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!

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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!

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Talking about your faith matters more than we realize. In this episode of 2414, we explore why every Christian needs someone they can openly discuss their faith, doubts, and spiritual life with — and how honest conversation shapes discipleship. We also take a look at the LCMS colloquy process and what it means to pursue becoming a rostered Director of Parish Music (DPM).

Whether you're navigating your own faith journey, curious about LCMS colloquy, or simply longing for deeper spiritual conversations, this episode offers practical insights, encouragement, and real-world reflections.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why faith conversations are essential for discipleship
• How talking about your beliefs strengthens spiritual growth
• What the LCMS colloquy process is and why it exists
• Reflections on becoming a DPM in the LCMS
• How to find someone to talk about your faith with
• Practical steps for deeper Christian conversation

Who this episode is for:

✔ Christians longing for deeper spiritual dialogue
✔ Those exploring LCMS teaching or colloquy
✔ Church workers, worship leaders, and DPM students
✔ Anyone discerning a call to serve the Church

If you’re seeking a deeper walk of faith, wanting to understand LCMS colloquy, or hoping for more meaningful Christian conversations, this episode is for you.

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Welcome to Episode 100 of 2414! 🎉
Today we celebrate a massive milestone — 100 episodes of vibrant conversations, faith exploration, honest questions, and plenty of laughter.

In this special celebration episode, we:

✨ Recap all 99 episodes — from our earliest ideas to the most powerful conversations
🎚️ Highlight our high points and low points from the entire series
📈 Reflect on what God has done through 2414
🤣 Play a celebratory round of Outburst (and yes, chaos ensued)
🎤 Share behind-the-scenes stories, bloopers, surprises, and heartfelt moments

Whether you've been here since Episode 0 or just tuned in today, this milestone is for YOU.
Thank you for watching, listening, sharing, and supporting the 2414 community!
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!
________________________

St. Luke's Lutheran Church is located in Federal Way, Washington. If you are in the area, stop by on a Sunday morning and say hello. We have two church services on Sundays: 8:15AM and 10:45AM.

If you'd like to support us: SUBSCRIBE and turn the notification bell on, like the video, and leave a comment and tell us where you're watching from!

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Episode 99 – Liturgies: Finding Meaning in Sacred Rhythms

Pastor Dan and Shane are back with a reflective and relatable conversation on liturgies—the words, prayers, and habits that give rhythm to our walk with Christ. From the creeds we confess to the coffee we brew, these patterns shape who we are and remind us of God’s presence in all things.

They explore why crafted words matter, how repetition shapes our hearts, and what it looks like to bring ancient rhythms into modern life.

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!

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Welcome to Episode 98 of 2414, our 11th round with the Vibrant Conversations Deck from Lutheran Hour Ministries! In this episode, Pastor Dan and Shane explore one of the most deceptively simple and deeply relevant prompts yet:

🃏 “What makes extending hospitality easier or more difficult right now?”

From apartment quirks and parenting chaos to deep dives into pride, expectations, and guest experiences, this conversation is equal parts hilarious and practical. We also share real-life hospitality hacks, from “lowering the bar” on hosting to the three guest essentials: snacks, bathrooms, and introductions. It’s like a masterclass in casual Christian hospitality—rooted in grace, humility, and joy.

And yes, there’s also some ridiculous Outburst gameplay, ranging from car parts to pizza toppings to awkward ‘blank mind’ phrases. (Spoiler: we crushed the pizza round.)

🎯 Whether you're someone who loves hosting or someone who dreads it, this episode will help you reflect, laugh, and maybe even plan your next dinner invite.

If you’re looking to enhance your own conversations or simply want to explore these engaging topics further, you can grab your own Vibrant Conversations Deck here: https://shoplhm.org/vibrant-conversation-deck/

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!

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Welcome to Episode 97 of 2414! In this 10th installment of the Vibrant Conversations Deck series, Pastor Dan and Shane are back—just the two of them—for a hilarious, heartfelt, and hunger-inducing episode.

They dive into everything from home buying stress to the theology of knocking on wood, from Outburst games on human sacrifice (yes, really) to Wits & Wagers trivia on Oprah and cable channels. But the highlight? A single card from the deck:
"What’s one adventurous thing you’ve eaten? Share about the meal."

What follows is a food storytelling marathon that ranges from fermented shark in Iceland to cat food in college, with pit stops for burrito burgers, Wagyu, wasabi edamame, and even hot chocolate floats. Through humor and humility, the conversation reveals how even meals can carry meaning—and how the weirdest foods can lead to the richest stories.

If you’re looking to enhance your own conversations or simply want to explore these engaging topics further, you can grab your own Vibrant Conversations Deck here:
👉 https://shoplhm.org/vibrant-conversation-deck/

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!

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In this episode of 2414, Pastor Dan, Shane, and Vicar Dave dive into another round of the Vibrant Conversations Deck—and things get hilariously weird and surprisingly deep. From a “would you rather” debate between climbing Everest or diving in a submersible, to playing a statistical guessing game (spoiler: puffins are shockingly plentiful), this episode is full of laughs, humility, and unexpected spiritual depth.

The heart of the episode? A vulnerable, reflective discussion prompted by the Seven of Hearts:

1. What do you like about yourself?

2. What do you wish were different?

3. How does God feel about you?

In typical 2414 fashion, this candid conversation meanders through ministry struggles, personal highs and lows, and the comforting truth that God walks with us through it all. Whether you’re processing faith, identity, or just want a good laugh about robotic therapists and extinct rhinos, this episode has something for you.

If you’re looking to enhance your own conversations or simply want to explore these engaging topics further, you can grab your own Vibrant Conversations Deck here: https://shoplhm.org/vibrant-conversation-deck/

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