Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley begin a new unit on Grace on Tap. This podcast will take some episodes to explore the people who were not theologians during the Reformation but still significantly contributed to it. This episode introduces Frederick the Wise. In 2015, Sam Wellmen wrote the ultimate English biography of this noble, Frederick the Wise: Seen and Unseen Lives of Martin Luther’s Protector.

Frederick III (January 17, 1463 – May 5, 1525). He became the Elector of Saxony after his father died in 1486. Frederick protected Martin Luther from retaliation from the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V.

Albrecht Dürer painted a portrait of the younger Frederick the Wise, which is a contrast from the later images of him being an older and overweight noble.

We are thankful for Dave who provided our beer from Cadillac Straits Brewing Company. We are fans of their Oktoberfest Märzen.

Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner continue a look at how Martin Luther guided spiritual care and concern for people through letters. This episode reviews a letter written by Luther in November 1527 to John Hess. The letter is about whether Christians are obligated to stay during a time of plague.

Soft Parade by Short’s Brewing Company This is a fruit ale with blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries.

In 1527, the plague arrived in Wittenberg and Breslau. Dr. Martin Luther wrote letters to give guidance to leaders during this time of pestilence. We previously discussed Luther’s letter to John Hess in Episode 55. This episode is more specifically looking at the character, context, and counsel of these letters. We start by looking at an August letter to George Spalatin. Please note that the sound quality is not as good as we would have liked, but we enjoyed the conversation with each other. We hope you enjoy this episode.

Athletic Brewing Co. Upside Dawn Golden. A Non-Alcoholic beer from one of America’s fastest-growing beer companies.

Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley discuss Dr. Martin Luther’s letters that he wrote to provide consolation to those bereft by grief.

Through these letters, we find how Luther applied the Law and the Gospel to the caretaking of souls when the grief of sadness had become overwhelming.

The letters referenced in this podcast will be found in Luther: Letters of Spiritual Counsel, edited and translated by Theodore G. Tappert, D.D., Litt.D. which can be found in the Library of Christian Classics Volume XVIII.

Keweenaw Brewing Co – Widow Maker Black Ale. Thank you for the listeners who donated this beer for us to review.

Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley review some letters of Martin Luther written to the sick and dying. Through these letters of pastoral care, we can witness what the caretaking of souls looked like in the 16th century. The sadnesses and griefs are not too far away from our own time. Thank you for a listener suggestion to consider this topic.

Great Turtle Brewing Company – No Cars Allowed Cream Ale.

Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner finish their discussion of the Gospel of the Third Sunday in Advent, Matthew 11:2-10.

This discussion is grounded in Dr. Martin Luther’s commentary on this text to equip preachers during the Reformation. This episode picks up on v. 7.

Luther’s Works, Volume 75

What do you look for in Jesus and how is this compared to what you need from Jesus?

All Day Chill Day IPA from Founders

Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley continue their discussion of Martin Luther’s commentary on the gospel for the Third Sunday in Advent – Matthew 11:2-10 (One Year Historic Lectionary).

This commentary is found in Luther’s Works Volume 75, published by Concordia Publishing House.

Founder’s All Night IPA

Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner discuss Martin Luther’s sermon prep commentary on the Gospel reading for the Third Sunday in Advent.

Matthew 11:2-10.

Historically, biblical commentaries asked, “Did John know Jesus was Christ?” This question happens because John sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Christ or should we look for another?” Luther answered that this was not a good question. John knew Jesus, (Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 2, and John 1). John asked for the sake of his disciples.

If you want to know what throne your leader is sitting on, seek the gospel. If your pastor is not preaching the gospel, you must flee and look for another.

Jesus preaches the good news. John’s disciples don’t need to look for another. Jesus is the Christ.

Eastern Market Brewing

Elephant Juice New England Style IPA

Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley finish their discussion of Martin Luther’s sermon commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:1-5. The focus of their conversation is mostly on how Paul directs us not to judge one another by works but to encourage everyone to trust in the grace of Jesus Christ.

We feature in this episode Griffin Claw Brewing Company’s Marshmallow Drip. This is an Irish Stout made with your favorite Lucky Charm cereal. It is a tasty beer with well-layered flavors.

Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner continue a discussion of Dr. Martin Luther’s commentary on the epistle for the Third Sunday in Advent. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 is the epistle reading for the One Year Lectionary.

Luther is especially focused on how good works can be encouraged and not lead to self-righteousness but drive people to continue in the promises of God.

Voodoo Ranger Fruit Force, a fruit punch imperial ipa. A good beer that is sneaky strong and brewed by New Belgium Brewing Company.