What if one of the most loving things a Christian can say to another Christian is, “You have sinned against me”? In this episode, we confront Jesus’ startling command to name sin—not to win an argument, punish someone, or make the church a better organization, but so that a sinner can hear the forgiveness of Christ. Jesus gives the church the authority to bind and loose sin, because sometimes the Gospel cannot be heard until someone is willing to hold up the mirror and say, “You have a problem—and Christ has come to forgive it.”
GOSPEL
Matthew 18:15-20
15 "If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. 16 But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."
CARE OF SOULS: DEATH
In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those facing death, grief, and loss.
Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders.
Across five episodes, the hosts tackle tough but essential questions on death:
- How does Lutheran theology speak uniquely to death and grief?
- What does faithful pastoral care look like when walking alongside those who mourn?
- How can pastors offer both honesty and hope in the face of tragedy and loss?
- What does ministry look like when death impacts the pastor as well as the congregation?
- Why do funerals matter, and what is God giving through them?
With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the sorrow of death not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ.
Because in the end, it's not about avoiding death—it's about hearing the Gospel from the One who has passed through death and opened the way to life.
Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls
Support the show
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Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate
