Podcasts about lutheran

In his world, humility rules...

What would Jesus do?...

As Pastor Marcus Lane continues our series Questions Jesus Asked we look at Matthew 16 when Jesus asked Who Do You Say That I Am? In his sermon, pastor looks at: "What Do People Say? What Do You Say? What Does Jesus Say?"

Today, we had a special musical performance of Precious Jesus with a solo from Deb Borton at Faith Lutheran Church in Okemos, Michigan. Published Under License From Essential Music Publishing, LLC

Maple Park Church Sermon - August 17th, 2025 by Maple Park Church

Maple Park Church Sermon - August 24th, 2025 by Maple Park Church

Maple Park Church Sermon - August 31st, 2025 by Maple Park Church

Service for Christ Lutheran Church on 8-31-25

How can we comprehend an enduring future...

The 5th commandment not only forbids taking the life of another human being but also condemns anger and hatred toward our neighbor. God knows that the world is evil and desires to restrain violence before it occurs. This commandment addresses more than sinful actions—it also calls out our failure to help the least of these (Matthew 25:31-46). God desires hands that are full of good works, depending on the One who rejoices when our neighbor is served in faith. Rev. Dr. Richard Carter, Professor Emeritus, Concordia University, St. Paul, MN, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the 5th commandment. 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. 

Welcome to this LCMS Lutheran Sermon: “A Banquet of Mercy” (Luke 14:1–14) for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 17C. In this Christ-centered message, Pastor David Balla of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod preaches on Jesus' parable at the Pharisee's table, showing how the Kingdom of God is not a banquet of pride or self-interest but a banquet of grace and mercy.This sermon proclaims the heart of the Gospel: that Christ invites the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind—those who cannot repay—into His feast of forgiveness, life, and salvation. You'll hear how Jesus exposes our pride, how He embodies true mercy in His death and resurrection, and how the Lord's Supper is the foretaste of the eternal marriage supper of the Lamb.If you are looking for a Lutheran sermon, Christ-centered preaching, Biblical teaching, or a Gospel-focused message that points clearly to what Christ has done for you, this is for you.If you would like to support this ministry, you can do so here: https://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalphBe sure to subscribe for more sermons, guided meditations, and devotions rooted in God's Word and the real presence of Christ.Hashtags#LutheranSermon #LCMS #ChristCenteredPreaching #GospelSermon #BanquetOfMercy

But Jesus knows the devil's schemes...

What are Lutherans to think about the saints? How, especially, are we to regard the most controversial saint of all — Mary, the Mother of Jesus?   In this Kitchen Table Talk episode, aired in honor of Mary's commemoration on August 15, Sarah, Erin, and Rachel welcome the Rev. William Weedon to talk through pressing questions about whether and how we can faithfully and appropriately celebrate the saints of God.   What actually is a saint? How have Lutherans historically thought about saints? How does the Lutheran view differ from that of Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and Evangelical Christians? What can we learn from the saints today?   The Rev. William Weedon is assistant pastor and catechist at Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Hamel, Illinois; host of The Word of the Lord Endures Forever from Lutheran Public Radio; and author of several books for children and adults, including I Remember: A Life of Mary and Celebrating the Saints.  Resources referenced include the following:   I Remember: A Life of Mary - Amazon.com  Celebrating the Saints - Concordia Publishing House  Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary – The Lutheran Witness  The Word of the Lord Endures Forever  Thank, Praise, Serve, and Obey: Recover the Joys of Piety - Concordia Publishing House  We Praise You, O God – Kloria Publishing   The Sanctoral Calendar of Wilhelm Loehe's Martyrologium  'With All the Company of Heaven': Angels, Saints and Our Departed Loved Ones at the Lord's Table – The Lutheran Witness  Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram! Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at lutheranladies@kfuo.org.

Psalm 51 shows us that through Christ, our Commander of mercy and unfailing love, we are forgiven, restored, and given strength to fight with a clean heart.

Some have called the Valleys of Kashmir “Heaven on Earth.”...

In my 21st-century lifestyle...

Join us as we dig deeper into last Sunday's sermon from Pastor Gabe Kasper "Do You Take Offense at This?" and hear from Amy Duncan on why she chose "I Know A Name" for worship on Sunday.   Intro/Outro Song: "Only One" Nate Zuellig ULC Artist In Residence   "I Know A Name" Brandon Lake & Elevation Worship CCLI Song # 7247990 CCLI License # 11254293

In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman returns from sabbatical with a candid conversation about the changing landscape of ministry in the LCMS. From re-organizing senior staff and shifting governance models, to the biblical case for pastoral sabbaticals, to the urgent realities of pastoral formation, this episode doesn't shy away from the hard questions.Tim shares personal reflections from his sabbatical and his upcoming book release, while Jack dives into the tough realities facing small congregations, bivocational ministry, and the need for fresh approaches to leadership. Together they recap the Pacific Southwest District convention, explore resolutions around SMP pastors and Lutheran identity, and call the church to unity rooted in Scripture and Confession.

In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, host Elizabeth Pittman is joined by Rev. Dr. Carl C. Fickenscher II, author of the new book Looking Forward to Sunday Morning: Reflections on the Church Year. The duo discusses the contents of the readings that we hear at church on Sunday morning, how they relate thematically, and what we can learn to look forward to as we spend time in the Word.Get the book now on cph.org!Show NotesHow often do you think about the contents of upcoming weekly worship services and how they interconnect thematically? However rare or frequent this is, there is something to be learned, and certainly something to look forward to. Listen to the episode to hear how this resource from CPH based on Carl Fickenscher II's fan-favorite radio show walks through the propers of each week of the three-year-lectionary (the Introit, Gradual, Collect, and so on), helping you prepare for worship and better understand its interconnected pieces. Carl also talks about how the lectionary is a valuable tool for the church, what he hopes readers learn to look forward to during Sunday morning worship, what church leaders can take from this book to help their members be more excited about Sunday morning worship, and more. QuestionsWhy is the lectionary a valuable tool for the church?How might pastors use this book differently from laypersons?What are the things about Sunday morning you hope your readers look forward to--besides the coffee, doughnuts, and baked goods?How can Sunday morning make a bigger impact on the other hours of our week?Is there anything pastors and other church leaders can take from this book to help their members be more excited about Sunday mornings?About the GuestRev. Dr. Carl Fickenscher is a professor of pastoral ministry and missions at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, teaching primarily the area of homiletics. He and his wife, Claire, are parents of Rachel, Daniel, and Gabriel, and very proud grandparents.

In this crossover episode with The Lutheran Witness podcast, The Rev Roy Askins shares his interview with Sebastian, an Iranian convert in Germany. This edition of The Lutheran Witness podcast was recorded almost a year ago in Berlin-Steglitz, Germany. In it, we speak to Sebastian, who was baptized during our trip to Germany. In this podcast, he discusses the importance of dreams in Iranian culture, how he came to faith, and how the Lord is working through Trinity Lutheran Church, Berlin-Steglitz, Germany.   For the full story, visit engage.lcms.org/persian-project-winter-2025. To learn more about the Independent Evangelical — Lutheran Church (SELK), visit lcms.org/partner-church-bodies/independent-evangelical-lutheran-church. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Date: August 10th of 2025   Speaker: Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard   Text: Matthew 7:15-23   Context: Sermon at St. Paul's Lutheran of Minot, ND   Manuscript: CLICK HERE 

Show Notes: Worship can be both faithful to Lutheran tradition and culturally resonant. During this episode, we'll explore the complexities of worship practices within the Lutheran church and discuss the […]

Can you rattle off the names of your great-great-grandparents?...

What does it mean to be an artist in the church? Michael Scheer (Director, Center for Liturgical Art) and Deb Jurchen (Director, University Institutes at Concordia Nebraska) join Andy to discuss the significance of the Center for Liturgical Art at Concordia University, Nebraska, sharing about its history, mission, and the role of visual arts in the church.  To learn more about the Center for Liturgical Art, visit liturgicalart.org. To register for the CLA's 20th anniversary celebration, visit CUNE.edu/homecoming. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

At the Movies Movies in church?  You bet!  With popcorn in hand, you'll see how moments on the big screen reveal God's purpose, hope, and love in everyday life. Bring a friend and get ready for a movie experience that could change your life!

When Jesus heals a woman in today's Gospel reading (Luke 13:10-17), the first step is that he sees her.  There is something powerful in life when we are seen by another person.  In this case, "to be seen" does not mean "to be noticed" by others, but when somebody else understands what we've been through and where we want to go.  The other person sees in us the pain and the possibility of our lives. We yearn to be seen.Yet, we often make it difficult, if not impossible for others to see us.  Shame around illness and the way in which illness becomes our identity cuts others off from seeing us.  Jesus, as savior and Lord, does see us, and therefore can heal us.The artwork is done by Artist Barbara Schwarz, a Dominican Sister.  Her gallery is found here.

Dr. Päivi Räsänen, Former Minister of the Interior of Finland The post An Update on a Freedom of Speech and Religion Case Involving Lutheran Leaders in Finland – Dr. Päivi Räsänen, 8/25/25 (2372) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

Patrick opens the episode on a thankful note, spotlighting listener generosity before moving straight into authentic conversations about battling temptation, the significance of vows, and practical spiritual advice. He fields passionate emails and calls, touching on struggles with sin, the value of daily prayer, defending pro-life stances in Catholic schools, and finding God’s glory in everyday actions, with surprising candor and warmth. Expect encouragement, some humor, and a few pointed challenges for anyone yearning to live their faith more deeply. Larry (email) - When trying to overcome a bad habit, like overeating or over drinking, to say, “I vow to God that I won’t overeat today.” (01:20) David (email) – How can I defeat the temptation of porn? (04:44) Susan (email) - I am a huge fan of Relevant Radio, you and Cyrus (22:12) John Paul (email) - My high school allows LGPTQ clubs, but not bible study clubs (25:00) Pat in Alberta - How do I glorify God? (38:11) Jacob - I have been dating a Lutheran girl for a couple of months. How can I convince her about the Catholic view of faith and works? (41:45) Bob - You are talking about lust. Does lust always have to do with sex? (49:22)

The big moment was near...

Jesus is at the Pharisees house where he tells them a parable about the seats of honor at a wedding banquet. Lars Olson and Dr. Chris Croghan teaches us how nearly everyone will hear Jesus' words as the law in order to avoid being implicated as a sinner. This is not a prescription on etiquette. It's a depiction of what's going on in your heart. CARE OF SOULS - ADDICTIONIn Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those struggling with life's challenging situations: addiction, death, family disharmony, and more. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders.With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the broken places of addiction not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ.Because in the end, it's not about fixing people—it's about preaching the Gospel.Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls - AddictionSING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

Preached at St Paul Lutheran Church, Rockford, Illinois on August 24th, 2025.Support Rev Fisk at SubscribeStarOrder Rev Fisk's books at AmazonCatch Rev Fisk on A Brief History of Power podcastFor video, visit Rev Fisk's Rumble channel

Preached at St Paul Lutheran Church, Rockford, Illinois on August 24th, 2025.Support Rev Fisk at SubscribeStarOrder Rev Fisk's books at AmazonCatch Rev Fisk on A Brief History of Power podcastFor video, visit Rev Fisk's Rumble channel

Movies have the power to both shape and reflect our society. But what can happen when we look at film through the lens of faith? Andy Bates and guest host Jordan Harms sit down with professors from Concordia University and Concordia Seminary to discuss the intersection of film and Christian faith. They explore how cinema can reflect and shape societal values, the importance of recognizing biblical themes in various films, and share about an upcoming continuing education course that aims to equip pastors with tools to use movies as a means of witness. To learn more about the six-week virtual continuing education course, visit csl.edu/2025/08/movies-and-mission-explores-film-through-biblical-lens/. To register for "Movies and Mission", visit one.csp.edu/s/286/20/interior.aspx?sid=286&gid=1&pgid=3149&cid=11384&ecid=11384. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Go to church...

As we kick off our new series Questions Jesus Asked, Pastor Gabe helps us wrestle with Jesus question to his followers, do you take offense at this? An honest reading of the gospels shows us a Jesus who offends our sensibilities, the invitation is for us to not walk away but to grab hold of his promises in faith.

Unlike the fleeting hacks for lunches, cleaning, or relationships, there is a life hack that when we live it and strive to daily implement it, will radically change our lives. It will transform how you live, impact your health, wellness, emotions, and relationships, and it all flows from something given to you that will drive you. The truth, the real-life hack? Living each day in light of our sure hope in the living God who has redeemed us! Godliness matters! Intentionally living the faith, hope, love, and forgiveness of Jesus each day changes us, by his power, through his word.Support the show~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTubeInstagram @dscsienna

8/24/2025

Mark 15:33-39When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o'clock, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sebacthani!" Which means, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" When some bystanders heard it, they said, "Listen, he is calling for Elijah." And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick and gave it to him to drink, saying, "Wait, let us see if Elijah will come and take him down." Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain in the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Now, when the centurion who stood facing him saw that in this way he had breathed his last he said, "Truly this man was God's son." When I was a kid, we had a giant pit of sand and dirt in our back yard – about the size of our fire pit, over there next to the labyrinth. We cleverly called it the "Sand Pile" and it was a cheap, tasteless, makeshift version of what more sophisticated people would call a sand box, and we used it for sand castles, mud pies, dirt-track races for Matchbox cars, and whatever else kids who play in the sand, do in the dirt. (I think the Sand Pile started out as some sort of home improvement project at the church parsonage where we lived, but never amounted to anything, so my brother and I, along with our friends next door, co-opted it as a great place for little kids to play.)What made the Sand Pile cooler than your average sandbox, though, was that it wasn't self-contained. There were no sides, no cover, and no barrier underneath. One day, our neighbor friend had the brilliant idea that we should dig and just keep digging until we couldn't dig anymore. We knew this was going to take some time and I think the four of us decided to make it a summer project. Sometime after we started, I remember my dad coming home from work and noticing that we were up to something more ambitious than usual. When he asked what we were doing, we told him our plans and my friend declared that we were going to dig "all the way to Kingdom Come." We weren't very sophisticated, but we were ambitious.And so we dug a little bit each day, for days. We found worms and bugs and rocks of all kinds. We hit water one day, which meant we were really getting somewhere, so that was cool. And then one of us had the realization that if we kept digging long enough, we'd dig our way right into Hell and we wondered if maybe that wasn't such a great idea. We did keep digging, but the expedition ended shortly after that, either because we were scared or skeptical or just plain tired of shoveling. But that was the first time I ever remember considering something like the question someone offered up for this morning:"Do we have to believe in Hell in order to believe in Heaven?”When I was older, in High School, and learned about World War II and the Holocaust, I wondered if that might be Hell: the injustice and horror of concentration camps; the gas chambers, the torture, the attempted genocide. Elie Wiesel, likely the most famous survivor of the Holocaust asked once, "How [do you] explain or even describe the agony, the terror, the prayers, the tears, the tenderness, the sadness of the scientifically prepared death of six million human beings? … Six million human beings sentenced to death by an evil dictatorship not because of their faith or their circumstances but because of their very being." It sounded – and sounds, still – like Hell to me, even if it wasn't someplace you could dig your way into.When I visited all kinds of jails and prisons in college, I wondered if the smell and the heat and the sounds and the danger and the circumstances that led and keep a person there might be Hell.When I worked as a hospital chaplain for a summer during seminary, I remember a guy who had been burned on over 80% of his body. That looked like Hell, and I wondered if Hell was the sickness, disease, and disasters that consume and kill men, women, and children every minute of every hour of every day in the world. When I traveled with my family and then with our high school kids a couple of summers ago to the Whitney Plantation, in Edgard, Louisiana, where enslaved human beings were used and abused and tortured and killed, like worthless animals, for generations – Hell seemed very nearby.Is Hell the war in Ukraine? Is it the famine, starvation, and destruction in Gaza? Is Hell a cancer diagnosis or is the rigors of chemotherapy or radiation – even if they work, but especially when they don't? Is Hell a broken or breaking marriage; the death of a child; any kind of unbearable physical pain or emotional suffering? Is it paralyzing fear; hopeless loneliness; utter despair?With all of my questions, I guess you can tell that I don't think about Hell in the same way I did when I was digging around in the dirt as a child. But, from what I can tell, too many people – preachers, theologians, artists, and politicians – haven't moved beyond the sandbox. We hear too often, in my opinion, detailed images of Hell. You know them as well as I do: pictures of fire, deep dark places, chains and shackles perhaps, weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth, for sure, and the little guy in the red suit with a pointy tail and a pitch fork with the capacity to inflict pain and suffering on his victims for all of eternity.And these same people will tell you how to get there faster than any shovel can dig. Instructions usually include breaking the rules or not having enough of the right kind of faith or 'doing faith' differently than what's expected or accepted or, generally, behaving in ways that make God angry enough to send you ‘there' instead of calling you home to the right side of eternity.But I don't think any of this is what Hell is like or where it's at. Which is why I picked the readings I did for this morning. There are plenty of references in the Bible to Sheol and the Pit, to Hades and the Abyss. There's lots of talk about fire and punishment and the outer darkness – much of it from the very lips of Jesus himself.But nowadays, when I think of Hell, I think about the crucifixion and death of Jesus on that Good Friday afternoon. And it's not because of the abuse or the spitting or the whips or the thorns. It's not because of the darkness or the nails or the cross itself, even. It's because of the way all of these things added up to leave him hanging there alone, crying at the top of his voice, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?" (Theologians call it Jesus' “cry of dereliction,” and it's why we say, as we do in our Apostles' Creed, that Jesus indeed “descended into Hell.”)It's at that moment when Hell becomes more real and more scary than any pitchfork or fire pit, if you ask me. It's at that moment when Jesus experiences what many of us have known – or what we fear – more than anything else: being utterly alone, utterly afraid, utterly out of control, cosmically lost, and entirely without hope or faith or comfort – even from God.It's at that moment when Jesus himself knows fully the hell of every concentration camp victim, every prisoner, every enslaved person, every frightened soldier, every starving stomach, every struggling addict, every dying patient, grieving spouse, scared child, broken heart, and sin-sick soul that ever was or ever will be. "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"So back to the question at hand. I was asked pointedly, if “we” believe in Hell, which seems to include the questioner, myself, and other leaders and pastors and theologians of the ELCA. I won't speak for others, because I can't – that's part of the beauty of what it means to be an ELCA-flavored Lutheran, in my opinion. But I will tell you that, I don't very much think about Hell anymore these days.If it does exist, it's not a concern of mine, because I believe it's been conquered and undone, dismissed and destroyed by the work of God's love in Jesus Christ – for me, and for you, and for all of creation. You can cite for me every Scripture and verse there is about Hades and Sheol, about the outer darkness and The Pit. But I believe there is a Hell the way I believe there are K Pop concerts, hot dog eating contests, and white pride parades. They may very well exist, but I don't – and won't – ever have to show my face there, thanks be to God.We can find plenty of pictures in the Bible and elsewhere to scare each other into believing that Hell is as likely an option as Heaven or that damnation is as likely as grace. And there are lots of pastors and churches who will fan that fire with gusto and glee, but that's not what the Gospel promises. To suggest that we can faithfully choose Heaven… To suggest that we can faith-LESS-ly opt for Hell… To suggest that we can reject God's willingness to love us all the way through Hell and back and remain in our sin and death, despite God's clear desire to win us back… is to suggest that God is powerless over evil, that God is powerless over death, that God is powerless over Sin, that God isn't all God is cracked up to be and that the very death and resurrection of Jesus was a cosmic waste of God's time. And I don't buy it.I don't buy it because when Jesus cried, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me,” he was quoting the first line of Psalm 22, which he knew well. So he must have known how Psalm 22 ends, just the same – with the hope of God's promised dominion, deliverance, power and provision. Verse 24 promises, “He did not despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted; he did not hide his face from me, but heard when I cried to him.” By invoking Psalm 22, what if Jesus wasn't just announcing his despair and descent into Hell's separation? What if he was declaring his hope for the Heaven that was to come, just the same?My adventure in the Sand Pile as a kid that summer didn't end just because we were scared of what we might find. I think it ended because, even as kids, we realized our digging wasn't leading us anywhere but down – and that's exhausting. It didn't take us long to learn that there was more life and fun and good news in the other direction – and that's where we chose to spend our days.Which is why and how and what we believe about Hell matters for our lives in this world.When our faith is motivated more by fear than it is by hope, we're heading in the wrong direction. When it comes to our journey of faith, I hope we'll remember and share as often as we can that the Gospel is about life conquering death. The story of Jesus is about God conquering Satan. The promise of our faith is that Heaven conquers Hell – whether we like it, would choose it, or not. And the call of our faith is to live and to love our way into Heaven, not to run away from a Hell that isn't ours to fear any longer, thanks to the God we know in Jesus Christ, crucified and risen for the sake of the world.Amen

We have one who has run the race in our place...

Obedience to the 4th commandment would bring abundant provision for all. Yet, we esteem His Word as if a simple peddler had spoken it. The Lord gives us both fathers by blood and spiritual fathers. Spiritual fathers, that is, pastors, are given the least amount of honor, despite the clear words of Scripture (1 Timothy 5:17-18). The following of this command is dependent upon families faithfully catechizing their children in the honor required toward parents. The Lord will bless this teaching for well-educated, humble, and faithful children. The Lord grant it!  Rev. Ben Meyer, pastor at Hope Lutheran Church, Sunbury, OH, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the 4th commandment. To learn more about Hope Lutheran, visit hopelutheransunbury.org/home.html. 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. 

In this sermon, “From Every Direction They Come” (Luke 13:22–30), Pastor Balla preaches the powerful truth that salvation in Christ is not reserved for a privileged few but is open to repentant sinners from every nation, tribe, and tongue. Jesus warns us to “strive to enter through the narrow door” (Luke 13:24, ESV), reminding us of the urgency of repentance and faith. The narrow door is not closed by God's stinginess but by our sin and pride. Yet in His mercy, Christ Himself has opened that door by His cross and resurrection.This Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 16, Series C) sermon proclaims the universality of Christ's saving work, the catholicity of the Church, and the comfort of belonging to God's banquet feast through Word and Sacrament. From east and west, north and south, believers are gathered to recline at the table in the kingdom of God.Whether you are seeking deeper Bible study, Lutheran preaching, or encouragement in your Christian faith, this sermon will strengthen your trust in Christ alone.

Fire can warm or destroy...

In this episode, we sit down with Reverend Sarah Goettsch, a Lutheran pastor whose preaching has inspired communities for over 20 years. A fierce advocate for social justice and an ...

Which of these is not a beanboozled flavor? Who announced the new Missouri AG this week? These questions and more with Libby and Amee.

God doesn't want you to see hardship as punishment for sin...

GetReligion editor Terry Mattingly discusses “Endorse a candidate? A liberal Lutheran goes too far”

When you face opposition, remember he faced worse for you...

Hosea's preaching takes a Gospel turn as the LORD promises to woo Israel anew as His bride. No longer will they call upon Him in idolatrous worship, but they will call upon Him as their Husband according to His holy name. In this wedding between God and His people, He invites them to dwell with Him as He once dwelt with Adam and Eve in Eden. The LORD's command that Hosea bring back Gomer, despite her unfaithfulness, provides a living sermon of the LORD's faithfulness even to His faithless people, finally brought to fulfillment in the work of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Rev. Tim Sandeno, pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church and School in Wykoff, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Hosea 2:14-3:5.  To learn more about St. John's Lutheran, visit stjohns-wykoff.org/home-2.  “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

Lyman Stone of the Institute for Family Studies Institute for Family Studies The post The 2024 Lutheran Religious Life Survey – Lyman Stone, 8/18/25 (2303) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

Patrick opens the Relevant Radio Summer Pledge Drive with prayer and genuine warmth, instantly setting a supportive tone. He fields spirited calls about faith practices, Catholic marriage convalidation, and even awkward moments at Mass, while weaving in lighthearted commentary about blankets and coffee that spark a few laughs. Listeners find insight, practical advice, and honest encouragement as Patrick responds to concerns and shares community stories of faith put into action. Laura (email) - Incorrect mass behavior: Is it okay for lay people to put their hands on children to give them blessings? (01:34) Mary - I was shopping, and the sales lady didn't understand why I didn't want to buy a piece of furniture in China. Lady told me that Communism wasn't bad in and of itself, just that some of the leaders were bad. Any advice? Should I go to her manager? (05:47) Justin – My wife and I were married in a Lutheran Church. I am Lutheran and my wife is Catholic but lapsed. Can she take RCIA with me? (15:20) Anne (email) - Is there a book about the history of the Catholic Church that you’d recommend? (22:32) Greg - My wife and I have started the process for convalidation. The priest said it would take 3 months, but it is taking longer. What should I do? (27:36) Patrick shares audio from an IVF shopper who gleefully talks about all of the babies who died (42:59)