In this podcast, Dr. Cary Larson addresses the tendency for people to believe they can contribute to their own salvation, a struggle he notes was present in the early Roman church and is still an issue today. The purpose of God's law, as St. Paul states, is to silence every mouth and make the whole world accountable to God. Therefore, salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone, and it is only by God's power and mercy that we can do good and stand holy and blameless before Him.

For more information about The American Association of Lutheran Churches go to TAALC.org.

Dr. Larson continues in the series called "St. Paul's Letter to the Americans" examining the second half of the first chapter of Romans. Here St. Paul explains that humanity is utterly lost and cannot be saved except by the Gospel of Christ Jesus. Therefore all of God's wrath against sin was poured out on Christ Jesus on the cross, and those who have faith in Him are saved.

For more information about The American Association of Lutheran Churches go to TAALC.org.

In the series, Dr. Larson presents the importance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as it is presented in St. Paul's letter to the Romans. The emphasis in Romans on salvation through grace alone, through faith alone, through Christ alone directly addresses the persistent problem of hypocrisy and division, which have been and are issues in American Christianity.

For more information about The American Association of Lutheran Churches go to TAALC.org.

In this episode of Faith Comes by Hearing, Dr. Larson discusses how Christ Jesus admonished the Church in Laodicea and is a warning to contemporary churches and believers, this complacent church represents those who are comfortable and complacent in their faith, dulling their spiritual zeal and connection to God. But even in this stinging message there is hope that only Christ Jesus can offer.

For more information about The American Association of Lutheran Churches go to TAALC.org.

In this episode of Faith Comes by Hearing Dr. Larson discusses how Christ Jesus commends the Church in Philadelphia for their faithfulness and perseverance despite their weakness, promising to keep them from the hour of trial that will come upon the world. Like Church of Philadelphia, Christ Jesus will acknowledge contemporary churches for their loyalty in keeping His word and not denying His name, assuring them of an open door of opportunity that no one can shut.

For more information about The American Association of Lutheran Churches go to TAALC.org.

In the episode of Faith Comes by Hearing, Dr. Larson discusses the letter from Christ Jesus to the Church in Sardis, a congregation that had a strong reputation but was spiritually dead and indifferent. While the other churches in Revelation received some praise alongside criticism, the Sardis congregation received none, as their faith was a "performance" for others rather than a genuine devotion to God. Despite their deadness, Jesus extended a merciful call to repentance, which the church heeded, leading to their eventual revival as noted in later historical records.

In the episode of Faith Come by Hearing, Dr. Larson examines Revelation 2:18-27 where Christ Jesus addresses the church in Thyatira, who were tolerant of false teaching in their midst. In this account, Christ Jesus is clear that only true faith in Him and Him alone offer to liberty and freedom.

Information about The American Association of Lutheran Churches (TAALC) can be found at www.taalc.org

In the episode of Faith Come by Hearing, Dr. Larson examines Revelation 2:12-17, where Christ Jesus addresses the church in Pergamum, who is under the influences of false gods. In this account, Christ Jesus is clear that there shall be no other gods in the Christian life and He will strengthen His people to reject false religions.

Information about The American Association of Lutheran Churches (TAALC) can be found at www.taalc.org