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.
…
continue reading
Book Of Conccord Podcasts
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 d…
…
continue reading
1
The Large Catechism: 4th Commandment, Part 3
56:03
56:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:03
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 thi…
…
continue reading
1
The Large Catechism: 4th Commandment, Part 2
56:58
56:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:58
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 o…
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
1
The Large Catechism: 3rd Commandment, Part 2
54:19
54:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:19
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 …
…
continue reading
1
The Large Catechism: 3rd Commandment, Part 1
52:46
52:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:46
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…
…
continue reading
1
The Large Catechism: 2nd Commandment, Part 2
53:45
53:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:45
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 peop…
…
continue reading
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 thank…
…
continue reading
1
The Large Catechism: 1st Commandment, Part 2
56:43
56:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:43
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 pr…
…
continue reading
1
The Large Catechism: 1st Commandment, Part 1
55:17
55:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:17
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 …
…
continue reading
Short, concise, teachable, and robust in theology. This is the essence of Martin Luther’s catechisms. Luther was committed to ensuring that the Christian faith was taught in homes, which would then edify the life of the Church in the body of Christ. Every Christian should be able to recite by heart the ten commandments, the Creed, and the Lord’s Pr…
…
continue reading
Martin Luther wrote the Large Catechism for the sake of families teaching the faith in the home and for pastors to faithfully preach the Word. While reading and reciting the small catechism is beneficial to learn the basics of the faith, it is also edifying for as we receive the Holy Spirit by God’s Word, protection against Satan, and following the…
…
continue reading
1
Smalcald Articles: Part 3, Articles 14 & 15: Monastic Vows and Human Traditions
55:56
55:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:56
Our hope is in Christ alone. Any promotion of works for salvation is blasphemy. No matter how impressive the music, smells, bells, or works, no one can find their final comfort in these things. When Luther completed the Smalcald Articles, there were forty-two other confessors of the faith who subscribed to his teachings. We continue to confess the …
…
continue reading
1
Smalcald Articles: Part 3, Articles 12 & 13: The Church and Justification
54:55
54:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:55
The Church is simple: believers gathered to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd. The holiness of those who gather is fully dependent on the Word by faith in Christ’s forgiveness, not on ceremonies. Although our salvation is not dependent on works, faith in Christ has a natural outflow of good works. The Church, that is, believers in Christ, are to …
…
continue reading
1
Smalcald Articles: Part 3, Articles 10 & 11: Ordination and Marriage of Priests
55:22
55:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:22
The qualifications for an overseer in Christ’s Church are very clear (see 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1). He is to be above reproach, soberminded, self-controlled, gentle, well-thought-of, and the husband of one wife. Therefore, we believe that pastors are allowed to marry. The distinction between a pastor and bishop is not one of hierarchical power, but…
…
continue reading
1
Smalcald Articles: Part 3, Articles 8 & 9: Confession and Excommunication
59:42
59:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:42
The Office of the Keys is an aid to all believers in the battle against sin and provides consolation for those with a guilty conscience. The Roman Church taught that those who confessed all their sins to a confessor would find comfort. Enthusiasts looked within for a good conscience, apart from the Word of God. However, we know that God does not de…
…
continue reading
1
Smalcald Articles: Part 3, Articles 6 & 7: Sacrament of the Altar and the Keys
56:47
56:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:47
The Sacrament of the Altar and the Office of the Keys were sticking points for many in the Church during the 1530s and still are today. In addressing these doctrines, the Concordians made sure their words were very clear: Christ has given us these gifts to be faithfully given to sinners. Misunderstandings about Christ’s presence in the Sacrament, o…
…
continue reading
1
Smalcald Articles: Part 3, Articles 4 & 5: The Gospel and Baptism
54:32
54:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:32
The Gospel is God’s work through Christ’s death and resurrection for the sake of our forgiveness, life, and salvation. This Gospel is lavishly generous with His gifts: spoken Word, Baptism, the Sacrament of the Altar, the Office of the Keys, and the mutual consolation of the saints. By His grace, God provides these gifts, so that His people might r…
…
continue reading
1
Smalcald Articles: Part 3, Article 3: Repentance, Part 2
57:15
57:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:15
Repentance apart from Christ leads only to death. The Roman church had a very detailed system of repentance: contrition, confession, and satisfaction. Although the system was well defined, the premise for it began with the misunderstanding that a person could make their own satisfaction for sins. Yet we know that only Christ makes satisfaction for …
…
continue reading
1
Smalcald Articles: Part 3, Article 3: Repentance, Part 1
52:14
52:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:14
Repentance has two parts: first, contrition—sorrow for sin—and second, faith in the Gospel. The Lord delivers His Law as a thunderbolt and hammer, striking the heart and stirring it toward newness of life. True contrition is not merely sorrow for sin but the realization that we deserve death because of it. In faith, we repent, knowing that there is…
…
continue reading
1
Smalcald Articles: Part 3, Article 2: Law
55:37
55:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:37
The chief power of the Law is to reveal original sin with all its fruit. We know how low our human nature has fallen in that we need the Law to increase our trespass (Romans 5:20), so as not to harden our hearts. The Law shows us our sin, restrains us from sin, and in Christ by the help of the Holy Spirit, enables us to live a holy life. “Lord God,…
…
continue reading
1
Sharathon 2025: The Fullness of the Gospel in the Book of Concord
46:06
46:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:06
The Gospel—that is, Christ reconciling the world back to the Father by His life, death, and resurrection—was the heartbeat of the Reformation. We take a closer look at the articles that clearly articulate the Gospel and why it is important to steadfastly keep them on our hearts, lips, and ears throughout our lives. Rev. David Juhl, pastor at St. Pe…
…
continue reading
1
Smalcald Articles: Part 3, Article 1: Sin
57:00
57:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:00
If we are not dead in our sins, Christ died in vain. The corruption of humankind is so deep that our only hope is a full resurrection (Romans 6:1-4). The Roman Church in Luther’s day taught that individuals had the power to observe God’s commands and love Him, without the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. Yet, all that the human heart can give is …
…
continue reading
The Roman Church suggested the possibility of convening a Free Council to allow the broader Church to address the issues at hand, but they ultimately postponed any such gathering. Luther wrote the Smalcald Articles to call their bluff and provide the simple truths of Scripture one last time. He ends his preface in prayer, seeking the Lord’s help to…
…
continue reading
1
Smalcald Articles: Part 2, Article 4: The Papacy
57:31
57:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:31
The office of the papacy is not mandated in Scripture. In fact, the pope of Luther’s day was demanding obedience to the Church, not by a mandate from the Word of God, but by the power of his position. Luther, on the other hand, proclaimed the unity we have in the one name of Christ. We are united in His name through doctrine, faith, sacraments, pra…
…
continue reading
