Issues, Etc. Looking Forward to Sunday Morning (3 Year Lectionary): All Saints’ Day – Dr. Carl Fickenscher, 10/30/25 (3036, Encore)
Oct 30, 2025
Dr. Carl Fickenscher, a Professor of Pastoral Ministry at Concordia Theological Seminary, shares his insights on All Saints' Day. He dives into the historical connection between the Reformation and this holy day, highlighting Luther's 95 Theses. Dr. Fickenscher unpacks the hymn 'For All the Saints,' celebrating its themes of struggle and divine fellowship. He discusses the profound meanings behind key biblical readings, including the vision of the Great Multitude in Revelation and the blessings found in the Beatitudes.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
95 Theses Posted For All Saints Crowd
- The 95 Theses were posted on October 31, 1517 to be seen by people attending All Saints Day services.
- Luther used the All Saints occasion to invite academic debate that sparked the Reformation.
Saints Defined By Justification
- All Saints and Reformation are connected by justification: saints are made holy by Christ's righteousness, not by personal merit.
- Luther's discovery of justification undergirds both Reformation and All Saints Day in the church calendar.
Gradual Frames End‑Time And Blessing
- The gradual for All Saints emphasizes 'blessed' and frames November as a countdown to Christ's return.
- It ties blessing, tribulation, and being washed in the Lamb's blood into the day's theology.
