Podcast appearances and mentions of Grace Lutheran Church

December 27, 2025Today's Reading: John 21:20-25Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 51:17-52:12; Matthew 2:1-12“If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” (John 21:22)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.It's easy to make comparisons to others. The flesh wants to be on top, number one, the best at everything. You see it in children who cry and throw tantrums when they lose at something or feel slighted by another child. Adults are no different, only they throw tantrums in different ways.The disciples were not immune to the Old Adam, and the Gospels record their quest for greatness and penchant for comparisons amongst themselves. In Matthew (20:20-28) and Mark (10:35-45) we hear the story of James and John seeking a place by Jesus. Of course, the other ten disciples are “indignant at the two brothers.” Also, in Matthew (18:1-6) and Mark (9:33-36) are the accounts of the disciples debating the question, “who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” It's not just in sports, then, the question “Who is the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time)?” It happens in the Church, even amongst Jesus' very own disciples.Despite Jesus' teaching, old habits die hard, and the Old Adam never ceases to rear his ugly head. Even in the last section of John's gospel, Peter is worrying about others, not himself. He's interested in John's future: “Lord, what about this man?” But it's none of Peter's business. John's outcome will reside in the hidden will of God, as does the fate of everyone. For Peter, the instructions are clear: “follow me” says the Lord.We're no different from the disciples in that we make comparisons that can easily give rise to wretched jealousy and anger over the neighbor. But in God's Church, this has no place. Such sins require that daily repentance before Christ seeking forgiveness for all those times we exalted ourselves and forgot about our sin. All those times we compared ourselves with others in the Church, thought we were better, or despised those we judged to be ahead in pious works and the eyes of others—we're called to repentance of such sins and to faith in God. We're given a baptized life where those good works flow from faith excluding hubris and comparisons, jealousy and discontentment with ourselves before God.Our eyes need to be on Jesus, and we need to listen to His voice, “follow Me.” The neighbor is in God's hands, whose days are numbered like ours. The measure of days God knows and thus we're content knowing our lives are in the hands of a loving Creator Who has redeemed us by the blood of His Son calling us to bear our crosses and follow Him.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, forgive us of our pride and by Thy Word bring us daily to repentance and faith trusting in You to bring us through the vale of tears into that life everlasting You have prepared for us by Your cross and blood. Amen. Author: Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, senior pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham, TX.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you'll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 26, 2025Today's Reading: Matthew 23:34-39Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 49:22-26; 50:4-51:8, 12-16; Matthew 1:18-25“Truly, I say to you all these things will come upon this generation” (Matthew 23:36)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.This text speaks about Jerusalem's rejection of Christ. Prophets and wise men will come from God only to suffer death, a pattern history reveals in the examples of Abel and Zechariah the son of Barachiah, the latter being “murdered between the sanctuary and the altar.” Nevertheless, vindication will come. God's justice will prevail when “righteous blood” falls upon those rejecting the grace of God. In God's court, the murderers and persecuting unbelievers have no Advocate. The verdict is death for those despising the only Mediator between heaven and earth.The target audience in Jesus' teaching here plays a part in this prophecy when before Pilate they cry “His blood be on us and on our children!” (Matthew 24:25), a striking statement brimming with theological importance. Indeed, Jesus' blood will atone for the entire world, even the ungodly. His justification for man fulfilled at the cross is universal, not partial and selective. Still, Jesus' enemies boldly claim responsibility for His death. Killing the Messiah in raw defiance is blasphemy before the Lord of justice and mercy. “This generation” is Jesus' designation of the wicked, the unbelievers, the enemies of God opposing prophet, disciple, and pastor because of their hatred of God. All things will come to pass according to the divine Word and “this generation” is no exception to God's judgment.This is a sad narrative of Jesus' lament for His children. After everything He did for His people, the result was rejection. Jesus' words “you were not willing” place the onus square on the sinner, not God. Unbelief resides in the flesh of man to look at God's promise to gather us as the hen gathers her brood under her wings and say “no.” Such rejection and the persecution of God's people will continue until the Last Day. Baptized believers live with no delusion of grandeur that life will be easy for the Church. This text teaches us what's in store for the Church of God as she makes her pilgrimage in this life fraught with difficulty and trial. Still, The Lord is merciful to gather us under His wing, to grant His people protection and peace; to confirm for us His promise of salvation at His glorious return when every knee shall bow and confess before the Lord of glory Who keeps his Word. Just as judgment comes to pass, so does Jesus' promise to save.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord, grant your Church steadfast faith to endure persecution and find comfort and hope in Your steadfast love that endures for all generations. Amen.Author: Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, senior pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham, TX.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you'll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 25, 2025Today's Reading: John 1:1-18Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 49:1-18; Matthew 1:1-17“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The words “in the beginning” take us back to Genesis. We know the story: a perfect, pristine creation by God in six days comes crashing down under the curse of sin by one man's trespass that “led to condemnation for all men” (Romans 5:18). The darkness of sin and man's condemnation under the law is only overcome by divine Light.  The inspired writer John proclaims this Light, this redemption found in the Word made flesh Who dwelt among us. John's description of Jesus is still worthy of faithful contemplation, for he speaks of Jesus' divinity as the everlasting Word in the beginning through Whom all things were made. Whereas the other Gospels begin emphasizing the humanity of Jesus, John begins with His divinity. Christ wasn't another prophet or rabbi, but the everlasting Word Incarnate, God having come to dwell among us not in a Temple or Tent, but in the flesh and blood person of Christ crucified and risen from the dead. We behold our Advocate with the Father in the Son Who testifies “I and the Father are One” (John 10:30) and “before Abraham was, I Am” (John 8:58). In the face of so many heresies decrying Jesus as God, this confession of Christ as Lord must go forth in that courageous conviction only God brings forth in His blessed children. There's no other way to the Father than through the Son, Who is the “Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6) and calls sinners to repentance and faith in He Who still outshines a dark world.The children of God believe and confess this Word by faith, and John also clarifies for us that this is God's work. Children of God aren't made so by the will of the flesh but God. It's His divine work to bring life from death. The dark, cold, stoney heart becomes one brimming with life at the good deposit entrusted to the baptized believer—faith in the Word made flesh. It's this faith that seeks comfort and solace in the promises of God when it seems the darkness has won and thus any victory belongs to the “ruler of this world” (John 12:31). Feelings should fall to the wayside of Jesus' promises. No, the darkness doesn't win. The Word Incarnate has made sure of it. The darkness doesn't overcome the Light Who shines now and for all eternity. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Into flesh is made the Word, alleluia! He, our refuge and our Lord, alleluia! On this day God gave us Christ, His Son, to save us; Christ, His Son, to save us (LSB 381)Author: Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, senior pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham, TX.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you'll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 24, 2025Today's Reading: Matthew 1:18-25Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 44:21-45:13, 20-25; Daniel 10:1-12:13; Isaiah 48:1-22; Revelation 12:1-17“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Isaiah 44:21-45:13 makes the point that God is in control of conducting affairs and uses people according to His good and gracious will. His Word won't return void but always accomplishes His purpose. So, despite how chaotic and unpredictable the world seems at times, the world still exists under the God Who knows when the sparrow falls and the number of hairs on the head; the God turning the hearts of Kings and working through them as instruments for His divine command. Cyrus was one more King in a line of those ruling powerful empires whose lifespans were always framed by God's divine boundaries. He was a subduer of nations whose hand God held to loosen the belts of kings and open gates to territories powerless before God. The point is clear: God works through people to fulfill His holy will.Against this backdrop we can read a passage like Matthew 1:18-25 and see again the LORD working through people, only this time it's not a powerful earthly King but the virgin Mary. God doesn't rely on the strength of the flesh and needs no temporal Kings to bring forth the One True King ruling on His throne, even in the womb. It's a reversal from what we see in the Old Testament—the God Who uses Kings now uses the lowly virgin in the delicate womb to carry the Christ Who will establish His own Kingdom by blood.Matthew 1:21 is the divine Word of God foretelling salvation in the Christ Who will save His people from their sins. The birth of Jesus fulfills another prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 that says “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.” Joseph is righteous not only in how he treats Mary when suspecting her of adultery, but in that he believes the Word from the angel of the Lord. He does according to God's command and calls the child “Jesus.”The world still turns under God's watch, which is a comforting truth alongside the Gospel teaching us that in this world of kings coming and going, nations rising and falling, chaos, pain, suffering, and death, God is good to keep His Word once again in sending His Son to fulfill His promise of saving sinners. The child in Mary's womb would do it, showing again God faithfulness in keeping His Word to redeem the world which happens only by Jesus' cross and blood.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Here a maid was found with child, Yet remained a virgin mild. In her womb this truth was shown: God was there upon His throne (LSB 332:3)Author: Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, senior pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham, TX.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you'll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

What does it mean to be a Lutheran?  The Lutheran Reformation was founded on the “Three Solas” (Latin for “alone”): “Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Scripture Alone”.   In 1517, Martin Luther's 95 Theses were headed in that direction.  His 1529 Small Catechism condenses those biblical truths into a text book for instruction.  In 1521, He was called to Worms and told to “sit down and shut up” by withdrawing all his writings and declaring them to be false.  Luther stood up instead and kept proclaiming the truth.  By 1530, it was time to set the record straight - against false accusations hurled against them and confusion that was spread as to what Lutherans believed.  So the process began to draft the Augsburg Confession. It was a clear and concise summary of the teachings of Scripture, a bold declaration of what the Scriptures say and what they do not.  It was a statement of biblical truth and a refutation of biblical error.  It was a demonstration that the Lutheran faith is the Christian faith and the orthodox teachings that the church has held too since the time of Christ.   So on June 25, 1530, the Augsburg Confession was boldly, confidently and loudly read.  Charles V and anyone else within earshot heard a systematic presentation of the Bible's truth.  They heard an incredible answer to the question: What does it mean to be a Lutheran?”  And all who read its 28 articles today hear that answer as well.     What a blessing to generations of Lutheran Christians those men and their courage, conviction, and confession have been!   June 25, 1530 was truly a turning point in the life of the Lutheran Church.  Blessings have been coming our way as a result ever since.  And now as you join in our discussion, those blessings are sure to come your way as well! The Augsburg Confession is included in the Book of Concord.  You can find a free version online here.  Grab your printed copy off the shelf or get your own copy here. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org.  If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.  

St. Paul encourages the Thessalonians to continue in good works without growing tired. Those who do not listen to St. Paul's instruction must be warned as brothers, in order that their shame might lead to repentance and renewed faith. Before St. Paul finishes, he signs his letter with his own hand and blesses the Thessalonians with the peace and grace of the Lord.  Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Thessalonians 3:13-18.  To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit gracebrenham.org.  “Yearning for the Day of Christ's Returning” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies St. Paul's two epistles to the Thessalonians. Although Paul's time in Thessalonica was brief, he had great affection for the Christians there. His two letters to the Thessalonians show us the joy that God gives us together in the Church and encourage us to live faithfully in expectation of Jesus' coming on the Last Day.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

December 23, 2025Today's Reading: Deuteronomy 18:15-19Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 43:25-44:20; Revelation 11:1-19“…I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him” (Deuteronomy 18:18)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God charges every prophet, disciple, apostle, and pastor to speak His Word; thus, the wide sense of Deuteronomy 18:18. God gives His Word to His men bearing the task of speaking the full counsel of the divine Word. God desires His office bearers to speak what He says without addition and subtraction to the mighty Word, a point any faithful pastor knows well. But is there an individual in mind here, or is God speaking about the Office for men tasked with the ministry in various points in human history?There are scholars arguing that God is only speaking about the prophets in general, without anyone in mind. Often, these arguments spin out of unbelief in the inspired text. People doubt the Bible to be God's inerrant Word and concoct arguments from the premise that the Scriptures are void of any divine inspiration. The Bible without its divine character becomes just another book, a collection of myths by mortals under the familiar confines of a fallen world and sinful flesh. Our confession, however, is that the Bible can be trusted, and that it is the holy, infallible Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, Who always testifies to God's redemption won for us by Christ. Luther looked at this passage (Deuteronomy 18:18) and saw not only its divine character as the Word of God, but in light of Jesus, Who says about the Scriptures, “It is they that bear witness about me” (John 5:39), he saw Deuteronomy testifying to Christ. The “prophet” in chapter 18 is Christ from the blood of the Jews Who perfectly and completely taught the Word of God and fulfilled it in His suffering and death.Moses, a great leader and prophet in his own right, would not be the last. God would raise a large company of prophets, ultimately leading to Christ, the Prophet from the Jews, giving us the Holy Word of God, testifying to Himself as the Savior of the nations. The warning is clear: “whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him” (Deuteronomy 18:19). Our task is to listen, a listening that always entails repentance and faith in the Prophet Who still speaks in His Word, teaches, leads, and guides us gathering in His Name and reading His Word on the pages of our Bibles testifying to God's salvation in that Prophet, that Savior sent from God, our crucified and risen Savior Who is Jesus.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord Jesus, turn us daily to your Word and grant us repentance and faith always that leads to life everlasting obtained for us by Your blood that washes away all sin and makes us your Church. Amen.Author: Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, senior pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham, TX.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you'll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

Peaceful sleep is a gift from God—but there are moments when slumber becomes dangerous. In this Advent sermon, Rev. David Buchs reflects on Saint Peter's urgent call to be stirred up, awakened from spiritual drowsiness to watch, wait, and live in hope as the Day of the Lord approaches. Far from fear-driven urgency, this wakefulness is grounded in God's patience, mercy, and promise of a new creation.Wednesday, December 17 | Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock, Arkansas | 2 Peter 3Key themes include: • God's patience as salvation, not delay • Spiritual wakefulness in a world of scoffing and distraction • Living holy and hopeful lives while waiting for Christ's return • The promise of renewal: new hearts, new creation, lasting joy#StirUpOurHearts #AdventSermon #DayOfTheLord #SecondPeter #ChristianSermon#JesusChrist #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalTeaching #FaithAndHope#GraceLutheranLittleRock #LittleRockChurch #ArkansasFaith #LutheranSermon#WaitingOnTheLord #NewHeavensNewEarth

In this Advent sermon, Rev. David Buchs reflects on the Annunciation and Visitation, revealing a miracle even greater than Christ's miraculous birth: the gift of faith itself. From Mary's trusting “Let it be” to Elizabeth's confession and John's joyful leap in the womb, God's Word creates belief, joy, and peace where there was once darkness.This sermon proclaims that the same miracle is at work today. God not only gives daily bread and earthly blessings, but awakens hearts to believe His promises in Christ—producing a joy that does not fade with circumstances and a peace that surpasses all understanding.Sunday Worship – December 21, 2025 | Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock, ArkansasKey themes include: • The power of God's Word to create faith • Christmas joy rooted in salvation, not circumstances • Peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4) • Christ as God's mercy for the whole world#LutheranSermon #ChristmasSermon #JoyOfChristmas #FaithAndJoy #WordMadeFlesh #JesusChrist #ChristianPodcast #ChristianTeaching #GraceLutheranLittleRock #LittleRockChurch #ArkansasFaith #AdventAndChristmas #PeaceThatSurpassesUnderstanding

December 22, 2025Today's Reading: John 1:19-28 Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 43:1-24; Revelation 9:13-10:11“I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,' as the prophet Isaiah said” (John 1:23)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The Pharisees sent priests and Levites to scope out the preacher, the first of many encounters between God and His enemies recorded in the Gospels. Their questions aren't for idle curiosity and genuine desire for the truth. The higher-ups want to know what they're dealing with and who the new preacher in town is, drawing the people away from themselves to Bethany across the Jordan.We know from Matthew and Luke that John knew this wasn't a harmless delegation when he called them a “brood of vipers.” Still, he doesn't shy or shirk from his duty. Boldly, John confesses that he isn't the Christ, but rather a fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. He is “the voice” calling people to readiness before the coming One Whose sandals he's not worthy to untie.The blessed Christmas season highlights the birth of Jesus, and as we reflect upon His coming by the virgin Mary in a stable, John's words are for us to hear: “Make straight the way of the Lord.” We crumple and break the ways of God in our sin. We know the Law, what God commands us to do, but daily our pesky, wretched Old Adam gets the upper hand. Try as we might, the Law still convicts, and our reliance before God can only be the One about Whom John boldly testifies and confesses. John calls us to straighten things out, get on the right path, and stop twisting and turning. In other words, John calls us to repentance. Christ is coming, the theme of Advent, and our lives anticipating His return for Judgment. Christ is coming on the Last Day and comes even now in Word and Sacrament. Repentance and faith define the life of the baptized believer, availing Himself of Christ and His gifts whenever possible.Finally, we should note John's courage to confess in the face of enemies. It happens when the Christian knows persecution from those asking questions with evil intentions is coming. The Truth, however, prevails, and it's another fruit of faith to be bold in the face of danger, knowing the One Who comes is the One Who has saved us from sin, risen from the dead, and gives to His Church that hope and freedom the devil and God's enemies cannot overcome.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Once He came in blessing, All our sins redressing; Came in likeness lowly, son of God most holy; Bore the cross to save us; Hope and freedom gave us (LSB, 333:1)Author: Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, senior pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham, TX.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you'll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 21, 2025Today's Reading: John 20:24-29Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 42:1-25; Revelation 9:1-12“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Thomas refused to believe his brothers' testimony of the risen Christ. He wanted concrete proof, a living body he could feel, a real visual for the eyes. This makes sense. Jesus had prophesied His resurrection, and Thomas wanted evidence. Why would he give up everything for a lie? He's doubting, thus the moniker “doubting Thomas”; still, no disciple abandons everything for a cause he knows is untrue. Jesus' words “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” are a gentle rebuke for Thomas and us who make demands on God when the Word is sufficient. Christ is merciful to give Thomas what He seeks and prompts that great confession, “My Lord and my God!” Thomas sees, believes, and goes on to exercise Jesus' charge to forgive and retain sins (John 20:22-23) in a firm faith only God can give.It's not hard to find people denying God while claiming a lack of proof. But how many stories are in the Bible recording miraculous events only for the people to continue in unbelief? The Israelites crossed the Red Sea in miraculous fashion, only to grumble about food. Jesus healed on the Sabbath before enemies seeking His death. Miracles, we find, don't always result in faith and a proper understanding of Jesus. The devil who masquerades as an angel of light would love to have us turn to something other than the Word, telling us we need proof and evidence before faith. But the Scriptures are clear to teach us the power of the Holy Word and its sufficiency, therefore to create faith that believes and thus one is blessed without the eyes, without reason's confirmation of God via the senses. The disciples' witness of the living Christ is foundational to the testimony today going forth, echoing what Thomas and the others saw—the risen Christ Whose scars mean forgiveness and life. The Church still echoes this testimony and responds to Jesus in the words “My Lord and my God!” The Holy Spirit, Who works still in His Word, is good to create such faith before our risen Savior, Who speaks, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty and ever-living God, You strengthened Your apostle Thomas with firm and certain faith in the resurrection of Your Son. Grant us such faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, that we may never be found wanting in Your sight; through the same Jesus Chris, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Author: Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, senior pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham, TX.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you'll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

What does it mean to be a Lutheran?  The Lutheran Reformation was founded on the “Three Solas” (Latin for “alone”): “Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Scripture Alone”.   In 1517, Martin Luther's 95 Theses were headed in that direction.  His 1529 Small Catechism condenses those biblical truths into a text book for instruction.  In 1521, He was called to Worms and told to “sit down and shut up” by withdrawing all his writings and declaring them to be false.  Luther stood up instead and kept proclaiming the truth.  By 1530, it was time to set the record straight - against false accusations hurled against them and confusion that was spread as to what Lutherans believed.  So the process began to draft the Augsburg Confession. It was a clear and concise summary of the teachings of Scripture, a bold declaration of what the Scriptures say and what they do not.  It was a statement of biblical truth and a refutation of biblical error.  It was a demonstration that the Lutheran faith is the Christian faith and the orthodox teachings that the church has held too since the time of Christ.   So on June 25, 1530, the Augsburg Confession was boldly, confidently and loudly read.  Charles V and anyone else within earshot heard a systematic presentation of the Bible's truth.  They heard an incredible answer to the question: What does it mean to be a Lutheran?”  And all who read its 28 articles today hear that answer as well.     What a blessing to generations of Lutheran Christians those men and their courage, conviction, and confession have been!   June 25, 1530 was truly a turning point in the life of the Lutheran Church.  Blessings have been coming our way as a result ever since.  And now as you join in our discussion, those blessings are sure to come your way as well! The Augsburg Confession is included in the Book of Concord.  You can find a free version online here.  Grab your printed copy off the shelf or get your own copy here. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org.  If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.  

In this conversation, Pastor David Buchs explores the themes of Psalm 85, emphasizing the importance of remembering God's past actions and the structure of the Psalm. He discusses the significance of baptism and faith, addressing questions about salvation and the implications of physician-assisted suicide. The conversation also touches on the role of suffering in faith and the importance of worship in spiritual warfare, particularly in the context of the conquest of Jericho.Sunday Bible Study – December 14, 2025 | Grace Lutheran Church, Little RockKey Themes:Psalm 85 emphasizes God's restoration and forgiveness.Rehearsing God's past actions helps combat despair.Baptism is a means of grace that saves through faith.Faith is essential for receiving the blessings of baptism.Physician-assisted suicide is a moral issue that reflects societal values.Language shapes our understanding of good and evil.Suffering can have redemptive purposes in a believer's life.Worship is foundational to spiritual warfare.The church's mission is to uphold truth in a world of deception.The gates of hell cannot prevail against the church.#BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast #ScriptureStudy #Faith #LutheranBibleStudy #GraceLutheranLittleRock #LittleRockChurch #ArkansasFaith #WildernessFaith #TrustInGod #SpiritualDiscipline #Joshua #OldTestamentStudy

What does it mean to be a Lutheran?  The Lutheran Reformation was founded on the “Three Solas” (Latin for “alone”): “Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Scripture Alone”.   In 1517, Martin Luther's 95 Theses were headed in that direction.  His 1529 Small Catechism condenses those biblical truths into a text book for instruction.  In 1521, He was called to Worms and told to “sit down and shut up” by withdrawing all his writings and declaring them to be false.  Luther stood up instead and kept proclaiming the truth.  By 1530, it was time to set the record straight - against false accusations hurled against them and confusion that was spread as to what Lutherans believed.  So the process began to draft the Augsburg Confession. It was a clear and concise summary of the teachings of Scripture, a bold declaration of what the Scriptures say and what they do not.  It was a statement of biblical truth and a refutation of biblical error.  It was a demonstration that the Lutheran faith is the Christian faith and the orthodox teachings that the church has held too since the time of Christ.   So on June 25, 1530, the Augsburg Confession was boldly, confidently and loudly read.  Charles V and anyone else within earshot heard a systematic presentation of the Bible's truth.  They heard an incredible answer to the question: What does it mean to be a Lutheran?”  And all who read its 28 articles today hear that answer as well.     What a blessing to generations of Lutheran Christians those men and their courage, conviction, and confession have been!   June 25, 1530 was truly a turning point in the life of the Lutheran Church.  Blessings have been coming our way as a result ever since.  And now as you join in our discussion, those blessings are sure to come your way as well! The Augsburg Confession is included in the Book of Concord.  You can find a free version online here.  Grab your printed copy off the shelf or get your own copy here. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org.  If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.  

In this Bible study, Rev. David Buchs leads us through Psalm 45, Numbers 14, and Deuteronomy 8—showing how God forms His people through promises, discipline, and steadfast mercy. We see Israel's fear, Moses' intercession, and the Lord's call to remember what He has done so we can walk faithfully in the present.Sunday Bible Study – December 7, 2025 | Grace Lutheran Church, Little RockKey Themes:• God disciplines His people as a loving Father to teach trust and dependence.• The heart of intercession: Moses standing “in the breach” points us to Christ.• Remembering God's works guards us against fear, pride, and spiritual drift.• Obedience often looks like steady, humble endurance — even when outcomes lie beyond our lifetime.#BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast #ScriptureStudy #Faith #LutheranBibleStudy #GraceLutheranLittleRock #LittleRockChurch #ArkansasFaith #WildernessFaith #TrustInGod #SpiritualDiscipline #Deuteronomy #OldTestamentStudy

In this sermon, Rev. David Buchs draws a sharp line between the world's temporary truces and the true peace Christ brings. Drawing on St. Peter's words, the Christmas story, and the examples of Noah and Lot, he shows that God doesn't offer a momentary ceasefire from chaos—He brings a decisive victory over every enemy of His people. Christ's birth is not sentimental calm but the arrival of the conquering Savior who rescues, preserves, and keeps His own.Wednesday Worship – December 10, 2025 | Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock, ArkansasKey Themes:• True peace comes only through Christ's victory, not human sentiment.• God rescues His people just as He rescued Noah, Lot, and Peter.• False peace and false teaching enslave—but Christ frees.• Christmas is God's decisive act to defeat darkness and keep His people safe to the end.#ChristianSermon #ChristianPodcast #LutheranSermon #JesusChrist #Faith #GospelHope #Advent #BiblicalTeaching #GraceLutheranLittleRock #LittleRockChurch #ArkansasFaith #RevDavidBuchs #PeaceInChrist #VictoryInChrist #StPeter #ChristmasSermon #SaviorWhoRescues #ChristianEncouragement

What does it mean to be a Lutheran?  The Lutheran Reformation was founded on the “Three Solas” (Latin for “alone”): “Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Scripture Alone”.   In 1517, Martin Luther's 95 Theses were headed in that direction.  His 1529 Small Catechism condenses those biblical truths into a text book for instruction.  In 1521, He was called to Worms and told to “sit down and shut up” by withdrawing all his writings and declaring them to be false.  Luther stood up instead and kept proclaiming the truth.  By 1530, it was time to set the record straight - against false accusations hurled against them and confusion that was spread as to what Lutherans believed.  So the process began to draft the Augsburg Confession. It was a clear and concise summary of the teachings of Scripture, a bold declaration of what the Scriptures say and what they do not.  It was a statement of biblical truth and a refutation of biblical error.  It was a demonstration that the Lutheran faith is the Christian faith and the orthodox teachings that the church has held too since the time of Christ.   So on June 25, 1530, the Augsburg Confession was boldly, confidently and loudly read.  Charles V and anyone else within earshot heard a systematic presentation of the Bible's truth.  They heard an incredible answer to the question: What does it mean to be a Lutheran?”  And all who read its 28 articles today hear that answer as well.     What a blessing to generations of Lutheran Christians those men and their courage, conviction, and confession have been!   June 25, 1530 was truly a turning point in the life of the Lutheran Church.  Blessings have been coming our way as a result ever since.  And now as you join in our discussion, those blessings are sure to come your way as well! The Augsburg Confession is included in the Book of Concord.  You can find a free version online here.  Grab your printed copy off the shelf or get your own copy here. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org.  If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.  

St. Paul encourages the Thessalonians to abound more and more in the way that they are walking according to the word of God. His will for their lives is holiness, which He gives to His people. Such holiness manifests itself in the lives of Christians through chastity, purity, and self-control. Because we know God, we do not live as the pagans do. Instead, we live according to His call through the Gospel.  Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8.  To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit graceelgin.org. “Yearning for the Day of Christ's Returning” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies St. Paul's two epistles to the Thessalonians. Although Paul's time in Thessalonica was brief, he had great affection for the Christians there. His two letters to the Thessalonians show us the joy that God gives us together in the Church and encourage us to live faithfully in expectation of Jesus' coming on the Last Day.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Sunday Worship – December 7, 2025 | Grace Lutheran Church, Little RockSermon by Rev. David BuchsIn this Advent sermon, Pastor Buchs invites us to read not only the cosmic signs Jesus describes, but also the personal signs within our own lives—aging, loss, fear, and the unraveling of our own “age.” Rather than responding with despair or distraction, Jesus calls His people to straighten up and raise their heads, trusting that “your redemption is drawing near.”Key Themes:• Recognizing the signs of the end in both the world and our own lives• Responding to suffering with faith instead of fear or numbing distractions• The Christian posture of hope: “Straighten up and raise your heads”• Daniel's example of practiced faithfulness in times of trialTags:Christian sermon, Lutheran sermon, Advent sermon, end times, Christian hope, Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock sermon, Pastor David Buchs, Luke 21, Book of Daniel, Christian encouragement, faith in suffering, biblical preaching, gospel message, Arkansas churchesHashtags:#ChristianPodcast #LutheranSermon #GraceLutheranLittleRock #LittleRockChurch#ArkansasFaith #JesusChrist #ChristianTeaching #Faith #Advent #HopeInChrist#PastorDavidBuchs #SermonPodcast #BibleTeaching #RaiseYourHeads

In this sermon from 2 Peter 1, Rev. David Buchs reflects on Peter's lifelong journey with Jesus—his boldness, failures, restoration, and final words to the Church. Through Peter's story, we learn the astonishing truth that believers today share the same faith, the same Savior, and the same precious promises.Advent Midweek 1 | December 3, 2025 | Grace Lutheran Church, Little RockPeter reminds us that faith is not an accessory but the foundation of life in Christ—lifting us from the corruption of the world and empowering us to grow in virtue, steadfastness, and love. We are called not only to trust Christ, but to put that trust to work.Key Themes:• The equal standing of Christian faith across generations• Faith as rescue from corruption and decay• Growing in virtue, knowledge, steadfastness, and love• Preparing for the Lord's coming with confidence and hope#ChristianPodcast #LutheranSermon #BibleTeaching #JesusChrist #Faith #SermonAudio #ChristianLiving #2Peter #Discipleship

As our year of focusing on the Old Testament comes to a close, it is fitting that we conclude with texts from the Messiah's first “biographer,” the prophet Isaiah, whose career spanned 740–680 B.C. Thanks to the Lutheran composer Handel, whose “Messiah” is especially popular around Christmas and Easter, many of Isaiah's prophecies are quite familiar (in fact, about one-third of the movements in “Messiah” are from Isaiah!). As we open these Old Testament texts, we discover the incarnate Lord and the gifts of forgiveness of sins, life and salvation that He came to bring. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the December 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Son of David, Son of God" on Isaiah 9:2–7 and Isaiah 11:1–10. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

As our year of focusing on the Old Testament comes to a close, it is fitting that we conclude with texts from the Messiah's first “biographer,” the prophet Isaiah, whose career spanned 740–680 B.C. Thanks to the Lutheran composer Handel, whose “Messiah” is especially popular around Christmas and Easter, many of Isaiah's prophecies are quite familiar (in fact, about one-third of the movements in “Messiah” are from Isaiah!). As we open these Old Testament texts, we discover the incarnate Lord and the gifts of forgiveness of sins, life and salvation that He came to bring. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the December 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Son of David, Son of God" on Isaiah 9:2–7 and Isaiah 11:1–10. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

What does it mean to be a Lutheran?  The Lutheran Reformation was founded on the “Three Solas” (Latin for “alone”): “Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Scripture Alone”.   In 1517, Martin Luther's 95 Theses were headed in that direction.  His 1529 Small Catechism condenses those biblical truths into a text book for instruction.  In 1521, He was called to Worms and told to “sit down and shut up” by withdrawing all his writings and declaring them to be false.  Luther stood up instead and kept proclaiming the truth.  By 1530, it was time to set the record straight - against false accusations hurled against them and confusion that was spread as to what Lutherans believed.  So the process began to draft the Augsburg Confession. It was a clear and concise summary of the teachings of Scripture, a bold declaration of what the Scriptures say and what they do not.  It was a statement of biblical truth and a refutation of biblical error.  It was a demonstration that the Lutheran faith is the Christian faith and the orthodox teachings that the church has held too since the time of Christ.   So on June 25, 1530, the Augsburg Confession was boldly, confidently and loudly read.  Charles V and anyone else within earshot heard a systematic presentation of the Bible's truth.  They heard an incredible answer to the question: What does it mean to be a Lutheran?”  And all who read its 28 articles today hear that answer as well.     What a blessing to generations of Lutheran Christians those men and their courage, conviction, and confession have been!   June 25, 1530 was truly a turning point in the life of the Lutheran Church.  Blessings have been coming our way as a result ever since.  And now as you join in our discussion, those blessings are sure to come your way as well! The Augsburg Confession is included in the Book of Concord.  You can find a free version online here.  Grab your printed copy off the shelf or get your own copy here. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org.  If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.  

Join Rev. David Buchs at Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock, as we explore God's unfolding plan through Scripture, from the Old Testament feasts and holy places to the genealogy of Jesus Christ. In this study, we see how God sets His people apart, prepares the way for redemption, and calls us to trust Him even when the world seems overwhelming.Key Themes & Takeaways: • The significance of holiness in people, places, and times, and its fulfillment in Christ. • How Old Testament sacrifices and festivals point to Jesus' perfect redemption. • Lessons from Israel's journey: trust in God over worldly strength. • The genealogy of Jesus as a story of grace, mercy, and God's faithful plan.#ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #ScriptureStudy #Faith #GraceLutheranLittleRock #LittleRockChurch #ArkansasFaith #LutheranBibleStudy #JesusChrist #OldTestament #HolyPlaces #TrustGod #BiblicalTeaching

Thanksgiving Day sermon from Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock, AR.

What does it mean to be a Lutheran?  The Lutheran Reformation was founded on the “Three Solas” (Latin for “alone”): “Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Scripture Alone”.   In 1517, Martin Luther's 95 Theses were headed in that direction.  His 1529 Small Catechism condenses those biblical truths into a text book for instruction.  In 1521, He was called to Worms and told to “sit down and shut up” by withdrawing all his writings and declaring them to be false.  Luther stood up instead and kept proclaiming the truth.  By 1530, it was time to set the record straight - against false accusations hurled against them and confusion that was spread as to what Lutherans believed.  So the process began to draft the Augsburg Confession. It was a clear and concise summary of the teachings of Scripture, a bold declaration of what the Scriptures say and what they do not.  It was a statement of biblical truth and a refutation of biblical error.  It was a demonstration that the Lutheran faith is the Christian faith and the orthodox teachings that the church has held too since the time of Christ.   So on June 25, 1530, the Augsburg Confession was boldly, confidently and loudly read.  Charles V and anyone else within earshot heard a systematic presentation of the Bible's truth.  They heard an incredible answer to the question: What does it mean to be a Lutheran?”  And all who read its 28 articles today hear that answer as well.     What a blessing to generations of Lutheran Christians those men and their courage, conviction, and confession have been!   June 25, 1530 was truly a turning point in the life of the Lutheran Church.  Blessings have been coming our way as a result ever since.  And now as you join in our discussion, those blessings are sure to come your way as well! The Augsburg Confession is included in the Book of Concord.  You can find a free version online here.  Grab your printed copy off the shelf or get your own copy here. If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org.  If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.  

November 22, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 24 - Psalm 134; antiphon: Psalm 33:8Daily Lectionary: Daniel 2:24-49; Revelation 19:1-21“Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord,  who stand by night in the house of the Lord! Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord! May the Lord bless you from Zion, he who made heaven and earth!... Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!” (Psalm 138:1-3, Psalm 33:8)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Psalm 138:3 gives three locations: 1) Zion, 2) Heaven, 3) Earth. These are places, not just ideas or concepts—they're proper nouns. Proper nouns are capitalized; ideas and concepts are not. Thus, Zion, the city of David, Heaven, the location of standing at the face of God (it's the eternal Throne, Revelation 19:4). Heaven's not geographically located, as if hiding behind the Sun; it's where the angels and the living ones stand at the face of God (e.g., Revelation 19:4-6). Earth is, of course, a planet, like Mars or Jupiter; it's the planet where the Lord placed us, where we live out our lives in service to neighbor. Strangely, we seem afraid to give the proper nouns “Heaven” and Earth” their proper capitalizations. Maybe we're a little afraid, so we cower and spell “Heaven” as “heaven,” treating it not as a place, but an idea or concept, thus “heaven.” (Most modern translations of Scripture do this even with Earth, as if there's one planet named Jupiter, another named Earth.)Zion is the city of David; Heaven is at the face of the Lord; Earth is our planet. What do the three have to do with each other? We brought Earth, the place of our creation and life, into sin. So on Earth, the Lord appointed a location to place his Name: Zion. Wherever the Lord places His Name, He is coming to bestow forgiveness upon the sinner.For the Israelites, Zion is the holy place (Psalm 138:2), the location of the Temple. When Jesus comes, He says, “Tear down this Temple, and in three days I will build it up” (John 2:19). In this way, Jesus' Body now stands as the Temple of God—the body torn down at the cross, raised up in three days in the resurrection.Now Jesus brings you to Mount Zion, the city of the Living God. It's the Church, the assembled saints (Hebrews 12:22). It's where Jesus is distributing the riches of the New Testament in his Blood (Hebrews 12:24). Zion is wherever Jesus is having his Gospel proclaimed on Earth, his Sacraments administered, and his people assembled so that they would hear the Name of the Living God proclaimed from Heaven. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord Jesus, gather us to your Mt. Zion, the assembly of your saints. Let us hear your Word of Gospel. In the eating and drinking of your Body and Blood, forgive our sins, letting us receive the benefits of your cross, which is life and salvation. Amen.  Author: Rev. Warren Graff, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NM.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.This new devotional resource by Carl Fickenscher walks you through each week's readings, revealing thematic connections and helping you better understand what is to come in worship each Sunday.

November 21, 2025Today's Reading: Daniel 2:1-23Daily Lectionary: Daniel 2:1-23; Revelation 18:1-24“Daniel answered and said: ‘Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;  he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you, for you have made known to us the king's matter.'” (Daniel 2:20-23)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Look around in the world and try to figure out what God is doing. A flood hits Florida, or in a foreign country, a dictator is overthrown—how are we to see God's hand in this? Even in our personal lives, a friend gets laid off at work, or another friend gets a great, high-paying job—can we see how God is working in this? The Prophet Daniel reveals that God's hand is not absent from our world's affairs. It's God who sets up kings (or presidents, or dictators), and it is God who tears them down (Daniel 2:21). Our problem is that, while God uses events and persons of this world to work all things for the good of his people (Romans 8:26-30), we cannot know how God is doing this. His hand is there, but what's it doing? Even though King Nebuchadnezzar could not know it, and even while he was the captor of the Lord's people, the Lord was using him to benefit the Lord's people! By Nebuchadnezzar, the Lord kept his people intact so that generations later from Israel's lineage, the Lord himself would come in the flesh as the Lamb of God who bears the sin of the world—including Nebuchadnezzar's sin and yours and mine.Because the Lord used people such as Nebuchadnezzar (and for that matter, later Judas) to keep a remnant of his people and to bring forth the salvation of the cross, we may give thanks that while we cannot know how, God's hand is, indeed, working all things together for good for those called by the Gospel, so that nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (cf. Romans 8:37-39).In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Blessed be your Name, O God. All wisdom and might is yours. You change the times and seasons, you remove kings and set them up, though we are not given to know how. To you, O God, I give thanks and praise, for you make known the wisdom of the cross to people of every nation, and by the preaching of your Word, you reveal the justification of the sinner by the blood of your Son, the Christ from the lineage of Israel. Amen.Author: Rev. Warren Graff, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NM.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.This new devotional resource by Carl Fickenscher walks you through each week's readings, revealing thematic connections and helping you better understand what is to come in worship each Sunday.

November 20, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism: Table of Duties - To ChildrenDaily Lectionary: Daniel 1:1-21; Matthew 28:1-20“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and your mother'—which is the first commandment with a promise—' that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life in the Earth.' Eph. 6:1-3” (Catechism, Table of Duties: To Children)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. How does the Lord take care of you in this world—not just in your life of faith where you are justified by your Lord's Word, but in your earthly life, where you need food and drink and home and safety? The Lord sets, for the benefit of children, parents. Mom and Dad. The son or daughter, then, is given to receive all good gifts of family and childhood from his or her parents. And where the parent needs help in caring for a child, perhaps a teacher to teach algebra or a doctor to diagnose a fever, the parent brings in a teacher or doctor or whatever other profession so that the teacher or doctor (or whomever) is acting by the authority and in the stead of the mom and dad. Mom and Dad are the Lord's instruments. They are standing in the Lord's stead to provide for the children. So obedience to parents is not just some ritualistic keeping of the law; it's much more. When we are young, respect and obedience are our recognition that we receive every good gift from our Lord, including all the gifts of “daily bread,” through our parents. They are the Lord's servants, his vessels. This, of course, often goes poorly in our sinful world. A parent may die; a family may be torn by divorce; or a parent does his or her parenting poorly (which is true to some extent for every parent, except, of course, God the Father). Yet, in all of this, even when we find them in their weakness, we give thanks for parents, for they stand as God's instruments to care for, protect, teach, encourage, comfort, and sustain the children. And we pray to our Father in Heaven that we may be forgiving of our parents where they do poorly, and happily obedient to them, hearing them with ears of respect and thankfulness.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.You are our holy Lord, The all-subduing Word, Healer of strife. Yourself You did abase That from sin's deep disgrace You so might save our race And give us life. O ever be our guide, Our shepherd and our pride, Our staff and song. Jesus, O Christ of God, By your enduring Word, Lead us where You have trod; Make our faith strong. So now, and till we die, Sound we Your praises high And joyful sing: Infants, and all the throng, Who to the Church belong, Unite to swell the song To Christ, our king! (LSB 864:2,4,5)Author: Rev. Warren Graff, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NM.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.This new devotional resource by Carl Fickenscher walks you through each week's readings, revealing thematic connections and helping you better understand what is to come in worship each Sunday.

November 19, 2025Today's Reading: Jeremiah 38:1-28Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 38:1-28; Jeremiah 39:1-44:30; Matthew 27:57-66“So they took Jeremiah and cast him into the cistern of Malchiah, the king's son, which was in the court of the guard, letting Jeremiah down by ropes. And there was no water in the cistern, but only mud, and Jeremiah sank in the mud.” (Jeremiah 38:6)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Put yourself in Jeremiah's shoes. Wait, maybe don't do that. Jeremiah is standing in mud. At the bottom of a cistern. Waiting to die. Jeremiah could've avoided the cistern treatment if only he had agreed to go along with the current wisdom, if only he had spoken what was popular. He didn't. Now he's waiting to die, sunk in the cistern's mud. It can be hard to turn our backs on the worldly temptations of prestige, popularity, or power. When our world pressures us to bow down to the predominant ideology or current movements, the reasonable response can seem to be “Go along to get along.” The world's recognition is a siren song. The prophet Jeremiah did not go along to get along. Rather than seek the king's favor and secure friendship with the public, Jeremiah did the opposite. He spoke the Word the Lord had given him, even when everyone wanted to hear a different word, and found himself standing in the cistern mud, waiting to die. Of course, we know Jeremiah was rescued. The Lord was not ready to have his Word shut down. The Lord was about the business of giving the gift of repentance, rescue, and salvation to his people, and Jeremiah was his appointed mouthpiece. But the worldly lesson was clear: the easiest path would've been for Jeremiah to speak words acceptable to the world, and to go to sleep at night in his own comfortable bed with the approval of the king, not sinking in mud.Many generations later, around 1230 A.D., St. Elizabeth of Hungary is quoted as saying, “How could I bear a crown of gold when the Lord bears a crown of thorns? And bears it for me!” That's the suffering of every person in our world, including Jeremiah, whose faith is in the promised Christ. The preaching of the cross turns us away from the siren song of worldly prestige, popularity, or power. It turns us to the Word of Jesus, the Gospel of our redemption.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.By all Your saints in warfare, For all Your saints at rest, Your holy name, O Jesus, Forevermore be blest! For You have won the battle That they might wear the crown; And now they shine in glory  Reflected from Your throne. We praise you for the prophet Who spoke your word at cost, He stood in the cistern mud— foreshadow of your cross. From the mouth of Jeremiah,  we heard your word impart Your Gospel of redemption To cleanse the sinful heart. ( LSB 517:1, verse for Jeremiah)Author: Rev. Warren Graff, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NM.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.This new devotional resource by Carl Fickenscher walks you through each week's readings, revealing thematic connections and helping you better understand what is to come in worship each Sunday.

November 18, 2025Today's Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:(1-5) 6-13Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 37:1-21; Revelation 17:1-18; Matthew 27:33-56“May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. … For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.” (2 Thessalonians 3: 6, 11)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. “Idle hands … devil's workshop”—we don't want to be caught being idle. So the Apostle instructs us to keep away from those walking in idleness. But Paul's actual word here in the Greek addresses something more than just laziness.In Greek, it's disordered, the same root word as properly ordering things. Scripture uses this word for the institutions the Lord put in place for us in creation—institutions such as marriage and home, neighbor and society, possessions and property, all given in the “orders of creation.” Paul knows as well as we do that the Church lives in a sinfully disordered world. “Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from any brother who is walking outside of order and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. … For we hear that some among you walk in disorder, not busy at work, but busybodies.” (2 Thessalonians 3:6, 11)In these last Sundays of the Church year, we review how the Church is given to live in these latter days while waiting for our Lord's return to judge the living and the dead. In this disordered world, the Lord's institutions (life, marriage of man and woman, life and family and home, neighbor and society, possessions and property) will remain under attack. So the Apostle encourages the Church. But this disordering is not just our world. It's us, our own sinful flesh. Realizing this, we have one place to turn. 2 Thessalonians 3:5: “May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.”Where we're unfaithful to Christ, he's steadfast and faithful to us. Until that day when he comes again to judge the living and the dead, as we live in this disordered world and our own disordered lives, we turn to him, for he is faithful to his promise: “But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord, you remain faithful to your promise. In our disordered world, we pray for our neighbor, that your institutions of family and home, of marriage of man and woman, of possessions and wealth, may be upheld for our neighbor's benefit. And we give you thanks that you have instituted for us your gift of Baptism. Keep us in Baptism's forgiveness of all sins and promise of life everlasting. Amen.Author: Rev. Warren Graff, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NM.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.This new devotional resource by Carl Fickenscher walks you through each week's readings, revealing thematic connections and helping you better understand what is to come in worship each Sunday.

Sunday Worship – November 16, 2025 | Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock, ArkansasKey Themes:True forgiveness is not excusing, forgetting, or minimizing sin—it is writing off the debt.Christians forgive not because it's easy, but because God has forgiven us an immeasurable debt.Forgiveness is unconditional, necessary, and anchored entirely in God's mercy.The battle against keeping score is won by returning again and again to Christ's cross.#GraceLutheranLittleRock #LutheranSermon

In this Bible study, we discuss Christian unity, the family nature of the Church, and why communion is inseparable from shared confession. From 1 Corinthians to Leviticus, we consider how God forms His people through His Word, His gifts, and His ordered patterns of worship.Sunday Bible Study – November 16, 2025 | Grace Lutheran Church, Little RockKey Themes & Takeaways:Christian unity as both a gift and responsibility: sharing “one mind” in doctrine and life.Closed communion understood as pastoral care, family belonging, and faithful stewardship of the mysteries.The Office of the Keys: how Christ gives His Church both the forgiving and binding keys.Leviticus as the “grammar book” of sacrifice—revealing substitution, repentance, and holiness.Hashtags:#BibleStudy #ClosedCommunion #OfficeOfTheKeys #ChristianUnity #BodyOfChrist #GraceLutheranLittleRock

November 17, 2025Today's Reading: Malachi 4:1-6Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 33:1-22; Jeremiah 34:1-36:32; 45:1-51:64; Matthew 27:11-32“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.” (Malachi 4:5-6)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The prophet Malachi promises an Elijah. But what was Israel's problem that they needed an Elijah? Israel's great sin is that they were treating the Lord's altar as common. The Lord gathers Israel to his altar to receive the forgiveness of their sins, to be made holy by the Lord's institution of sacrifice. But Israel is treating his altar as common, even profane—they even call it not a holy Altar but a defiled table! (See Malachi 1:7, 1:12) Because they treat it not as the holy Altar where the Lord comes to them with blessing, but as a defiled table for empty religious rituals, Israel has been bringing not the proper, appointed sacrificial animals, but … trash. (See Malachi 1:7, 1:13-14)When she has despised the Lord's Altar, denigrating it as a common table, where has Israel left herself to go to receive the forgiveness of sins? What hope is there for the sinner separated from the Altar where God has placed his holy Name (Malachi 1:11)? Enter Malachi. He decrees the promise to save the sinner from the deserved decree of utter destruction (Malachi 4:16). It is the promise of an Elijah: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.” Elijah? Elijah was, of course, in Israel some 450 years before Malachi's time. But Malachi is promising there will be another prophet who will stand in the office of Elijah. This prophet will do the “Elijah job” of bringing salvation for the sinner. As we know, that new Elijah is John the Baptist (Matthew 11:12-14), who, after baptizing Jesus in the Jordan, then declares: Jesus is the Lamb of God who is bearing the sin of the world! (see John 1:29) John, the new Elijah, has announced the greatest news of all. Jesus bears the sin of the world, every sinner of every generation! Your sin and mine. And where we, in our sin, have forgotten the Lord's Name and treated the gifts of holiness as common, we hear the voice of Jesus, and we know that his table is not common, not to be despised, but is nothing less than the holy gift of the Blood to forgive our sins. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord, where we have treated your gifts as common, where we have forgotten your Name bestowed upon us in Baptism, forgive. Gather us again to hear your Gospel; restore us as your holy people. For you alone, O Lamb of God, are the forgiver of sins, the Savior of the world. Amen. Author: Rev. Warren Graff, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NM.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.This new devotional resource by Carl Fickenscher walks you through each week's readings, revealing thematic connections and helping you better understand what is to come in worship each Sunday.

November 16, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 21:5-28 (29-36)Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 31:1-17, 23-34; Revelation 16:1-21; Matthew 27:1-10“[Jesus said,] ‘And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves,  people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.'" (Luke 21:25-28)In the Name +  of Jesus. Amen. When you see these things: things of evil governments laying hands on Christians, Christians being persecuted for the holy Name; things of your own sin, your own failures; things of the frustration of living as a Christian, wishing you could do better each day, but seeing the hopelessness of it all as you find yourself once again, as yesterday and the day before, falling to doubt, to fear, to lust, to the desire to control others, or to any other temptation—when you see these things, Stand, lift up your heads, for you belong to Baptism. And Baptism is not the sinner showing allegiance to God. It's God saving the sinner. It's your Lord using his appointed means to work the forgiveness of sins, to rescue from death and the devil, and to give eternal life to all who have faith in the words and promises of God. So despair not. Lift up your heads, for you belong to the life-giving water, rich in grace, a washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:5)With each day, the world nears its final judgment. We see the signs all around. Despair not. We continue to rejoice in serving neighbor, in opportunities to work for peace and good order, in words spoken in kindness to acclaim our Lord's gift of life, extolling his institutions of family and home, of marriage of man and woman, of property and possessions, our Lord's institutions so often rejected by our fallen world. For we know that these things instituted by the Lord are his way of providing for us and our neighbor on Earth.We see our sin, our failures, and we fear. Despair not. Hear your Lord's Gospel and rejoice in the life of Baptism to which you belong. We stand and lift up our heads in faith. Luke 21:28: [Jesus said,] “Now when these things begin to take place, stand and raise up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Lord, Almighty and always-living God, You gave great and precious promises to people who trust You.  Reign and lead our hearts and minds with Your Holy Spirit. Then we can continue to live forever in Your Son. Jesus lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Author: Rev. Warren Graff, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NM.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.This new devotional resource by Carl Fickenscher walks you through each week's readings, revealing thematic connections and helping you better understand what is to come in worship each Sunday.

Because Christ has triumphed in the cross, no one can judge Christians based on those things that Jesus has fulfilled. The Old Testament regulations concerning food and drink and Sabbaths are a shadow of the body of Christ who has now been revealed. Although false preachers peddle practices that may look religious, any worship or piety that does not teach us to cling to Christ has no value. Only Christ, the Head of the Church, can hold His body together and cause it to grow and bear fruit.  Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Colossians 2:16-23.  To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit gracebrenham.org. “Letters from Prison” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Even when Paul was imprisoned for the sake of Christ, the Word of God remained unbound. The apostle's letters from prison still fill us with the same joy that his chains could never silence. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

November brings us to the end of another church year, which focuses our attention on the last things, on death and resurrection, on heaven and hell. We confess in the creeds, “I believe in … the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting”; “I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.” It is remarkable that these creedal truths were already as good as accomplished thousands of years ago, with prophecies inspired by the Holy Spirit and written down by men such as Job (19:25–27), Daniel (12:2–3) and Isaiah (26:19). Some Christians take Revelation, Daniel, Ezekiel and other prophetic books of the Bible to be “guidebooks to the end times.” However, careful study of both the Old and New Testaments shows that their focus is on comforting the church on earth with knowledge of the victory of Jesus Christ over sin, death and the devil and His promise to take us to Himself for eternity. As we open the Old Testament and see our present and future revealed there, we will need to keep in mind the “prophetic perspective” that could be observed in Jeremiah 31:31–34 and Joel 2:28–32, in which some predictions have been fulfilled in the messianic age but others must wait until the end of time. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the November 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “The New Heavens and New Earth” on Isaiah 65-66. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

November brings us to the end of another church year, which focuses our attention on the last things, on death and resurrection, on heaven and hell. We confess in the creeds, “I believe in … the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting”; “I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.” It is remarkable that these creedal truths were already as good as accomplished thousands of years ago, with prophecies inspired by the Holy Spirit and written down by men such as Job (19:25–27), Daniel (12:2–3) and Isaiah (26:19). Some Christians take Revelation, Daniel, Ezekiel and other prophetic books of the Bible to be “guidebooks to the end times.” However, careful study of both the Old and New Testaments shows that their focus is on comforting the church on earth with knowledge of the victory of Jesus Christ over sin, death and the devil and His promise to take us to Himself for eternity. As we open the Old Testament and see our present and future revealed there, we will need to keep in mind the “prophetic perspective” that could be observed in Jeremiah 31:31–34 and Joel 2:28–32, in which some predictions have been fulfilled in the messianic age but others must wait until the end of time. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the November 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “The New Heavens and New Earth” on Isaiah 65-66. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Pastor David BuchsGrace Lutheran Church, Little Rock, AR#GraceLutheran#LittleRock#Church

Pastor David BuchsGrace Lutheran Church, Little Rock, AR#GraceLutheran#LittleRock#Church

Pastor David BuchsGrace Lutheran Church, Little Rock, AR#GraceLutheran#LittleRock#Church

Pastor David BuchsGrace Lutheran Church, Little Rock, AR#GraceLutheran#LittleRock#Church

Pastor David BuchsGrace Lutheran Church, Little Rock, AR#GraceLutheran#LittleRock#Church

Pastor David BuchsGrace Lutheran Church, Little Rock, AR#GraceLutheran#LittleRock#Church

Pastor David BuchsGrace Lutheran Church, Little Rock, AR#GraceLutheran#LittleRock#Church

In 2013, a popular national TV host provoked a sharp reaction from Christian viewers when he asserted that much of the Bible is allegorical, meaning that the narratives of Adam and Eve, Noah, and Jonah are non-literal and symbolic. This is not how Christians have historically understood allegory. Even in the Middle Ages, when ingenious allegorical interpretation sometimes resulted in nonsense, Christians still approached the Bible with the conviction that it was literal and historical — they just thought they were finding additional symbolic or spiritual meanings. While the Lutheran Reformation reined in allegorical interpretation of the Bible, there is one divinely inspired allegory given in Scripture that stands alongside messianic prophecy and typology as an interpretive technique for opening the Old Testament. Whether or not St. Paul's example gives license to Lutherans to do allegory — that's debatable! Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the October 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Do Lutherans Do Allegory?” on selected passages from Genesis and Galatians. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

In 2013, a popular national TV host provoked a sharp reaction from Christian viewers when he asserted that much of the Bible is allegorical, meaning that the narratives of Adam and Eve, Noah, and Jonah are non-literal and symbolic. This is not how Christians have historically understood allegory. Even in the Middle Ages, when ingenious allegorical interpretation sometimes resulted in nonsense, Christians still approached the Bible with the conviction that it was literal and historical — they just thought they were finding additional symbolic or spiritual meanings. While the Lutheran Reformation reined in allegorical interpretation of the Bible, there is one divinely inspired allegory given in Scripture that stands alongside messianic prophecy and typology as an interpretive technique for opening the Old Testament. Whether or not St. Paul's example gives license to Lutherans to do allegory — that's debatable! Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the October 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Do Lutherans Do Allegory?” on selected passages from Genesis and Galatians. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Matthew continues his witness of the Nativity of Jesus, but he doesn't give us a greeting card scene. Instead, he gives us political paranoia, mass murder, and a family fleeing in the night to save their child from assassination. There's Herod, so terrified of losing power that he orders the execution of every male child under two in Bethlehem. There are these mysterious magi from the east, following God's star, but do they really believe? And, sadly, the resulting martyrdom of the Holy Innocents. This isn't the sanitized version you'll find on Christmas cards. This is Matthew telling us that from the very beginning, the arrival of Jesus split the world into those who worshiped and those who wanted him gone.  The Rev. Joshua Heimbuck, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Ashland, OR, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Matthew 2.  To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit gracelutheranashland.org. The Gospel of Matthew bridges Old and New Testaments, presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah who fulfills the Law we could never keep and establishes His kingdom of grace for all nations. Written by a tax collector transformed by pure grace, Matthew reveals Christ as the true Son of David and Emmanuel (God with us) who challenges us with the crushing demands of the Law in His Sermon on the Mount to the sweet comfort of the Gospel in His death and resurrection. From royal genealogy to glorious resurrection, this verse-by-verse study proclaims the One who conquered sin, death, and the devil for us, now delivering forgiveness, life, and salvation through Word and Sacrament as He remains with His church always, even to the end of the age.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

As Micah proclaims the LORD's coming victory for the sake of His people, the prophet turns our attention to the birth of the promised Savior. The Savior will be born not in Jerusalem, but in Bethlehem. He will be the King in the line of David who will shepherd God's people in security. The LORD will deliver His remnant from the nations, and all people will see that their idols are useless.  Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Micah 5:1-15.  To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit graceelgin.org. “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorter, the Word of God they preached was important in the years leading up to the coming of the Christ, and that Word remains important for the Church today. Just as we still need to listen to their call to repentance over our idolatry, so we still need to heed their call to trust in the Savior, Jesus.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

When you've really blown it and you've wandered far from God and the guilt of your sins weighs heavy, what do you do? Do you run and hide? Do you make excuses? Or do you come back, empty-handed, with nothing but confession on your lips? That's exactly what the people of Israel do in Nehemiah 9. After rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and hearing once again the Word of God, they suddenly realize the greater walls that had crumbled: their faithfulness, their obedience, their relationship with the Lord. And so, in one of the longest recorded prayers in Scripture, the people confess, repent, and remember the steadfast love of their God.  The Rev. Nathaniel Brown, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Correll, MN, Trinity Lutheran Church in Bellingham, MN, Trinity Lutheran Church in Odessa, MN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Nehemiah 9.  From rubble to renewal, Nehemiah shows how the Lord rebuilds not just walls but hearts. Brick by brick and prayer by prayer, we follow God's people through repentance, courageous leadership, fierce opposition, covenant renewal, and joyful dedication. This verse-by-verse series keeps Law and Gospel front and center, tracing the story from burned gates to the greater Builder — Christ Jesus — who secures a city that cannot fall. Expect honest history, practical application, and the steady comfort of God's promises when the work is heavy and critics are loud. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.