1517 Blogcast

Latest Episodes:

Learning the Cycle of Gospel Proclamation Sep 04, 2018

Show notes

Law and Gospel preaching has the same structural and improvisational aspects to it. It’s not an activity that comes easily to an untrained hand. But it’s possible to become an adept by learning “the cycle.” There are a melody and rhythm that begin to seep into a preacher’s being by shaping tongue, teeth, and lips to the announcement of mercy for sinners on account of Christ crucified.

We Get to Go Home Justified Sep 03, 2018

Show notes

In pastoral care, I'm often drawn back into the parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector. When someone comes to me because they are troubled, they don't come looking for a quick fix, a pick-me-up, or some plan we concoct together that will hopefully pull them out of their funk. What they crave more than anything is comfort. They want me as their pastor to say God's baptismal promise still holds true for them, despite the accusation of their own heart or the judgment of family and friends. They are still a Christian, still a beloved child of God, and still justified for Christ's sake. When this conversation occurs I direct their attention to the parables, especially to Luke 19:13: And the tax collector, standing far away, would not so much as lift his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast instead, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me the sinner!’

Theses 11 -12: Shameless Aug 31, 2018

Show notes

This is the sixth installment in our special series on Luther’s Heidelberg Disputation. Translation of Theses 11 and 12 by Caleb Keith.

The Imperfections of our Longings Aug 31, 2018

Show notes

Sehnsucht is the German word often translated as a “yearning” or “longing.” Psychologists have suggested that it is a multifaceted concept that involves ideas such as bittersweet emotions, utopian ideals, and an introspective lifestyle. We see this theme repeated again and again in myths, music, and stories: something is missing, and humans will try most anything to alleviate—or address—this longing.

Who Did Jesus Marry? Aug 31, 2018

Show notes

Did Jesus ever marry? Yes, He married you! He did not marry a single woman because He came to make each of us His bride. In Baptism, He makes a vow to you, and He is faithful. No one has ever seen such a husband. For even though we trespass our vow, He remains vigilant. He wipes our tears of regret and shame with words and meal, “Take and eat, take and drink the blood of the new covenant for the forgiveness of your sins.”

The Black Sheep Aug 28, 2018

Show notes

After many years of serving as a certified court interpreter, the matter before me in a criminal sentencing was nothing new. A jury had found the defendant guilty of domestic violence with aggravated assault, and he was now before the judge for sentencing. As I expected, the judged handed him a stiff sentence. Seven years in the State penitentiary, of which he would serve two-thirds time with good behavior. I remained at his side in case the defense attorney would need my services to further explain the sentencing. But the unexpected happened. As we waited, the man opened his heart to me.

Theses 7-8: Let Your Works be Damnable Aug 23, 2018

Show notes

This is the fourth installment in our special series on Luther’s Heidelberg Disputation. Translation of Theses 7 and 8 by Caleb Keith.

Luther establishes the human condition in two, and only two realities; the Christian (Thesis 7) and the unbeliever (Thesis 8). There is no third purgatorial state of “figuring out if one is a Christian.” There are no levels of Christian holiness based on one’s avoidance of sin or one’s success at good works. The difference between the Christian and the non-Christian is not based on works or sins, but on where they place their security.

Jesus’ Syrophoenician Dog Aug 23, 2018

Show notes

The Christian faith is like no other. We do not give to God. God gives to us. We do not get right with Him. He declares us righteous, for the sake of His Son, dead on a tree, victorious from the grave. The Law is not a vehicle. It is a death trap for the sinner. We need something more, something else, and not of our creation.

Smashing Babies and Scarred Hands Aug 22, 2018

Show notes

he last line of Psalm 137 is about as awful a Bible passage as you could find. Most church hymnals include all the psalms along with church services and hymns, but some leave this one out because it seems so inappropriate for worship. Although Psalm 137 stands out like a thumb struck by a five-pound sledgehammer, the attention it draws to itself also reveals a God who’s not afraid of dealing with what it means to be human.

Biblical Inerrancy in a Postmodern World Aug 21, 2018

Show notes

If we’re re-discovering anything about ourselves in the 21st century, it may be this: We are all storytellers at heart. A relevant story told by an authentic voice captures our attention and can move our hearts, change our minds, and even redirect our behavior. Emotional and aesthetic appeal are important factors in the modern man’s decision-making process. That, we’ve seen, is rooted in a long history of storytelling.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

1517 Blogcast

Related Podcasts

1

2

3

4

5

6