Concord Matters from KFUO Radio

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

The Christian never goes beyond saying, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty (Luke 17:10).” God’s mercy upon us in Christ is the confession of the Church. Without His mercy, His undeserved compassion toward us, we are unable to have a clear conscience, let alone do anything good. These works for the neighbor are pleasing to the Lord, not on account of the intentions of the work, but by faith in Christ. Good works are necessary, and we all need help from the Lord! “With the Savior at your side, foes need not alarm you; In His promises confide, And no ill can harm you. All your trust and hope repose, In the mighty Master, who in wisdom truly knows how to stem disaster.” LSB 869, st. 3 Rev. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor of Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study on good works. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.

Jesus is the only Mediator! Faith in Christ, the only Mediator, is the beginning of a clear conscience, and by the Holy Spirit, good works flow. Melancthon addresses the harmful results of the teaching: One is unable to keep the Law without Christ’s aid. By the mercy of Christ, the baptized Christian loves God and serves others without doubt. The conviction of the Concordians was to hold on to the teachings of the righteousness of the Gospel and not of the Law. "I heard the voice of Jesus say, 'Behold, I freely give; The living water; thirsty one, Stoop down and drink and live.' I came to Jesus, and I drank; Of that life-giving stream; My thirst was quenched, my soul revived, And now I live in Him." LSB 699 st. 2 Rev. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor of Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study on good works. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.

Clarity is key. Clarity gives a clear conscience. We clearly confess that good works are necessary for the Christian, but good works do not merit salvation. The Christian has been reconciled to the Father by the blood of Christ. This promise is true, and as His love is given to us, it then flows through us to the neighbor. Our call is to follow the One who has given us all things, He merited our salvation by the cross, and therefore we serve for His glory and the needs of our neighbor. “Jesus, my Savior, Himself did offer, Jesus my Savior, Paid all I owed. Therefore I’ll say again: God loves me dearly, God loves dearly. Loves even me.” LSB #392, st. 4 Rev. Timothy Winterstein, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in East Wenatchee, WA, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of Love fulfilling the Law. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.

The Law is fulfilled when a person does good works in faith. For the Christian, repentance and good works are never separated from faith in forgiveness won for them in Christ’s cross. Reason may tell people what good works are in society, but those works are not for the sake of salvation. Apart from Christ, nothing good comes from us (John 15:5), but with Him by His word and sacraments, we are comforted in the good works done because we believe Christ has already accomplished our salvation to soothe the terrified conscience. Rev. Dr. Richard Carter, Professor Emeritus of Theology at Concordia University in St. Paul, MN, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study on good works. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.

To understand good works is to understand vocation. The first call of the Christian is to receive the gifts of our Lord by the Holy Spirit we give gifts in love to others. The charge is to love others with a good conscience. A good conscience only comes through faith in full satisfaction of Christ’s cross and empty tomb. The Epistle James provides a faithful model of how to understand and teach good works. He is very critical of lazy Christians, but his exhortation to them is not to do good works outside of faith (James 1:18, 2:22; 2:24). John 15:5 shows us the need to hear the Law of our Lord, understanding that we are connected to Christ the Vine in faith. Our works flow from the works of Christ, and we joyfully and freely serve as our Lord has already served us. Rev. Stewart Crown, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Palo Alto, CA, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study on good works. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.

The adversaries had many prooftexts to attempt to disprove the Concordians understanding of faith and works. Melancthon patiently teaches that these passages (I Corinthians 13:2; Colossians 3:14; I Peter 4:8; and many more), are grounded in the understanding that the love of Christ is our hope and He pours that love into our hearts (Romans 5:5) so that we serve knowing that we are already saved (Romans 5:1). We are exhorted to love others as part of our Christian identity and to do so always out of love for Him. “Love is humble, love is gentle, love is tender, true and kind; Love is gracious, ever patient, generous of heart and mind: May love be ours, O Lord.” LSB, #695, st. 2. Rev. Mark Bestul, pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Elgin, IL, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of good works. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.

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

In Luke 7, the sinful woman was forgiven by faith and her works flowed by His grace. It is clear that we are unable to fulfill the Law and all fall short of His glory. Our disposition is completely broken and as we receive a clear conscience through forgiveness by the blood of Christ, works of love naturally spring up by the Holy Spirit’s help (Galatians 5:22-23). We are reminded that a good tree bears good fruit. For Christ’s sake, we are made a good tree, and our good God bears good fruit for the sake of love for others. “Awake, O sleeper, rise from death, And Christ shall give you light; So learn His love, its length and breadth, its fullness, depth, and height.” LSB #697, st. 1 Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Minot, ND joins Rev. Brady Finnern to confess the truth of good works. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.

Good works are not necessary for salvation, yet good works are necessary. Good works flow from faith in the good work of Christ’s cross and benefit our neighbors. The heartbeat of the Christian life is the forgiveness of sins, and by the Holy Spirit’s work, fruit is bore as they are connected to Christ the vine. When we speak of love in this article it is a synonym for good works. Love for others as He first loved us (I John 4:19). “Come, follow Me, the Savior spake, “All in My way abiding; Deny yourselves, the world forsake, Obey My call and guiding. O bear the cross, whate’er betide, take My example for your guide." LSB #688 st. 1 Rev. Dr. Leonard Payton, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Forest Park, IL joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the Apology of the Augsburg Confession concerning good works. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.

Justification by faith alone, grace alone, Christ alone, and Scripture alone was nothing new. This truth was proclaimed since the days of the Apostles, and the early Church fathers, like Ambrose & Augustine, agreed. “Let no one boast because of works as no one is justified by their deeds...faith, therefore is that which frees through the blood of Christ because he is blessed whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” “Since Christ has made full atonement made And brought to us salvation, each Christian therefore may be glad and build on this foundation. Your grace alone, dear Lord, I plead, Your death is now my life indeed, for You paid my ransom." LSB #555, st.6 Rev. Dennis McFadden, pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, IN joins Rev. Brady Finnern to conclude our study of Justification. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.

The Biblical understanding of Justification centers on Christ’s cross and empty tomb. For Christ’s sake, God declares the dead in sin to be alive, the unrighteous now righteous, the condemned are now not guilty, and the sinful are forgiven. Melancthon proves this Truth by pointing to the many passages in Scripture that clearly confess our hope in Christ. “My hope is built on nothing less, Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; No merit of my own I claim But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ, the solid rock I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.” LSB #575, st. 1 Rev. John Pless, Assistant Professor at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of Justification. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.

The clear statement from the Augsburg Confession, “People are freely justified for Christ’s sake, through faith, when they believe that they are received into favor and that their sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake (AC, IV), still bring questions such as: “What about repentance? How do we obtain this faith? How does faith justify?” The Concordians address these questions by pointing to the means of grace and the work of the Holy Spirit. Faith only comes by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God. This faith is not a “good start” or a catapult to greater things, but all that one needs for salvation is found in the trust of the full sufficiency of Christ’s cross and empty tomb. “What costly sacrifice, to cover human sin! Who but Christ Jesus had the right to enter in? His blood, sprinkled price, so we might be assured. That our inheritance in light has been secured.” LSB #564 st. 4. Rev. Mark Bestul, pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Elgin, IL joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of Justification. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.

Christ will come again to judge everyone, and there will be an account. Either one has belief in the promises of Christ and will enter the gates of heaven or a lack of faith in Christ which will take one away from the Lord. The clarity of justification grounds us in the righteousness of Christ, which comes from the free forgiveness of sins won for us by His blood by the means of grace. His righteousness becomes yours through faith. The Judge has become your brother. No fear, no cause for alarm, nothing but joy for Christ’s death and resurrection given to you through His sacraments. “God would not have the sinner die; His Son with saving grace is night; His Spirit in the Word declares, How we in Christ are heaven’s heirs” LSB #571 st. 3 Rev. Matthew Moss, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Corcoran, MN joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of Justification. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, both God and man, freely justifies sinners by faith that they are received into favor and forgiven for His sake. This gift is made known throughout the Scriptures, both Old and Testament, for the sake of a clear conscience. To understand this article we need to understand the distinction of Law & Promise. The Law is not abolished by Christ, but He has fulfilled it so that we may see our sin and our need for a Savior’s cross. “By grace I'm saved, grace free and boundless; My soul, believe and doubt it not. Why stagger at this word of promise? Has Scripture ever falsehood taught? No! Then this word must true remain; By grace you too will life obtain.” LSB #566, st. 1 Rev. Greg Truwe, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cole Camp, MO joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the Two Natures of Christ and Justification. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.

When Paul says we are “dead in our sins” (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1), what does that mean? Scripture teaches that we are not only fallen but that we have a strong tendency to sin without the fear of God, called concupiscence. To speak correctly of Christ is to have a correct understanding of our sinful nature. We are fallen, dead in sins, and have no fear, love, or trust in God, including adults, infants, and children. By Christ’s cross and empty tomb, God removes the condemnation of all sin, by applying His righteousness, holiness, and innocence upon you in faith. You are dead in sin and need help: Be baptized, confess your sins, and receive full forgiveness in Christ by His Word. Thanks be to God! Rev. Eli Lietzau, pastor of Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study articles 1-2 of the Apology of the Augsburg Confession. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.

When the Augsburg Confession was presented, the political and theological world was in upheaval. The princes were not allowed to read the Catholic response, the Confutation, but they were asked to subscribe to it. The Concordians desired to prepare a defense to show that they did not create a new theology but were continuing the confession of the Christian Church from the beginning. Instead of the focus being on “faith + works” or “The Papacy,” Melancthon makes it very clear that the formal principle of the Church is “justification by faith alone.” The gift of the Apology of the Augsburg Confession is its clarity concerning salvation by faith in Christ and the good works that follow. Dr. Ryan Macpherson, Academic Dean of Luther Classical College in Casper, Wyoming, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the background, history, and Melanchthon's greeting to the Apology. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.

The Concordians needed to make a defense as controversies quickly arose after the presentation of the Augsburg Confession on June 25, 1530. Within months, Emperor Charles declared that the Lutherans had until April of the next year to concede to the Roman Catholic Church. Melancthon began a thorough defense the next fall while the Smalcaldic League was formed to unite the Reformers around the truth of God’s Word and clearly confess the Gospel for the sake of a clear conscience. This defense provides us with a masterpiece of God’s grace on account of Christ, specifically Justification. Rev. Dr. John Maxfield, Professor of History and Religious Studies at Concordia University of Edmonton, Alberta, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the introduction to the Apology of the Augsburg Confession. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.

The Concordians were bold to present the theological issues of their day to unify the whole Church. It was not to be a rebellion against the Roman Catholic Church, but an ardent desire to bring the Church back to the Truth of the Gospel. The foundational issue centered around a “system of merit,” where the Catholic Church believes that one is saved by the work of Christ, BUT....there is still a need for payment due to the consequences of their sin. Although we might suffer from the consequences of our sin, we do not need to make further payment to be in the right relationship with the LORD. This is why all of theology brings us back to the clear words of AC IV, “By His death, Christ made satisfaction for our sins. God counts this faith for righteousness in His sight.” Rev. Terry Forke, President of the LCMS Montana District, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Indulgences and the Conclusion to the Augsburg Confession. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.

By what authority do our pastors do their work? By what authority does the government do their work? The Church has full authority from the Lord to give a clear conscience to burdened sinners simply through the preaching the Gospel and administrating the sacraments. This authority does not mean that there is no need for good order or that Christians should not be involved in government, but we need constant exhortation for the Church to be faithful stewards of His mysteries. "The Church’s one foundation Is Jesus Christ, her Lord; She is His new creation, By water and the Word. From heav'n He came and sought her, To be His holy bride; With His own blood He bought her, And for her life He died." LSB #644 st. 1 Rev. Greg Truwe, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cole Camp, MO joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Church Authority. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.