Talks with Dad Rod

Ted asks about struggling with feeling like a fraud in the Christian life and faith. Rod talks about what is common, what is 'normal', what it means to feel 'in need' or 'self condemning', and how he views living 'victoriously' and 'winning', referencing the Pharisee and the publican, or tax collector. Produced by: Rick Ritchie SHOW NOTES: Support 1517 - https://www.1517.org/donate https://www.1517.org/videos-playlist/talks-with-dad-rod Explore more 1517 podcasts - https://www.1517.org/podcasts/ === https://gab.com/talkswithdadrod https://tv.gab.com/channel/talkswithdadrod https://www.facebook.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://twitter.com/TalkswithDadRod https://www.instagram.com/talkswithdadrod/ Talks with Dad Rod playlist on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDWGbhcNf-kTljFKeMHg3j1qqDsV3LGR Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XlBIqt9dlDY

Ted asks about striving for the narrow door when "no one seeks after God" and how to get from here to there. Rod talks about the Reformers using the passive voice about 'being repented', describes the sinner's condition, our temptation to synergism in our sin, and how the faith comes to us, with a focus on the Object of our faith outside of us. Produced by: Rick Ritchie SHOW NOTES: Support 1517 - https://www.1517.org/donate https://www.1517.org/videos-playlist/talks-with-dad-rod Explore more 1517 podcasts - https://www.1517.org/podcasts/ === https://gab.com/talkswithdadrod https://tv.gab.com/channel/talkswithdadrod https://www.facebook.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://twitter.com/TalkswithDadRod https://www.instagram.com/talkswithdadrod/ Talks with Dad Rod playlist on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDWGbhcNf-kTljFKeMHg3j1qqDsV3LGR Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AgCS1WrHQBw

Ted asks about whether the Bethlehem star pointing to Jesus' birth is proof that Astrology is legitimate. Rod talks about Romans 1, the idea of reading the stars correctly to know that a king had been born, and what the early church did when defending the truthfulness of the Gospel. Merry Christmas! Produced by: Rick Ritchie SHOW NOTES: "Sensible Christianity" by Dr. Montgomery - https://shop.1517.org/products/sensible-christianity-mp3 "The Star of Bethlehem" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMIYh6BImtI Support 1517 - https://www.1517.org/donate https://www.1517.org/videos-playlist/talks-with-dad-rod Explore more 1517 podcasts - https://www.1517.org/podcasts/ === https://gab.com/talkswithdadrod https://tv.gab.com/channel/talkswithdadrod https://www.facebook.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://twitter.com/TalkswithDadRod https://www.instagram.com/talkswithdadrod/ Talks with Dad Rod playlist on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDWGbhcNf-kTljFKeMHg3j1qqDsV3LGR Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FQwA4cUp04U

Ted asks about the importance of Jesus' birth in our present day. Rod talks about what religious leaders expected from their Christ, and contrasts that with what has been promised to us, and what the central message of the New Testament message is. Produced by: Rick Ritchie SHOW NOTES: Support 1517 - https://www.1517.org/donate https://www.1517.org/videos-playlist/talks-with-dad-rod Explore more 1517 podcasts - https://www.1517.org/podcasts/ === https://gab.com/talkswithdadrod https://tv.gab.com/channel/talkswithdadrod https://www.facebook.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://twitter.com/TalkswithDadRod https://www.instagram.com/talkswithdadrod/ Talks with Dad Rod playlist on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDWGbhcNf-kTljFKeMHg3j1qqDsV3LGR Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nAjxFH62DFw

Ted asks about the value of Martin Luther insisting on the "for you" part of the Good News, with an eye toward Luke 2:10 (NASB). Rod talks about why Jesus came, what it means that His arrival is "for me" and for my good. ** NOTE: The Greek dative case can mean either "to" or "for." Produced by: Rick Ritchie SHOW NOTES: "Sensible Christianity" by Dr. Montgomery - https://shop.1517.org/products/sensible-christianity-mp3 Support 1517 - https://www.1517.org/donate https://www.1517.org/videos/talks-with-dad-rod Explore more 1517 podcasts - https://www.1517.org/podcasts/ === https://gab.com/talkswithdadrod https://tv.gab.com/channel/talkswithdadrod https://www.facebook.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://twitter.com/TalkswithDadRod https://www.instagram.com/talkswithdadrod/ Talks with Dad Rod playlist on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDWGbhcNf-kTljFKeMHg3j1qqDsV3LGR Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EArIWFHDkIk

Ted asks about what our medium is now in the days of the New Testament. Rod talks about the traditional Christian liturgy in the church, and also the difference between what was prophesied in the Old Testament versus what we receive in the person of Jesus Christ, and the claims He made about Himself. Produced by: Rick Ritchie SHOW NOTES: Support 1517 - https://www.1517.org/donate https://www.1517.org/videos/talks-with-dad-rod Explore more 1517 podcasts - https://www.1517.org/podcasts/ === https://gab.com/talkswithdadrod https://tv.gab.com/channel/talkswithdadrod https://www.facebook.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://twitter.com/TalkswithDadRod https://www.instagram.com/talkswithdadrod/ Talks with Dad Rod playlist on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDWGbhcNf-kTljFKeMHg3j1qqDsV3LGR Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yaAvWCxudfs

Ted asks about what the Lutheran Two Kingdom theory is, reading from John 18:36. Rod talks about how Lutherans understand Jesus' words about His kingdom, or realm, versus the earthly kingdom, and what it means that Jesus considers them separately, particularly for believing sinners in this 'kingdom of the left' who struggle under many effects of sin and cry out for relief and help. Produced by: Rick Ritchie SHOW NOTES: Support 1517 - https://www.1517.org/donate https://www.1517.org/videos/talks-with-dad-rod Explore more 1517 podcasts - https://www.1517.org/podcasts/ === https://gab.com/talkswithdadrod https://tv.gab.com/channel/talkswithdadrod https://www.facebook.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://twitter.com/TalkswithDadRod https://www.instagram.com/talkswithdadrod/ Talks with Dad Rod playlist on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDWGbhcNf-kTljFKeMHg3j1qqDsV3LGR Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vYKjDonDWxA

Ted asks about the timing of our prayers when we're conscious of some of our sins. Rod talks about the truth of our state of sin any time we pray, what we sinners struggle to believe about Jesus' death and resurrection, and why Christians should "be of good cheer". Produced by: Rick Ritchie SHOW NOTES: Support 1517 - https://www.1517.org/donate https://www.1517.org/videos/talks-with-dad-rod Explore more 1517 podcasts - https://www.1517.org/podcasts/ === https://gab.com/talkswithdadrod https://tv.gab.com/channel/talkswithdadrod https://www.facebook.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://twitter.com/TalkswithDadRod https://www.instagram.com/talkswithdadrod/ Talks with Dad Rod playlist on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDWGbhcNf-kTljFKeMHg3j1qqDsV3LGR Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pL5ctXlyMQc

Ted asks about who will actually inherit the kingdom of God, in light of Scripture. After Ted reads from 1 Corinthians 6:9, and Rod reads Romans 4:5, Rod talks about the law and the Gospel, what Scripture says is righteousness for the believer, how the Gospel is not inherently in us as the law is, and in any 'contest' between the two, which one wins, for the sake of Jesus Christ for sinners. Produced by: Rick Ritchie SHOW NOTES: Support 1517 - https://www.1517.org/donate https://www.1517.org/videos/talks-with-dad-rod Explore more 1517 podcasts - https://www.1517.org/podcasts/ === https://gab.com/talkswithdadrod https://tv.gab.com/channel/talkswithdadrod https://www.facebook.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://twitter.com/TalkswithDadRod https://www.instagram.com/talkswithdadrod/ Talks with Dad Rod playlist on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDWGbhcNf-kTljFKeMHg3j1qqDsV3LGR Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/otuX_EQqMng

Ted asks about the struggle we can have when people we love are in mental decline and not clear about God's grace. Rod talks about the promises we receive in Scripture, Jesus Christ's sufficiency to save sinners, and what comfort we believers can have when our loved ones are not mentally able to engage with us as they once were. Produced by: Rick Ritchie SHOW NOTES: "Sensible Christianity" by Dr. Montgomery - https://shop.1517.org/products/sensible-christianity-mp3 Support the show - https://www.1517.org/donate https://www.1517.org/videos/talks-with-dad-rod Explore more 1517 podcasts - https://www.1517.org/podcasts/ === https://gab.com/talkswithdadrod https://tv.gab.com/channel/talkswithdadrod https://www.facebook.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://twitter.com/TalkswithDadRod https://www.instagram.com/talkswithdadrod/ Talks with Dad Rod playlist on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDWGbhcNf-kTljFKeMHg3j1qqDsV3LGR Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Jc-1vmFrYcc

Ted asks about what was so critical that Luther rediscovered in Scripture. Rod talks about the idea of justification, what it means to be 'declared as if just', what this discovery meant with regard to Rome, what it meant for Luther personally in his desperation, and how when Jesus said, "It is finished.", it means exactly that. Produced by: Rick Ritchie SHOW NOTES: Support the show - https://www.1517.org/donate https://www.1517.org/videos/talks-with-dad-rod Explore more 1517 podcasts - https://www.1517.org/podcasts/ === https://gab.com/talkswithdadrod https://tv.gab.com/channel/talkswithdadrod https://www.facebook.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://twitter.com/TalkswithDadRod https://www.instagram.com/talkswithdadrod/ Talks with Dad Rod playlist on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDWGbhcNf-kTljFKeMHg3j1qqDsV3LGR Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SPOi5tyabzA

Ted asks about why Martin Luther's translation of Scripture into German was so important. Rod talks about how Luther came up with the German language he ended up using in his translation, for whom it was intended, its effect on the German culture at large, and most importantly how it affected the Christian laity. SHOW NOTES: https://www.1517.org/articles/luthers-german-bible Support the show - https://www.1517.org/donate https://www.1517.org/videos/talks-with-dad-rod Explore more 1517 podcasts - https://www.1517.org/podcasts/ === https://gab.com/talkswithdadrod https://tv.gab.com/channel/talkswithdadrod https://www.facebook.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://twitter.com/TalkswithDadRod https://www.instagram.com/talkswithdadrod/ Talks with Dad Rod playlist on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDWGbhcNf-kTljFKeMHg3j1qqDsV3LGR Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nexMCmbEAcM

Ted asks about struggling with fear that, finally, my sins have become more than Jesus' forgiveness will cover. Rod talks about who Jesus spent time with consistently, what those people were like, and what message He had for them and what He promises to and for sinners—even sinners who continue to sin, even while believing in Jesus Christ, like St. Paul. Produced by: Rick Ritchie SHOW NOTES: Support the show - https://www.1517.org/donate https://www.1517.org/videos/talks-with-dad-rod Explore more 1517 podcasts - https://www.1517.org/podcasts/ === https://gab.com/talkswithdadrod https://tv.gab.com/channel/talkswithdadrod https://www.facebook.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://twitter.com/TalkswithDadRod https://www.instagram.com/talkswithdadrod/ Talks with Dad Rod playlist on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDWGbhcNf-kTljFKeMHg3j1qqDsV3LGR Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HzvfD1PSOkk

Ted asks about the tussle between Paul and Barnabas at the end of Acts 15 regarding John Mark. Rod talks about these important struggles, mentioning what Acts 15 also had to say about Peter, and focuses on the struggles in the church that are important and why, and relates them to sinners trying to find a faithful church to attend. SHOW NOTES: Support the show - https://www.1517.org/donate https://www.1517.org/videos/talks-with-dad-rod Explore more 1517 podcasts - https://www.1517.org/podcasts/ === https://gab.com/talkswithdadrod https://tv.gab.com/channel/talkswithdadrod https://www.facebook.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://twitter.com/TalkswithDadRod https://www.instagram.com/talkswithdadrod/ Talks with Dad Rod playlist on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDWGbhcNf-kTljFKeMHg3j1qqDsV3LGR Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9j2w4_xK0po

Ted asks about God's plan for me and what to do if I'm stuck in a vocation I don't like, referencing text from Mark 8:37. Rod talks about what we are promised in God's word, recognizing that, in our sin, we are tempted to seek certain specific instructions from God about how to live our lives, and how to handle the idea that God wants us to do particular jobs. SHOW NOTES: Support the show - https://www.1517.org/donate https://www.1517.org/videos/talks-with-dad-rod Explore more 1517 podcasts - https://www.1517.org/podcasts/ === https://gab.com/talkswithdadrod https://tv.gab.com/channel/talkswithdadrod https://www.facebook.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://twitter.com/TalkswithDadRod https://www.instagram.com/talkswithdadrod/ Talks with Dad Rod playlist on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDWGbhcNf-kTljFKeMHg3j1qqDsV3LGR Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EMOAYx_pAoY

Ted asks about whether evangelical Christians are out-performing Lutherans in their pursuit of fellowship. Rod talks about promises of Christ, speaks about what Lutherans call 'the consolation of the brethren' and how such an idea rests in the Reformation, how it is that we encourage one another, and finding confessions so that we can absolve one another. SHOW NOTES: Support the show - https://www.1517.org/donate https://www.1517.org/videos/talks-with-dad-rod Explore more 1517 podcasts - https://www.1517.org/podcasts/ === https://gab.com/talkswithdadrod https://tv.gab.com/channel/talkswithdadrod https://www.facebook.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://twitter.com/TalkswithDadRod https://www.instagram.com/talkswithdadrod/ Talks with Dad Rod playlist on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDWGbhcNf-kTljFKeMHg3j1qqDsV3LGR Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Fkv6jvJVJ-I

Ted asks about what makes a good Lutheran hymn. Rod talks about the history of hymnody, pointing to Martin Luther's work, and references a Robert Preus quote about, "Good hymns help you to sing the faith into your own heart.", and references a number of favorite hymns from different sources. (See show notes for YouTube links.) SHOW NOTES: Salvation Unto Us Has Come https://hymnary.org/text/salvation_unto_us_has_come -- Te Deum Laudamus https://hymnary.org/hymn/LW1982/page/376 http://www.lutheran-hymnal.com/online/matins.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW889psVIJ4 We Praise You and Acknowledge You, O God https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kax2bBIlCgA -- Thine The Amen, Thine The Praise https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlOu7nbXc-8 (This video's audio starts small, ends big. Stick with it. The text can be found in other YouTube videos.) -- For All The Saints https://hymnary.org/text/for_all_the_saints_who_from_their_labors https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwE6HGXKxzg -- Non Nobis Domine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1GDRx-F1C0 Support the show - https://www.1517.org/donate https://www.1517.org/videos/talks-with-dad-rod Explore more 1517 podcasts - https://www.1517.org/podcasts/ === https://gab.com/talkswithdadrod https://tv.gab.com/channel/talkswithdadrod https://www.facebook.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://twitter.com/TalkswithDadRod https://www.instagram.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDWGbhcNf-kTljFKeMHg3j1qqDsV3LGR Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vpQ9f1mWxqk

Ted asks about whether God calls people to particular lines of work in their life. Rod talks about the promises of God, what He worked to gift to us, what God makes clear is most important for us in the church, what doing work in and for the church can do to us, and what believers do secularly every day to glorify Christ. SHOW NOTES: Support the show - https://www.1517.org/donate https://www.1517.org/videos/talks-with-dad-rod Explore more 1517 podcasts - https://www.1517.org/podcasts/ === https://gab.com/talkswithdadrod https://tv.gab.com/channel/talkswithdadrod https://www.facebook.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://twitter.com/TalkswithDadRod https://www.instagram.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDWGbhcNf-kTljFKeMHg3j1qqDsV3LGR Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MgpOMICyMCE

Ted asks about what it means when we fail to trust Christ and His grace. Rod talks about how we sinners WILL be sinners to the end, and how Christ's forgiveness is ALWAYS greater, and how much he wishes certain people who are crushed by their sins could come to a place of understanding the sufficiency of Christ's grace and not suffer that way anymore. SHOW NOTES: Support the show - https://www.1517.org/donate https://www.1517.org/videos/talks-with-dad-rod Explore more 1517 podcasts - https://www.1517.org/podcasts/ === https://gab.com/talkswithdadrod https://tv.gab.com/channel/talkswithdadrod https://www.facebook.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://twitter.com/TalkswithDadRod https://www.instagram.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDWGbhcNf-kTljFKeMHg3j1qqDsV3LGR Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/G9pg9UYFDU0

Ted asks about how the church can sometimes mis-categorize a problem as though it was an outcropping of sin. Rod talks about what pastors are and are not trained in, and what a wise pastoral response might be, looking to sin as the origin of the problem only if absolutely necessary. SHOW NOTES: Support the show - https://www.1517.org/donate https://www.1517.org/videos/talks-with-dad-rod Explore more 1517 podcasts - https://www.1517.org/podcasts/ === https://gab.com/talkswithdadrod https://tv.gab.com/channel/talkswithdadrod https://www.facebook.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://twitter.com/TalkswithDadRod https://www.instagram.com/talkswithdadrod/ Talks with Dad Rod on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDWGbhcNf-kTljFKeMHg3j1qqDsV3LGR See this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/T3SdfUW-J9E

Ted asks about the value of preaching on 'taking dominion' with regard to electronic devices. Rod talks about confining preaching to the Biblical themes of law and Gospel, how Lutherans pull from all across the Old and New Testaments to do so, and puts particular subjects into those categories and what it means for us sinners. SHOW NOTES: Support the show - https://www.1517.org/donate https://www.1517.org/videos/talks-with-dad-rod Explore more 1517 podcasts - https://www.1517.org/podcasts/ === https://gab.com/talkswithdadrod https://tv.gab.com/channel/talkswithdadrod https://www.facebook.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://twitter.com/TalkswithDadRod https://www.instagram.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDWGbhcNf-kTljFKeMHg3j1qqDsV3LGR https://youtu.be/wNbv0Cw9U9U

Ted asks about what it means that average and sinful men were the authors of Scripture. Rod talks about the nature and qualities of myth, how it is used positively in storytelling, where it is used negatively, how Scripture is different, and why apologetics is important and why we must avoid that which is silly and false in such regards. SHOW NOTES: "Sensible Christianity" by Dr. Montgomery Support the show - https://www.1517.org/donate https://www.1517.org/videos/talks-with-dad-rod Explore more 1517 podcasts - https://www.1517.org/podcasts/ === https://gab.com/talkswithdadrod https://tv.gab.com/channel/talkswithdadrod https://www.facebook.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://twitter.com/TalkswithDadRod https://www.instagram.com/talkswithdadrod/ Talks with Dad Rod on YouTube

Ted asks about whether a pastor's unusually bad sin negates his faithful preaching for sinners. Rod talks about St. Augustine's position regarding such a scandal, and whether a case of significant wickedness means that the Gospel such a pastor faithfully preached is no longer true. SHOW NOTES: Support the show - https://www.1517.org/donate https://www.1517.org/videos/talks-with-dad-rod Explore more 1517 podcasts - https://www.1517.org/podcasts/ Subscribe to the podcast now on your favorite podcast software: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/talks-with-dad-rod/id1482424900 https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kYWRyb2QubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M === https://gab.com/talkswithdadrod https://tv.gab.com/channel/talkswithdadrod https://www.facebook.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://twitter.com/TalkswithDadRod https://www.instagram.com/talkswithdadrod/ https://youtu.be/XIhWFkq3qEU

Ted asks about Luther's history and his early temptation toward mysticism. Rod talks about Luther's origins, why we sinners are tempted to dabble in mysticism, what it really is, and how Jesus' good news in His Gospel is the real and sufficient solution. SHOW NOTES: "Here I Stand", by Roland Bainton "Mysticism", by Evelyn Underhill Explore more 1517 podcasts - https://www.1517.org/podcasts/ Subscribe to the podcast now on your favorite podcast software: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/talks-with-dad-rod/id1482424900 https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kYWRyb2QubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M

Ted asks about how bold does a believer need to be. Rod talks about what the earliest converts to Christianity were dealing with and their temptation to return to Judaism due to the dangers they were experiencing, and connects even Peter falling away under the slightest pressure from a girl, and what Christians need to hear, particularly when they're feeling not-entirely-bold.

Ted asks about the idea of the Bible being inerrant, or without error. Rod talks about recent history of differing positions on the subject, across denominations, and what Jesus' opinion was of the Old Testament and how He spoke as though historical events recorded in the Old Testament actually happened, and how Jesus' position on the Old Testament is what Christians should believe and follow.

Ted asks about how people can have knowledge of anything at all. Rod talks about why he abandoned his med schooling, and went to study under Dr. Montgomery, and how Dr. Montgomery began with building the case for Christianity from the four Gospels, and whether they are good historical sources and trustworthy, or not.

Ted and Rod have an unusually candid father-and-son conversation about fathers and personal struggle with sin and faith, and what it means to receive grace from our earthly fathers.

Ted asks about what Jesus' 'narrow is the way/gate' statement in Matthew 7 means for us Christians in our daily lives. Rod talks about what it doesn't mean, what 'narrow' refers to, and the freedom Christians have when it comes to bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ's Gospel to the whole world.

Ted asks about the necessity of the law for the Christian believer. Rod talks about Agricola and how Martin Luther was counseling him about the law and the Gospel, and what we sinners should expect from our pastors, and why a proper balance is important for sinners, even believing ones.

Ted asks about what Jesus said about removing body parts if they're causing him to sin. Rod talks about what Jesus reveals to us about our true fallen nature and how much we need a savior to rescue us, how dark our inherited sin is, and that we can trust that the miracle of Jesus' resurrection is true.

Ted asks about if the Christian needs continued forgiveness if he or she has already been forgiven. Rod talks about God the gracious Giver and we no more than sinful recipients, and Dad's own need for forgiveness and basing his understanding of that need in God's word.

Ted asks about whether our youngest children are capable of having saving faith, referencing Matthew 21:15-16. Rod talks about how he used to have his students study all the Scripture verses on baptism, what God says about children and faith, and Jesus' response to the idea of kids being prevented from coming to Him.

Ted asks how Jesus' atonement and sacrifice on the cross works. Rod talks about several important books on the subject, about adoption, reconciliation, propitiation, imputed righteousness, how Melanchthon and Luther tangled on the subject, and what it means for sinners to be reckoned AS IF righteous in this life.

Ted asks about what Paul meant regarding the relationship between sin and the law. Rod talks about how the law affects the sinner, the realities of our sinful condition when we think about improvement, where salvation must come from, and considers the quality of people with whom Jesus spent His time.

Ted asks about 2 Corinthians 3:6 and how literally we should interpret Scripture. Rod talks about what sinners bring to their faith and salvation, the importance of having a law/Gospel distinction, and why reading Scripture correctly and well and accurately is important.

Ted asks about whether or not Jesus is actually risen from the dead. Rod talks about how the claims of Christianity could theoretically be overthrown, and returns to the powerful historical evidence behind the truth of Christ's resurrection actually taking place in human history.

Ted asks about what the Bible tells us about Jesus Christ and atonement. Rod talks about what's going on on the cross, what Jesus went though, why it needed to happen, and what makes Christianity Christianity.

Ted asks about assurance in light of Matthew 24:13, when we don't feel like we're enduring. Rod talks about the struggle being typical for sinners who are sensitive to their inner disobedience and their disinclination to Christ, but then speaks of good news for such people, including confirmation of what believers faithfully do in their vocations every day.

Ted asks about whether Christians should give things up for Lent. Rod offers up some different conversations like, "How does the cross work? Why is the cross so important in Christianity?", and the words that are associated with it: Reconciliation, Adoption, and the idea of Substitution.

Ted asks about the 'unpardonable sin' we read about in Luke 12:10. Rod talks about how little textual clarification we get about that verse, where Scripture talks about apostasy, the importance of the 'means of grace' in regard to 'God's answer to our fretting', and why it is important that it is the Object of our faith that saves, which is Christ, and what assurance and consolation we can get from that.

Ted asks about what the Romans 5:8 verse means. Rod talks about the effect that the law has on sinners and what it makes sinners do, and that, though sinners may be tempted to think the law enables them to follow it, it actually has an opposite effect, and where sinners are to go for assurance of salvation and consolation, even in light of our ongoing sin.

Ted asks about what the term 'gospel reductionism' means. Rod talks about Dr. John Montgomery coining the term, the importance of a high view of Scripture, from the first century to the eighteenth, and about the tangles that were had in the LCMS relatively recently over the view of Scripture and inerrancy and its inspiration from God, and why a high view of Scripture is critical.

Ted asks about what cheap law means, particularly in the face of the idea of cheap grace. Rod talks about sinners' inclination to lower the demands of the law so that we can meet those demands, and just what our real inherited 'sin condition' is and why we truly need rescue, and are, in reality, incapable of even coming close to meeting the law's demands. SHOW NOTES: Support the show - https://www.1517.org/donate

Ted asks if Christians need forgiveness after conversion. Rod talks about what St. Paul describes about his Christian faith in Romans 7 and his struggles with his sin while remaining faithful, and God's forgiving nature, and what it means for Christians to be regularly and constantly forgiven for their sins throughout their whole lives, even while they believe in Christ. SHOW NOTES: Support the show - https://www.1517.org/donate

Ted asks about whether we can forgive one another in the name of Jesus Christ and if that is God's real forgiveness. Rod talks about where believers are given that ability, from Scripture, and whether only called pastors and priests can forgive sins in Christ's stead, or if any believer can. SHOW NOTES: Support the show - https://www.1517.org/donate

Ted asks about what discipleship looks like in Lutheranism. Rod talks about law and the Gospel, the message we can sometimes receive from church about discipleship, and investigates it through the Lutheran doctrine of vocation and Christian liberty. SHOW NOTES: William Hordern, "Living by Grace" - https://www.amazon.com/Living-Grace-William-Hordern/dp/1592440630/ Support the show - https://www.1517.org/donate

Ted asks about what God empowers believers with in the New Testament versus the Old Testament. Rod talks about what preachers and teachers should look for (and find) in both the Old and New Testaments and what their focus should on be for sinners. SHOW NOTES: Support the show - https://www.1517.org/donate

Ted asks about the Lutheran position on discipleship under the Great Commission in Lutheranism. Rod talks about what the Bible is about, how churches can fail in their message, and discusses what effect teaching with a focus on law has on believers, versus teaching with a focus on Christ and His Gospel. SHOW NOTES: Support the show - https://www.1517.org/donate

Ted asks about what it means if he avoids doing something he feels the Holy Spirit has told him to do. Rod talks about the reformers' position on direct revelation, outside of Scripture, and why Sola Scriptura is important. And yet Dad also confirms the Great Commission and looks at it through the lens of the Lutheran Doctrine of Vocation. SHOW NOTES: Gene Veith, "God at Work" - https://www.amazon.com/God-Work-Redesign-Christian-Vocation/dp/1433524473/ref=sr_1_2 Support the show - https://www.1517.org/donate