Concord Matters from KFUO Radio

How do Lutheran beliefs about Law and Gospel differ from other denominations? What is the measure of what is right, and when is it appropriate to reject something? Rev. David Wiist, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Evansville, Indiana, joins host Rev. Sean Smith to discuss the Epitome of the Formula of Concord, Article V: The Law and the Gospel: Negative Statements.

Is it a Biblical concept to discern Law and Gospel in scripture and sermons? How do wisdom and the Law go hand-in-hand? What does the Law teach us? What happens when we mix Law and Gospel? Rev. Jeff Hemmer, pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, Illinois, joins host Rev. Sean Smith to discuss the Epitome of the Formula of Concord, Article V: The Law and the Gospel: Affirmative Statements.

What is the Law and what is the Gospel? Why do we as Lutherans teach that rightly distinguishing the Law and Gospel is so important? Why do we need to teach both? Where do we find these in Scripture? How is all of this relevant to us today? Rev. Mark Nebel, pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Red Bud, Illinois, and 1st Vice President of the Southern Illinois District of the LCMS, joins host Rev. Sean Smith to discuss the Epitome of the Formula of Concord, Article V: The Law and the Gospel – Status of the Controversy.

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.