As they end their conversation on baptism, Gretchen and Katie talk about how it connects with assurance. They talk about fears people have in emphasizing the assurance we have in Christ.

Can you emphasize grace too much? Is the chance of being legalistic a necessary evil of holiness? How does assurance change us, free us, and how does that change how we live?

They talk about Jesus' story of the 2 brothers, how it's easy for people doing all the right things, and living moral lives to feel that if grace is given lavishly, then they somehow "missed out." They talk about forgiveness for the sin of self-righteousness and self-justification, and how exactly we remember our baptism daily.

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Continuing on our baptism discussion, and the power of God's Word, through physical means, Katie and Gretchen walk through their catechisms and think about the common struggles with the doctrine of baptism.

They discuss the consistent theme of washing throughout the Old and New Testament, and the beautiful picture of grace given to the helpless that is seen at every baptism.

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In this episode, Gretchen and Katie tackle a question from a listener about baptism. What do we believe? What does it mean? What does it do?

So, they each brought out their catechisms, and are going to walk through some basic points. In this episode, they talk about their personal history with baptism, (and maybe even wrestling with it?) They also compare and contrast their denominations editions of Luther's Small Catechisms, and sprinkling vs immersion.

This is the beginning of a fun conversation, full of laughter, clarification, and lots of grace.

Katie's article cited: Girl, When You Wash Your Face, Remember Your Baptism

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In this episode, Katie and Gretchen attempt to define 2 separate terms: Christian freedom and American freedom. While the term "freedom" is often used interchangeably between the 2 kingdoms, they have different roles. There are many similarities and even trying to define religious freedom and Christian freedom is often difficult as many people use the terms interchangeably.

The main question that it comes down to is: do Christians living under persecution in their country still have freedom in Christ, even though they don't have religious freedom? Freedom in Christ is something that no government or outside source can touch, and that is the difference.

They also talk a bit about how we honor "heroes" whether military heroes, or Christian heroes. But as they attempt to define all of these terms, they wrestle through how both types of freedoms are both good--just different. It's when we start seeing them as the same when trouble starts.

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It's Gretchen's turn to talk about books that have been influential on her life. This puts Gretchen and Katie on a couple of tangents about reading outside of your denominational tradition, and interacting with ideas that you disagree with in order to shape and develop your thinking. This episode also reveals Katie's role in Gretchen's life to prevent her writing from getting "too Ann Voskamp-y."

From catechisms, church history, to Lutheran spirituality, studies on the Holy Spirit and of course GRACE, this episode covers a range of topics.

We are talking about books that have shaped our faith, and we come back to again, and again, and again. Time to load up your summer reading plan, because we have some good ones.

Katie is going first in this episode to share her book stack of faith-shaping books. From the catechism, to books on vocation, and theology of the cross, you're in for some rich discussions.

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We are answering some more listener questions this week, and both questions we answer today revolve around discontent with the church.

The first question is: do I have to go to a "real" church, or can I get together with just my family, or just a small group of my friends? What if I want to stay with online church? Gretchen and Katie talk about meeting together, the importance of diversity, and how cults start.

The second question is: at what point should I leave a church and find a new church? This question centered around the problem of not getting anything out of the preaching. We break this question down a couple of different ways, and talk about when to leave, and when to stay.

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In this episode we are answering a question sent into us, about when it's ok to say "no" to being pulled into serving in a ministry. We talk about how we don't always "feel like" being involved, and also manipulation, and the "savior complex" we slip into so easily.

We talk about the need rest, training in the next generation, and how our theology impacts how we approach some of the more practical aspects of ministry. The longer we are involved in ministry, the more we realize the Holy Spirit can actually be trusted to do what he says he will do.

The earlier episode we referenced on classical education in the Church: Truth, Connection, and Growth with Bible Studies

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In this extra special episode, we get to sit down and talk with Dr. Scott Keith, executive director of 1517, and author of "Being Dad: Father of a Picture of God's Grace."

This was a great conversation about the purpose of the law in parenting, and the purpose of the gospel when it comes to raising kids. We talked about the newer term of grace-based parenting, how having no law means that everything is law, having big fences, and how seeing the personhood of children changes our approach.

Also, this week is the 3rd anniversary of the 1517 podcast network and we are celebrating the ministry the various podcasts in the 1517 podcast network by launching a brand new podcast: A Field Guide to the Bible. This series will provide a broad overview of the entire Bible, especially designed for those who are brand new to the Bible or those who want to review the grand narrative of redemption.

We would like to invite you to celebrate with us, by making a donation to this network that brings the message of Christ to so many. You can make a donation of any amount here: www.1517.org/celebrate

After talking about Bible studies, and various ministries, and even our rural churches, Gretchen and Katie get down to the root question underlying all of those episodes: what are we here for? What is the purpose of the church? What message are we to be teaching to the world and to those around us?

It may seem obvious: we are here to proclaim that Christ has been crucified for the forgiveness of sins. That is the gospel. But we easily get distracted from this message, and they unpack the root of those distractions. They also quote Rod Rosenbladt to the extent that they end the podcast in tears. Listen to the end.

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