EPISODE #107: Ted asks about assurance in light of Matthew 24:13, when we don’t feel like we’re enduring. Rod talks about the struggle being typical for sinners who are sensitive to their inner disobedience and their disinclination to Christ, but then speaks of good news for such people, including confirmation of what believers faithfully do in their vocations every day.
EPISODE #90: Ted asks about looking to our self improvement to determine the status of our salvation. Rod talks about where we look for the truthfulness of the Gospel, what Luther said on the matter, and examines the real Source of our consolation and peace versus what is in our sinful hearts and behavior.
The church is the only place God promises to lift us out of ourselves not in order to become more like God but so that we may finally be freed from our obsession with becoming little gods.
The upright, in whom the law has exercised its work, when they feel their sickness and weakness, say: God will help me; I trust in him; I build upon him; he is my rock and hope.
