Podcasts about lutheran

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260804dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said. Matthew 14:15-17 Bring Him Your “Not Enough” Have you ever sat down with your monthly budget and found that the numbers refuse to cooperate? No matter how many times you add them up, there is more month than money. It’s a helpless feeling to be staring at a problem too large for the available resources. Jesus’ disciples knew that feeling. Thousands of hungry people had followed Jesus to a remote place, and evening was coming. The disciples did the math and proposed the only sensible solution: send everyone away to fend for themselves. Instead, Jesus gave them an impossible assignment: “You give them something to eat.” All they could find among the crowd were five small loaves of bread and two fish. The numbers didn’t add up. But Jesus never intended for his disciples to solve this problem out of their own pockets. He was inviting them to bring their “not enough” to him. When they did, he took that little lunch, gave thanks, and multiplied it until everyone ate their fill—with twelve baskets left over. You and I often do the same math the disciples did. We look at our resources—our money, our time, our strength, our goodness—and conclude they will never be enough. They won’t be. That is especially true of our standing before God. We owe him a debt of perfect obedience that we could never begin to pay. That is why Jesus came. He did not send us away to fend for ourselves. In his compassion, he supplied what we could not—his perfect life and his innocent death—to pay for our sins completely. The Savior who satisfied a hungry crowd with bread has satisfied God’s justice for you. So, bring him your little. Bring him your “not enough.” His supply never runs out. Prayer: Lord Jesus, when my resources run out, teach me to trust your compassion and power to provide everything I need for my body and soul. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260803dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1 His Love Endures Forever Many, if not most, psalms in the Bible were designed to be sung or spoken antiphonally—that is, the first half of each verse is sung by a leader or choir followed by the congregation responding with the second half. If you open your Bible to Psalm 136, you’ll notice that the second half of each of the 26 verses is exactly the same: “His love endures forever.” The entire psalm encourages us to give thanks to the Lord, the one true God, who powerfully created all things and who mercifully provides for his people. And with every mention of the Lord’s many mighty acts, the people interject the refrain: “His love endures forever.” And it’s not just in this psalm. The first time this phrase is found in the Bible is in 1 Chronicles 16, when King David is bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The people sang and praised God with a psalm that included these same words. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” A generation later, in 2 Chronicles 5, when King Solomon completed construction of the temple, a great number of musicians played while the choir sang praise to the Lord: “He is good; his love endures forever.” Someone might ask, “Why the repetition?” But consider why it is that we repeat anything. Usually, because it’s important or because we keep forgetting it—or in this case, both. The Hebrew word translated as love here calls to mind God’s loyalty and grace in dealing with us. Despite our frequent ingratitude and lack of love for God, he is unwaveringly devoted to his love for us, simply because of who he is. In everything he does—starting with the creation of the world, all the way through human history, right down to the way he watches over and provides for us today—God does it out of his commitment to love us. His promise of grace finds its fulfillment in his own Son, Jesus Christ, who came to save us from certain death by taking our punishment upon himself. It is truly a love that endures forever! Prayer: Lord God, you have been good to me in so many ways. Let me never forget your grace but always give you thanks, for your love endures forever. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

It feels like there's never a water break when it comes to seeking God. The journey to find God and know God is endless and full of unknowns. Today, we've invited fellow seeker and choir enthusiast, Father Martin George, to help us ponder the ever-elusive question: "How do I find God?". Martin, who is a priest at Kate's church St. George's Anglican in Berlin, is a theology professor, world traveler, linguistics-lover, and outdoorsman whose life has taken him from Minnesota to Switzerland and from the Lutheran to the Anglican church. Together, we discuss the value of learning from other denominations, how we can find God in coffee hour, and why the best thing to say about God is often nothing at all. Can't get enough of the Average Episcopalian? Visit our website & shop for merch: theaverageepiscopalian.com Follow us on Instagram: @average.episcopalian Sign up for our monthly Substack newsletter: averageepiscopalian.substack.com More questions? Send us an email: average.episcopalian@gmail.com

In this episode, we ask a difficult question: Why would Jesus send his disciples straight into a storm he knew was coming? As the wind drives them farther from shore and fear overtakes them, we discover that the real battle isn't against the waves—it's against the doubt that God's promise could fail. Peter's cry, "Lord, save me," becomes our own, as Christ shows that faith doesn't come from our courage, but from hearing his Word: "Take heart. It is I. Do not be afraid."GOSPEL Matthew 14:22-33 22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25 And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." 28 Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." 29 He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."CARE OF SOULS: DEATHIn 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 facing death, grief, and loss.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.Across five episodes, the hosts tackle tough but essential questions on death:How does Lutheran theology speak uniquely to death and grief?What does faithful pastoral care look like when walking alongside those who mourn?How can pastors offer both honesty and hope in the face of tragedy and loss?What does ministry look like when death impacts the pastor as well as the congregation?Why do funerals matter, and what is God giving through them?With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the sorrow of death not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ.Because in the end, it's not about avoiding death—it's about hearing the Gospel from the One who has passed through death and opened the way to life.Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of SoulsSupport the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

In this episode, John Durante speaks with David Wagner, Director of Admissions, about what makes St. Olaf distinctive—from its Lutheran-rooted liberal arts foundation to its strong sense of community and purpose. With over 20 years of experience, Wagner provides insight into how the college evaluates applicants and builds a values-driven campus.Key Topics CoveredMission & Identity: A focus on intellectual exploration, interfaith dialogue, and meaningful contributionCollaborative Culture: High-achieving, thoughtful students in a supportive, “doer”-oriented environmentHolistic Review Process:Context-driven, territory-based application readingEmphasis on transcript strength and course rigorTest-optional policy with no disadvantage to non-submittersAuthentic voice through essays, including St. Olaf's unique promptsFit Over Prestige: As a member of Colleges That Change Lives, the focus is on growth and finding the right matchAffordability: Meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, with transparent tools and merit opportunitiesResourcesSt. Olaf College AdmissionsColleges That Change LivesThe Piper Center for Vocation and Career-------------------------------------

We all know the basics: tell the truth, don't hold a grudge, be a good person. But when Paul gets practical about the "new self" we have in Christ, he doesn't point to the mission field — he points to the dinner table. Your spouse. Your kids. Your coworkers. The people who see the worst version of you are the people who know you best. In this message, we walk through four ordinary battlegrounds — truth, anger, work, and words — and find the same truth behind every one of them: you've received grace from God, and now you get to give it away.

Lying. Losing your temper. Taking things that aren't yours. Talking trash. Holding a grudge. None of these would make your "top 10 worst sins" list — so why does the Apostle Paul stop to call them out? Pastor Michael unpacks the three hidden wounds that even "small," everyday sins cause — and the three cures God has already provided in Christ. This isn't a guilt trip. It's a look at why sin is heavier than we think, and why grace is bigger than we imagined.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260802dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, [Jesus] gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matthew 14:19-21 With Jesus There is Always More With Jesus, there is always more. More than five thousand people were fed with just five loaves and two fish. And there was more food left over than they had at the beginning. This miracle is a big deal. Other than Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, it’s the only miracle recorded in all four gospels. The repetition means Jesus really wants us to know about it. Why? Jesus teaches us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). In other words, Christians are to trust God to provide. And what Jesus teaches, he demonstrates by feeding the five thousand. He takes care of us and provides everything we need. This is a simple lesson to learn, but it is difficult to believe. Your sinful nature wants you to think that you take care of yourself. The devil does not want you to trust God. He wants you to trust yourself and say, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me” (Deuteronomy 8:17). But is that true? Who gives you time to work? Who gives you the strength to work? Who gives you the skills to work? “Remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18). Jesus doesn’t work miracles to flaunt his power. He works miracles to show that he is God Almighty in human flesh. Jesus gives health and wealth because that is what Jesus does—he gives. He provides his life, death, and resurrection for your salvation. If he can do that, he can do something as simple as provide daily bread. Because with Jesus, there is always more. Jesus’ compassion for you knows no bounds. No need is too impossible for Christ to meet. No sin is too big for Jesus to forgive. You can trust him with anything and everything! Prayer: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures forever. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

When people hear the word repentance, they often think of guilt, shame, or punishment. But from a Lutheran perspective, repentance is a gift of God's grace and has two parts. First, the Holy Spirit shows us our sin through God's Law, and we honestly acknowledge that we have fallen short and cannot save ourselves. This sorrow over sin is not meant to crush us but to bring us to Jesus. And the second part is even more powerful. We hear God's promise that because of Jesus' death and resurrection, we are completely forgiven. Repentance is not about earning God's favour; it is about receiving the forgiveness He freely gives. Repentance takes us from guilt to grace, from fear to peace, from death to life. Every time we confess our sins, God meets us with open arms, declaring, "Your sins are forgiven for Jesus' sake." Then, as forgiven people, we are free to begin each day living in response to the love He has already shown to us in Christ. Pastor Paul Fielke Bible reading: Luke 19:1-10 (NLT)

When people hear the word repentance, they often think of guilt, shame, or punishment. But from a Lutheran perspective, repentance is a gift of God's grace and has two parts. First, the Holy Spirit shows us our sin through God's Law, and we honestly acknowledge that we have fallen short and cannot save ourselves. This sorrow over sin is not meant to crush us but to bring us to Jesus. And the second part is even more powerful. We hear God's promise that because of Jesus' death and resurrection, we are completely forgiven. Repentance is not about earning God's favour; it is about receiving the forgiveness He freely gives. Repentance takes us from guilt to grace, from fear to peace, from death to life. Every time we confess our sins, God meets us with open arms, declaring, "Your sins are forgiven for Jesus' sake." Then, as forgiven people, we are free to begin each day living in response to the love He has already shown to us in Christ. Pastor Paul Fielke Bible reading: Luke 19:1-10 (NLT)

Service for Christ Lutheran Church on 8-2-26

A BHoP Classics rebroadcast of Col Willie Grill's talk given at the 2025 Christian Culture Conference hosted by Luther Classical College. Visit our website - A Brief History of Power Sign up for Memento, a Lutheran devotional for men. Pr. Willie Grills - Zion Lutheran Church Music thanks to Verny

Ride On… In this episode, we engage a listener question — is Lutheran teaching double predestination within his debate with Erasmus? How are we to understand arguments for the bound will, such as: "Man's will is like a beast standing between two riders. If God rides, it wills and goes where God wills… If Satan rides, it wills and goes where Satan wills. Nor may it choose to which rider it will run, or which it will seek; but the riders themselves fight to decide who shall have and hold it"? And so, we discuss God's will, divine necessity, predestination versus election, the preacher's vocation, the effects of free will theology on American churches, the scandal of arguing for a bound will in relation to Christ, and much, much more on this episode of the Banned Books podcast. SHOW NOTES:  The Captivation of the Will: Luther Vs. Erasmus on Freedom and Bondage by Gerhard O. Forde https://amzn.to/4mOYuPx    More from 1517: Give to the June 1517 Podcast Network Fundraiser! https://donate.overflow.co/1517/cash?config=2026-podcast-network-fundraiser Support 1517 Podcast Network https://www.1517.org/podcast-fundraiser 1517 Podcasts: http://www.1517.org/podcasts 1517 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@1517org 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/1517-podcast-network/id6442751370 1517 Events Schedule: https://www.1517.org/events 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education: https://academy.1517.org/   What's New from 1517: The Turk at the Door by Adam Francisco https://shop.1517.org/collections/coming-soon/products/9781964419947-the-turk-at-the-door Luther and the Lion: A Narnian Catechism by Samuel Schuldheisz https://shop.1517.org/products/9781964419985-luther-and-the-lion By Water and the Word by Brian Thomas https://shop.1517.org/products/9781967920013-by-water-and-the-word Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith https://shop.1517.org/products/9781964419961-being-family   More from the hosts: Donovan Riley https://www.1517.org/contributors/donavon-riley Christopher Gillespie https://www.1517.org/contributors/christopher-gillespie   CONTACT and FOLLOW: Banned Books Wiki https://bannedbooks1517.org Email mailto:BannedBooks@1517.org Instagram (1517)https://www.instagram.com/bannedbooks1517 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BannedBooks1517/ Twitter https://twitter.com/bannedbooks1517 Instagram (1517) https://www.instagram.com/1517org X/Twitter (1517) http://twitter.com/1517 Facebook (1517) http://www.facebook.com/1517org   PODCAST: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@BannedBooks Rumble https://rumble.com/c/c-1223313 Odysee https://odysee.com/@bannedbooks:5 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/banned-books/id1370993639 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2ahA20sZMpBxg9vgiRVQba Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1370993639/banned-books   MORE LINKS: Tin Foil Haloes https://t.me/bannedpastors St John's Lutheran Church (Webster, MN) - FB Live Bible Study Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/356667039608511 Donavon's Substack https://donavonlriley.substack.com Gillespie's Sermons and Catechesis https://outerrimterritories.com Gillespie Coffee https://gillespie.coffee Gillespie Media https://gillespie.media

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260801dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion [Jesus said] “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” Matthew 13:44-46 Treasure Discovering a hidden treasure is a common dream. Wouldn’t it be great to instantly be wealthy beyond anything you could have imagined? In the first story of today’s Bible reading, Jesus tells us about someone who, finds buried treasure. In ancient times, rich people were known to divide their wealth into three parts: one for doing business, another converted to precious stones with which to flee, and, if necessary, a third part to be buried in a safe place. So, it could happen that when a rich man died, his buried wealth would remain to be found by some fortunate individual. In the second brief story, Jesus speaks of a pearl merchant whose life’s mission was to seek out exceptional pearls and obtain them. Some tirelessly seek treasure, and others just fortunately find it. But the most valuable treasure is that which Jesus has for us. This treasure Jesus tells us is the “kingdom of heaven.” The kingdom is Jesus’ rule in our hearts by faith. When Jesus rules our hearts, when our faith is in him, then we have the treasure of the forgiveness of sins, spiritual life, and eternal salvation—we will enjoy the glories of heaven forever. Still, we don’t have to wait to enjoy this precious treasure. With faith in Jesus comes the peace of knowing we are God’s dear children right now, the hope of present certainty for a blessed future, and the joy of knowing God loves us today, tomorrow, and always. So, whether you stumble upon earthly treasure or spend your life seeking after it, what really matters is that you have the treasure of Jesus. It’s worth giving up everything to make it your own. Prayer: Lord, lead us to the treasure that is Jesus and help us to treasure that treasure above all things. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

“When I urge you to go to Confession, I am doing nothing else than urging you to be Christian.” Individual confession and absolution shows us the depth of our sin and provides healing medicine through the Gospel. We ask that all who confess Christ confess their sins so that with all boldness and confidence we trust that we come to Him and receive the priceless, full forgiveness of sins. We will not coerce, but the Church will always offer this precious gift. Rev. Ben Meyer, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Caledonia, MI, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of private confession. To learn more about St. Paul in Caledonia, visit stpaulcaledonia.org. 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 Daily Devotion for August 1, 2026, Pastor David Balla walks through Psalm 75:4-6, where God speaks plainly to the boastful and the proud: put down the lifted horn, the old picture of strength and status. True exaltation does not come from any human direction, no matter how hard a person searches for it.This devotion points to Jesus as the perfect contrast to every boastful voice. He had every reason to lift Himself up, being God Himself, yet He humbled Himself completely, taking on human flesh and going to death on a cross. Because He laid everything down without resistance, God exalted Him above every name. In that humility we find true grace, forgiveness, and salvation, freely given, not earned by our own effort. Through His redemption we are welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven, and in the Lord's Supper He comes to us humbly under bread and wine, giving His true body and blood for the forgiveness of sins.Do not search for exaltation on your own terms. Lay your pride down at the foot of the cross, and trust the God who lifted up Jesus to lift you up too, in His own time and way.Subscribe for weekly sermons and Daily Devotions.If this devotion has blessed you, consider supporting this ministry: https://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalphYou can also give directly at https://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalphHashtags (5)#DailyDevotion #Lutheran #LCMS #BibleStudy #ChristianitySEO tags (390 characters, under 450)Pastor David Balla, WhiteGandalph, Daily Devotion, Lutheran sermon, LCMS pastor, Bible study, Psalm 75, grace and forgiveness, salvation in Jesus Christ, Kingdom of Heaven, Lord's Supper, real presence of Christ, Christian devotion, daily Bible verse, ESV Bible study, forgiveness of sins, redemption through Christ, Gospel message, humility of Christ, God exalts the humble

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260731dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion [Jesus said] “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” Matthew 13:44 The Treasure A man by the name of Edward Doheny [pronounced Doh-HEE-nee] has just arrived in California. The year is 1892. Doheny is a drifter. He’s worked as a mule driver, a fruit packer, and even a singing waiter. But nothing has panned out. His financial future looks grim. One day, you’re walking through town and see a strange thing. You see Doheny digging a hole with a pick and a shovel. Turns out he’s put down all the money he can on some vacant lot just so he can dig there. You roll your eyes. You think to yourself, “I guess desperate drifters do desperate things.” You keep walking. But desperate drifter Edward Doheny knows something you do not know. He spotted a black, thick goo seeping up into this vacant lot. He also has a hunch that people will soon pay money for this thick goo. He’s right. Here, on this lot, he strikes oil. He sets up his first oil well—the first of many. As a result, Edward Doheny becomes one of the wealthiest men in the world. Jesus tells a similar story: A man finds a hidden treasure in a field. When he does, he sells all he has to buy that field. Think about that for a moment. Imagine what his friends and neighbors are thinking. Imagine how silly and foolish they presume he is—how skewed and confused his priorities appear. But he knows something they do not know. He knows about the treasure. Which brings us to your life and mine. The culture around us may often smirk at us in polite contempt. In a society where pleasure, money, recognition, entertainment, and power are the stuff of life, the priorities of a Christian often seem quaint, clueless, even stupid. But we know something others do not yet know. We know about the treasure. We know about Jesus. We know about the priceless riches of forgiveness, peace, purpose, security, and meaning we possess in him. In addition, we know this treasure lasts not only for this life; it is eternal. Prayer: Jesus, priceless treasure, keep me close to you. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Join Lead Time+ to continue the conversation: https://app.echometric.org/go/lead-time-plus-audioLearn more about Lead Time+: https://www.uniteleadership.org/support/leadtimeplusIn a hyper-political, post-Christian culture, what is the church actually called to do? Should Christians retreat from the world, fight to reclaim the culture through political power, or continually adapt the church's message to fit whatever society currently values?Minnesota South District President Lucas Woodford joins Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg for a wide-ranging conversation about faithful ministry in a rapidly changing America. They explore the dangers of allowing the church to be co-opted by political parties, the difference between healthy contextualization and reshaping Christianity around a target market, and why modern secularism may be less atheistic than it is a return to ancient paganism.Lucas also explains why Christians are not called to evangelize a collapsing culture, but to bring the hope of Christ to the people living within it. The conversation examines Lutheran worship, cowboy and culturally specific churches, the work of the Holy Spirit, pastoral formation in the LCMS, institutional adaptation, and what it means to be “in the world and of the Word.”The culture may be changing—but the Word of God still works. Where the Word is sown, its culture is grown.Support the show⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Care about the future of the LCMS?Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

Watch the Devotion Based on Ephesians 1:4-6 You Are Chosen  At the time of this recording, I first learned the names of the four US Soldiers who gave their lives in service to our country: Sgt. Michael Swinton, Sgt. Angel Rampersad, 1st Lt. Tyler Feehan, Pfc. Isabella Gonzales.   Combat, war, death, physical wounds, the unseen wounds of trauma and moral injury—these are all evidence of the presence of the devil at work in our world, and the influence of sin on the hearts of sinful people who want to kill and destroy.   During times like this, you wonder, and you ask God questions, “How am I to trust you when there is no guarantee that I will make it home from deployment in one piece or alive at all? How am I to trust you when I have prayed to come home, and we continue to be extended indefinitely? How am I to trust you when my loved one or friend is downrange and life is falling apart around me?”      When you wonder if God cares for you, when you question his love for you, when you believe Satan's lie that God is not capable to provide or protect you. . .then ask, “What does God say in times like this?”   Listen to these truths from the Apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves” (Ephesians 1:4-6).     Before God created the world, he decided in his heart that he would choose you to be saved. In time he made that election and calling certain at your baptism. Baptized in water and the Word, he adopted you into his family. You are his son or daughter, for now and for eternity. He did all of this in Christ, that is, because of what Jesus Christ has done for you. He was blameless and holy for you. He shed his blood for you. He loved you. And so, God chose you in Christ.  War and combat, injury of mind and soul, grief and sorrow, not even death can change this truth: You are chosen in Christ. Therefore, you are his son. You are his daughter. You are the object of his love, in life and in death.     Prayer: Father, your thoughts are not our thoughts, nor are your ways our ways. In your wisdom you have allowed the terrors of war to strike the families of these four Soldiers who died in service to our country. Do not let their sacrifice be in vain. Comfort those who grieve with the sure promise of the resurrection from the dead. Send your holy angels to protect our war fighters while they are training and actively engaged in combat. Bring peace to this region of the world so that we may live in peace. Amen.  Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260730dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion …so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:19 Truly Life For decades, Peggy Lee was a fixture in American pop culture. Called “The Queen of American Pop Music,” she performed on stage, on television, and in the movies. For example, you can hear her voice and her songs all through the Disney classic, “Lady and the Tramp.” For all the joy she brought, however, perhaps her most memorable song is one that is not joyful at all. In 1969, she recorded a song entitled “Is That All There Is?” In it, a woman reflects on past events in her life, from the loss of her childhood home to going to the circus with her father, and her first romantic love. After each event, she asks herself, “Is that all there is?” She knows that something is missing, but she doesn't know what. And as she looks to the end of her life, she’s convinced that, in her final moments, she'll ask the same question: “Is that all there is?” The song earned Peggy Lee a Grammy Award. It also reached the top of the charts. Clearly, the song had struck a nerve. It still does today. In the closing sentences of the apostle Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he reminds us not to look to the things of this world. Don’t look to the things of this world for security, for fulfillment, for meaning, for identity. Not only are the things of this world uncertain; even if they surround us until the day we die, they offer nothing that lasts. In the end, all we will have is the question, “Is that all there is?” Enter our Creator. Enter God the Son. Enter Jesus. On our behalf, our Savior did what he had to do to rescue us from an empty, pointless existence. His perfect life and death in our place pulled us out of our darkness and back into his light. For now, in him, not only do we bask in his forgiveness; in him, we are once again what he created us to be. We are in the family of God. And because we are, we now have the life that is truly life. Prayer: Lord, in you alone I possess the life that is truly life. Thank you. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

It's Bach Week! This week, we commemorate legendary church musician J.S. Bach with conversations about his work and influence on the church's song over centuries. How has the work of J.S. Bach influenced spiritual care? Deaconess Cara Patton (Worship Coordinator, LCMS Office of National Mission) and Kantor Christina Roberts (Kantor, Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Grand Rapids, Michigan) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the ways in which they serve the church in the offices of deaconess and kantor, how spiritual care is uniquely a part of each of these offices, the role of music in spiritual care, how Bach's music specifically lends itself to spiritual care, and some ways they've each used Bach's music to help people through difficult situations. Learn more about Our Savior in Grand Rapids at oursavior-gr.org/church and LCMS Worship at lcms.org/worship. 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.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260729dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant. 1 Timothy 6:17 Arrogance Max Roser does research. He researches the wide variety of living conditions that people experience around the world. He also offers some perspective. For instance, Roser has this to say about living conditions that many of us accept as ordinary. He writes: “What many people in wealthy countries regard as ordinary—electricity at the flip of a switch, clean water from a tap, refrigeration, antibiotics, hot showers, flush toilets, and abundant food—would have been luxuries unavailable not only to most people alive today, but to kings and queens for most of human history.” Let that quote sink in for just a moment. The luxuries and conveniences many of us take for granted are not only inconceivable to millions of people around the world; these luxuries and conveniences were not available even to the richest kings and queens of the past. It also means that when the apostle Paul was speaking about “those who are rich,” he was speaking about people who could not even imagine the kind of ordinary wealth many of us enjoy in the 21st Century. In other words, many of us are far, far, far richer than “the rich” of Paul’s day. When God’s Word, therefore, says, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant,” you and I cannot immediately presume that this does not apply to us. In fact, in all likelihood, it does. If I am, indeed, rich by historical standards of living, how might I slip into arrogance? I may not display arrogance like some stereotypical rich man from an old movie—smoking a big cigar while I count my money, barking out orders, looking down my nose at others. In my ordinary comforts, conveniences, and luxuries, however, I can begin to insulate myself from the desperate, constant need for Jesus in my life. Such arrogance can be lethal. Regardless of my wealth, or lack of it, my need for Jesus is urgent and is real. I need him now and always. He came to take away the sins of the world. Even the sins of the rich. Even mine. Prayer: Lord, remove my arrogance. Empower me to grasp my constant need for you. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

It's Bach Week! This week, we commemorate legendary church musician J.S. Bach with conversations about his work and influence on the church's song over centuries. How has the music of J.S. Bach influenced our present-day church music? Dr. Joseph Herl (professor of music at Concordia University, Nebraska) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about who introduced Dr. Herl to the work of J.S. Bach, the ways Bach's music has shaped his relationship with music, what people thought of Bach's music during his own time, how Bach's music actually became famous, the influence of Bach's music on our modern Lutheran church music, and how Bach's music influences Dr. Herl's teaching methods. Learn more about music at CUNE at cune.edu/music. 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.

Craig Weinberg talks with Emelia Enquist, a Democratic candidate for the South Dakota House in District 4, about her upbringing in rural Grant County, her career in communications, her return to South Dakota, and her work as a Lutheran minister.They also discuss why she decided to run for office, local control in schools, rural healthcare, property taxes, government spending, and the responsibilities of a citizen legislator. Emelia emphasizes listening, researching issues, and working with the people affected before committing to policy decisions.Learn more at EnquistForHouse.comYou can support this show and listen to more conversations at TheInterviewPodcast.org

• Pastor Karyn's message for: Sun, July 26 2026• Romans 8:26-39 (God's Everlasting Love)• Revised Common Lectionary: Year A• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us! 1stlu.org/worship

How has the church understood Matthew 13:44–52 through the centuries? Before examining the text ourselves, we trace the history of its interpretation.

In this Word Fitly Spoken rebroadcast the hosts talk about the pioneering pastors of the Lutheran church during the westward expansion of America.  Visit our website - A Brief History of Power Thanks to our sponsors, Ad Crucem, Memento, and Gnesio Health Dr Adam Koontz - Redeemer Lutheran Church Pr. Willie Grills - Zion Lutheran Church Music thanks to Verny

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260728dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion So God said to [Solomon]. . . “I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart.” 1 Kings 3:11-12 Priority Solomon had just become the next king of Israel. He was about twenty years old. In lavish generosity, the Lord said a breathtaking thing. He said to Solomon, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” In your prayers right now, what is your most common request? Although we have the high privilege of talking to the Lord about anything, my sinful weakness can show up in my prayer life, too. There are periods in my life when I could fit most of my prayer requests under one big umbrella, and on that umbrella is one big word: “Easier.” I want God to make my life easier. I want him to remove difficulties. I want him to make my life more convenient. I want him to make my world more comfortable. I want him to clear my path of those things that create hardship, pain, loneliness, uncertainty, or grief. And while it’s not wrong to pray for any of these things, if the priority in my prayer life is simply for God to make my life easy, then I have forgotten why I am here. And for such forgetfulness, the Lord calls upon me to repent. Solomon had the chance to ask for anything—anything at all. He could ask for wealth. He could ask for a long life. He could ask for an easy reign through the removal of his enemies. But he didn’t. Instead, he asked for wisdom. He asked the Lord to give him what he needed to serve in this difficult, broken world. On our behalf, God the Son came here. In our place, he lived a life of perfect faithfulness. As our substitute, he suffered and died for our every sin. Then he arose. In him we stand forgiven, cleansed, at peace. As you and I now live to shine his light in this dark place, our privilege and priority is to ask the Lord to provide us with what we need to serve him. Prayer: Lord, thank you for the privilege of asking you for anything. Give me wisdom. Make my priorities your priorities. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

The Four-Year Preacher's LectionarySupport me at SubscribeStar or by signing up as a paid subscriber at RevFiskOrder my books at AmazonFor video, visit my Rumble channel

It's Bach Week! This week, we commemorate legendary church musician J.S. Bach with conversations about his work and influence on the church's song over centuries. What are Bach societies, and how do they help share the beautiful music of J.S. Bach? Ron Klemm (host and producer of Bach Talk, and former KFUO Radio talent) and Dr. A. Dennis Sparger (Music Director and Conductor of the Bach Society of St. Louis) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the importance of Bach, what is so special about singing Bach together with a large ensemble, how conducting Bach is different from other composers, what a Bach Society is and why there are so many around the globe, how these societies have influenced the musical culture around them, and what they've learned about Bach over the years. Find the Bach Society of St. Louis at bachsociety.org and Bach Talk at bachsociety.org/bach-talk. 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.

The Sawkar Salute: Lutheran Social Service full 301 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 14:34:13 +0000 ag1qlfdnCdeCfvovJhWfKoEXUX3i38B4 news The Morning News with Vineeta Sawkar news The Sawkar Salute: Lutheran Social Service Vineeta Sawkar brings you the day's most important and impactful news stories, talks with the news-makers and influencers we need to hear from, and brightens your day with fun anecdotes and stories along the way. Add in the latest weather, traffic, and sports…it's the best way to start the day! © 2026 Audacy, Inc. News https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?feed-link=h

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-FIVE, Wade discusses what a confessional Lutheran is, the history of the Synodical Conference in American Lutheranism, and the need to think about what Lutheran identity is. We hope you enjoy the episode! Let us know if you have questions you'd like us to address in a future episode.  For more about the show and the hosts, visit the Let the Bird Fly! website. Thanks for listening! Attributions for Music and Image used in this Episode: “The Last One” by Jahzzar is licensed under an Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 International License. “Gib laut” by Dirk Becker is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (aka Music Sharing) 3.0 International License. “Whistling Down the Road” by Silent Partner. “Not Drunk” by The Joy Drops is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260727dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion “I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.” 1 Kings 3:7 Candor Here’s the setting for today’s Bible passage. The great King David is now an old man. The Lord has just anointed David’s son, Solomon, to be the next king of Israel. At this time, Solomon is about twenty years old. To be twenty years old is to be in a fantastic moment in your life. You’re an independent adult. Your physical and mental powers are at their peak. Countless possibilities lie before you. But this can also be a dangerous moment. For a variety of reasons, it can be easy to presume that you know much more than you really know. And ignorance, coupled with arrogance, can quickly open doors to all kinds of disaster. And so here is twenty-something Solomon. He has just experienced the indescribable thrill of becoming king. What to do first? One of the first things Solomon does is to speak to the Lord in profound candor. “I am only a little child, he prays. I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.” Candor in prayer. To talk to my God without candor is to run the ultimate fool’s errand. He is, after all, the One who has searched me and who knows me. To talk to my God without openly acknowledging my frailties, my weaknesses, my sinful flaws—to talk to him in such a way is not only an insult to him; it robs me of the assurance of forgiveness, comfort, and strength that my Savior purchased for me at Calvary’s cross. Which brings us to the beautiful truth we possess through the power of the good news of Jesus Christ. Because God the Son has lived a perfect life on my behalf; washed my every sin away through his suffering and death, and risen from the tomb, I now have the priceless privilege to speaking to God without fear. I can speak to him in the greatest of openness. I can talk to him in candor about anything. For through faith in the Messiah, I am secure. I am his. Prayer: Lord, through faith in your blood I am secure in you. Move me to speak in candor. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

In this episode, we ask what happens when your needs exceed your resources. As Jesus feeds the five thousand, the disciples reach the end of what they can provide, but Christ refuses to let their limitations set the agenda, revealing instead a kingdom defined by his compassion and abundant provision. The miracle isn't simply that bread multiplies—it's that Jesus gives exactly what his people need, reminding us that God's blessings are received with thanksgiving, not controlled by our demands.GOSPEL Matthew 14:13-2113 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. 15 When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves." 16 Jesus said to them, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." 17 They replied, "We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish." 18 And he said, "Bring them here to me." 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. 21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.CARE OF SOULS: DEATHIn 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 facing death, grief, and loss.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.Across five episodes, the hosts tackle tough but essential questions on death:How does Lutheran theology speak uniquely to death and grief?What does faithful pastoral care look like when walking alongside those who mourn?How can pastors offer both honesty and hope in the face of tragedy and loss?What does ministry look like when death impacts the pastor as well as the congregation?Why do funerals matter, and what is God giving through them?With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the sorrow of death not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ.Because in the end, it's not about avoiding death—it's about hearing the Gospel from the One who has passed through death and opened the way to life.Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of SoulsSupport the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

The story of Jonah ends with a surprising twist: the prophet is angry. In this final message, we look at the struggle we all face when God is "too kind" to people we don't like. It's easy to celebrate God's mercy when it's for us, but it's much harder when that same mercy is shown to our enemies. We'll explore the tension between our own ideas of fairness and God's relentless love. The book ends with a searching question for all of us: Are we truly happy that God is gracious and merciful to everyone, or do we want Him to only favor people like us?Support the show~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTubeInstagram @dscsienna

It's Bach Week! This week, we commemorate legendary church musician J.S. Bach with conversations about his work and influence on the church's song over centuries. Dr. Bruce Durazzi (Special Collections Librarian, Hasse Memorial Library, Concordia Seminary) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his work in Concordia Seminary's Kristine Kay Hasse Memorial Library, how the Bach Bible ended up at Concordia Seminary, some of the history behind this volume of books, interesting pieces of trivia about the Bach Bible (Calov Commentary), and what we learn about J.S. Bach from this piece. Find the Rare and Special Collections at the Hasse Memorial Library at library.csl.edu/rare-and-special-collections/bach-bible. Also mentioned this episode is J.S. Bach and Scripture: Glosses from the Calov Bible Commentary by Robin Leaver, available from CPH at cph.org/j-s-bach-and-scripture-glosses-from-the-calov-bible-commentary. 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.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260726dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion [Solomon said], “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” 1 Kings 3:9-10 Wisdom Thanks to Walt Disney and others, we’ve all heard of the magic genie who grants you three wishes for anything you want. I doubt most folks have ever asked themselves what they would ask for if given that opportunity. Why? Because it isn’t realistic. Yet in today’s Bible passage, we have an example of the powerful Lord God himself—not some mere cartoon genie—offering Solomon anything he wanted. And for what did Solomon ask? He asked for a discerning heart that he would have wisdom to govern God’s people. What a request! It might be more impressive what he did not ask for. He didn’t ask for more wealth than he already had. He didn’t ask for continued health, that he might enjoy a long life on this earth. He didn’t ask for the death of his enemies so that his throne would be secured even more than it already was. He didn’t even ask for a trouble-free life. Instead, he asked for wisdom. We can learn from Solomon. We can place a high value on wisdom in the Lord, which starts with knowing, “There is a God, and I am not him.” We can set our hearts on carrying out the work the Lord has given us in a way that honors him. We can set our hearts on things above—the eternal promises of Jesus—and not on things below. Prayer: Lord, earthly blessings are important, and you have given me too many of those to count. But today I ask you not for more money, better health, or a trouble-free life; instead, I ask you to give me wisdom that I might have deep contentment with all you've given me and make choices that honor you as my Savior. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Church Service @ Redeemer Lutheran LCMS

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost @ Redeemer Lutheran Fairhope LCMS

We prize what's big; God surprises with the small. ( Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52; Romans 8:26-39) As you listen to the sermon, here are some questions you can reflect on to deepen your spiritual connection with God: 1) When have you seen small actions result in a big outcome?2) What helps you trust that you are loved?3) When has the Holy Spirit helped you communicate when you didn't have the words?

In this sermon for Rev. James Douthwaite explores three parables: the treasure hidden in a field, the pearl of great price, and the net. He emphasizes that while the world may see some as 'junk' or insignificant, God views each person as a priceless treasure, worth the life of His own Son. The sermon encourages a change of heart—from questioning to repenting and rejoicing—and invites listeners to live confidently as 'more than conquerors' through Christ, seeing others as God sees them: as treasures and children of God.

Every investigation starts somewhere. Ours begins with a Lutheran church bulletin and the questions it raises about Matthew 13:44–52.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260725dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.” Matthew 13:43 Light at the End of the Tunnel It is said that people can endure almost anything if there’s some goal to shoot for, some “light at the end of the tunnel.” Prisoners of war have talked about undergoing horrible treatment of all sorts but making it out alive because they thought about the day they would be released, or when the war would end, or reuniting with a loved one. This world can be tough, with all its stresses and challenges. We struggle to focus on eternal things. We get caught up in the rat race of life. We fail to love God and our fellow humans, and we feel guilty because of it. We experience sinful actions from others, even from close loved ones. We deal with the temptations of the devil, the temptations of our sinful flesh, like lust, greed, and laziness. Our minds become cloudy, etc., etc. It’s tough! But there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Someday you’re leaving this world, and you’re going to a world that is so far better that it can’t even compare. Because Jesus paid for your sins on the cross and rose from the dead, the doors of heaven are wide open for you. And, it’s going to be awesome! Looking at that “light” at the end of the tunnel, you and I can endure anything. Prayer: Lord Jesus, may the thought of the glorious eternal life you won for me give me the strength I need to endure the trials and tribulations of this life. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

We are called to forgive one another as Christ has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32). This is not only done publicly, but confidentially, assuring that confidence of the sins will only be between the LORD and the confessor. Confession is not a payment for sins, but God's work through the shed blood of Christ. We are beggars. The gift of forgiveness is real and ready for all to receive in faith.   Rev. Ben Meyer, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Caledonia, MI, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of private confession. To learn more about St. Paul in Caledonia, visit stpaulcaledonia.org. 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.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260724dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.” Matthew 13:40-43 Shine Like the Sun Many people like to be scared. They enjoy watching horror movies and reading scary books. The reason? Some believe it’s all about the amygdala, the small threat detection center of our brain. The frightening images fire up the amygdala, which releases adrenaline and leads to feelings of exhilaration in some people. God’s Book, the Bible, also talks about some scary things. On the day Jesus visibly returns to this earth, angels will weed out of God’s kingdom all who do evil. The evildoer and all sin will be burned up in the blazing furnace. It will be a time of weeping and gnashing of teeth. Whether you like to be frightened or not, that just sounds scary. And it will certainly not lead to feelings of exhilaration. It’s scary to think about standing before God. Why shouldn’t I end up in the blazing furnace? Why won’t I need to gnash my teeth and weep over God’s rightful punishment being inflicted on me? Because today’s Bible reading says that the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Please understand, this has nothing to do with me. If I stood before God and had to answer for my sin, off I would go to the fire. My sins would rightfully condemn me. But the Son of Man came into this world to rescue us from the fire. The hell I deserve, he took for me. And the righteousness and goodness that I fundamentally cannot provide, he gave to me. His death and resurrection are the guarantee that this is true. He offers the same for you. So, when Jesus does come back in the flesh, there will be exhilaration. Not borne of fear, but of delight. Because of Jesus, we will shine! Prayer: Thank you Jesus, for rescuing me. Help me to let my light shine to others in my life. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Join Lead Time+Learn more about Lead Time+One of the clearest moments of pushback at the LCMS Convention came when the body rejected a proposal that would have moved the Synod presidential election to the convention floor—choosing instead to preserve and strengthen the broader congregational voting process.Jack Kalleberg and Pastor Joe Beran explain why that vote mattered, what it revealed about authority and trust within the LCMS, and how President Harrison handled a result that went against the committee's recommendation.They also enter the deeper debate underneath several convention decisions: Is Lutheran identity defined by Scripture and the Confessions alone, or is it also connected to a particular style of worship? What should worship look like at the Concordias? Is the LCMS prepared to reach people across America's different cultures—or are we asking people to first conform to a culture we have labeled “Lutheran”?The episode concludes with the complicated relationship between the LCMS and the AALC, the limits of what delegates were able to know before voting, and a reminder that even through a messy convention process, Jesus remains Lord of His Church.Support the show⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Care about the future of the LCMS?Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

Dr Adam Koontz talks about how churches should decide which missions to support and where to send their money. Visit our website - A Brief History of Power Sign up for Memento, a Lutheran devotional for men. Dr Adam Koontz - Redeemer Lutheran Church Music thanks to Verny

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260723dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion “‘Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.'” Matthew 13:30 Until the Harvest Some people believe that the weed Jesus talks about in this parable is the darnel plant. It looks like wheat, grows like wheat, and produces seeds that are similar to wheat. Not surprisingly, then, it has earned the name “false wheat.” But there is one way to distinguish the darnel plant from wheat. When it ripens, its seed pod turns black. The wheat pod is a golden brown. True and fake become apparent at the harvest. Jesus promises that everything will work out at the harvest, in other words, on the Last Day of this world’s existence. That’s good for us to remember. Because it's easy to forget about the harvest. We can get so wrapped up in this life that we assume it will always be the growing season. Jesus reminds us that there will be a Last Day. On that day, the phone we own, the car we drive, and the house we live in will not matter. Keep an eye on the harvest. That means repenting of our sinful choices. For the times when all we wanted to do was blend in with the weeds rather than stand tall like wheat, we repent. We ask God to forgive us. But we also take comfort. The one who told this story is also the one who bled on a cross to take away our sins. The one who told this story wants you to rejoice in the fact that you are not a weed but wheat growing strong in the field of his kingdom. He also wants you to understand your role in the world. Share and live your faith. Rejoice in the love of your Savior. God has a plan for you. It all ends with you standing before him at the harvest, shining like the sun in the kingdom of your Father. Prayer: Lord God, always keep me in your hands and help me keep an eye to the harvest. Nourish my faith through your powerful Word and help me live my life of faith in joy. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Pr. Will Weedon, Host of “The Word of the Lord Endures Forever” We Praise You, O God The Word of the Lord Endures Forever Celebrating the Saints Thank, Praise, Serve and Obey See My Savior’s HandsThe post The Lord's Prayer in Lutheran Worship – Pr. Will Weedon, 7/22/26 (2033) first appeared on Issues, Etc..