, 2025. Mike was unavailable, which is probably why Evan messed up the name of the town that Martin Luther was born in and died in. There was no beer break in this recording before a live audience.

Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley begin a new unit on Grace on Tap. This podcast will take some episodes to explore the people who were not theologians during the Reformation but still significantly contributed to it. This episode introduces Frederick the Wise. In 2015, Sam Wellmen wrote the ultimate English biography of this noble, Frederick […]

Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner continue a look at how Martin Luther guided spiritual care and concern for people through letters. This episode reviews a letter written by Luther in November 1527 to John Hess. The letter is about whether Christians are obligated to stay during a time of plague. Beer Break Soft Parade by […]

In 1527, the plague arrived in Wittenberg and Breslau. Dr. Martin Luther wrote letters to give guidance to leaders during this time of pestilence. We previously discussed Luther's letter to John Hess in Episode 55. This episode is more specifically looking at the character, context, and counsel of these letters. We start by looking at […]

Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley discuss Dr. Martin Luther's letters that he wrote to provide consolation to those bereft by grief. Through these letters, we find how Luther applied the Law and the Gospel to the caretaking of souls when the grief of sadness had become overwhelming. The letters referenced in this podcast will be […]

Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley review some letters of Martin Luther written to the sick and dying. Through these letters of pastoral care, we can witness what the caretaking of souls looked like in the 16th century. The sadnesses and griefs are not too far away from our own time. Thank you for a listener […]

Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner finish their discussion of the Gospel of the Third Sunday in Advent, Matthew 11:2-10. This discussion is grounded in Dr. Martin Luther's commentary on this text to equip preachers during the Reformation. This episode picks up on v. 7. Luther's Works, Volume 75 What do you look for in Jesus […]

Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley continue their discussion of Martin Luther's commentary on the gospel for the Third Sunday in Advent – Matthew 11:2-10 (One Year Historic Lectionary). This commentary is found in Luther's Works Volume 75, published by Concordia Publishing House. Beer Break Founder's All Night IPA

Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner discuss Martin Luther's sermon prep commentary on the Gospel reading for the Third Sunday in Advent. Matthew 11:2-10. Historically, biblical commentaries asked, “Did John know Jesus was Christ?” This question happens because John sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Christ or should we look for another?” Luther […]

Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley finish their discussion of Martin Luther's sermon commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:1-5. The focus of their conversation is mostly on how Paul directs us not to judge one another by works but to encourage everyone to trust in the grace of Jesus Christ. Beer Break We feature in this episode […]

Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner continue a discussion of Dr. Martin Luther's commentary on the epistle for the Third Sunday in Advent. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 is the epistle reading for the One Year Lectionary. Luther is especially focused on how good works can be encouraged and not lead to self-righteousness but drive people to continue […]

Martin Luther wrote a commentary intended for preachers called a Postil. He examined the Epistle and Gospel reading for each week in the one-year lectionary series. This episode of Grace on Tap features Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley discussing Luther's commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, the Epistle for the Third Sunday in Advent. They only […]

Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner discuss Martin Luther's Gospel study for the Second Sunday in Advent. The Gospel lesson studied is Luke 21:25-33. How do we look ahead with hope and confidence to the Last Days? Luther invites us to look forward with grace to the last days. Beer Break Founders Solid Gold Premium Lager. […]

Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner explore Dr. Martin Luther's Winter Postil – Second Sunday in Advent Gospel (Part 1) “Grace on Tap,” is a podcast that delves into the heart of Reformation theology, particularly focusing on the teachings of Martin Luther. We hope to provide a fresh and engaging approach as we tackle complex theological […]

In this edition, Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley delve into the fourth part of their series on Martin Luther's “Postil,” where they explore Luther's sermon on the Gospel reading for the First Sunday in Advent. Join us as we uncover the rich teachings embedded within Luther's sermon commentary and discover their relevance to our lives […]

In this episode of the “Grace on Tap” podcast, the Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner continue their series on Martin Luther's “Postil,” a collection of text commentaries he gave on the Bible readings throughout the liturgical year. Specifically, they focus on Luther's sermon on the Gospel reading for the First Sunday in Advent. The hosts […]

Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley continue a discussion on Dr. Martin Luther's Church Postil commentary on the Gospel lesson for the First Sunday of Advent – The Palm Sunday entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem. Martin Luther challenges the listener to hear how the mission of the church is shaped by how Jesus entered into Jerusalem. […]

Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner discuss Dr. Martin Luther's verse by verse commentary in his Church Postil. A postil is a commentary that is published to help preachers. Episodes 68-71 cover the material that Luther writes about Matthew 21:1-11. This commentary is located in Luther's Works, Volume 75. Luther believed that common pastors and people […]

Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner discuss Dr. Martin Luther's sermon commentary on the Epistle Lesson for the First Sunday in Advent. This commentary is found in Luther's Works Volume 75, Church Postil I. Romans 13:11-14 provides a jumping off point for Luther to talk about the exhortation to do good works since you are no […]

Dr. Martin Luther collected sermons for the one year lectionary into a publication called a Postil. The sermons were originally published as an aide for pastors in preparing their own sermons. The sermon preparations illustrate how Luther identified the gospel in the Scripture and how he believed it should be shared in a way that […]

In 1521, Luther published his commentary to the Magnificat found in Luke 1:46-55. This commentary was written for the narrow audience of Prince John Frederick and for the wider audience of all people who seek to use wisdom, power, and riches in God pleasing ways. You can find this commentary in Luther's Works Volume 21. […]

Dr. Martin Luther's commentary on Sermon on the Mount is from a revision of sermons that he preached, mostly on the Beatitudes. Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner continue their conversation, begun in Episode 63, about how Dr. Luther uses the Beatitudes as an opportunity to affirm the priesthood of all believers. Each of us in […]

In 1530-1532 Dr. Martin Luther preached a sermon series on St. Matthew's gospel on Wednesday evenings. This episode reviews his comments on the first four beatitudes. Volume 21 of Luther's Works (American Edition) holds these sermons, and this volume also has Mike Yagley's favorite…Luther's comments on the Magnificat. Beer Break Upper Hand Brewery – UPA […]

In the summer of 1532, Martin Luther gave a series of lectures on Psalm 51. Six years later, in 1538, Luther's followers released a small book on Psalm 51, based on Luther's lectures. Luther uses his time of study in this psalm to discuss repentance, sin, grace, justification, and proper worship. In 1955, the first […]

Martin Luther published the Treatise on Good Works in June of 1520. Martin Luther had upended the medieval theological view of good works by encouraging people to trust in the good work of Christ and not in their own good works. With the focus of trust shifted away from our good works, what role do […]

Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner review the Reformation events of 1521. Included in this episode: Dr. Martin Luther's excommunication through the papal bull, Decet Romanian Pontificem. Diet of Worms and Luther declares, “Here I stand!” Luther “kidnapped” to the Wartburg Luther writes his Commentary on the Magnificat as a gift for John Frederick While Hiding at […]

1520 is a year of suspense. The pope renews his calls for Luther to be silenced. Luther publishes some of his most significant books in his lifetime. Emperor Charles V is crowned at Aachen. This episode reviews Luther’s major literary works. We also follow the activities of Rome that lead up Luther’s excommunication. Beer Break […]

This episode concludes the conversation on the Augsburg Confession that had been presented at the Diet of Augsburg on June 25, 1530. We focus on the disputed articles, 22-28, and the events that take place between June 25, 1530 and April 15, 1531. Sound quality is a little mixed in this episode because Evan Gaertner […]

Part One of the Augsburg Confession is Philip Melanchthon’s attempt to show that the Lutheran church is in continuity with the historic Christian faith and more importantly in alignment with the teaching of the Scriptures. This document is meant not to cause division but to show the basis for unity in the church. This episode […]

In this episode Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner introduce the Augsburg Confession. The beginning of the episode is a timeline leading up to June 25, 1530. This date is a major turning point in the identity of Reformation as something other than a schismatic movement that is breaking apart the holy Christian church. You can […]

1527 Martin Luther writes to Breslau after they requested guidance on the responsibilities people have to stay in a city that experiences a deadly plague. Luther’s open letter “Whether one may flee from a deadly plague” provides a theological response to the common tension we will face between self-preservation and care for another person that […]

In this episode we conclude our discussion of the Ten Commandments and Luther’s exposition in the Large Catechism. The audio is not as good because we recorded in a different room than usual.

We begin our discussion of Martin Luther’s Explanation to the 8th Commandment, “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.” The Beer Break features Kickstand Brewing Co.’s CENTER STAGE AMBER ABV – 5.9% IBU – 29. Toasty malt character, medium body with a dry finish. Always a crowd pleaser.

Discussion of Martin Luther’s explanation of the seventh commandment, “You shall not steal,” in the Large Catechism. Beer Break features Enigma by Tapistry Brewing in Bridgeman, MI.

Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley have a conversation about Dr. Martin Luther’s Large Catechism explanation of the sixth commandment, “You shall not commit adultery.” Beer Break From Jackie O’s Brewery in Athens Georgia we feature during our beer break Jackie O’s Lost Marbles.

You shall not murder. In this episode Mike and Evan discuss how Martin Luther explains the fifth commandment in the Large Catechism. Beer Break This episode features Tsingtao Beer. It is the most popular exported beer from China but it was recently overtaken in the domestic market by Snow Beer. The Tsingtao Beer we drank […]

Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner finish the discussion of how the Large Catechism explains the Fourth Commandment. Beer Break Salted Caramel Porter from Pigeon Hill Brewing Company What starts as a traditional porter takes a turn once caramel and salt are added to this brew. The use of chocolate malt even gives it flavors of […]

Second episode focusing on the 4th Commandment, “Honor your father and your mother.” Our discussion circles around the issue of authority, trust, and spheres of influence in our lives. When we place ourselves under the authority of another person, we humble ourselves and trust in God’s ordering of society. Beer Break Oberon by Bell’s Brewery […]

We begin our discussion of the fourth commandment explanation by Martin Luther in the Large Catechism. Beer Break Griffin Claw Brewing Company on Eton Road in Birmingham, Michigan. El Rojo Red Ale ABV: 6.5 IBU: 25 A bronze medal winning El Rojo Red Ale has a malty, roasted flavor profile. Entered in competition as an […]

Mike and Evan have a discussion about the 3rd Commandment and Martin Luther’s explanations in the Large Catechism. In Christ we find our holy rest, so it is in receiving Christ the day is holy. Remember the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy. Beer Break This episode features the Petoskey Brewing Company and their beer […]

Discussion of the Second Commandment in the Large Catechism. Beer Break – Breakfast Stout from Founder’s Brewery.

This episode includes the end of our discussion on the preface and our conversation about Martin Luther’s Large Catechism First Commandment. Beer Break Bell’s Official A year-round offering of a sumptuous hazy ipa from this great Kalamazoo, Michigan, brewery. This beer is great for those who love hops and prefer a wheat beer.

In this episode we finish our examination of Martin Luther’s preface (the long one and the short one) to the Large Catechism. Beer Break Grand Rabbits from Black Rock Brewery in Marquette, Michigan, is our featured beer. This cream ale is a delicious beer that sparkles with the waters of Lake Superior. Check out the […]

This podcast episode continues a new format for Grace on Tap. We provide a running commentary of the Large Catechism as we read it together. This episode nearly concludes our discussion of the preface. You can download the version we are using and follow along with our commentary: The Large Catechism was written by Martin […]

This podcast episode begins a new format for Grace on Tap. In this episode and the next several we will provide a running commentary of the Large Catechism as we read it together. You can download the version we are using and follow along with our commentary: In this episode we get through the first […]

When Luther and the other Reformers visited the common peasants in Electoral Saxony, they were shocked and deeply dismayed.  Their problems were numerable, running from administrative issues to serious theological gaps. Most concerning, the majority of the common people had no idea of the most basic principles of the faith.  Luther’s visits to Electoral Saxony […]

After the death of Pope Adrian IV, the young kings of Spain, France and England seemed to be less interested in manipulating the election of the next pope. Perhaps because they realized that they could not predict the behavior of a pope.  The disinterest of the kings allowed the cardinals to maneuver amongst themselves for […]

The sudden death of Pope Leo X sparked one of the most openly political papal conclaves in history. Each of the three major political powers of the 16th century made clear who they wanted to replace Leo, and they didn’t want. The most competent man for the job, Leo’s cousin Cardinal Giulio de’ Medici, was strongly […]

As the cardinals gathered in Rome in early 1522 to elect a new pope after the unexpected death of Pope Leo X in December 1521, they all recognized that the world had changed dramatically since Leo’s election in 1513. Not only did Martin Luther challenge the authority of the church and the pope, the Turks […]