Steadfast Throwdown

Pr. James Moshier steps “into the ring” to discuss his homily delivered at the 2015 Spring Pastors Conference in Kearney, Nebraska. When the risen Lord Jesus works a great catch of fish and when He instructs Peter to feed His lambs (John 21:1-17), we also receive Jesus’ admonition to pastors to feed the flock through … Continue reading Feed My Lambs →

Pr. Matt Richard joins us to discuss his article, “Your Greatest Need Isn’t Money, Sex, or Power, But…”. How do we try to tell the story of our lives and justify ourselves by means of money, sex, and power? Is there a better way? What is our greatest need? Listen for our true and genuine … Continue reading Your Greatest Need →

Pr. Joshua Scheer, editor of “Brothers of John the Steadfast,” joins us to discuss some new and coming projects associated with steadfastlutherans.org. Hear about the new “Sisters of Katie Luther” blog, “Steadfast in the Parish,” and more. Also, Pr. David Ramirez discusses and recommends solid Bible study resources for home and classroom. Hear about those … Continue reading Steadfast Lutherans Update & Bible Study Resources →

We continue discussing the conflicts between the estates of church and home with Pr. Joe Abrahamson. Why do pastors solemnize marriages as “agents of the state”? What place or interest does the church have in weddings and marriage? How does forgiveness take place in the home? What some cautions to hearing the confession of other … Continue reading The Three Outposts, part 10 – Conflicts between Church and Home (cont.) →

What happens when the average LCMS pew-dweller, who has a superficial grasp of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, sees some careless “cooperation in externals” by LCMS entities? “Confusion,” says elder Tim Wood. How does our “cooperation in externals” undermine our seeking oneness in doctrine and faith? Read Tim Wood’s article, “What Does the LCMS Reap … Continue reading Confusion Among Lutherans →

In this installment of our series with Pr. Joe Abrahamson, we begin discussing areas of overlap and conflict between the three estates. Here we discuss the very real and timely overlaps and conflicts between the estate of the home (family) and the estate of the church. Read Pr. Abrahamson’s Bible study: “The Three Outposts, Your … Continue reading The Three Outposts, part 9 – Conflicts between Church & Home →

In part 8 of our series on “The Three Outposts” (three estates), Pr. Joe Abrahamson gives us the Scriptural teaching on God’s gift of, yes, government. How can government be more than a “necessary evil,” as Thomas Paine said? Is government really a gift from God? (The tax-man too? Seriously?) Why is government necessary, and … Continue reading The Three Outposts, part 8 – The State →

Pr. Joshua Scheer joins us to discuss the sinful and unbiblical removal of pastors from their congregations. What non-Scriptural reasons do some congregations give for removing their pastors from their God-given calls? What are true, Biblical ways in which a pastor may/should be removed from his call? How do the Ten Commandments enlighten us on … Continue reading The UnBiblical Removal of Pastors →

What other reasons does Pr. Bruce Timm have for using the Church’s liturgy? How does the liturgy teach the young and sustain the old? Isn’t the liturgy “boring”? And that’s a good thing? How does it unite us in confessing the faith as a synod? (or was it “senate”?) How does using the liturgy help … Continue reading Why I Use the Liturgy, part 2 (continued) →

Pr. Bruce Timm just had to come back to smack down the hosts – especially Eric! – as he continues discussing his articles titled “Why Do I Use the Liturgy?” Did Adam and Eve have the liturgy in the Garden of Eden? What does the book of Leviticus teach us about the Church’s liturgy in … Continue reading Why I Use the Liturgy, part 2 →

Pr. Bruce Timm joins us to discuss his article, “Why Do I Use the Liturgy?” In a world filled with cotton-candy, entertainment-style worship, why would we actually want to use the Church’s liturgy? We discuss Pr. Timm’s first three reasons – out of eleven – for why he uses the liturgy. Also, listen carefully to … Continue reading Why I Use the Liturgy →

Pr. Charlie Henrickson joins us to give a tribute to the late Rev. Dr. Ronald Feuerhahn (1937-2015), a respected professor, churchman, and father in the faith. We also get to hear the homily, by Pr. Scott Bruzek, delivered at Dr. Feuerhahn’s “Service of Praise and Thanksgiving” held at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, on March … Continue reading A Tribute to Rev. Dr. Ronald Feuerhahn →

Adam Spanier, General Manager at KNGN (1360 AM in McCook, Nebraska) interviews Throwdown hosts Eric Andersen and Randy Asburry for KNGN’s 2015 Share-A-Thon. We tell the story of how this “incredibly awesome show” began. We discuss our favorite episodes (if we can choose). And we address big issues in the church today as well as … Continue reading KNGN Share-A-Thon Interview-2015 →

Pr. Larry Beane joins us by way of his 2015 Brothers of John the Steadfast Conference presentation, “Doctrine And/Or Practice?” What is the relationship between what we confess in our doctrine (checklists, anyone?) and what we do in our practice (anything goes? seriously?)? Pr. Beane gives some helpful points and illustrations for why and how … Continue reading Doctrine and/or Practice →

Does it make any difference how a pastor dresses? What should a pastor wear–clerical collar, business suit, or the latest colorful fashion? Pr. Karl Weber joins us to discuss his article, “Does Your Pastor Dress as a Shepherd or a Sheep?” Clothing may do more than just “make the man” of the pastor; it may … Continue reading How Does Your Pastor Dress? →

Pr. Chris Hull joins us to discuss what happens when we try to add things, especially ourselves, to God’s grace and forgiveness in Jesus Christ. We also discuss his homily at the recent Brothers of John the Steadfast Conference … and Polycarp … and how to confess the faith in the midst of false teaching … Continue reading Adding to Lutheran Teaching? →

In this installment of our discussion with Pr. Joe Abrahamson, we take up the Office of the Ministry and how God calls His people to support the livelihood of their pastors. We also discuss matters of excommunication and church discipline, as well as answer a question submitted to steadfastlutherans.org. Read Pr. Abrahamson’s Bible Study, “The … Continue reading The Three Outposts, part 7 – The Church →

Pr. Brian Flamme joins us to discuss his report on the recent “Best Practices for Ministry” conference that he attended. Who attended the conference? What are the “best practices” for “ministry”? How do such “best practices” for ministry line up with what our Lord Jesus Christ gives us in His Word and Sacraments? Read Pr. … Continue reading “Best Practices for Ministry” Conference →

We continue our discussion with Pr. Joe Abrahamson on the estate of the Church. This time we focus on the Office of the Ministry and how God establishes it to serve the Church. Why is it important for pastors to be properly called? What does God’s Word say about who can hold the Pastoral Office? … Continue reading The Three Outposts, part 6 – The Church →

In this segment we bring you the final portion of Pr. Bryan Wolfmueller’s presentation at the 2015 Brothers of John the Steadfast Conference, and we sit down with him after his presentation for more thoughts on “The Obligation and Temptation of Dealing with False Teaching.” Also, don’t miss some conference “Man-on-the-Street” interviews conducted by Eric … Continue reading Dealing with False Teaching, part 2 →

Pr. Joshua Scheer discusses his article “Anonymous Complaints and Their Fruit.” What leads to anonymous complaining, and how does anonymous complaining rob us of the opportunity for reconciliation? What are the fruits of such complaining? Are there any positives to complaining? Read Pr. Scheer’s article, “Anonymous Complaints and Their Fruit.”

Pr. Bryan Wolfmueller gave a presentation at the 2015 Brothers of John the Steadfast Conference on “The Obligation and Temptation of Dealing with False Teaching.” Is false teaching in the Church a new thing, or a recent invention? How should we deal with it when it does come? Here we bring you audio from his … Continue reading Dealing with False Teaching →

Mrs. Holly Scheer joins us to discuss her article, “Nine Easy Ways to Participate in Lent.” Why does the Church have its own unique calendar? Why do we Christians set apart a time of somber penitence called “Lent”? What are some way that you and your family can participate in this sacred time? Read Holly … Continue reading Ways to Participate in Lent →

As we continue our series on “The Three Outposts: Your Mission,” with Pr. Joe Abrahamson, we discuss the estate called “The Church.” When did the Church really begin? What is the purpose of the Church? How does Martin Luther teach on this estate in his Small Catechism? Read Pr. Abrahamson’s Bible study on “The Church” … Continue reading The Three Outposts, part 5 – The Church →

Do we really need youth pastors? Are they necessary? Are they truly helpful? Are they really serving the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Or are they really just offering “spiritual daycare”? Jonathan Rodebaugh joins us to discuss the well-intentioned but misguided attempts to cultivate a specifically youth culture within the Church. How should our young people … Continue reading Spiritual Daycare →

In part four of our series on “The Three Outposts: Your Mission,” Pr. Joe Abrahamson takes us deeper into the God-given estate of “The Home,” that is, domestic governance. Listen as we discuss God’s design for husbands and wives as well as parents and children. How can we Christians bear witness to Jesus in our … Continue reading The Three Outposts, part 4 – The Home →

What is the Office of the Keys? Pr. Matt Lovett connects it not just with the confessing and being absolved of individual sins, but also with the confession of the faith and the office of preaching and teaching–the Office of the Ministry. How and why? Listen! Read Pr. Lovett’s paper, “The Office of the Keys … Continue reading The Office of the Keys as the Office of Preaching and Teaching →

We resume our series with Pr. Joe Abrahamson on his Bible study titled “The Three Outposts: Your Mission.” Here we continue looking at the three estates – home, church, and state – in the Old Testament, especially during time of the united kingdom of Israel, the divided kingdom, and then the Babylonian captivity. Read Pr. … Continue reading The Three Outposts, part 3 →

When it comes to confronting false teaching and false teachers in our midst, Pr. Bryan Wolfmueller takes his lead from Martin Luther to kick the dog, but console the child. Listen as Pr. Wolfmueller distinguishes between those who teach falsely and those who are falsely taught. How can we exercise patience and compassion when we … Continue reading Kick the Dog, Console the Child →

What is the place of humor, satire, snark, and mocking in confessing the truth of God’s Word? What actually makes for good satire and humor? Pr. Hans Fiene – of “The Lutheran Satire” fame – joins us to discuss how he confesses the truth and teaches the faith by making fun of stuff. Pr. Fiene … Continue reading The Place of Satire →

Pr. Clint Poppe joins us to discuss the history, purpose, and work of the Association of Confessing Evangelical Lutheran Congregations (ACELC). How are they confronting and dealing with the false and faulty teachings and practices in our midst? Pr. Poppe will also present at the 2015 Brothers of John the Steadfast Conference. Read Pr. Poppe’s … Continue reading Barking Dogs – The ACELC and Its Work →

Pastor Larry Beane will present at the 2015 Brothers of John the Steadfast Conference on the theme “Doctrine and/or Practice.” What will he discuss in his presentation, and how do our Lutheran Confessions help us keep doctrine and practice united? Check out Pr. Beane’s blog, “Father Hollywood.” Register now for the 2015 Brothers of John … Continue reading Doctrine and/or Practice →

Some talk of “sacramental entrepreneurs.” Pr. Matt Dent speaks of “sacramental minions.” What’s the difference? Listen to Pr. Dent’s faithful witness. Also, what are we to make of phrases like “start new to reach new” and “out of the box thinking”? Could it be that God has put us – and Himself – in a … Continue reading Sacramental Minions →

Mrs. Holly Scheer–wife of Pr. Joshua Scheer (Associate Editor at steadfastlutherans.org)–joins us to discuss the challenges and joys of being a pastor’s wife. A pastor’s call and duties in the congregation are very clear. But what about the pastor’s wife? What challenges does she face when it comes to friends in the congregation, raising children, … Continue reading Things Your Pastor’s Wife Wishes You Knew →

In the Concordia University system, enrollment is up and money seems to be flowing. So what’s the problem? Pr. Tim Rossow says, “Plenty!” Is that numerical growth really pagan growth? What is actually being taught and espoused at one of our Concordia Universities? What solutions would Pr. Rossow recommend? Read Pr. Timothy Rossow’s articles: “LCMS … Continue reading Problems at the Concordia Universities →

In this segment, Mr. Tim Wood, a convert from Baptist fundamentalism after a confrontation with God’s Law and Gospel, joins us to discuss is article, “Church Growth: Deliberately Misdiagnosing the Problem?” Why do some churches leave behind faithful Law-Gospel preaching and turn instead to Madison Avenue techniques? Are they still practicing Christianity? Read Tim Wood’s … Continue reading Madison Avenue Ecclesiology →

Pr. Joe Abrahamson continues discussing his Bible study on the three estates titled “The Three Outposts: Your Mission.” In this installment, we continue clarifying the three estates (“outposts”) and then see how all three estates are taught in the Old Testament beginning in the earliest chapters of Genesis. Read part 2 of Pr. Abrahamson’s Bible … Continue reading The Three Outposts, part 2 →

Is Christian evangelism just a matter of “selling a product” called the Gospel of Jesus Christ? How might that approach to the Church’s mission be “enthusiasm”? (Uh, what’s that?) Pr. Andrew Preus discusses his article, “Market-Style Evangelism,” and how it’s better to be limited by the ways that God gives in His Word. Read Pr. … Continue reading Market-Style Evangelism →

What are the three “outposts” to which God has called you to live the Christian life? What is your “mission” in each of those “outposts”? Join us as Pr. Joe Abrahamson outlines the three “outposts” (estates) to which God calls each of us and explains how our mission is to love our neighbor as God … Continue reading The Three Outposts, part 1 →

What are laypeople to do when their pastor begins teaching false doctrine or introducing non-Lutheran practices? Should they just sit quietly in the pew and “take it”? Not according to Vanessa Rasanen! She says the sheep should speak up, talk with their pastor, pray for him, and, yes, protect their fellow sheep from false teachings … Continue reading Talking Sheep →

We welcome Pr. Gaven Mize and his brother, Josh, to discuss Josh’s battle with cancer, his habit of memorializing that battle by growing his beard, and the comfort that his Baptism gave him and still gives him. Read Pr. Gaven Mize’s article, “My Brother Had Cancer…And He Died. Also, He Has a Fantastic Beard.”

Brittany Maynard made headlines when she revealed that she has an aggressive form of brain cancer and that she would end her life on her own terms. We welcome Mrs. Maggie Karner, Director of Life and Health Ministries for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, to respond to Ms. Maynard’s plight. Maggie suffers from the very same … Continue reading Brain Cancer and Suicide →

Pr. Matt Richard continues discussing his paper, “Why the Doctrine of Predestination Matters.” What happens when we try to reconcile the seemingly contradictory doctrines of 1) original sin with 2) God’s justification of the sinner and 3) God’s eternal election? Why should we keep these doctrines “in tension” according to God’s Word? Is the teaching … Continue reading Predestination, part 2 →

In this final part of our Catechism series with Pr. Joe Abrahamson, we discuss the “Christian Questions with their Answers.” Did Luther really compose them? Why are they not in some editions of the Catechism? How do these questions and answers help us prepare for partaking of Christ’s Body and Blood? Pr. Abrahamson also wraps … Continue reading Catechism Series, part 14 →

Pr. Matt Richard enters the “Throwdown” ring to discuss his paper, “Why the Doctrine of Predestination Matters.” Is the doctrine of predestination simply some useless wrangling among theologians, or does it really mean something for every Christian? What happened during the 19th century when various Lutheran church bodies debated this doctrine? How can you best … Continue reading Predestination, part 1 →

The Rolling Stones sang their song “Sympathy for the Devil,” and evangelical Christians responded with uproar. But is there anything we can learn from the song (or from John Lennon’s quip about the Beatles being more famous than Jesus Christ)? Pr. Gaven Mize joins us to discuss just why and how the hideous monster named … Continue reading Sympathy for the Devil →

How does a person become a Christian and stay a Christian? Not by doing things, but by hearing the Word of Christ. And should we really condemn someone for their faults, foibles, and sins in life, or should we focus more on the doctrine? Dr. Matt Phillips, professor of history at Concordia University, Seward, Nebraska, … Continue reading Becoming a Christian →

In part 13 of our Catechism Series with Pr. Joe Abrahamson, we take a brief look at the “Table of Duties” in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. How does this section of the Catechism instruct us in the “holy orders” to which God calls us? What are the “two kingdoms” and the “three estates” that this … Continue reading Catechism Series, part 13 →

In our fourth and final part on “Celebrating in the Face of Death” we take a look – and listen – at some “Bold, IN-YOUR-FACE, DEATH!, Comforting Hymns.” These hymns give “a certain untoward gesture” to death as we rest in the comfort of Jesus’ resurrection and the hope of eternal life in Him. We … Continue reading Celebrating in the Face of Death, part 4 →

In part 12 of our Catechism Series with Pr. Joe Abrahamson, we discuss the Daily Prayers part of the Catechism. How do we live out the teaching that God gives us in the Commandments, the Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer? We pray. Daily. Join us as we discuss how to pray according to God’s Word … Continue reading Catechism Series, part 12 →