Concord Matters from KFUO Radio

How easy it is to misuse Scripture! Jesus says, “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance” (Mark 1:15). Just as we learned that repentance is contrition combined with faith, we also understand that the LORD bears fruit through repentance. The Holy Spirit works through us to bear this fruit— it is not a requirement of our salvation. Christ has made full satisfaction for sin so that we can serve our neighbors in freedom and for their sake! We need not add the Law or human traditions to obtain a clear conscience. “The King of Love my shepherd is, Whose goodness faileth never; I nothing lack if I am His And He is mine forever.” LSB 709, st. 1 Rev. Peter Schmidt, pastor at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Waukesha, WI, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to discuss Confession and Satisfaction. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org.

Don’t put a question mark where God in Christ puts an exclamation point! Private confession and absolution are vital to the spiritual health of the believer, as it is in these that we can hear the voice of the Gospel— forgiving sins and comforting consciences. When one receives absolution, sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake— not due to works preceding or following, not in part, but in whole. “He lives— oh, the bliss of this glorious thought; My sin, not in part, but the whole, Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more. Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! LSB 763, st. 3 Rev. David Juhl, pastor at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Arlington, WI, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to discuss the Scriptural truth surrounding Confession and Satisfaction. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org.

Repentance is turning from sin and being brought to faith in Christ— all by God’s grace. Repentance is the Law terrifying a sinner which, in turn, leads them to the forgiveness merited by faith in the works of Christ alone. It may be tempting to rely on our own works to find hope, yet these leave our conscience without comfort. One’s works of love can never overcome the wrath of God. The Reformers understood the need for the whole life to be about repentance, but they clarified that this turning is a receiving hand of Christ’s full satisfaction. “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." LSB #575, st. 1 Rev. Dennis McFadden, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, IN joins Rev. Brady Finnern to conclude our study on the Scriptural truth of Repentance. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org.

A clear conscience is only provided through the forgiveness of sins by the blood of Christ. Outward deeds are a fruit of faith, yet repentance is never separated from faith in Christ. Forgiveness in Christ brings the final healing. The Roman Catholic Church agreed that forgiveness is part of repentance, but the conditions of forgiveness were centered on the contributions of the person and not on the full satisfaction found in Christ. By the payment of the indulgence through God in Christ, we repent and receive the free forgiveness of sins. Rev. Keith Brustuen, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Montevideo, MN joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study on the Scriptural truth of Repentance. 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.

Repentance has two parts: contrition and faith. Melanchthon speaks of God’s “strange work” of terrifying consciences by the proclamation of the Law. This is deemed to be strange as to be brought to angst over sin does not feel like a loving action, but in God’s wisdom and grace, we are brought low and He makes us alive to make the Gospel even sweeter. This Absolution is known to be the “proper work” of God as He makes us right with Him by the blood of Christ. These two parts assure all of us that we are never separated from the love of Christ (Romans 8:39). “I rest my soul on Jesus, This weary soul of mine; His right hand me embraces; I on His breast recline. I love the name of Jesus, Immanuel, Christ, the Lord; Like fragrance on the breezes His name abroad is poured.” LSB #606, st. 3 Rev. Christopher Lieske, Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, MN, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study on the Scriptural truth on Repentance. 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.

God’s law brings contrition. The Gospel creates faith which trusts that God forgives our sins for the sake of Christ. Although repentance is turning from sin it is not separated from faith in Christ. The focus is not on the external act, demanding that individuals repent in a certain manner, or works that satisfy but on the proclamation of Law & Gospel. When does the conscience find peace? In Christ’s forgiveness! Thanks be to God. “I look to Christ upon the tree, His body broken there for me; I lay before Him all my sin, My darkest secrets from within.” LSB #616 st. 2 Rev. Dr. Jason Lane, Associate Professor of Theology at Concordia University Wisconsin, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to confess the Scriptural truth on Repentance. 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 Reformers retained private confession & absolution. Although they kept confession, they did not agree that a confessor needs to have a prescribed number per year or attempt to confess all sins. The focus of confession was not to make sure the form was done perfectly, but the faith of the heart that trusts the full sufficiency of the cross for their forgiveness. The Lord has given the office of the keys to the Church and calls pastors to exercise this gift for the sake of a clear conscience to the hearers. “I lay my sins on Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God; He bears them all and frees us, from the accursed load. I bring my guilt to Jesus, to wash my crimson stains. Clean in His blood most precious, til not a spot remains.” LSB #606, st. 1 Rev. Dr. Jason Lane, Associate Professor of Theology at Concordia University Wisconsin, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to confess the Scriptural truth on 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.

We let Jesus’ words be the final Word. “Take, eat; this is my body...this cup is the New Testament in My blood.” This gift is given apart from any merit of our own and our sincerity, but forgiveness, life, and salvation delivered to us and received by faith. The Roman Catholic Church had much in common with the Reformers, especially in comparison to other groups like Zwinglians and Calvinists. However, the Reformers were committed that Christ was substantially present, not just in spirit, but full God-man delivering the benefits of the cross. “O Jesus, blessed Lord, to Thee My heartfelt thanks forever be, Who hast so lovingly bestowed On me Thy body and Thy blood.” LSB #632 st. 1 Rev. Dr. Jason Lane, Associate Professor of Theology at Concordia University Wisconsin, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to confess the Scriptural truth of the Lord’s Supper. 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.

Baptism is necessary for salvation. Baptism is for ALL ages. The Lord bears fruit by the proclamation of the pure Gospel through means, like water, for the soothing of their conscience with the Lord. The Anabaptists in their day, and many churches in our day, work to assure individuals that Baptism does nothing. The promises are clear in Scripture: forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and eternal salvation (Acts 2:38-39; Romans 6:1-4; Titus 3:5-8; Colossians 2:12-15). “God’s own child I gladly say it: I am baptized into Christ! He because I could not pay it, Gave my full redemption price. Do I need earth’s treasures many? I have one worth more than any That brought me salvation free, Lasting to eternity!” LSB #594 st. 1 Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Minot, ND joins Rev. Brady Finnern to confess the Scriptural truth of Baptism. 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 Church is one holy church, grounded on Christ and founded by the apostle’s teachings. The adversaries were more focused on the apostle’s “traditions.” The Church is not founded on right formulas for holy living or the holiness of the ministers, but on the Word and Christ. The Church needs order and formalities but not for the sake of necessity to be saved. In today’s world, we live under the grace of Christ’s cross, to freely provide order to gather around His gifts, but also to make sure that our decisions do not contradict the Scriptures for the sake of the Word. Rev. Peter Burfeind, pastor of Agnus Dei Lutheran Church in Marshall, MI & Our Savior Lutheran Church in Union City, MI, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study articles 7 & 8 of 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 definition of the Church is simple: Believers in the blood of Christ for their salvation join around the Gospel and rightly-administered sacraments according to God’s Word. The Concordians directly addressed the Roman Catholic Church’s view of papal authority, which led to many different opinions based on the pope’s thoughts. The Church is not based on the same traditions but centers on the Gospel. The Church is the body of Christ; that is, we live because we are connected to the True Vine. The Church will remain until the end of the world as Christ reigns at the right hand of God until He returns. Rev. Terry Forke, President of the Montana District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study articles 7 & 8 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.

The Church is best defined by the outward means of grace (Gospel and Sacraments) and those who are born again by the Holy Spirit. Although hypocrites might be in the church, the definition does not include unbelievers. The kingdom of Christ is the righteousness of the heart and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17), the Pillar of the Truth (I Timothy 3:15), and cleansed by the washing of water with the word (Ephesians 5:25). “Elect from every nation, yet one o’er all the earth; Her charter of salvation: One Lord, one faith, one birth. One holy name she blesses, partakes one holy food, And to one hope she presses, with every grace endued.” LSB #644, st. 2 Rev. Sean Smith, pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mason City, IA, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study articles 7 & 8 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.

The Concordians were not arguing a small matter. The souls of many were being misled away from a clear conscience in the full sufficiency of the cross to trying to find hope in themselves. Everything the Christian does is not separated from faith: repentance, love, philosophy, works, worship, etc. The bigger issue is the purpose of the cross and empty tomb. If there was a chance that we could be saved by our own works, then why would Christ need to die and rise at all? Cling closely to the promises of Christ. He is guarding you for salvation now and has chosen you to be His own. “Christ has arisen; He sets us free; Alleluia, to Him praises be. Jesus is living! Let us all sing; He reigns triumphant, heavenly King. Let us sing praise to Him with endless joy; Death’s fearful sting He has come to destroy. Our sin forgiving, alleluia! Jesus is living, Alleluia!" LSB#466, st. 5 Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, President and Bishop of the English District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study article 5 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.

We are called to confess the Truth of God’s Word (2 Timothy 4:2). As KFUO Radio has confessed this Truth for 100 years, we keep everything simple for the sake of salvation for those who hear (1 Timothy 4:16). After Luther’s visitations throughout Germany, it was evident that the basics needed to be taught again (10 commandments, Creed, and Lord’s Prayer) and it is still needed today which is why we still confess/ teach/pray the Small Catechism. Rev. Phil Hoppe, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Luther’s Preface to the Small Catechism. Learn more about Sharathon 2024 and give now at kfuo.org/sharathon. 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.

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.