Reformation Day isn't about celebrating how much better Lutherans are at getting Christianity right; it's about hearing the promise that sets sinners free. Jesus says that even those who believe in him are slaves to sin, and that freedom comes not from our ability to remain faithful, but from the Son who gives us a permanent place in God's household. In this episode, we explore why the Christian life isn't about proving that we're free, but receiving Christ's Word when sin, suffering, and doubt tell us otherwise.
GOSPEL
John 8:31-36
31 Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." 33 They answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, 'You will be made free'?"
34 Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. 36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.
WOMEN’S ORDINATION PAPER
Luther House of Study has published a new paper, Ordination of Women by Evangelical Lutherans Revisited, by Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson. The paper examines the biblical passages commonly cited against women’s ordination, the Lutheran Confessions, Martin Luther’s writings, and the arguments of Lutheran theologians on both sides of the question. The authors argue that neither Scripture nor the Lutheran Confessions prohibits women from being ordained to the pastoral office. You can read the full paper for free here: Women’s Ordination Paper Link
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
Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?
Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate
