Podcast appearances and mentions of Hope Lutheran Church

The Church is entrusted with forming servants for faithful service in God's kingdom. Monasteries were established to provide men and women with a way to live out their baptismal identity through service in the Church and their daily vocations. However, over time, they came to be seen as a means of earning forgiveness and attaining a holier life. At the heart of the issue was the Gospel—if we seek assurance of salvation outside of Christ, we lose the essence of the Christian faith. As members of His Church, we are called to live in community with fellow believers, bearing with one another in love and serving others as Christ first served us. Rev. Ben Meyer, pastor at Hope Lutheran Church, Sunburry, OH, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study chapters and cloisters. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org. 

The day of the LORD is a day of victory over all His enemies, even Leviathan. By speaking about the LORD's victory in this way, Isaiah shows that the LORD alone is the true God over all idols, and no powers of evil will win the victory over Him. Having defeated His people's enemies, He will plant His people as His fruitful vineyard and keep them safe. Though His people received His punishment at the hands of their enemies, the LORD has atoned for His people's sins and punished the enemies for their wickedness. All of this looks forward to the day of victory of our Lord Jesus Christ, who was lifted up to draw all nations to Himself.  Rev. Dr. Jason Wagner, pastor at Hope Lutheran Church in High Ridge, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 27:1-13.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of man will be brought low, but those who trust in the LORD will see that He is their Immanuel. Jesus is God with us who reigns over the kingdom of God forever and ever! 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

We know that pastors, DCEs, teachers and other church workers play a special role as supportive adults for youth. Pastor Ben Meyer joins us to talk about how church workers can be supportive adults and create an environment that encourages other supportive adults.  Bio: Pastor Ben Meyer is pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Sunbury, Ohio and the president of the Central Ohio Lutheran Immigrant Mission. He and his wife Christine have four children: Timothy, Lucy, Cooper, and Boaz. He also enjoys making BBQ in the backyard when time permits.  Resources: Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Seven Practices of Healthy Youth Ministry available at CPH Age to Age: An Intergenerational Study of Spiritual Practices by Pastor Meyer

Kyler Lozinski was nominated as a Beck's Player with Heart for his commitment and passion on and off the field and mat. What he loves most about high school sports is being around his friends while competing. He also enjoys learning lessons from the sports he plays. Kyler is involved in football, wrestling, and baseball. He is also a proud member of FFA and serves as the treasurer. He participates in his community by being a member of Hope Lutheran Church. To Kyler, agriculture is a way of life because of the different parts it entails and how it develops the world. It is his passion, and he finds joy in the involvement. When he graduates high school, Kyler plans on attending Lake Area Tech in Watertown South Dakota to pursue a precision ag degree.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mark 12 28-34

The Lord has designed humanity to be fruitful, and that one sex should desire the other in a proper way. While the Office of the Ministry is a high calling, there is no mandate which states that overseers should be “married to the Church.” Melancthon's concern was that believers would take a good gift of God and call it unholy. Everything begins with His good and divine ordinance (Genesis 1:28). When we go against His natural order, chaos ensues. There are those who are called to a single, chaste life; however, it is not to mandated on God's people (1 Corinthians 7). Lord, have mercy on the Church to lead a sexually pure and holy life. Rev. Benjamin Meyer, Hope Lutheran Church, Sunberry, OH, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the Scriptural truth on the marriage of priests. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org. 

John 10:35-42

Earth—A mighty angel descends with a little scroll open in his hand. John is instructed to eat the scroll, finding it sweet in his mouth but bitter in his stomach, symbolizing the mixed reactions to God's prophetic message. Are we prepared to faithfully receive and proclaim God's word, even when it brings both joy and sorrow?  The Rev. Jason Wagner, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church, High Ridge, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Revelation 10:1-11.  Shrouded in mysterious visions of cosmic battles, plagues, and catastrophic events, the Apocalypse of St. John, or as it's more commonly known--the Book of Revelation, paints a haunting picture of the end times. Cryptic symbols of beasts, the rise of the Antichrist, and the final judgment unfold with unsettling intensity, revealing the ultimate clash between good and evil. Yet, beneath its terrifying imagery, Revelation is also a deeply personal letter, offering comfort to early Christians facing persecution. It reassures them—and believers today—of God's control over history, His promise of redemption, and the certainty of Christ's victory. 

Proverbs 31

Jesus captivates with powerful lessons on humility, generosity, and the cost of discipleship. He heals a man with dropsy on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees' strict rules. At a banquet, He advises choosing the lowest place and encourages inviting the poor and marginalized, promising heavenly rewards. Through the Parable of the Great Banquet, Jesus shows how the rejected are welcomed in God's kingdom. He concludes with a compelling call for total commitment, urging followers to prioritize Him above all else.  The Rev. Benjamin Meyer, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Condit, OH, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 14.  The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

As Nehemiah prepares to take a census of the people of Judah in preparation for people to move into Jerusalem, he finds the record of those who had returned at the edict of Cyrus almost 100 years ago. Although the list had been recorded previously in Ezra 2, the list is recorded again in this place as a reminder of the faithfulness of previous generations. Now that the wall of Jerusalem is complete, the list of those who initially returned is a reminder that God has been at work in His people by not only rebuilding a city but also restoring His people in true faith in Him and the promised Savior. Rev. Jason Wagner, pastor at Hope Lutheran Church in High Ridge, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Nehemiah 7:5-73. "God Brings His People Home” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. After 70 years in exile, the LORD began to fulfill His promise to bring His people back to the Promised Land. In the years that followed, faithful clergy and dedicated laity worked together to rebuild Jerusalem physically and restore the people of God spiritually. Through it all, God was at work to keep His promise of bringing the Savior into the world in the fullness of time.

In this episode, Grow Your Non-Profit Host and CEO, Tamika Peters, sits down with Karen Gustafson, Executive Director of the Bonita Senior Center. Karen shares her journey of moving to Southwest Florida two years ago with her husband after retiring, and her desire to give back to the community. As the first paid staff member at the Bonita Senior Center, Karen discusses how they successfully grew their membership from 130 seniors to 350 in just one year, with a goal of reaching 400 members by the end of 2024.The Bonita Senior Center provides essential services and programs to seniors in the community, and they are actively working towards acquiring a 15,000 to 20,000 square foot building. This expansion will enable them to offer a wider range of services, including art therapy, yoga, and more, to meet the diverse needs of their members.Currently, the Bonita Senior Center partners with Hope Lutheran Church and Cafe of Life to offer their programs and services, but their vision for the future includes having their own dedicated space to better serve the community. To learn more about the Bonita Senior Center and how you can get involved, you can reach out to Karen Gustafson at (331) 223-7592 or via email at Kgustafson@bonitaseniorcenter.com. You can also visit their website at www.bonitaseniorcenter.com.Don't miss this inspiring conversation highlighting the impactful work of the Bonita Senior Center. Subscribe to our channel for more stories of non-profit organizations making a difference in our communities.At Grow Your Non-Profit, we believe in holistic, business-oriented strategies for nonprofit success. With over a decade of dedicated service, we prioritize exceeding client expectations and delivering substantial returns on investment. Join us in our mission of holistic nonprofit management.Engage in these enlightening discussions! Show your support by liking, commenting, and subscribing to the #GrowYourNonProfit YouTube Channel for thought-provoking dialogues and valuable insights that empower positive change in our communities.Special thanks to our esteemed podcast sponsors:#VaxTruths: Support the Show.Stay connected:

John 10:10-18

Words and their meaning are important. One can say faith, merit, mediator, reward, and gift but still be incorrect concerning salvation. Scripture is clear: without faith, good works do not please the Lord (Hebrews 11:6). However, faith in CHRIST as our Mediator is the key to our salvation and the fulfillment of good works. The rewards are many when one does good works, but those works are not rewarded with salvation. The way to salvation is not by being our own mediator. but by leaning on Christ as our only mediator. “Be strong in the Lord, In armor of light; With shield for the fight; on prayer be dependent, be belted and shod. In breastplate resplendent: The armor of God.” LSB 665 st. 1 Rev. Ben Meyer, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Sunburry, OH, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Love Fulfilling the Law from the Apology of the Augsburg Confession. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.

Join us for an insightful interview with the multifaceted John Bedore. From his roles as a Martial Artist, Musician, Singer, and Minister of Worship Arts to his tenure of 15 years at Hope Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND, John's journey is as diverse as it is inspiring. With the release of two Christian CDs under ... John Bedore – USA Spirit – Ep162

In these last two chapters of Deuteronomy, Moses delivers his final blessings upon the tribes of Israel in Chapter 33, highlighting their unique attributes and roles within the community. As he stands on Mount Nebo in Chapter 34, overlooking the Promised Land, Moses peacefully concludes his remarkable life and leadership, passing the mantle to Joshua. Despite his longing to enter Canaan, Moses accepts God's decree, acknowledging his earlier act of disobedience. With a vision of the land before him, Moses peacefully passes away, leaving behind a legacy of obedience, faithfulness, and unparalleled service to God and His people. The Rev. Dr. Jason Wagner, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in High Ridge, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Deuteronomy 33-34. Come along as we dive into the timeless wisdom of Deuteronomy. This ancient book is more than history; it's a vibrant blueprint for living in harmony with God's will. Discover the profound teachings on law, justice, and morality, and hear how they resonate in our lives today. Deuteronomy calls us to obedience, love for our neighbor, and the crucial task of imparting faith to future generations. It's a narrative of love, responsibility, and the blessings of faithfulness, juxtaposed with warnings against forgetting our covenant with God. Join us as we explore the enduring messages of Deuteronomy and witness how they can transform our understanding of faith and daily living for Christ.

The LORD calls out to His people to take away their fear. Even in exile, He is with them as their God and King; He will gather His people together whom He has formed and created. The nations are put on trial, but the LORD brings forth Israel as the witness to His saving acts. Their very existence proves that He is the only Savior and that idols must fail. As He once made a way through the sea to deliver His people from slavery in Egypt, so He promises to accomplish a new exodus by delivering His people from exile in Babylon. Although Israel has been burdened by hypocritical worship and idolatry, the LORD still comes to them to blot out their sins. Ultimately that is accomplished through the Suffering Servant, Jesus Christ. Rev. Dr. Jason Wagner, pastor at Hope Lutheran Church in High Ridge, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 43:1-28. "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 40-66. Though Isaiah lived one hundred years beforehand, he writes to the people of God in exile in Babylon to assure them that their God reigns and will rescue them through the work of His servant. These promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose work Isaiah proclaims vividly seven hundred years beforehand.

If forgiveness of sins depends on our works, it is completely uncertain. If you get justification right, one will get works right. If you get justification wrong, one will get good works wrong. In faith, on account of Christ, our works are holy, divine works done for the sake of the neighbor and in thanksgiving for all the Lord gives. These works are not Justification + ____________, but knowing that Justification is complete by the blood of Christ and we serve with the hope we have in Christ. “Hold me ever in Your keeping; Comfort me in pain and strife. In my laughter and my weeping, be with me throughout my life. Give me greater love for You, and my faith and hope renew. In your birth, Your life, and passions, In your death and resurrection.” LSB #692, st. 2 Rev. Benjamin Meyer, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Sunburry, OH joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the truth of good works. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.

St. Paul instructs on living a Christ-centered life, emphasizing a moral transformation that includes shedding old behaviors and embracing virtues like compassion and patience. He provides explicit rules for Christian households: wives should submit to their husbands, husbands must love their wives tenderly, children ought to obey their parents, and fathers should not provoke their children. Servants are advised to obey their masters with sincerity as if serving the Lord. This chapter serves as a foundational guide for Christian family and social relationships, underpinned by love and Christ's teachings. The Rev. Benjamin Meyer, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Condit, OH, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Colossians 3. Paul's letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians contain a wealth of theology and practical guidance for living out the Christian faith. Ephesians unpacks God's overarching plan of salvation and our identity in Christ, calling us to unity and holiness in the Church. Philippians overflows with joy, encouraging us to imitate Christ's humility and develop spiritual maturity. Colossians stresses Christ's preeminence and sufficiency, warning against false teaching and exhorting us to set our minds on things above. Together these essential epistles provide incredible insights into doctrines like grace, reconciliation, and redemption while also equipping us to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel in our relationships, speech, work, and ministry. Get ready to deepen your faith as we explore the powerful messages in Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians!

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The Rev. Dr. Jason Wagner, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in High Ridge, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn “We Praise You Jesus at your Birth.” Written by Martin Luther in the early 16th century, “We Praise You Jesus at Your Birth,” is studied in this episode. Discover the story behind this timeless hymn, its translations, and its journey through history. Experience the joy and wonder of Christmas through the moving lyrics that capture the spirit of Christ's birth. Celebrate the birth of our Savior with Thy Strong Word's Countdown to Christmas, a special series where we explore 10 of the most beloved Christmas hymns found in the Lutheran Service Book. Learn the history and meaning of these beautiful carols and how they reflect the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each weekday we dive into every stanza of these classic hymns and discover the rich theology and joy it expresses. Don't miss this opportunity to prepare your hearts to receive Christ anew and rejoice with Thy Strong Word: Countdown to Christmas. 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. Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org. Lutheran Service Book 382 Text Information First Line: We praise You, Jesus, at Your birth Title: We Praise You, Jesus, at Your Birth Author (sts. 2-7): Martin Luther, 1483-1546 Translator (sts. 1, 6): Gregory J. Wismar, b. 1946 Translator (sts. 2, 4): F. Samuel Janzow, 1913-2001 Meter: 87 88 4 Language: English Publication Date: 2006 Scripture: Luke 2:7-14; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 1:1-3 Source: Lutheran Service Book, 2006 (Tr. sts. 3, 5, 7); German, c. 1380 (st. 1) Copyright: Sts. 1, 3, 5-7 © 2006 Concordia Publishing House; Sts. 2-4 © 1978 Concordial Publishing House Tune Information Name: GELOBET SEIST DU Arranger: Jan O. Bender, 1909-94 Meter: 87 88 4 Incipit: 55565 12172 32165 Key: C Major Source: Eyn Enchiridion oder Handbüchlein, Erfurt, 1524 Copyright: Setting © 1969 Concordia Publishing House

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The Rev. William Orr, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in St. Ann, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn “It Came upon the Midnight Clear.” A Unitarian hymn in a Lutheran hymnal? Yes, sort of. This hymn was penned by a Unitarian Pastor, but neither the pastor himself nor the lyrics he wrote were very Unitarian. Turn with us to LSB 366, “It Came upon the Midnight Clear” and explore the history and the meaning behind this hymn. Listen and find out why our hymnals are filled with hymns from many different traditions. Learn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/366 Celebrate the birth of our Savior with Thy Strong Word's Countdown to Christmas, a special series where we explore 10 of the most beloved Christmas hymns found in the Lutheran Service Book. Learn the history and meaning of these beautiful carols and how they reflect the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each weekday we dive into every stanza of these classic hymns and discover the rich theology and joy it expresses. Don't miss this opportunity to prepare your hearts to receive Christ anew and rejoice with Thy Strong Word: Countdown to Christmas. 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. Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org. Lutheran Service Book 366 1 It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old, From angels bending near the earth To touch their harps of gold: "Peace on the earth, goodwill to all, From heav'n's all-gracious king." The world in solemn stillness lay To hear the angels sing. 2 Still through the cloven skies they come With peaceful wings unfurled, And still their heav'nly music floats O'er all the weary world. Above its sad and lowly plains They bend on hov'ring wing, And ever o'er its babel sounds The blessed angels sing. 3 All you, beneath your heavy load, By care and guilt bent low, Who toil along a dreary way With painful steps and slow: Look up, for golden is the hour, Come swiftly on the wing, The Prince was born to bring you peace; Of Him the angels sing. 4 For lo, the days have come to pass By prophets seen of old, When down into the circling years Came Christ as was foretold. His word of peace shall to the earth God's ancient promise bring, And all who take this gift will hear The song the angels sing. Text Information First Line: It came upon the midnight clear Title: It Came upon the Midnight Clear Author: Edmund H. Sears, 1810-76 (alt.) Meter: C M D Language: English Publication Date: 2006 Scripture: Luke 2:13-14; Isaiah 9:4-5; Genesis 11:9 Topic: Society Tune Information Name: CAROL Composer: Richard S. Willis, 1819-1900 Meter: C M D Key: B♭ Major Learn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/366

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

The Rev. Dr. Jason Wagner, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in High Ridge, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 27. The Apostle Paul is taken as a prisoner to Rome to stand trial before Caesar. A tempest suddenly ravages the vessel, testing both crew and prisoner. As the ship battles fierce winds and crashing waves, tensions rise, and hope wavers. Amidst the chaos, Paul receives assurance from God that they will be safe, and so he offers comfort and guidance to his companions even as a shipwreck looms on the horizon. The Book of Acts takes us back to the earliest days of Christianity, unveiling the incredible acts of the apostles and the growth of the early church. Acts offers a firsthand account how the Apostles and Jesus' disciples respond to his death and resurrection. It makes us witnesses to the beginning of fulfilling Jesus's command to spread the Gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. We encounter miracles and wonders, we see the church struggling to organize itself in the absence of Jesus, and we learn of the trials and tribulations the early Christians faced in a world that rejected them.

This podcast episode is the audio from a recent Bible Study at Hope Lutheran Church on the topic of Christian parenting. This study serves as the foundation of what we will do in the future of our children's ministry! Listen in! If you would like to follow along with the Bible Study's work sheet, it is linked below. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mkGnNPcN443YzV50Rw6jjL8sBBOA2RwZ/edit?usp=share_link&ouid=110524154002744775312&rtpof=true&sd=true

What is the Church? What does the Church do? We need to know what the Church is to make sure that we know where to go. We need to know what the Church is to make sure we know what we receive. The Church begins and ends with Christ and the gifts He gives: The Word, the Sacraments, and the forgiveness of sins on account of Him. Luther lays it out well in the Smalcald articles (Article XII) “Thank God today a seven-year-old child knows what the Church is, namely, the holy believers and lambs who hear the voice of their Shepherd (John 10:11-16).” “The Church's one foundation is Jesus Christ, her Lord; she is his new creation by water and the Word. From heav'n he came and sought her to be his holy bride; with his own blood he bought her, and for her life he died.” LSB #644, st. 1 Rev. Ben Meyer, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Sunbury, OH joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the Seventh Article of the Augsburg Confession. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.

If we are saved by the grace given by Christ's cross and empty tomb and received by faith, then what? Are we “required” to do anything? Good works are done by the Christian, by the Holy Spirit, and are necessary for the baptized (Ephesians 2:10). The works are not done because the Lord needs them, but for the needs of our neighbor. In faith, the baptized Christian humbly serves others knowing that our hope is in the full forgiveness of sins in Christ alone. “Create in me a new heart, O Lord. That gladly I obey Your Word. Let what You will be my desire, and with new life my soul inspire.” LSB #704, st. 3 Rev. Dr. Jason Wagner, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in High Ridge, MO joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the Sixth Article of the Augsburg Confession. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.

The Rev. Dr. Jason Wagner, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in High Ridge, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 1 Samuel 25. David and his men had guarded the sheep of Nabal, a rich and rude landowner, in the wilderness. On a festive day, David sent some of his men to ask Nabal for some food as a reward for their service. Nabal refused and insulted David, calling him a rebel and a runaway servant. David was furious and decided to attack Nabal and his household with 400 men. But Abigail, Nabal's wife, who was wise and beautiful, quickly prepared a large amount of food and wine and went to meet David on the way and interceded for her husband. The Book of 1 Samuel beings with the unique birth of Samuel, the last judge of Israel. Soon, the people of Israel begin to press upon the aging prophet Samuel to anoint a king over them like the other nations. YHWH assures Samuel that the people are rejecting their God, not Samuel. He advises Samuel to give the people what they want. What follows is the rise and fall of King Saul, the eventual anointing and coronation of David as king, the forerunner of Jesus. It's a true story of political intrigue and warfare, but it's also more than that. 1 Samuel shows us God working to save his people from their enemies and even from themselves.

Rev. Dr. Christian Preus, pastor at Mt. Hope Lutheran Church and School in Casper, WY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 2:8-11. In His letter to the church in Smyrna, Jesus identifies Himself as the first and the last, the Crucified and Risen Savior. He knows the tribulation that the church in Smyrna has endured at the hands of both Romans and Jews; this was evidenced in the life and martyrdom of Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna. Jesus calls His people in Smyrna away from their fear, for their tribulation will last only a short time. Those who are faithful unto death will receive the crown of life and will not be hurt by the second death. For all those who have ear to hear, the words of Jesus to the church in Smyrna bring hope and comfort. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of supreme hope in our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord. The book of Revelation gives a heavenly perspective on our earthly circumstances so that the Church in every generation is challenged, comforted, and assured of final victory through Jesus Christ.

The early church must have been something to behold. Something so apart, so other from the way anyone else was living. In the days and weeks following Jesus' resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, those early Christians lived differently. Luke wrote about what that life was like in Acts 2: 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.Have we lost that? Are we, as a modern church, falling short of this church utopia? Should we, as Hope Lutheran Church, be on a quest for this? I'll give you my answer. No. And I'll tell you why. Because Jesus has risen from the dead. And so when he sees us, his church, he sees perfection. 

The Rev. William Orr, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in St. Ann, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Exodus 32. The people felt as though Moses was taking a long time to come down from Mount Sinai. What was YHWH saying to him? Had he even survived his encounter with the God who brought the plagues upon the Egyptians? Would he ever return? Their doubts led them to apostasy, and, in an act of great shame and sin, they created for themselves an idol and credited it with their redemption from slavery. It's the true story of God reaching down into history and, through an unlikely prophet, redeeming his chosen people from slavery. It's the story of Exodus, but it's also the story of us all. How through Christ, God has liberated us from sin, death, and the Devil. Don't miss this chapter-by-chapter study of the Book of Exodus on Thy Strong Word.