On this episode of 2414, Shane and Pastor Dan center the conversation on the comfort and confidence found in the LCMS confession that Jesus Christ is true God and true man.

They explore what it means to confess that the eternal Son of God took on real human flesh at the Incarnation, remains both God and man after the resurrection and ascension, and reigns even now for our salvation. The discussion unpacks the communication of attributes, clarifies why the church rejects errors such as adoptionism and subordinationism, and shows how Scripture, the Apostles’ Creed, and Luther’s Small Catechism safeguard the biblical teaching about who Jesus is and what He has done.

Rather than treating doctrine as abstract theory, Shane and Dan emphasize doctrine as clear, life-giving teaching meant to give Christians assurance: only God could bear the sins of the world, and only as man could Christ suffer, die, and rise in our place. This is the heart of our comfort—Jesus chose to save, keeps His promises, and remains “one of us” who understands human suffering.

Along the way, they share a few everyday highlights and play a light game featuring songs with U.S. cities in the title, but the focus remains on slowing down, listening well, and speaking clearly about the faith we confess.

Want to talk about your faith, share your story, or ask questions on a future episode?
Book a recording time with us here:
https://outlook.office.com/book/Ge29a5d453add4d478471a0c1bf208af9@stlukes-church.com/?ismsaljsauthenabled

Don't forget to continue the conversation at home, in the car, at work, or anywhere you can find someone to talk to! Thanks for walking with us!

Support the show

Do Christians really have free will when it comes to faith? In this episode of 2414, “Talking About Your Faith: Free Will,” warm humor and playful banter give way to a thoughtful, honest conversation about one of Christianity’s most challenging and often misunderstood questions.

The episode begins lightheartedly with highs and lows, family stories, and a spirited round of Outburst, before turning toward a deeper theological discussion rooted in Scripture and Lutheran teaching. From hiking mishaps and board game disasters to adoption analogies and the “house of salvation,” Pastor Dan and Shane explore what the Bible says about human will, sin, and grace.

Framed by Luther’s teaching on the bondage of the will, the conversation carefully distinguishes between everyday choices and humanity’s spiritual inability before God. Rather than centering salvation on human decision-making, this episode points listeners toward repentance, trust, and the comfort that salvation is God’s work from beginning to end.

In this episode, we discuss:

What Christians mean by “free will”

The difference between earthly freedom and spiritual inability

Why defining theological terms matters

Luther’s Bondage of the Will and the Formula of Concord

Why decision-centered faith leads to pride or despair

How law and gospel shape our understanding of salvation

Why this doctrine, though uncomfortable, brings real comfort

Who this episode is for:

✔ Christians wrestling with questions about choice and belief
✔ Listeners curious about Lutheran theology
✔ Those seeking deeper, honest faith conversations
✔ Anyone wanting to understand grace more clearly

This episode doesn’t offer easy answers—but it does offer clarity, humility, and hope, pointing listeners back to Christ and the grace that saves sinners.
Don't forget to continue the conversation at home, in the car, at work, or anywhere you can find someone to talk to! Thanks for walking with us!

Support the show

What is sin — and why does it matter, especially as we approach Christmas? In this episode of 2414, we continue the conversation from last week by addressing one of the most foundational (and often misunderstood) questions of the Christian faith.

As the Church prepares to celebrate the birth of Christ, we take time to talk honestly about sin: what it is, how it affects our relationship with God and one another, and why the reality of sin makes the incarnation not just meaningful, but necessary. This conversation helps set the stage for Christmas by pointing to why Christ came in the first place.

In this episode we discuss:

What sin is from a biblical and Lutheran perspective

Common misunderstandings about sin in modern Christianity

Why talking about sin still matters today

How sin helps us understand the purpose of Christmas

Why Christ’s coming is good news for sinners

Who this episode is for:

✔ Christians seeking clarity on core beliefs
✔ Those wanting deeper faith conversations
✔ Listeners preparing spiritually for Christmas
✔ Anyone wrestling with guilt, grace, and redemption

This episode invites honest reflection and points us toward the hope found in Christ alone — just in time for Christmas.

Don't forget to continue the conversation at home, in the car, at work, or anywhere you can find someone to talk to! Thanks for walking with us!

Support the show