The Church is best defined by the outward means of grace (Gospel and Sacraments) and those who are born again by the Holy Spirit. Although hypocrites might be in the church, the definition does not include unbelievers. The kingdom of Christ is the righteousness of the heart and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17), the Pillar of the Truth (I Timothy 3:15), and cleansed by the washing of water with the word (Ephesians 5:25). “Elect from every nation, yet one o’er all the earth; Her charter of salvation: One Lord, one faith, one birth. One holy name she blesses, partakes one holy food, And to one hope she presses, with every grace endued.” LSB #644, st. 2

Rev. Sean Smith, pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mason City, IA, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study articles 7 & 8 of the Apology of the Augsburg Confession.

Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org.

Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.