Concord Matters from KFUO Radio

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.

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 Prayer before receiving the Lord’s Supper, along with keeping the plain texts of the Sacraments. These teachings are enough for every Christian to read, mark, and inwardly digest for a lifetime, as we learn the depth of God’s grace for Christ’s sake. Rev. Dr. John Maxfield, associate professor of religion at Concordia University in Edmonton, Alberta, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to provide background for our study on the Large Catechism. 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.

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 will of God. Dr. Ryan Macpherson, Academic Dean of Luther Classical College in Casper, Wyoming, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to begin our study on the Large Catechism. To learn more about Luther Classical College, visit lutherclassical.org. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org.

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 same words because they are in accordance with God’s Word, providing the full assurance of forgiveness in Christ and Christ alone! Rev. Ryan Fehrmann joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study monastic vows and human traditions. 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 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 make their boast in the Lord and follow His will. Rev. James Roemke joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the Church 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. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.

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 of servanthood to God’s people. The Roman Church began utilizing bishops to gain power, rather than for the care of souls. Because of this, we understand that all qualified candidates for the pastoral office may be ordained by other pastors. Rev. Adam DeGroot joins Rev. Brady Finnern to discuss ordination and the marriage of priests. 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 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 deal with us in any way other than through His spoken Word and Sacraments. By this same Word, the binding key is meant to call sinners to repentance in the promise of reconciliation in Christ. “Lord God, bring us to repentance by Your Holy Spirit and drive us back to Christ for His forgiveness through our pastor as from Christ Himself. Lord have mercy. Amen.” Rev. Paul Cain, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church and headmaster of Martin Luther Grammar School in Sheridan, WY, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study confession and excommunication. To learn more about Immanuel Lutheran, visit immanuelsheridan.blogspot.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 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, overly sophisticated thought on how the Sacrament is Christ’s body, and confusion over who can forgive sins remain common today, calling for a return to the clear words of Christ. Rev. Sean Willman, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hillsdale, MI joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the Sacrament of the Altar and the Keys. 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.