Concord Matters from KFUO Radio

The Holy Spirit makes one holy by His Word. Sanctification is the understanding that the Holy Spirit makes us holy and leads us to live a holy life. The Spirit creates faith in Christ and then gathers His people into the Church. In this Church, He continues to bring salvation to sinners by the Word and still makes them holy. This holiness is brought by the clear proclamation of forgiveness in Christ (Word and Sacrament). “O Holy Spirit enter in, that Your people confess Christ as Lord, and they gather around Your gifts. Amen.” Rev. Nathan Scheck, Associate Pastor of St. John Lutheran, Seward, NE, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the 3rd Article of the Apostles’ Creed. To learn more about St. John Lutheran, visit stjohnseward.org/home/church. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

Jesus Christ is Lord. To be Lord is to redeem sinners from the devil, death, and all evil. We commonly hear the question, “Is Jesus your Savior AND your Lord?” Luther makes sure that we do not distinguish between Jesus’ salvation and His lordship but helps us realize that He is the full meal deal of forgiveness, life, and salvation. Jesus is our Savior and our Lord. He has made us His own, and we follow Him as He governs us by His righteousness, wisdom, power, life, and blessedness. Rev. Dr. Jason Lane, Associate Professor of Historical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the 2nd Article of the Apostles’ Creed. To learn more about Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, visit csl.edu. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

God the Father created heaven and earth; nothing and no one else is equal to Him. He constantly preserves us in all that we need to support this body and life. We humbly receive all that He gives and remember that He protects us from evil out Fatherly goodness and mercy. “Lord God, open our eyes that, in faith, we may remember that all we possess is a gift from You and give thanks for your goodness. Help us to steward your gifts so that all our doings and life may be pleasing to You. Lord have mercy. Amen.” Rev. Peter Schmidt, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Waukesha, WI, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the 1st Article of the Apostles’ Creed. To learn more about Beautiful Savior, visit beautifulsaviorwaukesha.org. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

The Creed confesses the truth of who God is (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and what He does (creates, redeems, and sanctifies). We can know the Lord fully (Ephesians 3:19) through the Creed, which provides a foundation that unites all Christians in the truth of Scripture. We see how we will receive power to fulfill these commands—only by God’s grace. We assert what God has provided in Scripture and leave what is not said to Him. Rev. Dr. Jason Lane, Associate Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to introduce our study of the Apostles’ Creed. To learn more about Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, visit csl.edu. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

The 10 Commandments are a true guide for believers in living according to God’s will as people redeemed by Christ. Luther warns against “self-made” commandments and instead uplifts the holiness of ordinary vocations. To fear and love God means more than awe or dread—it is recognizing that He is God and we are not! The Lord is a jealous God—One who desires all of us to be with Him. He provides us with the 10 Commandments to demonstrate that He has laid claim to us, both for our protection, and to teach us how to glorify His name in word and deed. Rev. John Pless, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Mission, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to discuss the Conclusion of the Ten Commandments in Luther’s Large Catechism. To learn more about Concordia Theological Seminary, visit ctsfw.edu. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

The LORD gets right to the heart of the issues of stealing, adultery, and a whole slew of sins: coveting. Human instinct is to ensure that no one will have as much or more than me. Luther exhorts us to not only repent of these covetous thoughts, but to assist our neighbor in protecting and caring for his possessions. We see this commandment most often broken during disputes over inheritances and possessions. The heart always desires more, and if we can acquire said possessions in ways that the world sees as “fine,” we can easily justify our actions instead of making sure we protect and enable our neighbor to keep what is his. “Lord have mercy and help us to serve others and give thanks for what You have given us. Amen.” Rev. John Zimmerman, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Scranton, PA and St. John Lutheran Church, Pittston, PA, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the 9th and 10th commandments as confessed in Luther’s Large Catechism. To learn more about Immanuel and St. John Lutheran, visit immanuelscranton.org and facebook.com/StJohnsLutheranChurchPittstonPa. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

There is nothing in a person that can do greater and more extensive good or harm in spiritual health and temporal matters than the tongue. The Christian is called to keep control of his tongue, no matter what kind of opportunity arises to slander a friend or foe. We pray for those in offices needing to call out sins for the sake of good order (judges, police, doctors) and people’s spiritual welfare (pastors). When sin does occur, God has provided us guidance in the words of Matthew 18:15-20—not for the sake of gossip, but for the spiritual welfare of those redeemed by Christ! Rev. Scott Adle, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, Imperial, NE, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to conclude our study of the 8th commandment as confessed in Luther’s Large Catechism. To learn more about Zion Lutheran, visit zionimperial.com. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

The LORD desires that our neighbor’s honor and good reputation be upheld. Therefore, He gives the 8th commandment so that everyone would be able to stand with integrity before others. Unfortunately, our tongues do not need a training program on how to lie, slander, or hurt the reputation of others. The Old Adam is naturally able to do these things and needs to be put to death by contrition and repentance. By God’s grace, we receive forgiveness by the blood of Christ, and by the help of the Holy Spirit, He gives us what we need to defend and speak well of our neighbor in the kindest way. Rev. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor of Crown of Life Lutheran Church, San Antonio, TX, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the 8th commandment as confessed in the Large Catechism. To learn more about Crown of Life Lutheran, visit crownoflifesa.org. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

The Lord wants people’s possessions to be protected. Not only are we not to take someone’s property, but we are not to cheat our employers, customers, or neighbors. Luther rightly speaks of the world as a “vast, wide sales booth, full of great thieves” and warns us that we are unable to hide our sins from God. This commandment is not a joke, but God’s will. We seek the Lord’s forgiveness by the blood of Christ and ask for the Holy Spirit to lead us in finding ways to protect our neighbors’ possessions and income. Rev. David Juhl, pastor of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Arlington, WI, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the 7th commandment as confessed in the Large Catechism. To learn more about St. Peter Lutheran, visit stpetersarlington.org. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

Marriage is an institution created by God for the enjoyment of a husband and wife, the raising of children, and the edification of society. After being married for four years, Luther teaches the honor of this commandment and clearly confesses the trauma that occurs when it is broken. May the Lord help us to uplift the union of husband and wife while providing robust, Christ-centered care when this commandment is broken. Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy. Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Minot, ND, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the 6th commandment. To learn more about St. Paul Lutheran, visit anchoredminot.com. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

The 5th commandment not only forbids taking the life of another human being but also condemns anger and hatred toward our neighbor. God knows that the world is evil and desires to restrain violence before it occurs. This commandment addresses more than sinful actions—it also calls out our failure to help the least of these (Matthew 25:31-46). God desires hands that are full of good works, depending on the One who rejoices when our neighbor is served in faith. Rev. Dr. Richard Carter, Professor Emeritus, Concordia University, St. Paul, MN, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the 5th commandment. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

Obedience to the 4th commandment would bring abundant provision for all. Yet, we esteem His Word as if a simple peddler had spoken it. The Lord gives us both fathers by blood and spiritual fathers. Spiritual fathers, that is, pastors, are given the least amount of honor, despite the clear words of Scripture (1 Timothy 5:17-18). The following of this command is dependent upon families faithfully catechizing their children in the honor required toward parents. The Lord will bless this teaching for well-educated, humble, and faithful children. The Lord grant it! Rev. Ben Meyer, pastor at Hope Lutheran Church, Sunbury, OH, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the 4th commandment. To learn more about Hope Lutheran, visit hopelutheransunbury.org/home.html. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

If we obey the LORD by offering love and service to our parents and others in authority, there will be blessings. However, if we offend the LORD and do not follow His will, there will be anarchy. This honor is to be extended to civil government, where the LORD has placed officials into their respective offices. Although there may not be agreement on the policies these officials establish, we still honor them as those who keep order in our land. Lord have mercy! Rev. Dr. Jacob Corzine, Vice President of Publishing for Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of the 4th commandment. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

The 4th commandment begins the second table of the law. The first three commandments deal with our relationship with the Triune God, while commandments 4-10 focus our attention on our neighbor. The 4th commandment is the only commandment with a promise. “You shall honor your father and your mother that it may go well with you and that you may live long upon the earth.” We are reminded that the vocation of parent is a high calling, and the vocation of honoring parents is to be fulfilled with the holiest responsibility. We are to hold parents and other authorities in distinction and esteem, speak modestly to them, and show honor in service to them as God’s representatives on earth. Rev. Dr. Jason Lane, professor at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the 4th commandment. To learn more about Concordia Seminary, visit csl.edu. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org.

To make the Sabbath holy is to keep God’s Word at the center of it. Without the Word, all well-intentioned work or observances cannot be holy. God’s Word is the treasure that sanctifies everything, especially God’s people (1 Timothy 4:5, 1 Corinthians 6:11). As we live in the devil’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13-14), we must keep the Sabbath by always having the Word in our hearts, upon our lips, and in our ears. Rev. Mark Bestul, pastor at Calvary Lutheran Church, Elgin, IL, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to conclude our study of the 3rd commandment. To learn more about Calvary Lutheran, visit clce.org/home. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

Luther reminds us that people must have a holiday, that is, to “cease from labor.” Yet, while the Sabbath is meant for rest, it is not just rest from work, but rest in Christ. The Sabbath is to be made holy by occupation with holy words, works, and life. This Sabbath is not restricted to a particular day or time but is grounded in Christ who is the Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8). Rev. John Pless, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions at Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, IN, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the 3rd commandment. To learn more about Concordia Theological Seminary, visit ctsfw.edu. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

We do not misuse the name of the LORD, rather, we are to pray, praise, and give thanks to His name. This is not only for us, but for the next generation. Each day we are to commend ourselves to Him, that we may live in faith and fend off the devil. “O LORD, help us to glorify Your name in Word and deed, not only for ourselves but for our young people. Lord have mercy. Amen. Rev. Dr. Jason Lane, professor at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to conclude our study of the 2nd commandment. To learn more about Concordia Seminary, visit csl.edu. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

The 2nd commandment directs our mouths and tongues toward God. It does not take long to see how the Lord’s name is misused, but the biggest offense is when false preachers offer lies in place of God’s Word. The Christian is called to not only deny such offensive words, but to call upon the LORD in the day of trouble and pray, praise, and give thanks. We pray for our pastors, teachers, and workers, that they might speak God’s Word faithfully and fulfill this command to His glory. Rev. Dennis McFadden of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, IN, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the 2nd commandment. To learn more about Emmanuel Lutheran, visit emmanuellutheran.org. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

God is merciful, even if the world does not see it. Luther highlights the explanation as a reminder that the consequences of following other gods are eternal. Although it may seem that the world is prospering without faith in the Triune God, God is working good for His people according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). We are to expect only what God promises to give and know that as the tomb is empty and Christ reigns on high, our hearts can trust in Him and Him alone. Rev. Samuel Bobby, professor at Luther Academy, Riga, Latvia, joins the Rev. Brady Finnern to conclude our study of the 1st commandment. To learn more about Luther Academy, visit www.lut.edu.lv. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

A god is whatever we depend on for all good and seek for refuge in distress. One can believe that such good comes from the Triune God, or one could seek it elsewhere. What is your god? Luther warns of mammon, people, skill, power, friendship, and pride. Each of these can easily become a god. However, we know from Scripture that all that is good is from God (Mark 10:18). He is the One who gives us food, drink, nourishment, health, protection, peace, and everything else we need to support this body and life. The objects themselves are not God, but flow from the generosity of the One who gives us all things in Christ (Colossians 1:15-20). Rev. Samuel Bobby, professor at Luther Academy, Riga, Latvia, joins the Rev. Brady Finnern to study the 1st commandment. To learn more about Luther Academy, visit lut.edu.lv. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.