Issues, Etc.

10/11/2025

Listen to a biography of Christoper Columbus with Dr. Bradley Birzer of Hillsdale College. Click Comment section below for audio link.

10/10/2025

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10/09/2025

Our Issues, Etc. Question of the Week: Where do we draw the line between applying reason and relying on the Holy Spirit in our moral formation?

Thanks for listening!

10/08/2025

The 2026 Committee for Convention Nominations urgently requires nominations for officer, board and commission positions to be elected by the 2026 Synod convention. Nominations are due Oct. 18, 2025.

Learn more: lcms.org/nominate
Nominate here: https://forms.lcms.org/form/LCMS/CCN/NOMINATION/1

10/07/2025

Our Issues, Etc. Book of the Month is The Two Realms and the Separation of Church and State
by Joel Biermann.

In this Apologetics volume, The Two Realms and the Separation of Church and State, Joel Biermann explores the Christian teaching of the two realms—church and state—and the way the relationship between them is shifting in American society. The “doctrine” of the separation of church and state is a product of the Enlightenment, post-dating Luther’s distinction of two kingdoms by many generations. The separation of church and state suggests that church and government (state) occupy two independent spheres, between which there should be no interaction, hypothetically preserving both from corruption.

Luther’s doctrine of two kingdoms instead suggests just one King—God—who rules in two different ways: by the Gospel (church) and by the “sword” (state). In the present era of uncertainty and confusion regarding the proper relationship of the church and the Christian to the government, the confusion of these two approaches leads to errors and uncertainties about the status and proper voice of the Christian as a citizen. Rev. Dr. Biermann not only distinguishes these two teachings but also articulates faithful Christian citizenship as informed by Lutheran theology.

Purchase at the CPH website

Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann lays out a biblical theology of God’s two realms represented in the Church and State, discussing complementary functions and distinctions.

10/06/2025

We thank our Issues, Etc. Sponsoring Congregation, St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Des Peres, MO. As a congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS.org), Jesus Christ is worshiped and boldly proclaimed at St. Paul's as the Savior of the world. As Jesus so clearly stated, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16). On a weekly basis the Lord's Supper (Holy Communion) is received at St. Paul's. Here, Christ is present in a very special and promised way, offering His own body and blood, forgiveness of sins, and strength for daily living.

Pastor Mark Schudde invites you to Sanctuary Services (Main Church)

Sunday worship services at 8:00 (livestreamed), 9:30, and 11:00 a.m.; Saturday at 5:00 p.m.
Traditional liturgical worship with organ music, choir/orchestra
Lord's Supper: first, third, and fifth weekends
(For a complete list of all of our services and Sunday School please visit the website.)

https://stpaulsdesperes.org/

Welcome To Saintpaul's - Church Services Cross Sunday 8:00, 9:30, 10:45, 11:00am | Sat. 5pm | Video  Online Church I'm New • Schools • News &

10/04/2025

Concordia University Chicago is looking for a Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer. Click link in the Comment section below to learn more.

10/03/2025

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10/02/2025

In a recent Issues, Etc. broadcast, Dr. Jordan Cooper explored the debate between Sola Scriptura and Prima Scriptura. Is Scripture alone the highest authority, or do other sources like tradition, reason, and experience play a role.

This week’s question is: Which view better protects Christian doctrine against error — Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) or Prima Scriptura (Scripture first, but secondary sources allowed)? Why?

Thank you for tuning in!

https://issuesetc.org/2025/10/01/sola-scriptural-vs-prima-scriptural-and-divine-simplicity-dr-jordan-cooper-10-1-25-2743/

Dr. Jordan Cooper of Just and Sinner The Difference Between Sola Scriptura and Prima Scriptura A Succinct Explanation of the Doctrine of Divine Simplicity The Doctrine of God Just and Sinner Dr. Cooper's Website

09/30/2025

Our Issues, Etc. September 2025 Book of the Month is Worshiped and Glorified: A Study of the Nicene Creed by Timothy J. Winterstein

The summary of Christian faith known as the Nicene Creed has been a fixture in the church for centuries, still being recited in worship to this day. Even so, it may be easy to take it for granted. In this 8-session study, Rev. Timothy J. Winterstein illuminates the intricacies and implications of the Nicene Creed, from why we needed (and still need) it, to each phrase’s historical background, purpose, and scriptural foundation. Each session closes with insightful questions that will get you and your study group thinking about what God reveals about Himself in Jesus—and what it means to confess faith in Him together—at a deeper level.

This study includes a Leader Guide for each session with key takeaways, an opening prayer/hymn, answers to discussion questions, suggested academic readings for further topical exploration, additional information, and bonus questions.

Purchase this book at the CPH website

This eight-session Bible Study unpacks the historical context, significance, and scriptural foundation of the phrases of the Nicene Creed.

09/30/2025

Pastors Bryan Wolfmueller and Brian Kachelmeier will respond to your unanswered Bible questions! Leave your questions here before 5 pm Central on Wednesday, October 1.

You can also submit questions via email: [email protected], X: , and the Issues, Etc. comment line: (618) 223-8382.

09/30/2025

Several members of the Schnare family recorded "Silent Night" and "Come, Lord Jesus" at the LPR studios for a marketing campaign sponsored by the Southern IL District - Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. It's called "Come Home for Christmas."