Concord Matters from KFUO Radio

Who is Nicolaus von Amsdorf and what was his relationship to Martin Luther? How is von Amsdorf’s statement about good works not helpful to our understanding of their role in our lives? How do we know the role of good works? Rev. Dr. Kirk Clayton, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Mascoutah, Illinois, joins host Rev. Sean Smith to discuss the Epitome of the Formula of Concord, Article IV: Good Works – Negative Statements (paragraphs 16-19)

What is dead faith or living faith? How do good works interact with faith? Are they necessary? How is this part of the Formula of Concord still relevant to us today? Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, New Mexico, joins host Rev. Sean Smith to discuss the Epitome of the Formula of Concord, Article IV: Good Works – Affirmative Statements (paragraphs 5-15).

What’s the controversy on Good Works today? What were the controversies and major events leading up to the writing of the Formula of Concord? Where did Philip Melanchthon go off the rails? Find answers to these questions and a deep dive into the history surrounding the Formula of Concord. Download the Venn Diagram and Major Markers at kfuo.org/concordmatters. Rev. Dr. James Baneck, executive director of LCMS Pastoral Ministry joins host Rev. Sean Smith to discuss Epitome of the Formula of Concord, Article IV: Good Works.

Where are the human and divine natures of Christ on the cross? Did God die on the cross? Is justification outside-in or inside-out? What exactly do we even mean by “justification”? Rev. Sean Daenzer—Director of Worship for the LCMS, Dr. Kevin Armbrust—Director of Editorial for LCMS Communications, and Peter Slayton—Social Media Manager for the LCMS, join host Rev. Sean Smith to discuss the Epitome of the Formula of Concord, Article III: The Righteousness of Faith before God (beginning in paragraph 12-end).

Does it matter what I do with my life? Why do we go to church if going to church doesn’t assure my salvation? Does that mean I don’t have to go? How do we respond to the Gospel with our lives? Where do we look for our salvation? Rev. Peter Ill— pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Illinois, Peter Slayton— social media manager for the LCMS, and Dr. Kevin Armbrust— Director of Editorial for LCMS Communications, join host Rev. Sean Smith to discuss the Epitome of the Formula of Concord, Article III: The Righteousness of Faith before God (paragraphs 7-11).

What is the article on which the church stands or falls? Are we justified by the human nature or divine nature of Christ? (Or is it both?) How is this article relevant for us today? In the end, it’s still all about Jesus and what He’s done for us. Rev. Benjamin Ball, Senior Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church and School Hamel, Illinois, and 6th Vice-President of the Central Region of the LCMS, joins host Rev. Sean Smith to discuss the Epitome of the Formula of Concord, Article III: The Righteousness of Faith before God (paragraphs 1-6).

What’s the difference between the Pelagians and Semi-Pelagians? Where do we see these teachings now? What is your role in salvation? Who are considered dry bones? How does our language affect how we understand our theology? Dr. Kevin Armbrust, Director of Editorial for LCMS Communications, and Peter Slayton, Social Media Manager for the LCMS, join host Rev. Sean Smith to discuss the Epitome of the Formula of Concord, Article II: of Free Will in the Book of Concord.

It’s another day of negative statements in the Article on Free Will. How do we properly read the Scriptures? How does our human will and nature affect how we read scripture and understand the Word of God? How does our salvation in Christ change how we view the world? Dr. Kevin Armbrust, Director of Editorial for LCMS Communications, and Peter Slayton, Social Media Manager for the LCMS, join host Rev. Sean Smith to discuss the Epitome of the Formula of Concord, Article II: of Free Will in the Book of Concord.

The second article of the Epitome of the Formula of Concord studies the doctrine of the will of man. Man can want (will) to do many things. If he wants to begin a relationship with a person he can choose to walk up to a stranger and start a conversation. The topic being discussed in this episode is whether a person has the free will to come to God or if God must come to the person to begin the relationship. Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Illinois, and Dr. Kevin Armbrust, Director of Editorial for the LCMS, join host Rev. Sean Smith to discuss The Formula of Concord in the Book of Concord.

The human person has been created by God. We do not believe Satan mixed original sin into our nature during creation. The human person is corrupted by original sin and is incapable of coming to God. We do not blame our original sin for our faults as if it has nothing to do with ourselves. However, we do admit our complete sinful condition and ask God to forgive us. This is important, for it keeps God’s positive actions of creating, redeeming, sanctifying, and resurrecting as good actions. It also shows how the devil’s actions are negative and corrupt what God has done, and it shows man’s situation of being lost in sin and in need of the Savior. Rev. Timothy Appel— pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Smithville, Texas, Rev. Nathaniel Hill— pastor of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Winchester, Texas, and Rev. Dustin Beck— pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, Texas, join host Rev. Sean Smith to discuss the Epitome of the Formula of Concord, Article I: of Original Sin (paragraphs 17ff) in the Book of Concord.