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There are only two causes for a person’s conversion: The Holy Spirit God’s Word as the instrument of the Holy Spirit.  Scripture assures us that we are purely passive in our conversion. Although our natural instincts desire to have some kind of part in our conversion (after all, we have to work for everything else in life), we cling to the promises of God’s grace revealed to us by God’s Word.  “Lord help us to cling to Your full-sufficient salvation won for us by Christ’s cross and by the Holy Spirit. Amen”  Rev. Dr. Rick Serina, Associate Executive Director of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations, St. Louis, MO, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of free will. 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: [email protected].

Since the fall of Adam and Eve, humankind is completely blind in spiritual matters and an enemy of God (1 Corinthians 2:14 & Genesis 8:21). Our only hope is for the Holy Spirit to make us alive together with Christ (Ephesians 2:5). In the 16th century, just like today, the Concordians battled against man’s inherent desire to have some credit for his salvation. Conversion occurs by means, the Word and Sacraments, and it is God’s will that ALL would hear the Word and believe (Psalm 95:8; Romans 10:17).    Rev. Dr. Rick Serina, Associate Executive Director of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations, St. Louis, MO, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study free will. 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: [email protected].

Original sin is not a minor blemish. We don’t possess even a spark of good. Even when sin is not public, the corruption of our nature remains. Like a terminal disease, original sin cannot be removed by human effort. We must carefully distinguish human nature from original sin without separating them. Original sin corrupts our nature, but it is not the essence of humanity; otherwise, God would be made the creator of sin. Christ came to redeem our corrupted nature, and the Holy Spirit works to heal that corruption. Yet original sin is not fully eliminated in this life. We await Christ’s return, when original sin will be destroyed once and for all.  Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor of Crown of Life Lutheran Church, San Antonio, TX, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of original sin. To learn more about Crown of Life, 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: [email protected].

Jesus is NOT sin incarnate. God creates; Satan corrupts. Jesus is the image of the invisible God. When Christ took on our nature, He did so without sin. Although we are new creations in Christ, our corruption is not minor. Our corruption is so deep we need a perfect Savior with perfect blood to die an innocent death. This understanding is difficult to grasp according to reason, but it is a comfort to know that in this broken world, we can know with confidence that Christ has made us a new creation—one that awaits the perfect life in heaven at the final resurrection. Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor of Crown of Life Lutheran Church, San Antonio, TX, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of original sin. To learn more about Crown of Life, 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: [email protected].

Original sin is the deep and thorough corruption of our human nature which requires God Himself to overcome for our salvation.  The Concordians were careful to teach that original sin was not the essence of a person; if that were the case, God would be the creator of sin. According to Scripture, we are God’s creation but inherit this corruption from Adam’s fall. This corruption is real, but even more real is God’s love revealed by the blood of Christ!  Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor of Crown of Life Lutheran Church, San Antonio, TX, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study original sin. 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: [email protected].

The sole source of doctrine and hope for the Church is Scripture—and Scripture alone. Yet the Church has also received written symbols, not equal to Scripture, but given for faithful confession: to reject heresy and to present a clear proclamation of the orthodox, universal Christian faith. The Formula of Concord continues to preserve us in Christ, keeping the Church steadfast in pure doctrine and practice. Rev. Andy Wright, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church, Topeka, KS, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our introduction to the Formula of Concord. To learn more about St. John in Topeka, visit stjohnlcmstopeka.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: [email protected].

The theological controversies leading up to the signing of the Formula were not solved at one congregational meeting. Some of the controversies (e.g. The Antinomian Controversy) lasted almost 30 years. The LORD used these conflicts to help the Church gain clarity in the important doctrines of Holy Scripture (adiaphora, good works, synergism, and original sin). We learn from the Concordians how to confess the Truth in spite of the conflict that will come, for we are called to pay attention to doctrine as salvation is at stake. Rev. Andy Wright, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church, Topeka, KS, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to discuss the controversies which led to the development of the Formula of Concord. To learn more about St. John Lutheran, visit stjohnlcmstopeka.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: [email protected].

The road to Concord was neither straight nor smooth. Although the Peace of Augsburg granted legal status to the faith confessed in the Augsburg Confession, doctrinal differences among the Reformers soon came to light. Many controversies took decades to resolve through patient study of the Word and faithful care by theologians such as Jakob Andrea, Martin Chemnitz, and David Chytraeus. Their work provides a faithful approach to any issue in the Church: identify the status of the controversy, clarify points of agreement, and address points of disagreement. By God’s grace, we see how He brought the Church to unity, and we seek His help to remain united in Christ and His Word. Rev. Andy Wright, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church, Topeka, KS, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to discuss the development of the Formula of Concord. To learn more about St. John in Topeka, visit stjohnlcmstopeka.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: [email protected].

The story from 1546 until 1580 is one of courage and cowardice, weakness and strength. The LORD used that season to clarify how we as God’s people confess the Truth of the Word. What would end up being 12 articles of Truth addressing the doctrinal issues of the day has a backstory of politics, war, personalities, and false doctrine.  “Help us, dear Heavenly Father to be faithful to Your Word and live holy lives according to it. Amen” Rev. Andy Wright, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church, Topeka, KS, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to begin a new series on the Formula of Concord. To learn more about St. John Lutheran, visit stjohnlcmstopeka.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: [email protected].

“When I urge you to go to Confession, I am doing nothing else than urging you to be Christian.” Individual confession and absolution shows us the depth of our sin and provides healing medicine through the Gospel. We ask that all who confess Christ confess their sins so that with all boldness and confidence we trust that we come to Him and receive the priceless, full forgiveness of sins. We will not coerce, but the Church will always offer this precious gift. Rev. Ben Meyer, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Caledonia, MI, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of private confession. To learn more about St. Paul in Caledonia, visit stpaulcaledonia.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: [email protected].

We are called to forgive one another as Christ has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32). This is not only done publicly, but confidentially, assuring that confidence of the sins will only be between the LORD and the confessor. Confession is not a payment for sins, but God’s work through the shed blood of Christ. We are beggars. The gift of forgiveness is real and ready for all to receive in faith.   Rev. Ben Meyer, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Caledonia, MI, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of private confession. To learn more about St. Paul in Caledonia, visit stpaulcaledonia.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: [email protected].

Lutherans promote and even exhort every Christian to make use of private confession and absolution. The Concordians opposed mandatory confession but urged every Christian, pastors and laity alike, to use their freedom in Christ to receive Christ’s free forgiveness. There are two kinds of confession common among Christians: confession to the Lord and confession to the neighbor, as expressed in the Lord’s Prayer. Yet the Church calls pastors to exercise the Office of the Keys by offering private, confidential confession, so that all who come in faith may receive a clear conscience in Christ.  Rev. Ben Meyer, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Caledonia, MI, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to begin a study of private confession. To learn more about St. Paul Lutheran Church, visit stpaulcaledonia.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: [email protected].

The Book of Concord gives us the guidelines for playing in the playground of God’s kingdom! What does the Bible tell me about sin? About God? How to pray? How does God come to me? How am I to live as a Christian? How am I to respond to sin? Where is our final hope? All these questions were answered, clarified, proclaimed, and confessed over 50 years in the 16th century and still are today! Rev. David Juhl, pastor of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Arlington, WI, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to conclude our series on the significance of the Lutheran Confessions. 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: [email protected].

Studying the Lutheran Confessions means listening, learning, and living God’s grace in Christ.  We are not only taught how to confess, but we are grounded in our identity in Christ to live as new creations. The Concordians were determined that faithful doctrine would bring salvation to those who heard the Word, enabling them to fully know the Truth of God, including original sin, salvation, the sacraments, the Church, the ministry, the Person of Christ, and Christ’s return.   Rev. Andy Wright, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church, Topeka, KS, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our series on the significance of the Lutheran Confessions. To learn more about St. John in Topeka, visit stjohnlcmstopeka.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: [email protected].

What does it mean to confess the faith? Put simply, it means that God speaks and we speak back what He says! To confess the faith is to speak the Truth of the whole Bible, fight against anything counter to that Truth, and by so doing, become a source of comfort for fellow believers (Heb. 10:23). Lutherans around the world walk together with a common confession because it is in accordance with Scripture. We confess the Book of Concord and challenge others who hear this confession: “What part of this confession is contrary to the Word of God?” Help us to confess the Truth, dear Heavenly Father! Rev. Andy Wright, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church, Topeka, KS, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to begin a mini-series on the significance of the Lutheran Confessions. To learn more about St. John in Topeka, visit stjohnlcmstopeka.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: [email protected].