In our Lutheran Confessions, the line between “hypocrite” and “faithful Christian” is clear. But that is in a book of theology. Theology books have the benefit—indeed, the task—of providing straightforward answers. Theology in books is clean and neat. But in our outward gathering around Word and Sacrament that is called “church,”—and indeed in the secret, inner lives of our hearts and minds—the line between “hypocrite” and “faithful” is not nearly so clear nor so plain.

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For the benefit and salvation of all, the Son goes forth from the Father, and the Spirit goes forth from the Son. Each moves in a sort of arc: going forth and returning. For as the Holy Spirit goes forth, He calls people everywhere through the gospel of Jesus Christ. And this is how God’s missionary movement comes to its completion: by Him moving forward, moving outward, to call us, to gather us, to return us to Himself.

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But now . . . now Peter is the first to rise. Peter is the first to speak. He lifts up his voice and declares with boldness that what is happening before all the world is God’s doing . . . that it is God’s prophesied plan . . . and that God’s plan has come to fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Timid, frightened, denying Peter is now Peter with a fire in his belly . . . he is not Peter who speaks without fear . . . he is now Peter who publicly aligns himself with Jesus Christ and declares that all should join him in this faith. What has made the difference? That’s not the right question. The right question is “WHO has made the difference?”

This podcast can never be a substitute for in-person attendance at a local church. Click here to find a local church you can connect with! Find a Lutheran church near you!