Faith Comes By Hearing

In this episode of Faith Comes By Hearing, Dr. Larson explores the Lutheran teaching of simul justus et peccator —that Christians are simultaneously saints and sinners. Drawing from Romans 7, he candidly describes the daily struggle against sin, emphasizing that we cannot free ourselves, but are justified by God’s grace as a gift through faith in Christ’s atoning death and resurrection. Informatio...

This episode of Faith Comes By Hearing returns to the biblical fundamentals: the vital distinction between God’s Law (which shows our sin) and God’s Gospel (which reveals our Savior). No one is saved by following the Law! We are saved by grace through faith in Christ alone, and nothing can separate us from His love.  Information about The American Association of Lutheran Churches (TAALC) can be fo...

This episode explores the most vital question of all: Who is God?  Creation reveals the power of God but only the Holy Scriptures informs us about God, His true name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and His love for you. Scripture calls to move beyond vague ideas to a living faith in the true God who made us, saves us, and sustains us. Information about The American Association of Lutheran Churches (...

In this episode of Faith Comes By Hearing , Rev. Dr. Cary Larson explores Holy Scripture's divine inspiration, inerrancy, and supreme authority, centered fully on Christ Jesus, which encourages us to feast on Scripture as the perfect nourishment for the soul and the sure foundation for faith and life. Information about The American Association of Lutheran Churches (TAALC) can be found at www....

In this special episode of Faith Comes By Hearing, Dr. Larson addresses the Iowa community of Algona on this day that the country honors the fallen. Drawing on the words of Jesus, the Apostle Paul, and Martin Luther's 1526 treatise "Whether Soldiers, Too, Can Be Saved," this address calls us to remember the fallen not merely with sentiment, but with the kind of costly, daily gratitu...

In this special Pentecost episode of Faith Comes By Hearing, Dr. Larson explains why the Holy Spirit is so important in the daily life of every Christian. Discover how the same Spirit who gave the disciples courage and Christ’s peace is still at work today, helping us grow in faith, find courage, and draw closer to Jesus through Baptism, God’s Word, and Holy Communion. Information about The Americ...

In this episode of Faith Comes By Hearing, Dr. Larson reflects on the Ascension of our Lord, an often-overlooked but essential feast day of the church. We explore what it means that Christ Jesus has been exalted to the right hand of the Father while remaining powerfully present with His church through Word and Sacrament until He returns in glory. Information about The American Association of Luthe...

God is near to us. Dr. Cary Larson encourages you to find comfort in the promise that, even when our feelings fail or life feels overwhelming, the Holy Spirit gives us a conviction that is strong and steady, "tempered like fine steel." Through Word and Sacrament, the Holy Spirit helps us trust not in signs, miracles, or emotions, but in the promises that Christ Jesus has saved us from si...

Dr. Larson unpacks Jesus’ explosive claim “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” contrasting Christianity’s bold exclusive truth with the world’s fuzzy “all roads lead to God” illusion in this post-COVID America. Follow the risen Christ with courage through every fear and cultural storm, discover in Him the only path to forgiveness, vibrant life today, and eternal joy in the Father’s house. Info...

Like David before us, we are called to move from a small, restrictive view of Christ to one of awe and devotion, trusting that the Creator of the universe is personally and lovingly concerned with every detail of our lives. Whether life is flourishing or filled with hardship and loss, the Good Shepherd never leaves our side; walking with us through the darkest valleys, laying down His life so that...

Jesus' appearance to two disciples on the road to Emmaus highlights their despair due to misunderstanding Holy Scripture. Jesus clarifies that Old Testament prophecies required the Messiah's suffering for victory over sin. Christ Jesus calls His followers to rely solely upon God's Word and Sacraments for peace and an increased awareness of Christ's presence with his followers e...

Dr. Cary Larson explores the "Office of the Keys," examining how Jesus empowered his disciples to forgive sins through the Holy Spirit. Reflecting on Thomas’s journey from disbelief to a bold confession of faith, true forgiveness and restoration are gifts offered to all who repent through Christ’s enduring grace. Information about The American Association of Lutheran Churches (TAALC) can...

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah! In this powerful Easter sermon, Dr. Cary Larson proclaims the undeniable truth of the empty tomb and the living Savior who conquered death for you, delivering unshakable hope, full forgiveness, and the promise of your own resurrection. Information about The American Association of Lutheran Churches (TAALC) can be found at www.taalc.org

On Maundy Thursday we confess that Christ Jesus gives His own body and blood for the forgiveness of our sins in/with/under the elements of the Sacrament of the Altar. In the bread, Christ gives us His body, broken for us. In the wine, He gives us His blood, poured out for us. Through this perfect sacrifice, all our betrayals and sins are forgiven, and God is fully justified in forgiving us. Inform...

On this Palm Sunday, one name echoes over the shouts of "Hosanna," the name above all names. Join us as Dr. Larson explores the humble King who rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, emptied Himself to become a servant, and willingly went to the cross for you. Discover the power, love, and salvation wrapped up in the name of Jesus. Information about The American Association of Lutheran Churche...

In this profound episode of "Faith Comes by Hearing," Dr. Larson explores the vital relationship between the physical act of breathing and our spiritual existence. The preached Word of God serves as an invitation to receive the restorative breath of Christ Jesus, which extends beyond our mortal life into an everlasting, physical resurrection. For more information about The American Assoc...

This episode of Faith Comes by Hearing explores the profound tension between light and darkness, illustrating how sin often blinds us to our own spiritual condition. Through the call of Christ, we are invited to abandon that darkness and step into the transformative light of His mercy and grace. For more information about The American Association of Lutheran Churches go to TAALC.org.

Dr. Larson explores the parallel between the Israelites' grumbling in the wilderness and our own modern discontent, identifying our frequent complaining as a fundamental distrust in God's providence. Christ Jesus is the true Rock struck at Calvary, whose sacrifice provides the "Water of Life" through Word and Sacrament to sustain and forgive us on our earthly journey. For more...

Abraham's faith and trust in God's promises were steadfast despite the impossibility of achieving them according to human reason. This is the essence of true Christian faith believing against human reason and relying solely on God's word and promises. For more information about The American Association of Lutheran Churches go to TAALC.org.

Jesus’ time in the wilderness serves as a vicarious victory where, as the "true Israel," he remained perfectly obedient to God’s word in the exact places where humanity and the ancient Israelites failed. Rather than being just a "how-to" for us to resisting sin, His triumph represents a perfect sacrifice made on behalf of believers who can never save themselves. For more inform...

Jesus is far more than a moral example; He is the "Word made flesh" who reduced the terrifying glory of God into a human form so that we could receive Him as our God. In this episode, Dr. Larson clarifies that by shifting our focus from Jesus as a teacher to Jesus as our Savior, we move from a place of terror before a holy God to the peace of being His beloved and redeemed children. For...

When Christ Jesus provides a list of wonderful beatitudes and yet we find ourselves wanting, what is the answer to our problem? In this episode, Dr. Larson points to the Christ Jesus as the only solution to our paradoxical life of being a saint and at the same time a sinner.  For more information about The American Association of Lutheran Churches go to TAALC.org.

If the Church is sanctified, Christ's people gathering around Word and Sacrament, how is it that there is always conflict? In this episode of Faith Comes by Hearing, Dr. Larson encourage us to find peace and concord in the only ONE that can lead His Church through the drama that has always existed in the Church.  For more information about The American Association of Lutheran Churches go to T...

The Church is defined as "holy" not because of the merit of its members, but because it is the place where Christ is present through Word and Sacrament to bring His heavenly kingdom to sinners. Ultimately, the Church is a unique fellowship where Christ provides and sustains His people and keeps them in the true faith until the day of His return For more information about The American Ass...

Dr. Larson highlights the biblical teaching that baptism is a burial into the death of Christ, liberating us from our sinful nature. By dying to the old self through the waters of baptism, the believer is freed from the power of sin and united with Jesus in His resurrection. As St. Paul proclaims, "We shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like His." For more information ab...