Podcasts about Lutheranism

Javier Perdomo of Javier Perdomo YouTube Channel The post Paths to Lutheranism: From Baptist Theology – Javier Perdomo, 10/29/25 (3023) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

October 29, 2025Today's Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 31:1-29; Matthew 19:16-30“No one came to stand by me, but all deserted me… But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed.” (2 Timothy 4:16,17)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Even St. Paul felt isolated at times. While standing in court, defending the faith, where were his friends, other pastors, and Christians whom the Holy Spirit brought to faith through his preaching? Anyone who could have been supporting was scattered like the apostles on Holy Thursday. Satan and his minions wanted Paul to feel alone, overwhelmed, cut off from Christ and His Church. Then maybe Paul would lose his strength and will to preach Christ crucified.The devil also wants you to feel isolated. All alone. “Divide and conquer,” the saying goes, and that tends to be the demonic method.Maybe it feels like your friends have deserted you, that they are all having a good time without you while you are stuck home that weekend. Or you are the only one in your class who actually respected the teacher and did the work she assigned. Maybe you are the only one around who is actually remaining chaste and not giving in to the constant daily sexual temptations. You feel alone. No one came to stand by me, but all deserted me.St. Paul reminds you here that all is not lost. Even though he had no other human comfort at that time, he was not alone. But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me. Christ comforted him throughout this trial and hardship. The Lord gave him peace throughout the persecution, with the sure and certain hope of the resurrection that got him through it all.You are not alone either. The Lord blesses you with His comforting and encouraging presence. You are His beyond the shadow of a doubt through Holy Baptism, which bound you to Christ in a way that He will never abandon you. He speaks His Word to you by reading and proclaiming His Scriptures to you. And He nourishes you with His own Body and Blood, so that He dwells inside you!So let the devil rage all he wants. He can taunt and criticize, and suggest doubts to you. But he cannot cut you off from God. Christ will never desert you. You belong to the Lord! The Lord stands by you and strengthens you!  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Satan, I defy thee; Death I now decry thee; Fear, I bid thee cease. World, thou shalt not harm me Nor thy threats alarm me While I sing of peace. God's great power Guards every hour; Earth and all its depths adore Him, Silent bow before Him. (LSB 743:3)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lowell, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

Megan Bloedel of “Let's Talk About It” The post Paths to Lutheranism: From Evangelicalism – Megan Bloedel, 10/28/25 (3013) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

October 28, 2025Today's Reading: John 15:(12-16) 17-21Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 30:1-20; Matthew 19:1-15“I chose you out of the world.” (John 15:19)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. As we remember the Apostles of our Lord throughout the year, we might feel sorry for a few of them. Poor Simon “the Zealot” and Jude (a.k.a. Judas, or Thaddeus). They are some of the more obscure of Jesus' disciples. They definitely don't get the attention of Peter, James, and John. They don't even get the word count for Saint Andrew or Saint Nathanael Bartholomew. We don't know a single word that Simon actually spoke, and only one question from St. Jude is recorded. We practically know nothing except their names. In the Gospels, Jude is almost always mentioned by the name Judas, but every instance of that includes “NOT ISCARIOT.” Imagine your greatest claim to fame being that you were NOT the guy with the same name who betrayed Jesus. And then poor Simon, he might as well always have the moniker “NOT PETER.”Yet there is one thing certain, that we can celebrate; Jesus chose them to be His apostles. They were not picked because they were the most quoteworthy, eloquent speakers. They were not selected because they had the right experience, or talents, or pedigree. Simon was not chosen because of his zealot politics, nor Jude for being “not Iscariot.” Saints Simon and Jude were chosen, by the grace of God, in His mercy, to be the simple, often-forgotten human hands, feet, and voices of Christ.That love of Christ encouraged them as they carried His Gospel as His disciples, missionaries, pastors, and apostles. They preached the Word of the Lord and baptized. They forgave sins and fed the Church Christ's Eucharist. And so we end up with two contrasts: the love of Jesus and the hatred of the world.Saints Simon (not Peter) and Jude (not Iscariot) were prepared by Jesus for the hatred of the world. The world hated Him first, and would hate them. Eventually, they suffered death at the hands of those who hated them and Jesus. These faithful Apostles are said to have been martyred at the same time, Simon (not Peter) sawn in half, while many say that Jude (not Iscariot) was beaten to death with a club.Even through the violent end to their time on earth, Jesus's love sustained them through the world's hatred. Our dear Lord knows these saints infinitely more than just their names: Simon, “Not Peter,” and Jude, “Not Iscariot.” He preserved them in the one, true faith at their martyrdom and welcomed them into His presence, where they now await the resurrection with the Risen Savior who chose them and loves them completely.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Praise, Lord, for Your apostles, Saint Simon and Saint Jude. One love, one hope impelled them To tread the way renewed. May we with zeal as earnest The faith of Christ maintain, Be bound in love together, And life eternal gain. (LSB 518:28)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lowell, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

Pr. Mike Hughes of St. Matthew Lutheran-Spring Lake, MI The post Issues, Etc. Reformation Week: From Liberal Lutheranism – Pr. Mike Hughes, 10/27/25 (3002) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

October 27, 2025Today's Reading: Genesis 4:1-15Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 29:1-29; Matthew 18:21-35“And the Lord put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him.” (Genesis 4:15)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?” (Genesis 4:9)  Even after his heinous act is done, Cain does not appear repentant at all. He has committed the first murder and shrugs it off. “Not my problem.” What is behind all of this? Jealousy…and a lack of faith. That's at the heart of this all. That is the reason that Cain's sacrifice was not acceptable to God. Yes, Abel sacrificed a lamb and shed its innocent blood, and Cain some of his crops. But Cain was going through the motions without “fear, love, and trust in God above all things.” While Abel believed the Lord and participated in this liturgy of sacrifice, Cain apparently was doing something Mom and Dad told him he should do, and not really believing in the Lord who acts in His liturgy.Cain then attacked his brother and shed his innocent blood. The first murder in history. The first recorded death. No earthly eyes witnessed this horror, but it was not hidden from the Lord God.God calls Cain out. “The voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground.”  He lets him know that he hasn't gotten away with it. And even without witnesses, Cain knows that others will want justice, or even revenge. He fears capital punishment, so the Lord marks Cain. We don't know how, but in some way, God makes it known that no one is to lay a hand on him. He is guilty, but freed from his punishment.You are like Cain. You daily commit sins which no earthly eyes witness, yet they are not hidden from the Lord God. You have moments of participating in liturgy simply because Mom and Dad told you that you should, and not because you “fear, love, and trust in God above all things.” Although you are guilty, you are freed from punishment.The Lord put a mark on you, too! And not just a mark to prevent others from executing you to punish your crimes. At His holy font, the Lord God called you, and marked you “with the sign of the holy cross both upon your forehead and upon your heart, marking you as one redeemed by Christ the crucified.” Then He marked you permanently with the washing of water and the Word, granting you forgiveness, rescue, and salvation. You are not just marked safe from punishment; you are given full pardon and made righteous!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Abel's blood for vengeance Pleaded to the skies; But the blood of Jesus For our pardon cries. Lift we, then, our voices, Swell the mighty flood; Louder still and louder Praise the precious blood! (LSB 433:4,6)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lowell, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 26, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 18:9-17Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 28:1-22; Matthew 18:1-20“But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other.” (Luke 18:13-14a)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. “Great sermon, Pastor, THEY really needed to hear that!” When your pastor hears something like that, his heart sinks, and he knows he did not communicate well. No one should ever listen to a sermon and think it's Law was for everyone else.“Boy, I'm sure glad I'm not some self-righteous Pharisee, looking down on other people!” Can you hear the irony in that? We cannot read this passage and have pride regarding our penitence, as if we can see that judgy Pharisee and celebrate that we aren't him. When we do that, we are exactly what he was. Same sin. Same absence of repentance.In this parable, Jesus is not giving you an example to follow. It is not that the Tax Collector did the right thing and God rewarded him.The Holy Spirit moved this man's heart to repentance. He convicted him of his sin and made his wretchedness abundantly clear. Having brought him to repent, the Spirit delivered forgiveness, life, and salvation. The man was justified—made right with God!  The Holy Spirit sat you in the pew this morning, not because you were any better than the others who were there, not even because you were any better than the people who were absent and skipping church. He brought you there to be convicted of your sin. He placed you in that pew to hear the Word of the Lord read and preached, placing that mercy in your ears. He brought you up to that rail to receive the Holy Eucharist, and have Jesus Christ's Body and Blood placed inside of you, to fill you with God's mercy and change you from within.Our dear Lord gathered you with a church full of “tax collectors” who, with you, desperately need Jesus and His mercy. When all was said and done, after the Gifts of Christ were freely given, the benediction was spoken or chanted, a hymn was sung, and you went to your house justified. Indeed, God is merciful to you and me, sinners!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty and everlasting God, You are always more ready to hear than we to pray and always ready to give more than we either desire or deserve. Pour down on us the abundance of Your mercy; forgive us those things of which our conscience is afraid; and give us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask except by the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lowell, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 25, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 20 - Psalm 56:10-13; antiphon: Psalm 56:3Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 27:1-26; Matthew 17:14-27“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, In God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? I must perform my vows to you, O God; I will render thank offerings to you. For you have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.” (Psalm 56:10-13, 56:3)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. What can man do to me? A lot. Wars, robberies, lies, deceit, intimidation, oppression—there's plenty man can do to me. And put a bunch of people in a mob, let mass hysteria take root, and the devastation of what man can do goes to unfathomably dark depths. Can man do all of that to me? All of this assumes that our battle is against our fellow man, fellow man either as one person who is trying to harm me, or even as many people assembled into a movement to control or intimidate others. But what if that is not our true struggle, even though it may certainly be what our eyes see people doing around us? Ephesians 6:12: “For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens.In our fear of what men can do to us, our Lord uses His servant David to give us this Psalm to pray (“When I am afraid,” 56:3). In this Psalm, our Lord reminds us that he is delivering us from our true enemy, the enemy driving people to all sorts of sin, including murders, violence, robberies, lies, intimidation, and all the rest—the devil. Our enemy is the Evil One, Satan, and his evil spirits, the demons. When we fear this (as we should in our sinful flesh), the Psalm teaches us to put our trust in the Lord. Then, when we fear our Lord (for he is Holy God), we find that He is standing before us with nail prints in His hands. And His nail prints are for us. He went to the cross for us. Seeing our Lord as the One who suffered for us, we finally see that we need fear nothing or no one. For in His death, Jesus has defeated our enemies of sin, death, and the devil.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord Jesus, by your blood you have redeemed me from sin, death, and the devil. Let Satan hear this proclamation: I am baptized into Christ! Let your Word of Gospel destroy Satan's ugly accusation. Keep me, Lord Jesus, in the promise you bestowed upon me at the font of Baptism. Deliver me from the Evil One and the tyranny of his demons, and by your Word, keep me steadfast in your Word. Amen. (Paraphrased from LSB 594:3)Rev. Warren Graff, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NM.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 24, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism: Table of Duties - To HusbandsDaily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 25:17-26:19; Matthew 17:1-13“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. (1 Peter 3:7) Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. (Col. 3:19)” (Catechism, Table of Duties)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Who would've guessed that our Lord's first Gift to mankind would end up such a problem? Genesis 1:26-27: “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness,' … So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”Simple: Male and female, one flesh, marriage (Genesis 2:24), children and family (Genesis 1:28). Then it crashes. Adam not protecting his bride but betraying her (“The woman … she gave me the fruit … and I ate,” [Genesis 3:12]); David not protecting his bride, but committing adultery (2 Samuel 11); the Pharisees teaching that a man can divorce his wife by simply writing the proper divorce papers; until we get to our generation where we can see Satan's affliction of families: self-centeredness, abuse, control, power-struggle, deceit, adultery, absence of love—all coming under Jesus' rubric, “because of the hardness of your hearts” (Mark 10:5-9).It's time for the honorable groom to enter the room—the husband who loves his bride, honoring her with his own Name, protecting her, forsaking any claim of control or superiority, even giving himself over to death for her! Jesus is the Groom. You're a member of his Bride, the Church. Ephesians 5:25-27: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” The husband who has not loved his wife as Christ loves his Bride, the Church (which is every husband) is again gathered by Jesus to his Word of forgiveness, to the promise of the washing of water with the word.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord of life, bless every marriage. Rescue the husband from self-centeredness or desire to control; let him rejoice in being the giver of gifts to his wife. Let the man awaiting an honorable bride commend himself to your compassion; provide him with a wife according to your will. Let the man not given to marriage (1 Corinthians 7:6-8) rejoice in interceding for the marriages of his neighbors and in speaking encouragement to them. Let every husband rejoice in your Gift of marriage, but even more so in the certainty that you, O Christ, are our Groom who cleanses your Church in the washing of Baptism. Amen.Rev. Warren Graff, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NM.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 23, 2025 Today's Reading: Matthew 13:54-58Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 24:10-25:10; Matthew 16:13-28“And coming to his hometown [Jesus] taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, ‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?'” (Matthew 13:54-58) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The fact of James reminds us of Jesus' humanity. Jesus has been going around healing the sick, restoring lame hands (Matthew 12:13), giving sight to the blind and voice to the mute (Matthew 11:27ff.), and more. Then Jesus goes into the Nazareth synagogue teaching the Gospel, astonishing people (Matthew 13:54).Who is this Jesus? How could anyone, seeing Him and hearing Him, have failed to ask that question? But while His divine works of power and teaching astonish people, the simple fact of James, along with Jesus' other brothers and sisters, brings home the comforting fact that Jesus is truly human: “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? Are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where did this man get all these things?” (Matthew 13:54ff.)Jesus is fully human, along with us. He didn't just drop out of the sky as some spirit wearing a human-flesh costume, but came as a baby from a mother (Matthew 13:55). He grew up humanly, learning to crawl, then perhaps how to use eating utensils, how to tie his shoes, just like us. Fully, completely like us in every way, except without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Then, human, along with us, but without sin, he took all sin upon himself (2 Corinthians 5:21). Where is your sin now? It's not with you. It's with Jesus. He who has no sin, took it (1 John 3:5). He carried it to the cross as the Lamb of God bearing the sin of the world (John 1:29).Now, in your life of repentance, your confession of your sin is not a good work that makes you better. Rather, it's your confession that Jesus Christ, true Man, is your Lord (Philippians 2:8-11) who has taken your sin upon himself and put it to death in his own Body on the cross. It is your confession that because Jesus Christ has been bodily raised up from the dead, you, too, belong to the resurrection of the body and life everlasting (Romans 6:9-11).In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We give thanks for James, your brother, Who at Jerusalem Told of your love for Gentiles, in Your Name, welcoming them. Let us rejoice in salvation that we too, by Your grace, Extend Your invitation To all the human race. Amen. (Paraphrase from “By All Your Saints in Warfare,” LSB 518:27)Rev. Warren Graff, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NM.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 22, 2025Today's Reading: Matthew 16:1-12Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 21:1-23; Deuteronomy 22:1-24:9; Matthew 16:1-12“[Jesus said,] ‘Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.' Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (Matthew 16:11-12)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Your warning: “Beware of the teaching of the Pharisees and the Sadducees!” Good. But what's that? The Pharisees and Sadducees are different from one another, far different. You will hear the Pharisees as you walk around Jerusalem and out into the towns and villages. To hear the Sadducees, you go to the big, impressive, resplendent Temple around which Jerusalem is built. The Pharisees. They teach the Law. Not the Law as the Ten Commandments by which God accuses the sinner, driving the sinner to the Gospel. Rather, they teach the law as commands, instructions, guidelines, tithing, and rules you must follow to live a clean life. By living this clean life, you can justify yourself, earning eternal life. The Sadducees. They're largely from the well-to-do priestly families. They teach a worthiness found in human pretension: the wealth or stature you gain and show off. So focused on worldly worthiness are they that they have little concern with matters of eternal life, even teaching there is no resurrection of the body, no Heaven, no eternal life, no angels (e.g., Matthew 22:23, Acts 23:8). So if there is no resurrection of the body and eternal life, what need is there to hear the justification of the sinner before God?Sadducees or Pharisees—you end up at the same place with each. Whether you hear the Sadducees teach that you need no justification since there is no Heaven anyway, or you hear the Pharisees teach that you need to be justified in order to avoid damnation but you gain this justification by your own works of law, in both cases you need no justification freely given the sinner by Jesus. Beware of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees, Jesus says. That is, beware of any teaching that you don't need to be justified before holy God; beware of any teaching that you do need to be justified, but this justification is something you can accomplish by your own works, feelings, or intentions. Rather, turn to the one thing both the Pharisees and Sadducees together rejected: Jesus Christ crucified. Turn to the one word the Pharisees and Sadducees would never allow you to hear: the Gospel of the sinner freely forgiven and justified. In short, turn your back on the Pharisees and Sadducees; Jesus is your justification. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord Jesus, turn me from any thought that there is no life in eternity and my life ends here on Earth; turn me from any thought that I can make myself worthy of eternal life by my own worthiness. By the preaching of your Gospel, turn me always to you, the Savior for every sinner unto eternal life. Amen.Rev. Warren Graff, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NM.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 21, 2025Today's Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 20:1-20; Matthew 15:21-39“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:1-5)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Pray for your pastor. Actually, pray for all pastors. As we see in Paul's instructions to young pastor Timothy, the Lord gives the pastor much to do.The Lord cares for His Church as a Groom cares for his beloved Bride (see Ephesians 5:25-27). As the Bride of Christ, the Church is always about the business of the forgiveness of sins—the Large Catechism even says that “everything in the Church is ordered toward the forgiveness of sins.” In order that people would hear this forgiveness of sins and be given faith that they are justified, the Lord instituted a particular office in the Church to do just that, to teach the Gospel and administer the Sacraments. The Lord instituted this office (sometimes referred to as the Office of Holy Ministry or the pastoral office) as a great Gift for the sinner. It is also a great burden for the man ordained into the Holy Office. For he is to be faithful with the Lord's Word and caring and gentle with the Lord's sheep—a great burden, but at the same time also a great Gift of being set before the Lord's people as a servant bestowing the Lord's Gifts.The Office of Holy Ministry is a great Gift for every sinner. So pray for your pastor. Pray that he be diligent and caring in studying Holy Scripture and in proclaiming the Gospel to every sinner, and in faithfully administering the Sacraments as instituted by the Lord. And pray that he may have much joy in being a servant to you and to all the Lord's people given to his care, delighting always in preaching Christ crucified for the justification of the sinner. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Lord, Holy Groom to your Bride the Church whom you love, give faithful and diligent men as pastors to serve your Gifts to your people. Let them be faithful to your Scriptures, which are able to make sinners wise unto salvation through your Holy Name. Let them have much joy in serving your people, rejoicing always in proclaiming the Gospel, dispensing your Sacraments of forgiveness and life, and giving to sinners your good counsel of Law and Gospel. And let your people listen with ears of faith. Amen.Rev. Warren Graff, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NM.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 20, 2025Today's Reading: Genesis 32:22-30Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 19:1-20; Matthew 15:1-20“A man wrestled with [Jacob] until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, ‘Let me go, for the day has broken.' But Jacob said, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me.'” (Genesis 32:26)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. We start out thinking about what God wants us to do to improve and progress in our Christian life, and we find ourselves stuck in anxiety, having no joy in life.We start out this way because, with the Law written on our hearts, we try to progress and improve according to the measurements of the Law.But look at the Lord coming to Jacob: No self-improvement instructions, no mystical teachings of being more spiritual, no nonsense of how to be a Christian on fire or anything like that. But a wrestling match, the Lord giving himself to be thrown around by the sinner. Yet, there's no confusion—the Lord has the power, not Jacob. For, as the Lord lets Jacob wrestle him, the text tells us, “When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him” (Genesis 32:25).Jacob knows the Lord has the power. So why doesn't Jacob stop wrestling? Doesn't he know God can destroy him with just a word? Jacob's not naïve. But he wants the blessing (which is precisely what God wants to give). Genesis 32:26: Jacob said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me" (Genesis 32:26).The Lord swore the blessing to Abraham and Isaac, Jacob's grandfather and father. The blessing promises the Savior in Abraham's lineage. The word of blessing defeats death, crushes the devil's head, and justifies the sinner, so that by faith in the promise, Abraham was justified. The blessing goes to Abraham's children, including Jacob, including you and me, and our children.God wants the sinner to hold onto him for the blessing like a wrestler refusing to let go.With the blessing, we're done with the Law and its measurements for an improved Christian life. We hold on to the Gospel, not letting go of the promise. When God says, “Take and eat, Take and drink … my body, my blood for the forgiveness of your sins,” it is God blessing you. You may now say to your God, “I will hold on to you for the blessing.” He never forgets the blessing he swore to you.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Thy strong Word, bespeaks us righteous; Bright with Thine own holiness, Glorious now, we press toward glory, And our lives our hopes confess. Alleluia, alleluia! Praise to Thee who light dost send! Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia without end! (LSB, 578:3)Rev. Warren Graff, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NM.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.`Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 19, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 18:1-8Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 18:1-22; Matthew 14:22-36“[Jesus said,] ‘Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on Earth?'” (Luke 18:8)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Jesus is giving you the Gift of prayer by presenting to you a judge who is so ridiculously bad that no reasonable person would waste time asking a favor of this judge. This judge neither fears God nor respects any man. He couldn't care less about protecting the innocent, caring only for his own convenience and well-being—an unrighteous judge.Pray, says Jesus, like an emptied widow petitioning this judge until the judge finally gives up and says, “I'll give her justice, so that she will not beat me down with her continual coming.” (Luke 18:7)Is Jesus calling his own Father an unrighteous judge? That, of course, is not the point of comparison. In the parable's last verse, Jesus presses the point He is making for us: “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on Earth.” (Luke 18:8) We live either by faith or by the Law. We're justified by faith or by works of the Law. As Paul reminds us, no one is justified by the Law (Romans 3:19-20); rather, the sinner is justified by faith (Romans 5:1-2).The Pharisees and Teachers of the Law taught how to come before God with something to give him and how to live by the Law. Jesus rescues us from their school of Law, standing us before His Father in his own righteousness. Since the Law always accuses, anyone arguing their righteousness by the Law already stands condemned! So, how do we stand before the Father? Come to the Judge as a sinner, as an emptied-out widow. Stand before the Judge expecting a thoroughly ridiculous judgment: that the one who has nothing, who deserves nothing, that one God declares most blessed of all. Stand before your Lord holding nothing but the Gospel promise. Faith clings to the promise. Faith can't help but pray. After all, the person justifying himself by the Law doesn't need to pray. Why pray if you're sanctifying yourself by your own works? You're already in good shape, so there is no need for pleading. But knowing that no person can justify himself, we can finally see that the one who lives by the Law dies by the Law. So life comes as Gift! The sinner, standing before God with no righteousness earned, now lives by faith in the righteousness of Christ Jesus, faith in the promise, faith that Jesus justifies the sinner by the Word of grace. And faith prays. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty and eternal Lord, You command us to pray, and You promise to hear and answer us. Give us Your Holy Spirit, then He can lead and reign in our hearts in everything. Then we can live in true faith, trusting in You. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Rev. Warren Graff, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NM.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/editorialtpv El día de hoy hablaremos sobre el capítulo 8 del libro The Oxford Handbook of the Protestant Reformations, titulado “Luther and Lutheranism”, por Thomas Kaufmann. Ver aquí: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-oxford-handbook-of-the-protestant-reformations-9780199646920?cc=gb&lang=en& .  ¿Qué ocurre cuando un monje descubre que la verdad puede imprimirse más rápido que la censura? Este episodio radiografía el “fenómeno Lutero”: del estallido de 1517 a la ola editorial que convirtió a Wittenberg en central telefónica de Europa, con humanistas, redes agustinianas y prensas disparando folletos en latín y vernáculos.  Seguimos su arco: profesor, predicador, traductor de la Biblia y autor de catecismos e himnos que reeducaron hogares y oficios —un cristianismo del libro y de la canción que moldeó la piedad luterana durante siglos.  Recorremos también los choques que definieron fronteras: la controversia eucarística, la partición con los reformados y, tras su muerte, las tormentas internas (adiáforas, ley y evangelio, sinergia) que desembocaron en la Fórmula de Concordia y el Libro de Concordia (1580).  Sin reducirlo a un único “Lutero”, presentamos las lecturas en disputa —del enfoque agustiniano-tardomedieval a la “deificación” finlandesa— y preguntamos por qué, cinco siglos después, su voz sigue marcando el tempo de nuestra conversación sobre autoridad, libertad y comunidad. Siguenos: - Web: https://teologiaparavivir.com/ - Blog: https://semperreformandaperu.org/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teologiaparavivir/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teologiaparavivir/ - Youtube: https://www.instagram.com/teologiaparavivir/

October 18, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 10:1-9Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 17:1-20; Matthew 14:1-21“Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.' But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.' I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.” (Luke 10:9-12)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God's promises remain the same, regardless of whether people hear them or not, whether they receive them or not, whether they reject them or not, whether they martyr the disciple or not.For the towns that rejected these promises, the promises are still there. They just don't get any part of them. They have heard, they have seen, and they have said “no thanks.” But they probably were not that polite about it. And notice that after the rejection, the acclamation that “the kingdom of God has come near to you” is the same. They don't get to push away God's kingdom because they did not like it. The promises are still there. The promises just speak against that town now. This was St. Luke's lot. As one of those sent by Jesus, he would see this firsthand, not just in this account but in his whole life. Some would receive the word with joy, being overjoyed and happy that the kingdom of God had come near to them. Others would not, and this is what led to the end of Luke's life. He is traditionally thought to have been martyred by being crucified or hanged on an olive tree. But you, dear Christian, can rejoice, for the Kingdom of God has come near to you. This is not in condemnation, where the dust of the feet of the 72 speaks against you. This is in consolation, where the words of your pastor (indeed, the words of Christ) testify for you that you are forgiven and redeemed, and that truly, God's kingdom has come near to you.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, our Father, Your blessed Son called Luke the physician to be an evangelist and physician of the soul. Grant that the healing medicine of the Gospel and the Sacraments may put to flight the diseases of our souls that with willing hearts we may ever love and serve You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.Rev. Jonathan Lackey, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 17, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 19 - Psalm 74:18-19, 21, 20a, 22a; antiphon: Psalm 74:2aDaily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 15:19-16:22; Matthew 13:44-58“Remember this, O LORD, how the enemy scoffs, and a foolish people reviles your name. Do not deliver the soul of your dove to the wild beasts; do not forget the life of your poor forever. Have regard for the covenant, for the dark places of the land are full of the habitations of violence. Let not the downtrodden turn back in shame; let the poor and needy praise your name. Arise, O God, defend your cause; remember how the foolish scoff at you all the day! Do not forget the clamor of your foes, the uproar of those who rise against you, which goes up continually!” (Psalm 74:18-22)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.This is what we are dealing with. This is why we should not get too comfortable in the world. At its best, that world tolerates us Christians. It likes us (sometimes) because we can be “good for society.” At least, that's how it's sometimes said. But other times, we get lectured about how we Christians are indeed very bad for society, so bad that they need to be removed from the conversation altogether. Hang out in some dark internet places and you'll hear that one. Regardless of whether we Christians are tolerated or reviled, the answer is not to curry favor with the world. The answer is not to seek to wade in and adopt the ways of the scoffing enemy, the foolish people, and the habits of the wild beasts. Because that's not where life lies. Down that way, only death. Instead, we get the privilege of calling upon the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of Angel armies. When the world makes and promptly breaks its covenant, we have a God who remembers His covenant with His people. We have a God who hears our prayers and whose ears behold our cries, all for the sake of Jesus. The world can do its worst. But you are forgiven, you are freed, you are a child of God. Nothing can change that.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Though hordes of devils fill the land All threat'ning to devour us, We tremble not, unmoved we stand; They cannot overpow'r us. Let this world's tyrant rage; In battle we'll engage. His might is doomed to fail; God's judgment must prevail! One little word subdues him. (LSB 657:3)Rev. Jonathan Lackey, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 16, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism: Table of Duties - Of CitizensDaily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 14:1-2, 22-23, 14:28-15:15; Matthew 13:24-43“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior.” (1 Timothy 2:1-3)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.How often do you pray for the leaders of your country? And I mean really pray for them. Even if you don't like them. Even if you (or your parents) did not vote for them? I can hear it now… “Pr. Lackey, I don't want to pray for them because they are evil and doing wrong!” (I have heard people say this!) Here is the deal: Everyone needs our prayers. All the time. The high and the low, the sick and the healthy, those inside the church and those outside of it. Those in power and those not in power. St. Paul here gives us a specific reason why we should pray for those in power. It is so that “we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” Because chaos and war are ugly and provide a ripe environment for sin to grow and fester. Because some people will destroy their faith when the times get hard. You think it doesn't make a difference, but it does. So, we are duty-bound as Christians to pray for those in authority. This isn't just the government either. It's all authorities in your life—fathers, mothers, police officers, judges, governors, presidents, vice presidents. Oh, and a spot of prayer for your pastor wouldn't go amiss either. But remember: prayer is a Gift! The fact that we have the ear of the Lord of all Creation, the one true God, is great news. He hears us—all of us—for the sake of Jesus. So pray joyously, knowing that your prayers will be heard. All for the peace that passes all understanding.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word; Curb those who by deceit or sword Would wrest the kingdom from Your Son And bring to naught all He has done. Lord Jesus Christ, Your pow'r make known, For You are Lord of lords alone; Defend Your holy Church that we May sing Your praise eternally. O Comforter of priceless worth, Send peace and unity on earth; Support us in our final strife And lead us out of death to life. (LSB 655)Rev. Jonathan Lackey, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 15, 2025Today's Reading: Matthew 13:1-23Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 13:1-18; Matthew 13:1-23“And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear.” (Matthew 13:3-9)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.This can feel like one of those “Sunday School” stories that you've heard a million times before. And maybe you have. Maybe when you were little, your Sunday School teacher taught you this, and she had you color a picture or maybe even gave you a little bag of seeds. Hopefully, those seeds did not end up like most of the seeds in the story. Nevertheless, this parable has great significance for our lives as Christians. The sower (Christ) sows the word of God. If you've ever seen the work of a sower, especially as it is traditionally done, the sower's sowing is… very haphazard. He takes a bag of seeds, slings them by his side, then takes a handful of them and just… chucks them as he walks. The seeds get everywhere, exactly like Jesus says. Far contrast to the cornfield in front of my house, where the seed machine probably has a count of every kernel they put in the ground. I like Jesus's way better. But these seeds do not all meet the same fate. That's part of business when the seeds are evenly covering everything. Some of them have no soil to grow in, so they become food. Some whither and die because of persecution. But others, others absolutely blossom. They are kept in growth by the care and tending of God. They are kept alive by the giver of growth. Your faith is kept alive by the giver of faith. You have ears to hear, and you have heard. And the word does not return void! The sower waters your faith with the preaching of the Gospel, and feeds it by giving you His own Body and Blood. Thanks be to God.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The sower sows; his reckless love Scatters abroad the goodly seed, Intent alone that all may have The wholesome loaves that all men need. Though some be snatched and some be scorched And some be choked and matted flat, The sower sows; his heart cries out, “Oh, what of that, and what of that?” Of all his scattered plenteousness One-fourth waves ripe on hill and flat, And bears a harvest hundredfold: “Ah, what of that, Lord, what of that!” (LSB 586:3-5)Rev. Jonathan Lackey, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 14, 2025Today's Reading: 2 Timothy 2:1-13Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 12:13-32; Matthew 12:38-50“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.” (2 Timothy 2:8-13)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.It is very possible, even likely, that suffering will come your way because of your faith. Now, it may not look like it did for St. Paul. There is a high probability that you will not be locked up in prison for your faith or eventually martyred as he was. But… you may have (and probably already have) some tense moments. Turning down an invitation to do something because it's happening on Sunday morning, right smack dab in the middle of Divine Service time. Witnessing to a friend or classmate when pressed that, no, this is what Christians believe about _____, and you might have had to find another table at which to eat lunch. Big or small, earth-shattering or just kind of annoying, all Christians are going to suffer for their faith in some way. St. Paul knew this full well, and so he was very careful to pass on to Timothy that this would be the case.But what is the point, really? Why should we even bother with it? Why should we even care? St. Paul tells us, beloved in the LORD. This matters for the state of your soul, this matters for the forgiveness of sins, this matters for eternal life. You have already died with Jesus in the waters of Baptism, and so you are raised with him to live too. It doesn't matter what the world says about it or you.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Let us gladly die with Jesus. Since by death He conquered death, He will free us from destruction, Give to us immortal breath. Let us mortify all passion That would lead us into sin; And the grave that shuts us in Shall but prove the gate to heaven. Jesus, here with You I die, There to live with You on high. (LSB 685:3)Rev. Jonathan Lackey, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 13, 2025Today's Reading: Ruth 1:1-19aDaily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 11:26-12:12; Matthew 12:22-37“And she said, ‘See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.' But Ruth said, ‘Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.' And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more.” (Ruth 1:15-18)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Ruth could have just gone. It would have been easy for her to do so. It's usually easier to go with the flow and do what is expected. Ruth could have just gone back to her sister-in-law, back to her people, and back to her gods. But there is the sticking point… “back to her gods.” That's the worst part. Ruth knows that she cannot do that. She sees that Naomi's God is… well, actually God. Capital “G” God vs lower case “g” god. Ruth here is not just choosing between Naomi and her family. She is choosing between life and death. She chooses correctly. It's also interesting where they end up after our reading. They go to Bethlehem! There, they meet Boaz, always considered to be a type of Christ in the Old Testament (a type is someone who points forward to Christ). Ruth chooses life (or, more accurately, she is chosen by God) and is called into the people of God. Sound familiar? It should! It's exactly what happens to us. The Holy Spirit creates faith in us to bring us out of Moab, out of the land of the little “g” gods of idols, of sin, of death, and into Bethlehem, the house of bread, that is the church, where someone better than Boaz, Christ himself, feeds us the very bread of life.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Faithful God, You promised to preserve Your people and save Your inheritance, using unlikely and unexpected vessels in extending the genealogy that would bring about the birth of Your blessed Son. Give us the loyalty of Ruth and her trust in the one true God, that we, too, might honor You through our submission and respect and be counted among Your chosen people, by the grace of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and the Holy Spirit, who reign together with You, now and forever.Rev. Jonathan Lackey, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 12, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 17:11-19Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 11:1-25; Matthew 12:1-21“When he saw them he said to them, 'Go and show yourselves to the priests.' And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, ‘Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?' And he said to him, ‘Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.'” (Luke 17:14-19)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Jesus is not really a “you scratch my back and I scratch yours” kind of guy. Too often, we are tempted to imagine salvation as some kind of contract or transaction. I once heard someone say, “When the praise goes up, the blessings start coming down.” Yeah… not how that works. We especially see that this is not the case here in our Gospel reading for today. Because Jesus does what he normally does. He heals someone with a terrible affliction. He does this all the time. He casts out demons, sometimes a lot of demons from one person. He heals the lame to walk about. The blind have their eyes opened. The deaf have their ears unstopped. Those who are mute can speak again. Especially notable is His healing of lepers. Leprosy was a social, physical, and religious death sentence. If you contracted leprosy, you were cast out of society, and you were also considered “unclean.” So, for Jesus to have mercy upon these people is very kind indeed. Jesus does the same thing to you every Sunday. You, dear listener, in all likelihood do not have leprosy. But you do have something worse: sin. Jesus responds to our weekly (and daily!) cries for mercy with boundless compassion, acting through your pastor to forgive your sins with the words of Absolution and the Sacrament of the Altar. But notice what happens after. Nine of the lepers take the healing and take off, not one word of thank you. And do you notice… they were still healed. Jesus doesn't afflict them with their leprosy again because he doesn't get a thank you. For that, we can be thankful because we are never as thankful as we ought to be. We are forgiven of sins we don't even know about. But Jesus is faithful. He keeps his promises. Thanks be to God.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, You show mercy to Your people in all their troubles. Grant us always to recognize Your goodness, give thanks for Your compassion, and praise Your holy name; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.Rev. Jonathan Lackey, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 11, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 18 - Psalm 34:2-4, 17; antiphon: Psalm 48:1aDaily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 9:23-10:22; Matthew 11:20-30“My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together! I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:2-4)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Here is a fun little exercise. What are you proud of? What do you boast in? What's on your t-shirt when you walk out of your house? What's on that baseball cap you wear all the time? Stickers on your car? Maybe a sports team, a particular brand, a school you attended (or hope to). Or maybe you're really, really good at something. Maybe you can just absolutely sink a three-pointer, or you are convinced that your grilled cheese is the best, crispiest, gooiest grilled cheese with just the right balance of butter, cheese, and bread. It's good to take stock of these things eventually, and I am not telling you to stop being proud of these things. Your college football team is great fun, I am sure, and I know my grilled cheeses are always to my taste at least. It would be silly to make those things the base of your salvation, but you would be surprised what people do make their boast in. Eternally, I mean. It's the really cool, high-up, attractive, and shiny things that people really like to put their fear, love, and trust in. Things like their works. Or their vocations. Or how well they do their vocations. Things that make us look really good, really pious, really on fire for what God has given us. To be sure, your vocation is a good thing, and you should strive to carry it out faithfully. Your neighbor really, really needs your good works. But it is not on those that you are saved. Your salvation, your soul's boast? It is all the Lord. It is all his doing. It is all what Christ has done for you. How He has saved you. How Jesus has paid the price for everything you do, yes, even when you get a little too into… well, you. In your Baptism, He washes you. In the Lord's Supper, God himself feeds you. Every. Single. Week. Now that's really something to boast about.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Here we have a firm foundation, Here the refuge of the lost: Christ, the Rock of our salvation, Is the name of which we boast; Lamb of God, for sinners wounded, Sacrifice to cancel guilt! None shall ever be confounded Who on Him their hope have built. (LSB 451:4)Rev. Jonathan Lackey, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 10, 2025Today's Reading: Matthew 11:1-19Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 9:1-22; Matthew 11:1-19“Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 11:11-15)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I love reading about John the Baptist. John the Baptist is so delightfully strange that it really catches my eye each time, no matter how many times I have read this section of St. Matthew's gospel. Here is a man who has lived basically all his adult life on the fringes of society. He eats bugs, he dresses in a camel pelt (remember, delightfully weird), and he just blows up the Pharisees. What a job! Best of all, Jesus says that none born of woman is greater than John the Baptist!Hold up, what? Now that always confuses me to no end. What does that mean? Is Jesus just hyping up his friend and cousin, John the Baptist? Could be, but the operative thing (and what matters most for you, beloved in the Lord) is the next sentence. “Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (v. 11) That means me, that means you, that means everyone! We are greater than John the Baptist, not because John is bad in any way, but because Jesus is the greatest, and he gives that greatness to us in his death and resurrection! This is even better news because of what comes right after. The Kingdom of heaven has suffered violence and will continue to until Christ returns. You may never suffer one iota for Christ, or you may lose your life, probably somewhere in between. But regardless, you cannot be taken out of the kingdom of heaven because you were given the ears to hear, and you have heard.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.When all the world was cursed By Moses' condemnation, Saint John the Baptist came With words of consolation. With true forerunner's zeal The greater One he named, And Him, as yet unknown, As Savior he proclaimed. (LSB 346:1)Rev. Jonathan Lackey, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 9, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism: Table of Duties - Of Civil GovernmentDaily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 8:1-20; Matthew 10:24-42“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrong-doer.” (Small Catechism- Of Civil Government) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.In all likelihood, if you're listening to this, you're probably not a criminal. But you're still a sinner. And you still struggle with this, just like everyone else. Because you, like everyone else, are hardwired to absolutely. Despise. Authority. In all its forms. You can see this if you pop way back to Genesis. Our first parents were given a law: do not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the Garden. One rule. One law. Directly from the one authority, the Almighty LORD, who was in their midst. Broken, promptly. Ever since then, we have been hardwired to buck and kick against authority. All of creation has as well. Ever tried to ride a wild horse? Or get a donkey to go where he really doesn't want to? You learn very quickly that authority does not come naturally to us. We hate it. We resist it. Because we have the same illness that Adam and Eve had. We want to be like God. Hence, Dr. Luther's admonishment here in this table is for our good. Because, like he says, rulers are not a terror to good conduct, to the “good guys,” but to bad conduct. It is through the arm of civil government that God grants us peace in our days. Will there be bad government? Absolutely. History is rife with examples of not just bad, but downright evil governments. And we are citizens of this Kingdom here on this earth, good or bad, and we have to keep the Fourth Commandment, good or bad. So yes, there will be bad kingdoms. But God will sort them out. He always does. But as for you, dear saints in Christ, revel in the fact that you are ultimately a subject of the kingdom of heaven, and that supersedes anything on Earth.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O merciful Father in heaven, because You hold in Your hand all the might of man and because You have ordained, for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do well, all the powers that exist in all the nations of the world, we humbly pray You graciously to regard Your servants, our President; the Congress of the United States; our Governor; and all those who make, administer, and judge our laws; that all who receive the sword as Your ministers may bear it according to Your Word; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (Bidding Prayer)Rev. Jonathan Lackey, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 8, 2025Today's Reading: Deuteronomy 7:1-19Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 7:1-19; Matthew 10:1-23“For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. (Deuteronomy 7:6)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What does it mean to be “holy to the LORD?” In the rest of our Deuteronomy reading, we see the LORD giving specific instructions to the people of Israel to destroy all the religious items of the people whose land they are about to inhabit. Breaking down altars, chopping down pillars, dashing idols into pieces… sounds fun… but why? What does that have to do with being “holy to the LORD?” The truth is, you cannot serve two masters. Israel should have learned this lesson long ago. The golden calf incident, right after their deliverance from Egypt, should have been the beginning and end of this idolatrous streak. But if you read the rest of the Old Testament, this is not he case. The people of Israel CONSTANTLY struggle with idolatry, chasing after the power of other nations by worshipping their gods. Because that's what it's all about. It's about getting what you want. Baal can make it rain… or so his followers say. Other gods can grant you children, at least that's what their devotees claim. But these mute idols are just that… mute idols. They are powerless images that, at best, mean you're directing your worship towards a bit of wood and stone, and at worst, a demon in disguise. Either one is bad. But there is good news, beloved in the Lord! God has called you, yes, little old you, out of the darkness and into his marvelous light! Through the might of His Son Jesus, He has conquered all idols, calling all his people throughout time back to him to be a people holy to the Lord. In the flock of God… that's holy to the Lord. You are holy to the Lord.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Let us also live with Jesus. He has risen from the dead That to life we may awaken. Jesus, You are now our head. We are Your own living members; Where You live, there we shall be In Your presence constantly, Living there with You forever. Jesus, let me faithful be, Life eternal grant to me. (LSB 685:4)Rev. Jonathan Lackey, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 7, 2025Today's Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-14Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 6:10-25; Matthew 9:18-38“who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,” (2 Timothy 1:9-10)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Vocation can be an overwhelming thing to think about. It's really tempting to reduce vocation down to one thing: what do you do for money? Are you a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher, or a grocery store worker? Do you work in a factory where you make little metal bits that combine with other little metal bits to make even bigger metal bits? Or maybe you are in high school and you make your coin by grilling hamburgers at the local baseball field (been there!). The temptation of the doctrine of vocation is to zero in on just your “for money job” and try to be the best that you can be at it. But that's only one facet of the doctrine of vocation! Your vocations (plural!) are everything in life that God has called you to do! That can sound a little overwhelming, and well, it is. You will not do it all right the first time. Maybe even the second time, too. You will fail. But does your sin and failure mean that you are doomed? By no means! The “holy calling” is that of a forgiven child of God. Your status as that child was given to you, not on the merits of you and your work, but on the merit of His dear Son, Jesus. Our works are, at their very best, stained and filthy. We do not do them perfectly. If you've been paying attention for ten minutes, you know that. But the crimson flood of the blood of Jesus cleanses you from those stains and those sins. God's grace, given through Jesus, is what proclaims you as a forgiven and redeemed child. Thanks be to God for that.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Christ, the way that leads unfailing To the Father's home on high, Christ, the truth that frees the captive, Christ, the life that cannot die. Mediator to the Father, Sacrifice and great High Priest: Lead us to Your heav'nly mansions, There to share Your wedding feast. (LSB 540:5)Rev. Jonathan Lackey, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 6, 2025Today's Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 5:22-6:9; Matthew 9:1-17“Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted.” (Habakkuk 1:3-4)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The days are evil. That's written somewhere, and it could not be more true. What I just said would be true no matter who was in charge, where you lived, or what church you attended. You look around and you see the wicked prospering, and you, you little innocent lamb, always seem to be seeing the gleam of the teeth of the wolf in the darkness. Nothing is going right. Everything is going wrong. We're dying out here, God. Got any help? The good news is that, yes, God does indeed have help. His son Jesus is our refuge and fortress. Jesus is the place where we can flee and fly to when it's all falling apart and even when it seems to be going well. Your sins are forgiven, and your eternal life is guaranteed! The devil, the world, and your sinful flesh can only put up a fight for so long. Satan (and his minions) know that their time is short because when Christ returns, none of what the prophet Habakkuk describes will fly. God will make it right on the Last Day. How do I know? Because that is what God has promised. We have been given a foretaste of it in the work of Jesus. I'm looking forward to that day.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Heavenly Father, God of all concord, it is Your gracious will that Your children on earth live together in harmony and peace. Defeat the plans of all those who would stir up violence and strife, destroy the weapons of those who delight in war and bloodshed, and, according to Your will, end all conflicts in the world. Teach us to examine our hearts that we may recognize our own inclination toward envy, malice, hatred, and enmity. Help us, by Your Word and Spirit, to search our hearts and to root out the evil that would lead to strife and discord, so that in our lives we may be at peace with all people. Fill us with zeal for the work of Your Church and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which alone can bring that peace which is beyond all understanding; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (Prayer for Peace in the World).Rev. Jonathan Lackey, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 5, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 17:1-10Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 5:1-21; Matthew 8:18-34“Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,' you must forgive him.” (Luke 17:3-4)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Rebuking is the fun part. You've been hurt badly. Their words ring in your ears, and one part of you cannot believe what you just heard. “They called me WHAT?” “I can't believe they did that.” But that other part of you starts digging down, mining the depths of the Law to try and get them. There it is. You've got them now. Like an attorney about to play the winning bit of evidence, you triumphantly display it. “What about the 8th commandment?!” you cry. A little rush of triumph. That did it. That took the air out of their tires. Shoulders droop, tears flow. Out come the words. “I'm sorry.” What's your next move? Your sinful flesh has the answer. Leave them to sit in the mess that they have made. Draw it out. Make them feel it. Make them sting. Make them hurt like they hurt you. But that's the sinful flesh talking, and that's not how we as Christians are called to act toward those who are repentant. Because that's not how God acts toward us. You know your sins. You know your fallen state. You know that your transgressions are too many to count. You know that God doesn't deal with us as we deserve, that the blood of Jesus cleanses all our sins, and that the Lord's forgiveness means that we are spotless before Him. So, what do you do with your friend who sinned against you? Treat them exactly as God has treated you, and give them the same words. “I forgive you.” In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O God, our refuge and strength, the author of all godliness, by Your grace hear the prayers of Your Church. Grant that those things which we ask in faith we may receive through Your bountiful mercy; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.Rev. Jonathan Lackey, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

In this episode of The Lutheran History Podcast, Dr. John M. Brenner joins to share insights from his recent article on Professor Siegbert W. Becker, a major voice in confessional Lutheran theology during the 20th century. Listeners will be introduced to Becker's life, teaching, and legacy, and gain a better understanding of the challenges he faced—and the convictions he held—in a time of great theological unrest.Becker's story spans some of the most critical decades in American Lutheranism. Raised in the Missouri Synod and later serving in the Wisconsin Synod, he became known for his deep commitment to the inerrancy of Scripture, his courage in confronting theological compromise, and his sharp but accessible writing style. Dr. Brenner discusses Becker's role during the years leading up to the WELS/LCMS split, particularly his concern over growing liberalism and the erosion of biblical authority in the seminary classroom.Despite his formidable intellect—fluent in multiple languages, trained in theology and apologetics—Becker was known for his humility, clarity, and pastoral heart. Through stories from former students and colleagues, Dr. Brenner paints a picture of a man who taught the faith not only in lecture halls, but also through his personal example of faithfulness, gentleness, and humor.Listeners will come away with a renewed appreciation for the importance of doctrinal clarity, the dangers of theological drift, and the enduring need for pastors and teachers who speak the truth in love. Dr. Brenner also shares reflections on what Becker's legacy can teach us today—and where interested readers can start exploring his work.Whether you're familiar with Becker's writings or discovering him for the first time, this episode offers a thoughtful and inspiring look at one of confessional Lutheranism's most important 20th-century theologians.Support the show Confessional Languages Scholarship The Wauwatosa Diary (book) Youtube ( even more behind-the-scenes videos available for certain patron tiers) Facebook Website Interview Request Form email: thelutheranhistorypodcast@gmail.com About the HostBenjamin Phelps is a 2014 graduate from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts with a German emphasis. From there went on to graduate from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2018. Ben has been a regular writer and presenter on various Lutheran history topics. His 2018 thesis on Wyneken won the John Harrison Ness award and the Abdel Ross Wentz prize. He is also the recipient of several awards from the Concordia Historical Institute.Ben is currently a doctoral student in historical theology through Concordia Seminary's reduced residency program in St. Louis. ...

Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, Scott Keith, and Bruce Hillman explore the linguistic challenges faced by individuals transitioning from evangelical backgrounds to Lutheranism. They discuss the distinctions between Christian terms, the role of tradition in defining these terms, and the importance of confessional documents in maintaining doctrinal clarity. The Fellows also touch on cultural and institutional differences between American evangelicals and Lutherans. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman  

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” — Psalm 150:6  In this episode, Rachel embarks on a new Adventure in Lutheranism as she helps start and lead a new children's choir at her church.   After cruising through a cursory history of children's music in church, she invites Sarah, Erin, and her own daughter, Emalie, to share their personal stories of singing in Lutheran children's choirs. She then relates her own recent experience as a children's choir director, outlines the benefits of children's choirs for both children and the congregations who love them, and shares advice and encouragement for leading a successful children's choir in your own congregation.   Sources, links, and resources for further study mentioned in this episode include:  Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, 1847–1947 - CPH  {The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge} Adventures in Lutheranism: Church Choir  Why Music Is Important in Church According to Luther - CPH blog  American Lutheran History Question- Why did Lutherans not bring the Boy Choir tradition to America? : r/Lutheranism - Reddit  Going My Way (1944) - Official Trailer  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.

In this episode of The Lutheran History Podcast, we talk with Dr. Timothy D. Grundmeier about his recent article, “Pennsylvania's ‘Youthful Daughter': Reexamining the Early History of the Wisconsin Synod,” featured in the Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly (Spring 2025). While many are familiar with the Wisconsin Synod's early ties to German mission societies and eventual fellowship with the Missouri Synod, Dr. Grundmeier highlights an often underappreciated chapter in WELS history: its formative partnership with the Pennsylvania Synod. Drawing on rich archival sources, he paints a fuller picture of how eastern Lutherans supported and shaped the growing church in the Midwest through financial aid, pastoral connections, and shared theological commitments. This episode invites listeners to reflect on the blessings of intersynodical cooperation and the broader roots of confessional Lutheranism in America.Support the show Confessional Languages Scholarship The Wauwatosa Diary (book) Youtube ( even more behind-the-scenes videos available for certain patron tiers) Facebook Website Interview Request Form email: thelutheranhistorypodcast@gmail.com About the HostBenjamin Phelps is a 2014 graduate from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts with a German emphasis. From there went on to graduate from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2018. Ben has been a regular writer and presenter on various Lutheran history topics. His 2018 thesis on Wyneken won the John Harrison Ness award and the Abdel Ross Wentz prize. He is also the recipient of several awards from the Concordia Historical Institute.Ben is currently a doctoral student in historical theology through Concordia Seminary's reduced residency program in St. Louis. ...

What kind of hymns would Lutherans have been singing in Germany before coming to America? Benjamin Kolodziej (Church Organist and Musicologist, author of Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, 1847-1947 available from Concordia Publishing House) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 4 of our series on Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music. Benjamin talks about the influence of rationalism on hymnody at this time, C.F.W. Walther's preferred style of singing, what would have been considered Lutheran hymns at this time, how Lutherans created a new hymn book, what congregational singing looked, and where we see the legacy of these opinions and practices today. Find Benjamin Kolodziej's book Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, 1847-1947 at cph.org/portraits-in-american-lutheran-sacred-music. Find all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/portraits-in-american-lutheran-sacred-music. For more information on the book release event in Missouri this month, visit facebook.com/events/1500931187738079. 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.

SummaryIn this episode of the Gird Up Podcast, host Charlie Ungemach interviews Dr. Johnston, a professor and parish pastor, discussing his journey in ministry, the balance between academic life and parish duties, and the importance of curiosity in pastoral care. They explore the challenges faced by modern Christianity, the identity of the Lutheran Church, and the need for accessible resources on Reformation history. The conversation emphasizes the significance of knowledge and tradition in the church, as well as the joys and responsibilities of parish ministry. In this conversation, Charlie Ungemach and Bill Kahle explore the complexities of faith, worship, and ministry in the modern world. They discuss the sacrifices made for relevance, the historical significance of symbols like the surplus, and the importance of aesthetics in worship. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a deep understanding of history to navigate contemporary challenges in ministry, the balance of law and gospel, and the vital role of community in faith. The conversation concludes with encouragement for pastors facing the unique struggles of modern ministry.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Gird Up Podcast and Support06:09 The Joy of Parish Ministry11:43 The Importance of Receiving the Gospel17:12 The Role of Curiosity in Ministry21:00 The Role of Law and Catechisms in Lutheranism21:46 Exploring the Life and Work of Matthias Flacius23:11 Expectations of Lay Knowledge in Reformation History25:04 The Importance of Church History in Christian Formation26:39 Reading Scripture in Community28:39 The Need for Accessible Theology30:00 The Substance of Lutheranism vs. Generic Protestantism32:12 The Identity of the Lutheran Church33:47 Continuity with Church History and the Fathers35:54 Lutheranism's Rich Intellectual Heritage37:44 The Challenge of Modern Church Identity39:25 Understanding the Mass and Its Significance43:03 The Cost of Relevance45:49 The Surplus and Its Significance48:41 Aesthetics and the Search for Authenticity52:22 The Role of History in Faith56:02 Rootedness in Tradition58:44 The Structure of Worship and Its Evolution01:07:08 Revisiting Sola Scriptura and Apostolic Worship01:08:35 Expectations for Laity and Clergy Dynamics01:09:49 Isolation and Connection in Clergy Life01:11:47 The Role of Community in Ministry01:13:42 The Challenge of Boredom in Ministry01:16:28 Encouragement for Frustrated Pastors01:18:17 Understanding the Nature of the Parish01:20:00 Navigating Church Discipline and Catechesis01:22:27 Finding Freedom in Ministry01:24:19 The Messiness of Ministry and God's GraceWade's Links:Let the Bird Fly Podcast: http://letthebirdfly.com/Resurrection Lutheran Church MKE: http://rlcmilwaukee.org/Wisconsin Lutheran College: http://wlc.edu/Flacius Book: https://www.cph.org/life-under-the-cross-a-biography-of-the-reformer-matthias-flacius-illyricus?srsltid=AfmBOoqX5EC1kRkvb1anhL1sgC7SFh_Rn4ox410osHAVobKYk0JAAy3LThe Devil Behind the Surplice Book: https://www.amazon.com/Devil-behind-Surplice-Matthias-Adiaphora/dp/1532617720/ref=sr_1_1?crid=22GTG6TVBDE3B&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-ka4pg9CwjOsjNrYU9ujaMS_MVSwJGPu-1FWzzRcvKo.4-pEn1CAju2dxtROKWq-HIHmoeBRwMn_eViG4YoT1aU&dib_tag=se&keywords=devil+behind+the+surplice&qid=1752543927&sprefix=devil+behind+the+surplic%2Caps%2C107&sr=8-1Gird Up Links:https://youtube.com/@girdupministries4911?si=tbCa0SOiluVl8UFxhttps://www.instagram.com/girdup_be_a_man/https://www.girdupministries.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, host Elizabeth Pittman is joined by Benjamin Kolodziej. They explore the history of American Lutheran Church music and Kolodziej's new book on this topic, Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, 1847–1947.Get the new book at cph.org. Show NotesThirteen composers. Thirteen biographies of foundational Lutheran musicians. Envisioned by Walter Buszin, Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, 1847–1947 is a groundbreaking collection of biographies and historical records of important church figures, places, and instruments that carried the foundation of Lutheran church music. During the episode, author Benjamin Kolodziej discusses the robust history of the people, places, and instruments noted in the book, where the idea for this collection of portraits came from, advice he would give to aspiring church musicians, and more. About the GuestBenjamin Kolodziej holds an undergraduate degree in organ performance as well as graduate degrees in sacred music and theology from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. His primary organ studies have been with Robert Anderson, Larry Palmer, Richard DeLong, George Baker, and Jon Gillock. He has performed solo organ concerts in Norway, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy and throughout the UK. A frequent performer for concerts and hymn festivals in the USA, his venues have included St. Patrick's Cathedral and St. Thomas Church in New York City, Washington National Cathedral, and St. Philip's Cathedral in Atlanta. He is a frequent writer on topics of organ and church music for national publications, including The American Organist. Kolodziej is organist and choirmaster at St. John's Episcopal Church in Dallas, Texas, and is also organist at Perkins Chapel at Southern Methodist University, where he plays for one hundred weddings a year. As a hobby, he collects antiquarian hymnals and theological literature. He is a member of Faith Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Plano, Texas.

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.

Finding Authentic Christian Worship: A Journey Through History, Tradition, and FaithThe search for authentic Christian worship often begins with a simple but profound question: “Is this how the apostles worshipped?”In this special Cloud of Witnesses (https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnesses) mini-episode, our guest hosts, Ben and Ashley Langlois—Ben known online as Orthodox Luigi—invite us into their personal journey of wrestling with that very question. As a husband-and-wife team, their perspectives bring a unique richness to the conversation: Ben shares from his theological study and exploration of history, while Ashley offers a heartfelt and distinctly feminine perspective on what it means to seek beauty, meaning, and belonging within the Body of Christ.Raised in contemporary Protestant settings, they began to sense subtle but growing tensions during worship: as guitars played, lights dimmed, and emotions ran high, they couldn't shake the feeling that something essential was missing. Were coffee shops, branded merchandise, and high-energy worship experiences truly what Christ intended for His Church?This questioning sparked a spiritual journey that led them through seven different churches, eventually settling for online services when no physical community seemed to reflect the fullness they longed for. Along the way, family connections played an important role. Brothers who were exploring Catholic and Orthodox traditions introduced Ben and Ashley to writings from the Church Fathers and early Christian practices that challenged many modern assumptions.Some discoveries were unexpected—like learning that Luther, Calvin, and Zwingli, leaders of the Protestant Reformation, all practiced infant baptism, a tradition many evangelical churches have set aside. For Ashley, these realizations opened new questions about how faith traditions shape the spiritual life of families and the formative role of women in the Church.Their journey eventually brought them to a Presbyterian congregation that offered what they call “pseudo-tradition”—wooden pews, touches of liturgy, and references to early writers. Yet, as Ashley shares, there was still a lingering sense of longing: the beauty was there, but the roots felt incomplete. Exploring historically grounded Protestant traditions like Anglicanism and Lutheranism only deepened this tension, as they often discovered a paradox—churches with the richest liturgical practices frequently embraced the most progressive theology, raising concerns about spiritual and doctrinal stability.Through prayer, study, and reflection, Ben and Ashley's path eventually led them to Eastern Orthodoxy, where they encountered a faith deeply rooted in apostolic succession, ancient liturgies, and a vision of salvation as a lifelong journey of transformation in Christ. Ashley speaks to how Orthodoxy's reverence, beauty, and communal worship resonated with her desire for a faith that engages not just the mind, but the heart and the senses—inviting the whole person into relationship with God.This is more than a story about leaving one church for another—it's about the deeper longing many Christians feel today: to encounter something enduring, rooted, and unchanging in a rapidly shifting world.Entire uncut, unedited conversation between Ben and Ashley available now on our Patreon!Visit Cloud of Witnesses Radio: https://cloudofwitnessesradio.com/ Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses Radio on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTok. Please leave a comment with your thoughts!

In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone share what makes Lutheranism distinctive! Discussions of these distinctions include a brief history, Luther's perspective that we are saved by grace through faith alone, and why we are called to "Sin Boldly" because we trust in God's grace, as well as other related topics. Bonus: A behind-the-scenes clip of our prerecording banter! Resources:Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther by Roland H. Bainton            The Reformation: A History by Diarmaid MacCulloch

2025 marks the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed. Pastor Timothy Winterstein joins host Elizabeth Pittman on this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to discuss his new Bible Study, Worshiped and Glorified: A Study of the Nicene Creed. Order Pastor Winterstein's new book on cph.org today! Show NotesPastor Winterstein's new eight-session Bible study, Worshiped and Glorified: A Study of the Nicene Creed, unpacks the historical context, significance, and scriptural foundation of the phrases of the Nicene Creed. In his writing, he illuminates the intricacies and implications of the Nicene Creed, from why we needed (and still need) it, to each phrase's historical background, purpose, and scriptural foundation. During the episode, Pastor Winterstein talks about why the Nicene Creed was written, how it's important to Christians in today's world, how the Nicene Creed guides our Bible reading, and more.QuestionsHow did you come to be interested in the Nicene Creed and the historical context out of which it arose?Why is it important for Christians today to know how and why the Creed arose?Which phrase or phrases from the Nicene Creed are most significant in your mind?What are some ways the Nicene Creed addresses false teachings that have cropped up in the Christian Church in our day?How can the Nicene Creed help guide our Bible reading, study, and devotional life?About the GuestTimothy Winterstein is the pastor of University Lutheran Church on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. He is married to Tennille, and they have four children: Lucia, Jonas, Salem, and Cyrus. He is pursuing a PhD in Theology and Culture at Concordia Seminary, St Louis. With his brother, Jay, he hosts a film and theology podcast at saintsandcinema.com. 

In this episode, Duffey interviews pastor, author, and theologian Chad Bird. Chad has a growing audience in the social media world through his content dealing with issues in biblical studies, biblical Hebrew, the Old Testement, and a Christ-centered view of the whole Bible. His podcast "40 Minutes in the Old Testament" has a growing audience as well. In this episode, we discuss one of his books titled "The Christ Key" where he helps the reader navigate the Old Testament with Christian eyes. You may check out Chad's books here: https://shop.1517.org/collections/chad-bird   About our guest: ***Chad Bird is a Scholar in Residence at 1517. He holds master's degrees from Concordia Theological Seminary and Hebrew Union College. He has served as a pastor, professor, and guest lecturer in Old Testament and Hebrew. Chad has authored several books, speaks regularly at conferences and congregations, and cohosts the popular podcast, “40 Minutes in the Old Testament.” Chad and his wife Stacy make their home in Texas, where they have been blessed with four children and three grandchildren. ---------------------------- ***BBC Disclaimer: Chad is a Lutheran theologian and would differ on some key Baptistic and congregational convictions that are held by Believers' Baptist Church. This podcast is not a wholesale affirmation of Lutheranism.

Do you know the history of Lutheranism in Brazil? The Rev. Dr. Daniel Harmelink, Executive Director of Concordia Historical Institute (CHI), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about a new exhibit coming to CHI celebrating 120 years of Lutheranism in Brazil, including the planning process to create the exhibit, the history of the LCMS's mission work in Brazil, the challenges missionaries faced, how these missionaries were connected to Lutherans in the United States, and what to expect in this exciting exhibit. Learn more about Concordia Historical Institute and how to visit at concordiahistoricalinstitute.org. This episode originally aired on July 17, 2025. 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.

In this special episode, guest host Tim Grundmeier interviews historian and author Benjamin T. Phelps about his recent Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly article on Dr. Henry A. Koch—a pastor, professor, and editor who left a profound mark on confessional Lutheranism in both Germany and America. Phelps shares personal insights drawn from years of research, including access to Koch's letters, diary, and unpublished materials preserved by his family. Together, they trace Koch's theological formation in Wauwatosa, his academic work in Leipzig, his resistance to Nazi ideology, and his return to America without a call during the Great Depression. The conversation explores Koch's role in rebuilding fractured congregations, his deep concern for doctrinal faithfulness, and his controversial but principled opposition to the Missouri Synod's growing unionism. Through it all, Koch remained committed to the Lutheran confession and the gospel ministry—living out the motto he printed for decades in the Gemeinde-Blatt: Halte, was du hast—Hold fast what you have.Support the show Confessional Languages Scholarship Youtube ( even more behind-the-scenes videos available for certain patron tiers) Facebook Website Interview Request Form email: thelutheranhistorypodcast@gmail.com About the Host Benjamin Phelps is a 2014 graduate from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts with a German emphasis. From there went on to graduate from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2018. Ben loves all things history and enjoys traveling. A descendant of over a dozen Lutheran pastors, Ben has an interest in his family roots, especially 19th-century Lutheranism, and has written several papers and journal articles on the topic. His 2018 thesis on Wyneken won the John Harrison Ness award and the Abdel Ross Wentz prize. He is also the recipient of two awards of commendation from the Concordia Historical Institute. Ben is currently a doctoral student in historical theology through Concordia Seminary's reduced residency program in St. Louis.

“That is Catholic!” is often heard by those who seek to restore historic rites and ceremonies among Lutheran churches in America. It is a charge leveled even against CFW Walther. In this two part series, we hear from Walther himself as he responds to such charges from a series of articles published in Der Lutheraner during 1846–1847.  ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Regular Guest: Fr. Mark Braden ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller of St. Paul Lutheran, Austin, TX Pr. Wolfmueller's YouTube Channel Has American Christianity Failed? The post Myths About Lutheranism: Lutherans Teach Once Baptized, Always Saved & Lutherans Teach Baptism Saves, Not Faith – Bryan Wolfmueller, 8/5/23 (2172, Encore) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

“That is Catholic!” is often heard by those who seek to restore historic rites and ceremonies among Lutheran churches in America. It is a charge leveled even against CFW Walther. In this two part series, we hear from Walther himself as he responds to such charges from a series of articles published in Der Lutheraner during 1846–1847.  ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Regular Guest: Fr. Mark Braden ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller of St. Paul Lutheran, Austin, TX Pr. Wolfmueller's YouTube Channel Has American Christianity Failed? The post Myths About Lutheranism: Lutherans Are Really Roman Catholic – Bryan Wolfmueller, 7/21/25 (2022, Encore) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

SummaryDean Otto joins the show to talk about the importance of church history in shaping Lutheran identity, especially within the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod and the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference. He explains how understanding our past gives clarity to our doctrine, strengthens our confessions, and helps preserve the unique voice of confessional Lutheranism in the modern Christian landscape.This conversation explores both historical and current challenges faced by the Lutheran church in America, highlighting doctrinal integrity, the struggles of early immigrant congregations, and the role of pastors in building strong, faithful communities. Dean shares personal reflections and stories that illustrate the deep connection between faith, identity, and history.The episode also looks ahead, considering mission opportunities and the importance of boldly proclaiming the gospel as we face the future. Throughout, the central theme is clear: preserving and understanding Lutheran history is vital for the church's ongoing faithfulness and witness.Chapters04:14 Dean Otto's Role and Background09:53 The Importance of Church History14:24 Lutheranism's Historical Continuity18:52 The Value of Distinctive Lutheran Teachings23:46 The Emotional Experience of Faith25:05 Lutheran Identity and Catholicism27:03 The History of Lutheranism in America28:21 Challenges Faced by Early Lutheran Immigrants36:30 Cultural and Economic Challenges in the New World44:43 Preserving Lutheran History and Identity46:07 Reflections on the Wisconsin Synod's Journey47:42 Mission Opportunities and Future Aspirations49:03 Celebrating the Wisconsin Synod's History50:17 Challenges Facing the Lutheran Church52:38 Hopes for the Future of Confessional Lutheranism01:04:51 The Importance of Proclaiming the GospelDean Otto's Links:WELS Historical Institute: https://welshistoricalinstitute.org/WELS 175 resources: https://welshistoricalinstitute.org/175th-resources/Christ Through Us: A Pictorial History of the Wisconsin Synod, 1850–2025: https://online.nph.net/christ-through-us.htmlThe Wisconsin Synod Lutherans, Second Edition: https://online.nph.net/the-wisconsin-synod-lutherans.htmlWELS History YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@welshistory/videosThe Lutheran History Podcast: https://tlhp.buzzsprout.com/Gird Up Links:https://youtube.com/@girdupministries4911?si=tbCa0SOiluVl8UFxhttps://www.instagram.com/girdup_be_a_man/https://www.girdupministries.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller of St. Paul Lutheran, Austin, TX Pr. Wolfmueller's YouTube Channel Has American Christianity Failed? The post Myths About Lutheranism: Lutherans Don't Teach About Good Works – Bryan Wolfmueller, 7/17/25 (1982, Encore) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

Peter Tonguette of The American Conservative Lost and Found Finding Faith in the Fragments The post Luther's Small Catechism and a Return to Confessional Lutheranism – Peter Tonguette, 7/8/25 (1891) first appeared on Issues, Etc..